New Barkby WI

President of New Barkby WI Shirley Franklin, welcomed members to the institutes February meeting.
After Jerusalem was sung and then attention given to business matters, members received a talk from Colin Ellis, from Measham, on The Settle and Carlisle Railway, with power-point presentation.
In the early days of the railways, there were many companies competing against each other, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, coal mines in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, plus other areas around Charnwood Forest were able to transport coal and other goods in wagons with the advent of steam locomotives.
Eventually, passengers were able to enjoy train rides and one of the great achievements was the railway line which made the journey between Leeds, Settle and Carlisle.
This scenic route starts at Leeds, Skipton and the moors, onto Ribblesdale,Settle, Ribblesdale Viaduct, Blea Moor Tunnel, linking Ribblesdale to Dentdale.
There were several scenes enroute, particularly Dent in 1947, when there had been a very snowy winter, and pictures shown of the different engines that use the route such as ‘The Waverley: 45562’, ‘Mountain Pullman: 46229’, and ‘the Cumbria Mountain Express’.
After the talk there was a question and answer period.
The vote of thanks was given by Valerie Cobb.
The competition for a picture or a model of a train, was won by Lou Chapman with a counter for a game of Monopoly. The raffle prize was won by Angela Montague.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 5th March, 7.30pm at the Syston Community Centre when the speaker will be Mitchell Bridgewater entitled: ‘My Sewing Bee Experience’.
Visitors are always welcome to attend.