19 Sept 2024 Frank Taylor RIP

Frank Taylor (left)
with Richard Fillmore

We have all been shocked and saddened at the news that Frank Taylor passed away on Thursday 19th September, after a fall.

Frank was a delightful person, and a friend to all. He had become a keystone of Slough & Windsor Railway Society, not only becoming Company Secretary, but also taking on many of the Social Secretary's roles after John Coke's passing, including arranging the Friday night programme.

He was committed to ensuring the future of the Society and was involved seemingly in everything, from buying promotional merchandise to raise funds, coordinating refurbishment of the Manor, and even to cleaning the toilets! Committee members are going to miss his frequent phone calls.

Frank was a keen supporter of the model railway section and was instrumental in the building of the Taplow exhibition layout. Away from the SWRS, he was a regular volunteer guide at Cliveden House, and previously spent many years volunteering at the Watercress Line, first as a Station Inspector and later heading up the Traffic Division Training School.

The photo shows Frank Taylor presenting the Society's Reverend Alan Christmas Award to Richard Fillmore at the SWRS AGM in April 2024. Frank was himself a recipient of the award, in 2021.

Rest in peace, Frank.

Frank's funeral will take place at 3pm on Thursday, 10th October 2024, at Slough Crematorium.

03 May 2023 SWRS Registered Office – New Address

As of May 2023, the Society's Registered Office address will be:
    5 Lammas Mead, Binfield, Berks. RG42 4NW

Previously, the Registered Office address was:
    30, Bannister Close, Langley, Slough, SL3 7DP

6 Jan 2023 Slough Estates No.3 – Progress Report

The latest report from the Middleton Railway has arrived, describing the work done on Slough Estates No.3 in the last month or so.

Buffer beam, pistons, cylinders, frame stretcher, and more. Much progress has been made.

Please see the No.3 News page for further details.

6 Jan 2023 General Update

"Right away!"

Lots has been happening at Slough & Windsor Railway Society, since the last news entry here, although you wouldn't know it from looking at this page!

The Manor has been extensively renovated, inside and out, and the side room is now a museum dedicated to Brunel and his works. The kitchen has been remodelled with new units, and the toilets are in the process of being refurbished. The Society have been on several visits to railway sites, and we have continued with our usual weekly meetings.

Hopefully, news updates will be a bit more reliable in 2023, but this does rather depend on the poor long-suffering Webmaster (me!) having the time to do it!

Please see the Programme page for the latest information about Friday evening meetings.

05 Jan 2023 2023 Programme – January-April

Programme details for "Friday Nights at The Manor", for January to April 2023, are now on the Event Calendar page. Any changes will be publicised on the website.

Please check the SWRS Twitter feed for any last-minute changes.

20 April 2022 Slough Estates No.3 Overhaul Started

Dismantling commences: the saddle tank is lifted off by the rail-mounted crane.
20 April 2022 – [Middleton Railway]

News from the Middleton Railway:
Slough Estates No.3 has moved from display in the Engine House, to the yard, and dismantling has started in earnest.

After various preparatory work, the Middleton's rail-mounted crane was used to remove the locomotive's saddle tank, and then the entire cab on 20th April, leaving No.3 looking decidedly naked.

The next major stage will be removal of the boiler. This is beyond the capability of the rail-mounted crane, so a much larger road crane will need to be hired in for the purpose.

Please see the No.3 News page for further updates as our locomotive makes progress towards its return to steam.

15 Dec 2023 John Barber RIP

John Barber

We have been informed that our Life President, John Barber, passed away on Thursday 14th December, at the Norfolk residential care home, where he had been living.

John's working life was as a locomotive fitter at Stratford Shed, in East London, and he could remember working on Britannia class steam locomotives, among others.

He was one of the earliest members of the Society and was instrumental in the restoration of Slough Estates No.3 from a rusting hulk. His knowledge, experience and practical skills were vital to No.3's return to steam, and his sterling contribution has been commemorated by a brass plaque proudly carried in No.3's cab.

The photo, from a SWRS rail trip thought to be from the early 2000's, captures John very well. He had a cheeky smile and a cheeky sense of humour to accompany it. We will miss him greatly.

Rest in peace, John.

14 Apr 2023 John Coke RIP

It is with much sadness we have to inform you that our Social Secretary, John Coke, passed away on Wednesday evening. He had been fighting an aggressive type of cancer for some time and finally lost the battle.

John was one of the founding members of the Society, and as Social Secretary, organised over 1700 Friday Night meetings, and many excursions. His unique auctioneering style will never be equalled. He was both an ordinary man and an extraordinary man, and he will be greatly missed.

At this time we have no further information but will provide updates as we can.

John stood down as Social Secretary earlier this year and we were already looking for someone to take on the role. In the interim, Frank Taylor has organised a programme until December, and Friday Night meetings will continue as planned.

16 Jan 2022 Programme Changes due to Covid-19

"Right away!"

The SWRS Committee are continually monitoring government guidelines regarding Covid-19.

With effect from 21st January 2022, Friday meetings will recommence at The Manor.

Please follow current health guidance: take an LFT before attending; wear a mask at all times within the Manor; and respect social distancing.

Please see the Programme page for the latest information.

Please check the SWRS Twitter feed for any last-minute changes.

24 July 2021 Stephen Benton's (Virtual) Tours of London

One of London's lost stations:
Spa Road, Bermondsey (closed 1915)

On Friday, 23rd July, Stephen Benton delighted us with a Zoom presentation of his virtual tour: Passengers No More: lost and forgotten railways of London.

A Londoner by birth, Stephen is fascinated by how and why London is like it is, with a particular interest in the way transport has shaped the city. It is no wonder that Stephen's other tours have a leaning towards railways.

Stephen is very knowledgeable about the railway history of London, so if his evening for us was anything to go by, his other tours will be enjoyable, educational, and great value for money. (There is a small fee to join in.) Please do check out his tour itinerary at Footprints of London.

25 July 2021 [UPDATE!] – Friday Nights at The Manor

"Right away!"

During the Covid-19 Lockdown, SWRS meetings have continued online, via Zoom. Now, following the easing of Government restrictions, the Committee are looking to recommence meetings at The Manor.

Before The Manor can be used fully, there is the small administrative matter of some electrical certification to resolve, but this is well in hand and it is hoped to be completed within the next few weeks.

In the meantime, a few meetings are being held outside The Manor (weather permitting!), and the Friday Night programme is being reviewed on a weekly basis, with the possibility that some meetings will revert to online using Zoom.

Please see the Programme page for the latest information, and check the SWRS Twitter feed for any last minute changes.

11 May 2020 Virtual Friday Nights at The Manor

"Right away!"

During the Covid-19 Lockdown, SWRS meetings are suspended in line with Government restrictions.
(Please consult SWRS website or Twitter feed for further announcements.)

However... ...meetings are continuing online!

Every Friday, the SWRS Mailing List is sent an email – titled "Virtual Friday Nights at the Manor" (VFNATM) – containing articles, photos, videos, links, etc, to keep members informed and entertained.

Other activities are being planned, such as joining together remotely for occasional meetings using the 'Zoom' video conference software.

To join the SWRS Mailing List, or for further information, please email: info@swrs.co.uk

17 March 2020 SWRS Privacy Policy

Click to view the SWRS Data Protection Policy (v3.0) [PDF], published in January 2020.

17 March 2020 SWRS Mailing List – Keep in touch

In light of the current situation, the SWRS needs to be able to keep members updated by email.

If you have not already provided an email address (either for yourself or a close family/friend), please do so at your earliest opportunity by sending a message to: info@swrs.co.uk.

17 March 2020 Announcement Regarding Corona Virus (Covid-19)

"Line blocked"

In line with Government advice about avoiding social activities, and mindful of our members' and guests' health and well-being, the SWRS Committee have cancelled all Society gatherings until further notice. This means we will not be meeting on Friday nights at The Manor for the foreseeable future.

The Society AGM, and proposed trip to the Middleton Railway, will be rescheduled in due course.

Please consult the website or the SWRS Twitter feed for further announcements.

Thank you

SWRS Committee

18 July 2019 Parking at The Manor [UPDATE]

The discretionary arrangement allowing SWRS members to park free of charge in the West Car Park at Slough Station has been restored!!!

Arrangements are the same as before, but please see a Committee member if you have any queries.

Please see 'How to find us...' for important additional information.

18 Feb 2019 Parking at The Manor [IMPORTANT]

The discretionary arrangement allowing SWRS members to park free of charge in the West Car Park at Slough Station has been suspended until further notice.

Numberplate recognition is in use, so please remember to buy a ticket (£4.50) if you use this car park, or find an alternative location. Blue disabled badge holders may park for free, but still require a ticket.

Please see 'How to find us...' for important additional information.

23 Jan 2019 A belated Happy New Year from SWRS!

Andrew Johnson kindly sent us this photo of Slough Estates No.3 running round her train at Park Halt on the Middleton Railway, Leeds, on New Year's Day.

Slough & Windsor Railway Society would like to wish a happy and prosperous 2019 to all our members and friends.

13 July 2018 Bob Austin – R.I.P.

We were very sorry to learn of the death of founding SWRS member, Robert 'Bob' Austin, on 15th June.

Bob was Chairman of the Society for a period. His contribution to the Society in its early days was immense and it is to people like him that we owe our success.

On retirement from British Airways, Bob set up his own company to source railway coaches and carriages which took him to goods yards all over the country. He was also involved with the Llangollen Railway: running wine and dine trains there, and also with the Dartmoor Railway at Okehampton.

Bob's funeral was held at Wrexham Crematorium, on 13th July, followed by a celebration at the Llangollen Railway.

We extend our condolences to Bob's family and friends.

28 Oct 2017 Keith Morley – R.I.P.

It is with great sadness that we report the death of SWRS member, Keith Morley, on Friday, 27th October.

Keith's funeral was held at Slough Crematorium on Monday, 20th November.

An obituary for Keith will be published in the next edition of the Triangle magazine.

We extend our condolences to Keith's family and friends.

05 Jul 2017 Newsreel: Collision at Dolphin Junction, 1941

Still from newsreel, showing locomotives 4091 (left) and 8293 (right).

SWRS member Jaye Isherwood has alerted us to some local newsreel footage from British Pathé.

The silent newsreel shows the aftermath of the head-on collision at Dolphin Junction (located a little east of Slough Station) on 2nd July 1941, between a freight train and a GWR express from Plymouth hauled by 4091 Dudley Castle. The freight locomotive was LMS 8F 2-8-0 8293, on loan to the GWR from the War Department.

For further details of this accident, please see the entry in the Railways Archive (which includes a PDF copy of the investigation report), and coverage in David Maidment's book: 'The Great Western Eight Coupled Heavy Freight Locomotives'.

Some other rail accidents in the Slough area are also listed in the Railways Archive.

12 Apr 2017 Parking at The Manor [IMPORTANT]

All SWRS members who are part of the discretionary parking scheme are required to re-register annually.

If you have not already registered for 2017, please email info@swrs.co.uk ASAP.

20 Mar 2017 SWRS Membership Secretary

Unfortunately the Society's Membership Secretary, Eric Belton, has had to step down because of ill health. We thank him for his work and wish him a speedy recovery so that he can be back with us on Friday evenings.

The Committee have co-opted Alan Grace to be Membership Secretary, confirmed at the Society's AGM in April. We thank Alan for taking on this role and look forward to working with him to develop the membership base in the future. Alan has been an SWRS member for several years and is nearly always at The Manor on a Friday evening if you need to speak to him, or his contact details may be found on the Membership page.

27 Feb 2017 Jaye Isherwood: The Slough Estates Railway

Slough & Windsor Railway Society has acquired several copies of this book to sell. The definitive history of the Slough Trading Estate and its railway system was written by SWRS member Jaye Isherwood, having been granted access to the company's records and photo archive.

This second, revised, edition (168pp) covers the complete history of the Estate from 1917 to the present. The railways and locomotives are well documented, and the book will be of great interest to members of the Society as we are owners of one of the Estate's locomotives.

The book is out of print and hard to find, so this is a rare opportunity to purchase a new copy, at the reduced price of £20 to members. Just ask at the sales stand at The Manor on any Friday night.

29 Jan 2017 Another Model Railway Donation

SWRS recently received a donation from the family of the late Patrick McDermott. It comprised a series of framed pictures, many with a railway connection, plus a collection of model railway items. Patrick was a relatively recent member of Slough & Windsor Railway Society, member no. 400. The expectation was that the Society might use the items to raise funds at Eton Action, or a similar event.

The Tri-ang model railway items date from 1958–1965, judging by the Series 3 track (which was in remarkably good condition). Motive power featured a 4-6-2 steam locomotive Princess Victoria, in LMS Black livery, and a light green BR Class 08 diesel shunter. Rolling stock included several blood-and-custard coaches, an operating mail (TPO) coach (complete with lineside structures) and a few assorted wagons. There was also a controller and some lineside fittings.

Unfortunately, the rolling stock wheels are too coarse for our model railway track, although the locomotives otherwise seem to run well. Consequently it is thought the items could be sold on the collectables market and the funds used instead to purchase another steam locomotive for the model railway, possibly this time of LMS origin.

Our sincere thanks to the family for this kind donation.

03 Jan 2017 TV: "Full Steam Ahead"

The excellent 6-part BBC/OU series is once again available on BBC iPlayer until mid-January 2017: Full Steam Ahead

Historians Ruth Goodman, Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn bring back to life the golden age of steam and explore how Victorian railways created modern Britain. It's a fascinating insight into how the coming of the railways affected every aspect of people's lives.

03 Jan 2017 TV: Steamy Christmas Highlights

Several recent TV programmes that you may have missed, available on BBC iPlayer, and well worth a watch...

Flying Scotsman from the Footplate [Available until (approx) 28th Jan 2017.]

A cab-ride with a difference, as cameras follow the progress of Flying Scotsman along the Severn Valley Railway. Interesting background commentary provided by the driver and fireman. (There is another version without the commentary.)

James May: The Reassembler: Hornby Train Set [Available until (approx) 28th Jan 2017.]

Discover the technology inside a model railway locomotive as you watch James May re-assemble a 1970s-vintage model of Flying Scotsman. Can he get it working again?

Peter Pan Goes Wrong [Available until (approx) 31st Jan 2017.]

Absolutely nothing to do with railways or other transport... Included just because I found it so funny (I was crying with laughter).

26 Nov 2016 2017 Programme

Programme details for "Friday Nights at The Manor", for January to March 2017, are now on the Event Calendar page. Any changes will be publicised on the website.

Please note a slight change to the published programme on 22nd April. John Coke will be giving us an archive ciné film evening: End of Steam in Great Britain on Home Movies This replaces the Members' Transport Presentation Evening originally scheduled.

26 Nov 2016 Surprise Model Railway Donation

SWRS recently received a surprise parcel from Scotland containing rolling stock for the Society's OO model railway.

The parcel was sent by Thomson Kerr, a visitor from East Kilbride, who had joined us at The Manor one Friday after a trip to Legoland with his daughter.

Our sincere thanks go to Thomson for this generous donation, which comprised: a Bachmann Class 158 2-car DMU, several InterCity coaches, a static tram model (as yet unidentified) and, most appropriately for us, a Horlicks coal wagon.

(Horlicks was manufactured at a factory in Slough, alongside the railway, between 1908 and 2017.)

18 April 2016 David Jewell – 1932–2016

We are sorry to report that long-time SWRS member David Jewell died at the beginning of April, aged 83, following a short illness.

David frequently helped Ted Mundy behind the tea bar at The Manor on Friday nights, and in 2013 had been presented with the Society's Alan Christmas Award in recognition of his fund-raising for No.3 by collecting scrap metal, particularly aluminium drinks cans.

A tribute will be published in the next edition of The Triangle magazine.

I must extend thanks to all my fellow SWRS members who expressed their condolences and sent cards following my father's death; especially to the many friends who attended his funeral on 15th April. – Peter Jewell, SWRS Webmaster

30 Jan 2016 TV: "Great British Railway Journeys"

Michael Portillo visits Slough in the latest episode of his travels around Britain following Bradshaw's Guide. (First shown Friday, 29th January.)

After visiting Carter's Steam Fair in Egham, Michael rides both Windsor branch lines, then alights at Slough for a behind-the-scenes visit to the Horlicks factory (which is very interesting - Ed) before continuing to Henley-on-Thames to join a rowing eight.

The BBC2 programme is available to watch on BBC iPlayer until the end of February:

Great British Railway Journeys – Series 7: 20. Egham to Henley-on-Thames

23 Jan 2016 Egham & Staines Model Railway Exhibition

On Saturday, 23rd January 2016, the SWRS presented a sales and publicity stand at the exhibition held by Egham & Staines Model Railway Society.

Besides selling books, mugs, and photos, we chatted to many of the visitors; gave out numerous publicity handouts; sold quite a few Triangle magazines; and our web address was printed in the Exhibition Guide. So, while the funds raised will not make much of a dent in No.3's maintenance budget, our presence at the exhibition will have certainly raised awareness of the Society in the local area.

Our thanks to the SWRS members who helped set-up and man the stand for the day (I think at one point we had seven clustered around the six foot table!) to ensure this was a successful venture for the Society.

22 Dec 2015 Egham & Staines Model Railway Exhibition

Slough & Windsor Railway Society has a sales and publicity stand at the Model Railway Exhibition being staged by Egham & Staines Model Railway Society.

The exhibition is on Saturday, 23rd January 2016, at Manorcroft School, Wesley Drive, Egham, TW20 9LX, from 10:30am to 5:00pm.

For further information, please consult the Egham & Staines MRS website.

Several SWRS members have already agreed to help set-up and man the stand for the day, but we could do with some reserves in case of illness; so if you are attending the exhibition, we would welcome you to step in for an hour or so and give one of the other members a break!

19 Nov 2015 Slough Station Car Park Closures

The West Car Park will be partially closed between 14th November and 11th December – only 40 spaces will be available. This is to enable work related to Crossrail.

SWRS has verbal agreement from GWR that members registered for discretionary parking may use the East Car Park instead during this period. The car park entrance is near Tesco's access road.

For further information, please consult the Crossrail publicity.

16 Nov 2015 Gooch Grave Work Party – 2

Postponed from Nov 14th, the second Work Party will now take place from 9am at St Andrews, Clewer on Saturday, 21st November... weather permitting.

Volunteers are needed to help out – the more the merrier!

Parking is difficult in the area, so please contact John Coke beforehand. (John is usually at The Manor on Friday nights, or his contact details may be found here.)

13 Nov 2015 Gooch Grave Work Party – 1

2016 sees the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir Daniel Gooch, former Chairman of the Great Western Railway. Sir Daniel lived in Windsor, and is buried in the nearby churchyard of St Andrew's Church, Clewer. In preparation for next year, Slough & Windsor Railway Society members have been renovating his grave.

During a work party on 31st October, members repaired, cleaned, and painted three of the four heavy, wrought iron chains (probably forged at Swindon Works), and generally tidied the surrounding vegetation.

[UPDATE] Saturday, 14th November – Due to adverse weather conditions, work party postponed to next week.

16 Oct 2015 Sir Daniel Gooch Plaque

On 15th October, a 'Blue Plaque' commemorating Sir Daniel Gooch was unveiled at Windsor Central Station. Sir Daniel was former Chairman of the Great Western Railway, lived in Windsor for many years, and is buried in the churchyard of St Andrew's Church, Clewer.

It is hoped that a more complete news story can be published here in due course.

28 Sept 2015 Parking at The Manor

New parking regulations are in force at Slough West Car Park, with higher prices and number-plate recognition now in use. Tickets (£4 for whole evening) may be bought by phone, online, or from a cash ticket machine beyond the bridge. Blue disabled badge holders may park for free, but still need a ticket from the machine.

This took us by surprise, and various Committee members are investigating alternative parking arrangements, although this may entail a longer walk to The Manor.

Alternatively, remember that The Manor is adjacent to the bus and railway stations, so you could consider using public transport rather than driving, or maybe lift-sharing?

23 Sept 2015 Middleton Trip – 18th Oct

Time is running out! We need to book the coach very soon, and we really need a few more people to make the trip viable. Please reply by this Friday (25th September) if you would like to join us. Note that we will be having a smaller, more comfortable coach, and that a buffet lunch is included in the price!

What's happening? A coach trip to visit No.3 at the Middleton Railway in Leeds, if enough people are interested. The trip will be on Sunday, 18th October, and the ticket price, which will include entrance, buffet lunch, and unlimited travel on the railway, is expected to be about £35.

For more information, or to book your place, please see John Coke or John Appleton at The Manor on a Friday night, or send an email to info@swrs.co.uk.

28 Aug 2015 Membership Offer!

Join Slough & Windsor Railway Society today and get up to 3 months' membership free! Further details on the Membership page.

25 Aug 2015 Celebrity Autumn Programme

Several famous names will be giving talks at The Manor during the autumn.

Firstly, John Goldsmith visits on 4th September to give a progress update on the Crossrail project. Next, on 18th September, Christian Wolmar will be enlightening us about Trans-Siberian Railways; quickly followed by Chris Green on 25th September, who will be relating The InterCity Story.

Then on October 9th, Geoff Hales' One-Man Theatre pays us a return visit, this time with a presentation about Biggles: "The Sky Rained Camels".

Together with evenings about London Transport, Reading, Windsor, Archive Ciné and our Photographic Competition – there's a packed programme coming up this autumn!

03 Aug 2015 Programme Additions

Two changes to the published programme for Friday Nights at The Manor have been announced. There will now be illustrated talks in place of the advertised "Members' evenings", as follows:

• 16th Oct – Windsor Branch – David Grant
• 13th Nov – New Zealand (Part 3) – John Fowler

07 Jul 2015 New Links

The website Links Page has been updated. All websites mentioned in Wrailway Web Watch (Triangle 104) have been added, plus links to several other sites that members may find useful.

24 Apr 2015 Admission Charges

Admission charges for Friday Nights at The Manor have increased by £1 from 24th April. This is to cover the increased rental charges following the signing of a new lease with Network Rail.

16 Jan 2015 How to Find Us

The website Location Page has been re-written to provide better directions to The Manor. Your comments on the changes are welcome.

19 Sep 2014 RIP David Pearcy

David Pearcy died on 6th September 2014. Tributes to David by SWRS members may be found on his Obituary Page.

08 Feb 2012 Facebook

Taking our first tentative steps into the world of 'Social Media', SWRS now has a page on Facebook! Follow us!

26 Nov 2011 No.3 on the move

No.3 moved from the Swindon & Cricklade Railway, in Wiltshire, to the Middleton Railway in Leeds.

04 Apr 2011 No.3 Boiler Inspection

No.3 has passed its annual boiler inspection.

January 2011 New Book!

A revised and expanded edition of Jaye Isherwood's book "The Slough Estates Railway" has been published. The new edition – which has a green cover – includes more photos, additional information on the companies based on the Trading Estate, and up-dates the story of No.3.

05 Jun 2010 New Website!

Major web page redesign! Watch this space for further improvements...