Saturday 17/10 - Ken Hemmings

Around 1960 Ken Hemmings, a school leaver from Dunston who was keen on railways, started as a post boy for BR in Gateshead.   His bicycle round was the Tanfield Branch, daily delivering mail & notices to every signalbox, crossing cabin & yard bothy on the line.   Seeking a railway career, his next job was as a cleaner at Greenesfield shed, where he soon progressed to passed cleaner, firing as required on yard shunting, main line trips, at Dunston staiths, and the Tanfield Branch.

Ken on a J72 in the yard for Dunston staiths
(photo courtesy of Ken Hemmings)

In May 1962 Ken's logbook shows him firing several days on the Tanfield Branch, using 3 different J94s: 68052, 68053 & 68059.   (J94s may have been drafted in from Tyne Dock when the last N10s / NER class Us were withdrawn after 60 years in April 1962 as the Tanfield collieries on the line and the branch itself were closing.)

Ken on 68053 on the Tanfield Branch around Streetgate
(photo courtesy of Ken Hemmings)

65 years later Ken is still keen on railways & back in the cab of a 'J94', near his original work .....

Ken on '68029' at Marley Hill today
(photo courtesy of David Watchman)

Ken ready to drive the loco
(photo courtesy of Ken Hemmings)