Old Town Stratford

[Roger Hatch]

Hi All

Following previous notes on our research on Old Town Stratford upon Avon and in particular links into the SMJ, we now have some old pictures and maps of the area on the walls of The West End Pub in Old Town.  These pictures include two black and white photos that may not have been seen by members of the SMJ Society.  They show the bridge that carried the SMJ over the GWR adjacent to the racecourse from both directions, with an SMJ loco on the bridge in both photos.

Copies of these pictures were given to me by one of my regulars to use in our Old Town display, and his father took the pictures in the 50's.  The pictures also show the Halt that was present on the GWR for a few years to allow people to alight for the racecourse. 

Can I also ask the member who talked to me about an old SMJ "no trespassing" sign to get in touch again as I don't have any contact details for him.

Roger

 

[John Jennings]

Stratford upon Avon Racecourse Platform was opened by the GWR on 6th May 1933 and closed by BR on 21st March 1968. The difference between "Halts" and "Platforms" on the GWR was their length. Halts (like the one at Pebworth) were short and intended for use by railmotors or short trains. Platforms were long to accomodate infrequent but potentially substantial traffic. The Racecourse Platform could accomodate 6 coach trains easily. Both Halts and Platforms had only basic facilities usually a shelter but even that was not provided at Stratford! However it was possible to buy a ticket there on race days. A small wooden box of tickets which were printed with the title "Stratford upon Avon Racecourse Platform" were kept in the booking office at the main Stratford GW station. On racedays a junior clerk drew the short straw and was sent with the ticket box, some petty cash, a stool and umbrella to sit on the platform for the duration that trains were booked to stop on race days. In the early sixties I spent many hours talking to this bored individual who sold very few tickets except as souveniers to enthusiasts. 

[Roger Hatch]

Hi John

 

Thanks for the information.  It is all helping to build a picture of Old Town Stratford within which our pub The West End is situated.  I am trying to add some old pictures of Old Town to my collection on the pub walls, including some of the SMJ Stratford line/station.  I am hoping that the "SMJers" will allow me to use a few of the images that are on the website.

 

Regards

 

Roger

John Jennings said:

Stratford upon Avon Racecourse Platform was opened by the GWR on 6th May 1933 and closed by BR on 21st March 1968. The difference between "Halts" and "Platforms" on the GWR was their length. Halts (like the one at Pebworth) were short and intended for use by railmotors or short trains. Platforms were long to accomodate infrequent but potentially substantial traffic. The Racecourse Platform could accomodate 6 coach trains easily. Both Halts and Platforms had only basic facilities usually a shelter but even that was not provided at Stratford! However it was possible to buy a ticket there on race days. A small wooden box of tickets which were printed with the title "Stratford upon Avon Racecourse Platform" were kept in the booking office at the main Stratford GW station. On racedays a junior clerk drew the short straw and was sent with the ticket box, some petty cash, a stool and umbrella to sit on the platform for the duration that trains were booked to stop on race days. In the early sixties I spent many hours talking to this bored individual who sold very few tickets except as souveniers to enthusiasts.