A railway story worth hearing - Free talk in Settle, May 27

Next Wednesday, 27th May at 11am, Settle Stories is hosting the first of two free talks by local historian Bob Swallow - and if you have any fondness at all for the Settle-Carlisle Railway, this one's not to be missed.

The evening opens with something rather special: a live recording of Dave Goulder - a passed fireman on the line, meaning he was actually licensed to drive the trains - performing his own song, 'The Settle and Carlisle'. Three minutes of guitar and voice, and you'll feel like you're right back there.

Bob's first talk brings to life the real stories of the men who kept this extraordinary line running - people like Derek Soames and Jim Taylor, whose ingenuity and quiet dedication were, frankly, remarkable. The stories are illustrated with original cartoons and drawings by Peter Fox, a retired deputy headmaster and lifelong railway enthusiast.

Then, on Wednesday 3rd June (also at 11am), Bob returns for a second talk - this time telling the story of how the whole line faced permanent closure, and how it was saved. He was there. He knows the people involved. It's the kind of first-hand history that simply won't be available for much longer.

Both talks take place at The Joinery, Dawsons Court, Market Place, Settle, BD24 9ED - a lovely little venue right in the heart of town. Come on your own, or bring a friend. There'll be a warm welcome and plenty to chat about afterwards.

Admission is free, but tickets are recommended so they can plan numbers:
👉 https://www.ticketsource.com/settle-stories/e-olpjqr

Full details here: https://settlestories.org.uk/whats-on-event/folklore-and-future-on-the-…

As this year marks the 150th anniversary of the Settle-Carlisle Railway, one of the most dramatic and hard-won engineering stories in British history, these talks are a wonderful way to mark that milestone, and to hear the line's story told by someone who truly lived it.