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Tuesday 12 Jul 2005

CALLING OLD SIGNALLERS

Region & Route:

Network Rail is looking for signallers past and present who worked in either Bescot Down Tower or Walsall power signal boxes, to help celebrate its 40th birthday in December. Bescot is believed to be unique because it is now thought to be the only signal box in the country to have separate panels, one operated by Network Rail, and the other by freight company EWS (English, Welsh & Scottish Railway). Network Rail operates the main panel and EWS operates the “Hump” panel used for shunting wagons and goods vehicles within the Bescot freight complex. Steve Derrick, General Manager in the West Midlands and Chiltern said: “We would love as many retired signallers as possible or those who have moved on to other jobs in the industry to spend the evening with us reminiscing about their past experiences. A birthday party for the signal box may seem unusual, but it’ll hopefully be an effective way to get people together.” The signalling manger at Walsall, whose area also includes Brereton, Hednesford, Bloxwich and Kingswinford, manages both signals boxes. In addition, there is a large maintenance depot in Walsall and although they do not work for the signalling manager, they are being invited because they look after the signalling equipment. Bescot Down Tower replaced five signal boxes, whereas Walsall replaced approximately 20 when the modernisation took place in the 1960s. All past signallers are welcome to the reunion, which will be held in the Railway Social Club, near to Walsall signal box, on 3 December 2005 starting at 7pm. Anyone who wants to go to the reunion or who has any queries about the event, should contact Network Rail on 0121 654 2233.