18th September 2019

Sixty years ago today
Millbay
Mike Roach

Once again we are greatly indebted to Mike Roach and his camera, his memories, and his notebook too. We wonder what the next milestone will be in his 1959 diary.  Many thanks Mike.

A boat train leaves Millbay Docks and is about to cross Millbay Road Level Crossing. This was the second boat train of the day from the French liner Liberte and the train would be heading to Paddington. The time is 8.45am on Friday 18 September 1959 and the locomotives are 7813 Freshford Manor and 5028 Llantilio Castle both of Laira Shed. A short distance behind the photographer is the Duke of Cornwall Hotel which was constructed a few years after the arrival of the railway at Millbay Station and directly opposite the station entrance. Copyright Mike Roach.

A few minutes after taking the previous photograph the photographer was a short distance away in the opposite direction from the Duke of Cornwall taking this picture of The Star Inn in Union Street, which was once owned by Fords Tiverton Ales. Ford's became part of Starkey, Knight and Ford in 1895 which was taken over by Whitbread in 1962. To the right of the Inn is the Palace Theatre. The reason for taking the picture was that my 1959 notes tell me that The Star Inn was previously named The Great Western Hotel. Can anyone confirm this please? Copyright Mike Roach.

Reflections at Hayle
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Seeing today’s picture on the site of an HST in that  green livery prompts me to send you one I took of the down ‘Riviera’crossing Hayle viaduct on 18 September 2000.Seems a long time ago now. Thanks, Michael

Many Thanks Michael

Views in Cornwall
Alan and Scott Peters

158 at Wheal Busy Possibly one of the most pictured engine houses in Cornwall, with GWR class 158 passing Wheal Busy, renumbered 158 959 as a 3 car hurries past with 2C47 the 14:08 from Plymouth to Penzance on Friday 13th 2019 - Copyright Scott Peters

The first train of the diesel gala to arrive at Boscarne Junction was visiting loco 26 007 working the 10:45 from Bodmin General in the bright morning sunshine 14th September 2019 - Copyright Alan Peters