Friends of Woodthorpe Grange Park 2023
Nottingham Evening Post
2nd December 1889
NOTTINGHAM SUBURBAN RAILWAY
OPENING OF THE NEW LINE THIS DAY
This morning the Nottingham Suburban Railway was opened for traffic, when the first train was run on the new line between Nottingham and Daybrook. In the month of June 1887, the work of laying the railway, which included the excavation of deep cuttings and the formation of three tunnels between Colwick and Sherwood, commenced. Mr. J. P. Edwards of Chester, was the contractor, and worked on the plans designed by Mr. Parry, engineer to the Nottingham Suburban Railway Company. The line was completed on the 23rd of November, and after Mayor-General Hutchinson, inspector from the Board of Trade had been over the railway a report was received from that body stating that with some small alterations which were necessary for the line was ready for traffic, both passenger and goods. Upon the strength of this report, the promoters of the railway announced their intention of starting of the railway today, but certain legal proceedings have since taken place between the Nottingham Suburban Railway Company and the contractor, the company asking for an injunction to restrain Mr. Edwards from interfering with the opening of the railway. On Saturday Mr. Justice North granted an injunction against the contractor, restraining him from the plaintive company from what was necessary to comply with the requirements set forth by the Board of Trade.
The train to Daybrook was timed to leave the Great Northern Station at a quarter to eight this morning, and it started punctually from the middle platform. None of the directors of the Suburban Railway Company were present, but in addition to the small number of public, who took tickets, there travelled over the line Mr. Parry (engineer to the Nottingham Suburban Railway Company), Mr. J. P. Edwards (the contractor) Mr. Hunt (traffic inspector Great Northern Railway), Mr. A. J. Grinling (district engineer to the Great Northern Railway Company), Mr. Gifford (district superintendent), Mr. Knight (inspector to the Nottingham Suburban Railway Company), Mr. Bird and Mr. Wooley (permanent way inspectors G.N.R.), Mr. T. Thomas (Inspector and Clerk of the Works G.N.), Mr. O. Roberts and Mr. J. Scott (contractors agent). Upon the engine of the train rode Mr. Cockspur (Locomotive Superintendent G.N.).
Upon the train arriving at the junction of the Suburban Railway with the main line, there was a sudden stop, when it was seen Mr. Colson (contractors’ agent), was standing on the four-foot way waving a red flag. The train stopped within a few feet of Mr. Colson, who, on behalf of Mr. Edwards, made a formal protest again the train proceeding any further. Upon Mr. Hunt alighting from the train Mr. Colson told him that he protested against the train going over the line because Mr. Edwards was still in charge and in possession of it. “I protest you going forward; you are trespassers.” Mr. Hunt asked if Mr. Mr. Edwards was on the train, to which Mr. Colson replied in the affirmative, and that he was acting on behalf of the contractor. Mr. Grinling then remarked that the protest was a formal matter, and suggested they go on, Mr. Colson objected to this, and that he refused to move unless by force. Upon this order was given to put the steam on the regulators, and the engine moving, Mr. Colson was compelled to slip off the line, but he placed the flag on the rails, and the train ran over it. Mr. Colson wrapped up the flag and returned to the Great Northern Station. The train continued it journey to Daybrook, which it reached at five minutes past eight, being late on the account of the unforeseen stoppage enroute.
At a quarter past eight the train drew up at the opposite platform, and the party again entered the carriages, a considerable number of the general public took advantage of the facilities offered for a shortened journey to Nottingham. At Thorneywood Lane Station the tickets were demanded, and Mr. Hunt entered the compartment occupied by Mr. Edwards and Mr. J. Scott, who said they had no tickets, a fact that was noted to the officials at the station. The train then proceeded at arrived at Nottingham at about half-past eight.
Return
