Gatley - The End of the Line

By Peter Boden

6. THE TRAVELLER.
Click on images to enlarge

Returning from a visit to London my father left his train at Wilmslow Station, and hurried across the platform towards the loop line where the Gatley train started (Illus. 12/12b)

12a - First Ticket and passenger train station, Gatley

12b - First Ticket and passenger train station, Gatley

Unfortunately, it started to move away and so he jumped on the last step of the guard’s compartment. He grabbed a fixed handle with one hand. The other hand, in which he held his brief case, was used to knock on the window. There was no response, and the door did not open. My father’s agitation increased with the speed of the train. He concentrated on holding on and in, to avoid any bridge pillars.

Meanwhile the thick smoky wind blew through his hair. It was several miles along the track before the train pulled into Styal Station; then, much relieved, he was able to jump off his perch, and get into a proper compartment for the remainder of the journey to Gatley.

It was only a short walk from the station to our house. When he opened the lounge door, I heard my mother say to him that he looked a little grey after his trip to London. I could not understand what he said, but I remember that it was very loud!

Chapter 7