‘The Stratford Upon Avon & Midland Junction Railway’ (or S.M.J.) was a small independent railway company which ran a line across the empty, untouched centre of England. It visited the counties of Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and a little of Buckinghamshire, only existing as the SMJ from 1909 to 1923. In 1923 the S.M.J.became a minor arm of the London Midland and Scottish (L.M.S.), then in 1948 'British Railways'

Gone but not forgotten: "the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth"

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BLAKESLEY and an SMJ stamp

This item has come up in an auction recently and is a glimpse of the practice of carrying mail by train. Apart from the SMJ…Continue

Started by Graham Ward Nov 14.

Further about Ravenstone Wood Junction 1 Reply

Firstly a belated thanks to Barry for his excellent research that has returned these signal lever plates to their rightful home! [Perhaps their place of residence on the website needs changing!] Apologies for starting s new Forum discussion on this…Continue

Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Barry Taylor Oct 23.

Ravenstone Wood Junction Signal Box-an anomaly 3 Replies

Closely examining the brass lever plates shown in the Olney Line entry in the Index Section of this website I noticed a significant anomaly. Some of the above plates, specifically 1, 10, 11, 12, 25, 32, 34. refer to platforms, loading dock, goods…Continue

Started by Dave Hayward. Last reply by Barry Taylor Oct 9.

SMJ keys from the Towcester area 1 Reply

I have been contacted by someone who wishes to dispose of two sets of SMJ-related keys from the Towcester area, but does not want to put personal email or other details on this website. They have been given to him by the estate manager at Easton…Continue

Started by Barry Taylor. Last reply by Barry Taylor Sep 4.

SMJ photos

Your museum needs you!

Dear SMJ member

Your museum needs you! I have just come off the phone after a great chat with Rob Hamblin. Towcester museum are putting together an exhibition about the railway and in the year of the 150th anniversary of the railway arriving at Towcester it would be good for us to show our support.

Rob said Nigel has been helping out and that he is going to a meeting with them tonight but they need more. If anyone has SMJ related material they are willing to loan the museum can they please email Rob on brackleygroup@aol.com or ring him on 01327 831533

Can I thank you Nigel for the work you've done already with the museum, I only wish I could be more involved

If anyone can think of any outlets they could contact to promote the SMJ150 anniversary then please go ahead and contact them on the society's behalf.

I am always available, if not a little busy. I can be contacted on 01404 851139 but wont always be here, you can contact me via the site or best by email on andy@smj.me

Thanks as always for your support!

Andy

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by NIGEL on February 16, 2016 at 13:28

Thanks for that Andy. The museum are putting on this exhibition for our, The SMJ Society's, behalf.

We need to know as soon as possible if anyone is able to lend items for the display, as time is moving on.

The 1st of May looms and the museum are willing to stay open on that Sunday for the celebration.

Nigel.

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Permalink Reply by Tim Poultney on February 18, 2016 at 17:00

HI Andy,

I spoke with David Postle at Kidderminster Railway Museum today, he may be able to help with some photographs and paperwork, several Beware Of Train signs, they also have a diamond Bridge Plate( that is not theirs so will have to check with owner.

He thinks he may already have been approached by somebody else, but I will try and remind anyway in a week or so

Tim Poultney

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Permalink Reply by Gary on February 18, 2016 at 18:04

I hope the exhibition is on for a while as I will be "working" Abingdon airshow that weekend.

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Permalink Reply by NIGEL on February 25, 2016 at 16:11

Update on the exhibition at Towcester museum.

The exhibition will run from May to July.

The museum is not open on a Sunday, so will not be open on May 1st (misquote from Rob Hamblin)

SMJ colleagues to take an active role in designing and staging the exhibition.

John Evans has kindly offered to loan 3 items for the display.

I have offered to loan a number of items of hardware and paperwork for the display.

Nigel.

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Permalink Reply by NIGEL on May 25, 2016 at 12:24

Update on the railway exhibition at Towcester museum. This is now due to open on the first week of July.