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Dalesman 2020

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by iancawthorne, Oct 13, 2019.

  1. MellishR

    MellishR Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    I wasn't on the train, I haven't been on any railtours since UoSA's last main line run in February, and I'm not planning any railtours for a fair while, but I add my sorrow for what happened yesterday.
     
  2. nige757

    nige757 Member

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    Sadly I wasn't aware of what was happening yesterday while I was filming at Aisgill as I thought there was an issue with 46115 until arriving at Garsdale Station, where it became clear there was a medical emergency, there was speculation that a member of the footplate crew was receiving medical assistance but were unaware of the outcome, sadly hearing this morning that the Fireman Mike Middleton had passed on, a day that turned out to be a very very sad day for all concerned.
     
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2020
  3. GWR4707

    GWR4707 Nat Pres stalwart

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    Thoughts with the guys family but also the wider crew firstly for getting her to Garsdale then getting her back to Hellifield then home to Carnforth, must have been incredibly tough for all concerned.
     
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  4. GWR4707

    GWR4707 Nat Pres stalwart

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    Can I respectfully suggest that everyone move away from the keyboard, perhaps to raise a glass to this gentleman.
     
  5. staffordian

    staffordian Well-Known Member

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    A moving tribute today from the Saphos crew as 70000, with a wreath on the smokebox, passed Garsdale.

    Not my video (starting 2 mins in)

     
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  6. 60017

    60017 Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    I'm sure I am not alone in wishing some of the last two pages had been confined to private messages instead of being slashed around this thread.

    RIP Fireman Mike Middleton. Deepest sympathy to family, friends and those involved around this awful tragedy.
     
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  7. dublo6231

    dublo6231 Member

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    I am sure that we all offer our most sincere condolences to Mike's family, colleagues and friends some of which I'm certain frequent this forum.
    In good company he has passed onto the great shed in the sky - may you rest in peace good sir.
     
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  8. henrywinskill

    henrywinskill Well-Known Member

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    Well said Sir
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 19, 2020
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  9. and60007

    and60007 Member

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    Ditto, well said Henry
     
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  10. and60007

    and60007 Member

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    Hear hear
     
  11. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    The thread has now been tweaked to retain the appropriate comments and lose the rest.
     
  12. sgthompson

    sgthompson Part of the furniture Friend

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    The Wreath was for Keith Kellet but I’m pretty sure it was for Mike Middleton also especially judging by that whistle at Garsdale
     
  13. Sam 60103

    Sam 60103 Member

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    I apologise for my earlier post. Deepest sympathy to Michael Middleton and his family. 10 years ago Paul Kane died in similar circumstances and its extremely sad that something similar has happened yesterday.
     
  14. Oswald T Wistle

    Oswald T Wistle Well-Known Member Friend

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    Had it not been for the Coronavirus pandemic I would undoubtedly have been travelling on Tuesday's Dalesman; I am thankful that I wasn't, it is always preferable "not to be there" when tragic events such as this occur.

    I offer my condolences to Mike's family and my sympathies to his friends and colleagues at 10A. I must also express my admiration for the professionalism of WCRC in their handling of the evening's events. Finally, the train crew who "got the job done" in the saddest and most difficult of circumstances - there can be no praise high enough, you have my utmost respect.
     
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2020
  15. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    As eloquent and appropriate as ever David. Sentiments we genuinely share.
     
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  16. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    I would add my condolences to Mike Middleton's family and friends and would like to make one further comment. I was out for this train on Tuesday and heard of this tragedy through the normal grapevine but refrained from commenting for one good reason. As has already been said, a lot of WC staff and possibly their families look at NP and the last thing they need to hear is a catalogue of unsubstantiated rumours. It's hard enough informing a family that their loved one isn't coming home, ask any copper it's one of the most hated parts of the job, it should never come from an unofficial source. Heaven forbid that this should happen again but if it does, can I make a plea that we all say nothing and leave all comment until the news is made public by an official source.
     
  17. henrywinskill

    henrywinskill Well-Known Member

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    Agree totally John, and that rumour never accomplished anything!
     
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  18. The Black Hat

    The Black Hat Member

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    Railways are always
    a loyal passionate place
    Crewed by those of toil,
    friendship and grace
    Watched on by others
    From both near and far
    Whether families or tourists
    Or those chasing by car

    Footplate crews know the life
    That comes with the role
    Though made of hard stuff
    It cleanses their soul
    To drive or fire an engine
    though its just a machine
    or a true living monument
    that’s powered by steam

    There’s a bond between those
    on the mighty footplate
    working the duty
    sharing the date
    It’s a close-knit community
    where much is said with a nod
    between those that have skill
    and a knowledge that’s broad

    On the 18th of August
    In the year 2020
    A Scot on the Dalesman
    with gusto a plenty
    Thundering on southwards
    it charged past me at Kirkby
    onto the long drag
    and an appointment with destiny

    On board the engine
    one man had it planned
    shovelling the coal
    and it all done by hand
    His name was Mike Middleton
    Working through strife
    Following a passion
    Having the time of his life

    For now came the climax
    to reach the top at Ais Gill
    But unknown to Mike
    Cruel fate had a bill
    The tour was cresting the summit
    Though some soon had tears in their eyes
    But nothing stopped Mike
    For he continued to rise…

    Written with thoughts for those on the day, at WCRC and Mike and his family

    David F. Newby
    aka The Black Hat
     
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2020
  19. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    My pictures from what turned out to be a very sad day. Locations are, Hellifield in the rain, Blea Moor in torrential rain and Waitby on the return. The Blea Moor shot, for what it's worth is probably better in b/w

    _DSC3336.jpg _DSC3353 2.jpg _DSC3353m.jpg _DSC3402.jpg
     
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  20. Swiss Toni

    Swiss Toni Well-Known Member

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    Be careful John I've been accused of "making mischief" for voicing the same sentiments as you!
     

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