If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

Lt Cmdr Roy Francis, founder of the Wells & Walsingham, passes away

Discussion in 'Miniature Railways' started by Bramblewick, Jan 28, 2015.

  1. Bramblewick

    Bramblewick Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2010
    Messages:
    736
    Likes Received:
    200
    Announcement made yesterday on the line's website. Rest in peace, sir.
     
    Bramblewick, Jan 28, 2015
    #1
  2. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2006
    Messages:
    16,512
    Likes Received:
    7,758
    Location:
    1012 / 60158
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Martin Perry, Jan 28, 2015
    #2
    ragl and Bramblewick like this.
  3. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2006
    Messages:
    16,512
    Likes Received:
    7,758
    Location:
    1012 / 60158
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    There should be an obit appearing in The Telegraph in the next day or two.
     
    Martin Perry, Jan 30, 2015
    #3
  4. flaman

    flaman Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2012
    Messages:
    2,292
    Likes Received:
    2,048
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Semi-retired farmer, railway & museum owner
    Location:
    Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex
    It was in yesterday's Telegraph. He certainly had a full life; apart from an exciting and lucky naval career and his railway achievements, he even got round to posing for life classes at an art college!

    The obit didn't mention my favourite story about him. Apparently, in the early days of the Wells & Walsingham, he had an interview with his bank manager, who was not impressed with the railway. "Why do you bother with it? You've had a great career in the Navy and retired with a good pension, most people would just take it easy and play golf." "You don't understand," replied Roy, "when you pop your clogs, they'll probably buy a round in your memory at the 19th hole, and that will be it. But they'll always remember that old sailor who built a railway!"
     
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2015
    flaman, Feb 11, 2015
    #4
    Martin Perry likes this.
  5. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2006
    Messages:
    16,512
    Likes Received:
    7,758
    Location:
    1012 / 60158
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Martin Perry, Feb 11, 2015
    #5
  6. Guitar

    Guitar New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2013
    Messages:
    127
    Likes Received:
    66
    That's a great shame. Is the future of the railway secure?
     
    Guitar, Feb 12, 2015
    #6

Share This Page