Memories of Melton Constable 1949-1959
My first memory of Melton was on one of my first firing turns in 1949. I was with Jimmy Pickles (Driver) on the 12.14pm ex-South Lynn to Yarmouth passenger train. I recall coasting down the gradient from Piggs Grave summit past the West box and into the station. As we had a B.12 (1500) and the platform was on my mate's side I could have a good look round as we ran in.
I saw an ex-M&GN shunt engine in the yard. I remember them because of their outside cylinders and seeing them at South Lynn before and during the War. I remarked to Jimmy on seeing it and how small the cab interior was. He said he thought it was the only one left on the Joint and perhaps when we returned with the "Fish" from Yarmouth I could climb up and have a look round, but unfortunately we didn't have time on the return.
However a few weeks later I was with Tom Stokes on a special coal trip to Melton (for Norwich gas works) and when we came off at Melton, Tom, with the Melton crew's permission, took me over to it. Not a lot of room in the cab but a very powerful and sturdy engine though almost at the end of its life.
Watering the Driver
In the summer of 1955 I was rostered with Driver Lionel (Lou) Elsegood, he normally a Shed
Relief Driver and I (a Passed Fireman) to work one of the Saturday Specials to Yarmouth as far as Melton and another return.
We got to Melton about 12.50. It was a scorching hot day, temperature in the 70s. We had about one and a half hours to wait for our return train so when we got to the loco, turned and watered, Lou said "Roy, my boy, I'm going to the Hastings Arms for a jar".
"Lou", I replied, "I'll join you, but just for one". "Good on yer", replied Lou. So we stabled the engine safe and made our way across to the pub for a quick one.
"I'll ger'em", I said to Lou because I only wanted a small ale and I like to be fair because I knew Lou was a pint of bitter man.
So I ordered, the landlord poured mine from a bottle, then drew Lou's pint from the cellar,
placed it in front of him and picked up my ten shilling note. Lou just picked up his glass and swallowed the lot in one go before my change was put on the counter. I don't know the world record for drinking but if that wasn't it, it was certainly close. A matter of seconds. "Where did that go Lou?" I asked, "Ray, my boy" he replied, "The first one washes the dust down, the second one I can then taste". He only had the two, but I recall that small ale I had, often. Lovely and cold and really refreshed me, but I'll never forget how that pint went down Lou's throat in seconds.
Another Type of Beverage
Another memory associated with Melton was the refreshment room. I had travelled extensively over the rail network but never tasted tea like that brewed and served at Melton. Two charming ladies ran the place and the service was quick and friendly. I cannot recall their names but will never forget the tea they served.
A Sad Occasion
The last memory of Melton was in the first week of January 1959 and my last week on the railway prior to starting on the buses. Closure date had been announced (Feb.28th 1959), just a few weeks away. I sat in Melton messroom talking to some of the crews (we had an hour's turnround there) and the feeling was terrible. A sad air of depression hung over the loco and the men were saddened beyond belief. Stunned would, perhaps, be a better word. Some were transferring to Norwich but the majority would have to finish and alternative work was practically non-existent. I felt for them.
Ray Bullock
M&GN Circle