A RETIRED Bromsgrove train driver is inviting former colleagues and rail enthusiasts to attend a book launch and reunion.
Pat Wallace spent 43 years based at Bromsgrove’s rail depot working on the locomotives that banked trains up the Lickey incline and has now written ‘Life on the Lickey’ about his experiences.
The book charts his journey from a 14-year-old bar boy in 1943 to driving steam and diesel locomotives, including Big Bertha, up to his final shift. The book also contains 100 photographs and tells how the depot employed 100 staff in 1943 to having only five drivers in 1986 when it closed.
Mr Wallace said : “I enjoyed my time on the railway enormously, especially the comradeship, and I am looking forward to seeing as many people as possible next week.”
Anyone who worked on the railway, particularly at Bromsgrove, or who has a keen interest in the railways can go along to the event between 11.30am and 1.30pm on Saturday (June 14) at the Bowling Green, Stoke Works.
‘Life on the Lickey’ costs £10.95, is published by Brewin Books and is available locally.
For more details visit The Lickey Incline Facebook page.
