NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 126
The Great Western Railway Band
Michael L. Roach
The original Great Western Railway encouraged and supported various after working hours activities throughout its history; e.g. drama, music, poetry, writing, mechanics, sports and first-aid among others. The last was very necessary as the accident rate on the railways in Victorian times was horrendous. One of the activities supported by the Company was the GWR Band, or more accurately bands, because there were several based in different places.
Paddington had a unique distinction as recorded in the GWR Magazine for August 1936. It was the only railway station in the British Isles where passengers were welcomed by music. This was by a railway band – the GWR Staff Military Prize Band, which played on the “lawn” at Paddington Station each Saturday evening from 8.00pm during a season which lasted from Cup Final Day to October each year. The band was 40 strong with all the members being uniform staff, which included signalmen, engine-men, carriage cleaners, porters, guards and wagon examiners. I knew nothing about the band until Monday 21 September 2026 when an item appeared in my national daily newspaper.
The latest article showed a picture of “the last remaining railway band in the country – the Great Western Railway Paddington Band.” The band performs every Friday evening from 7.30pm to 9.00pm on platform 9 of the third-busiest railway station in Britain. The band in its current form is 103 years old (according to the article), but can trace its roots back to 1854, when the station opened. The newspaper article contains much more information and can be found on pages 12 and 13 of The Times for 21.09.2026.
Paddington had a unique distinction as recorded in the GWR Magazine for August 1936. It was the only railway station in the British Isles where passengers were welcomed by music. This was by a railway band – the GWR Staff Military Prize Band, which played on the “lawn” at Paddington Station each Saturday evening from 8.00pm during a season which lasted from Cup Final Day to October each year. The band was 40 strong with all the members being uniform staff, which included signalmen, engine-men, carriage cleaners, porters, guards and wagon examiners. I knew nothing about the band until Monday 21 September 2026 when an item appeared in my national daily newspaper.
The latest article showed a picture of “the last remaining railway band in the country – the Great Western Railway Paddington Band.” The band performs every Friday evening from 7.30pm to 9.00pm on platform 9 of the third-busiest railway station in Britain. The band in its current form is 103 years old (according to the article), but can trace its roots back to 1854, when the station opened. The newspaper article contains much more information and can be found on pages 12 and 13 of The Times for 21.09.2026.
Open day preparations
At MPower Kernow - St. Blazey
Jon Hird
Preparations continue at MPower Kernow, St. Blazey, in anticipation for their open day/fun day on Saturday 26th. A traction engine stands alongside a replica of Richard Trevithicks 'Puffing Devil'. Copyright Jon Hird.
Ruston Shunter 'Brian' outside the MPower Kernow shed at St. Blazey. Copyright Jon Hird.
Fowler 0-4-0 diesel-mechanical shunter 'Peter' on the St. Blazey turntable. This 1940-built locomotive worked at Marland Ball Clay works in Devon until its retirement in September 1982 when rail traffic ceased from the site. Copyright Jon Hird.
'Peter' has been spun on the turntable, a view from the cab looking towards the shed and turntable. Copyright Jon Hird.
In stark contrast to MPowers immaculately kept compound, the now disused side of the yard is rapidly vanishing beneath a carpet of vegetation. A Class 150 arrives back from Newquay and heads around the curve to Par. Copyright Jon Hird.
Best wishes to all the team at MPower Kernow, we hope that their engineering week proves a great success.
When 'The Duke' came to town
Paul Barlow
71000 Duke of Gloucester passes Exeter St Thomas on the 0600 Birmingham to Penzance, The loco failed at Newton Abbot and the train was terminated at Truro. 21.06.2008, copyright Paul Barlow.
67020 back up loco follows 71000. This loco took over the train at Newton Abbot. 21.06.2008, copyright Paul Barlow.
On the same day, DRS owned 37606 37423 works the 0644 Crewe to Paignton. 21.06.2008, copyright Paul Barlow.
A third railtour passes by. 67006 leading 0712 Paddington to Fowey and Parkandilick 'Pars nip'. 21.06.2008, copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul - hopefully 'The Duke' makes Penzance today!
Penzance Pullman
Mark Lynam
43059 and 43050 stand at Penzance ahead of working back to Lancaster on 'The Cornish Riviera Pullman'. 20.09.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
43059 and 43050 stand at Penzance ahead of working back to Lancaster on 'The Cornish Riviera Pullman'. 20.09.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
The HST passes Marazion bang-on time with the returning journey to Lancaster. 20.09.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks, Mark.
The last one standing
Clive Smith
Not the best shot due to the trees on Emankment Road at Laira Depot. The last remaining operational power car at Laira has recently had its GWR decals removed but still remains as a lone reminder of days gone by and is visible from passing trains.There are rumours of a road removal in the near future as a buyer has apparently purchased it. The reason 43156 wasn't removed with others earlier this year is that it is owned by GWR rather than on lease. 43156 is kept company by the cannibalised 43088 which is parked at the front of the depot. 17.09.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks Clive - hopefully it can serve a useful purpose for its next owners.
September 1976
Part 22
Roger Winnen
A DMU at St Dennis Junction. 18.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Former lines which extended to Parkandillack and other branches around the area at St. Dennis Junction. 18.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.