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BRIAN REDHEAD MEMORIAL STEAM TRAIN This Saturday, 6 September, Wensleydale Railway will run a special steam train in memory of Brian Redhead, the well-known North Yorkshire journalist who died in May. “Newshound” Brian (his own title) played a special part in the history of the Wensleydale Railway 16 years ago, when he revealed British Rail's plans to close the line and lift the track. At the time there was a daily freight train from Redmire quarry to the British Steel works at Redcar and this traffic was due to cease on 18 December 1992. Brian's reports gained national attention; the young William Hague MP presented a 7000+ signature petition in the House of Commons – and the Wensleydale Railway was saved. Brian Redhead was born in the crossing keeper's cottage at Aiskew, beside the railway line, where his father William was the gatekeeper. “Perhaps this made him more sensitive to railway matters than most people,” says the railway's chairman, Ruth Annison. “Certainly he was able to interpret the signs several months ahead of any closure announcement being made. Early publication of the details then secured time for a widespread – and ultimately successful – campaign to keep the important asset of the 22 mile track in place. “From then on, Brian's name was regularly linked to articles about the Wensleydale Railway including, in 2003, the celebrations for its re-opening to passenger services. He reported many successes and threats to the line, often probing to discover the kernel of truth or twist of fate that gave his reporting such authority.” Brian, the son of a signalman, died where he was born, in a cottage beside the Wensleydale Railway. “Brian's Train” will depart from Leeming Bar station at 10.35 on Saturday 6 September and from Bedale at 10.41. At least 20 of Brian's colleagues from the Darlington and Stockton Times and The Northern Echo will be on board and tickets can either be booked in advance or on the day of travel (Special Day Rover: £16). Trains run from 10.05 every day from 8 September but this Sunday 7 September is the last day of the Summer Steam service. Also on board the train will be Emma Woods, student and first winner of the Brian Redhead Memorial Cup, presented by the Darlington and Stockton Times to Bedale High School, where he was educated. PHOTO attached, shows Brian Redhead (a) portrait and (b) enjoying a Driver Experience Day on the Wensleydale railway in 2006. Both pictures courtesy of the Darlington and Stockton Times.
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