Search our collection

Collection of interviews with workers on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway line

99 audio cassettes, original recordings and edited copies, featuring interviews with workers on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway line, recorded between about 1984 and 1999. Interviews collected by Alan Hammond, member of the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust. Alan Hammond recorded most of the interviews himself. Extracts of some of these interviews have been used in the series 'Somerset & Dorset Railway memories' commercially released by the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust.

Clear all filters
Category
Object type
Material
Maker
Place
Date
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Mike Arlett, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond at Burnham, on 9 May 1998. Mike Arlett talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Mike Arlett interviewed by Alan Hammond

1998-05-09
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Emily Poole, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 4 April 1998 (session 1 of 2). Emily Poole talks about her role as a clerk at Evercreech New and Shepton Mallet, on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway (S&D).

Audio cassette, Emily Poole interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 1 of 2)

1998-04-04
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Peter Smith, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond at Edington, in 1977 (session 1 of 3) and 1981 (session 2 of 3). Peter Smith talks about his career as a fireman and driver on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Peter Smith interviewed by Alan Hammond (sessions 1 and 2 of 3)

1977-1981
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Bert Colbourne of Washford, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 1st June 1994. Bert Colbourne talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Bert Colbourne interviewed by Alan Hammond

1994-06-01
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Bert Blake and Rodney Scovell, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond, likely between 1990 and 1999. Bert Blake and Rodney Scovell talk about their careers on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Bert Blake and Rodney Scovell interviewed by Alan Hammond

1990-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Frank Staddon, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 8 December 1995 (session 8 of 13). Frank Staddon talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Frank Staddon interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 8 of 13)

1995-12-08
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Eddie Skinner and Fred Lester, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond, likely between 1990 and 1999. Eddie Skinner and Fred Lester talk about their careers on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Eddie Skinner and Fred Lester interviewed by Alan Hammond

1990-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Norman Cook, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 2nd October 1998 (session 2 of 3). Norman Cook talks about his role as fireman at Bridgwater and Highbridge, on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway (S&D).

Audio cassette, Norman Cook interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 2 of 3)

1998-10-02
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Frank Staddon, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 3rd December 1993 (session 2 of 13). Frank Staddon talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Frank Staddon interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 2 of 13)

1993-12-03
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Bill May and Sam Lane, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 1st April 1991. Bill May and Sam Lane talk about their careers on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Bill May and Sam Lane interviewed by Alan Hammond

1991-04-01
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Percy Hobbs, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond, likely between 1990 and 1999 (session 4 of 4). Percy Hobbs talks about his wartime experience working at Templecombe on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway during 1939-1945 Second World War.

Audio cassette, Percy Hobbs interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 4 of 4)

1990-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Archie Gunning, Fred Davies, Bernard Ware, John Sawyer, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond, likely between 1990 and 1999. The interviewees, staff of the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway, talk about their first memories of Bath Green Park.

Audio cassette, collective oral history interview of Bath Green Park first memories recorded by Alan Hammond

1990-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Frank Staddon, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on unknown date (session 13 of 13). Frank Staddon talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Frank Staddon interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 13 of 13)

1984-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Arthur Bowen and Nobby Whiting, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 8 May 1994 in Blandford. Arthur Bowen and Nobby Whiting talk about their careers on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Arthur Bowen and Nobby Whiting interviewed by Alan Hammond

1994-05-08
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Betty Spiller, conducted and recorded by Roy Miles and unidentified main interviewer, likely between 1990 and 1999. Betty Spiller talks about her career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Betty Spiller interviewed by Alan Hammond

1990-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with John Rice, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 23rd August 1996 in Bridgwater. John Rice talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, John Rice interviewed by Alan Hammond

1996-08-23
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Mr and Mrs Cook, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond, likely between 1990 and 1999. Mr and Mrs Cook talk about their careers on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Mr and Mrs Cook interviewed by Alan Hammond

1990-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Sam Lane and Chummy Andrews, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 8 September 1990. Sam Lane and Chummy Andrews talk about their careers on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Sam Lane and Chummy Andrews interviewed by Alan Hammond

1990-09-08
Audio cassette, oral history interview with John Badman, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 2nd January 1996, in Glastonbury. John Badman talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, John Badman interviewed by Alan Hammond

1996-01-02
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Keith Barrett, Bob Downes and Maurice Miles, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond, in April 1999 at Edington. Keith Barrett, Bob Downes and Maurice Miles talk about their careers on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Keith Barrett, Bob Downes and Maurice Miles interviewed by Alan Hammond

1999-04
Audio cassette, recording of a talk by Jem Harrison, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond at Wells, on 15 May 1995 (sessions 5 and 6 of 7). Jem Harrison talks about researching the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway. These sessions especially covers Highbridge.

Audio cassette, recorded talk by Jem Harrison (sessions 5 and 6 of 7)

1995-05-15
Audio cassette, oral history recording, Bill Coomer talking to Fred Andrews, recorded in 1990. Bill Coomer talks about his career at Bailey Gate Crossing, on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Bill Coomer talking to Fred Andrews

1990
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Chummy Andrews, Will Locke and other participants, recorded at Mike Palmer's home in Edington, recorded by Heather and Peter Foster on 7 November 1981. The interviewees talk about their memories and careers on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, collective oral history interview of Somerset and Dorset railway staff recorded at Edington by Heather and Peter Foster

1981-11-07
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Will Locke, Eric Elford, Fred Fisher (cleaner at Bath), Gordon Hatcher, Les Willsher, Paul Fry and John Walker, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond in 1992, likely at Minehead. The interviewees talk about their memories and careers on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, collective oral history interview of Somerset and Dorset railway staff recorded by Alan Hammond

1992
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Norman Cook, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 1st December 1997 (session 1 of 3). Norman Cook talks about his role as fireman at Bridgwater and Highbridge, on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway (S&D).

Audio cassette, Norman Cook interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 1 of 3)

1997-12-01
Audio cassette, recording of a talk by Jem Harrison, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 25 March 1994 (session 4 of 7). Jem Harrison talks about researching the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, recorded talk by Jem Harrison (session 4 of 7)

1994-03-25
Audio cassette, recording of a talk by Jem Harrison, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond at Wells, in 1992 or on 25 March 1994 (session 1 of 7). Jem Harrison talks about researching the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway. End of tape includes a clip of a memory from Paul Fry.

Audio cassette, recorded talk by Jem Harrison (session 1 of 7)

1992
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Frank Staddon, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond. This audio cassette compiles session 1 recorded on 19 June 1993, session 2 recorded on 3rd December 1993 and session 3 recorded on 1st July 1994. Frank Staddon talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Frank Staddon interviewed by Alan Hammond (compilation of sessions 1 to 3)

1993-1994
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Peter Smith, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond at Edington, on 6 March 1982 (session 3 of 3). Peter Smith talks about his career as a fireman and driver on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway, including excursion trains working from Great Western Railway to Somerset and Dorset Railway (Taunton to Bournemouth via Highbridge) and the incident involving “Sarge” at Stean Bow.

Audio cassette, Peter Smith interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 3 of 3)

1982-03-06
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Bill Coomer, Bob and Dorothy Downes, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond, likely between 1990 and 1999. Bill Coomer, Bob and Dorothy Downes talk about their careers on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Bill Coomer, Bob and Dorothy Downes interviewed by Alan Hammond

1990-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Frank Staddon, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 2nd December 1994 (session 5 of 13). Frank Staddon talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Frank Staddon interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 5 of 13)

1994-12-02
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Ted Drew, Percy Curtis and George Lydford, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond in 1984. Ted Drew (shunter), Percy Curtis (permanent way inspector) and George Lydford (booking clerk) talk about their respective roles at Sturminster Newton, on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Ted Drew, Percy Curtis and George Lydford interviewed by Alan Hammond

1984
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Percy Hobbs, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 29 September 1990 (session 1 of 4). Percy Hobbs talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Percy Hobbs interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 1 of 4)

1990-09-29
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Percy Hobbs, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 29 September 1990 (session 2 of 4). Percy Hobbs talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Percy Hobbs interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 2 of 4)

1990-09-29
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Cliff Smith, conducted and recorded by an unidentified interviewer on 2 August 1988. Cliff Smith talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Cliff Smith interviewed by Alan Hammond

1988-08-02
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Will Locke, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond, likely between 1990 and 1999 (session 1 of 3). Will Locke talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Will Locke interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 1 of 3)

1990-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Mark Lambert and Clyde Gawler, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 21st January 1994. Mark Lambert and Clyde Gawler talk about their careers on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Mark Lambert and Clyde Gawler interviewed by Alan Hammond

1994-01-21
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Arthur Barnett, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond at Oakhill Brewery, likely between 1990 and 1999. Arthur Barnett talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Arthur Barnett interviewed by Alan Hammond

1990-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with David Milton, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 9 April 1994 at Edington. David Milton talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, David Milton interviewed by Alan Hammond

1994-04-09
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Dickie Bird, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond, likely between 1988 and 1999 (session 2 of 2). Dickie Bird talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Dickie Bird interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 2 of 2)

1988-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Frank Staddon, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 13 September 1995 (session 7 of 13). Frank Staddon talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Frank Staddon interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 7 of 13)

1995-09-13
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Frank Staddon, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 23 March 1999 (session 12 of 13). Frank Staddon talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Frank Staddon interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 12 of 13)

1999-03-23
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Clyde Gawler, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond, likely between 1990 and 1999. Clyde Gawler talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Clyde Gawler interviewed by Alan Hammond

1990-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Bob Downes, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 12 April 1997 in Edington. Bob Downes talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Bob Downes interviewed by Alan Hammond

1997-04-12
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Fred Epps, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond in Bath, likely between 1990 and 1999. Fred Epps talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Fred Epps interviewed by Alan Hammond

1990-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Fred Preater, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 12 March 1996. Fred Preater talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Fred Preater interviewed by Alan Hammond

1996-03-12
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Ron Gray, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond, likely between 1990 and 1999. Ron Gray talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Ron Gray interviewed by Alan Hammond

1990-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Will Locke, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond, likely between 1990 and 1999 (session 3 of 3). Will Locke talks about his career on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.

Audio cassette, Will Locke interviewed by Alan Hammond (session 3 of 3)

1990-1999
Audio cassette, oral history interview with Ted Lambert, conducted and recorded by Alan Hammond on 21 February 1994. Ted Lambert talks about his roles as porter at Evercreech and Junior Signalman at Shepton Mallet, on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway (S&D).

Audio cassette, Ted Lambert interviewed by Alan Hammond

1994-02-21
Audio cassette, recording of a lecture by Paul Fry, recorded by Alan Hammond on 31st January 1994 (tape 2 of 2). Talks about Wells railways.

Audio cassette, recorded talk by Paul Fry (tape 2 of 2)

1994-01-31