Colin Kerswill, who drove Steam Dreams‘ first ever Cathedrals Express tour to Canterbury, is being honoured by Stream Dreams in its August tour.
The White Cliffs Tour, running on the 11th August, from Canterbury around the Kent coast will be named The Colin Kerswill Memorial as a way to honour the long-serving steam driver and traction inspector who passed away earlier this year.
His family who live in Kent will be travelling as guests of Steam Dreams, which was recently taken over by Locomotive Services Group, following the route which Colin loved to work. It includes the climb of Martin Mill Bank as well as the steady gradient from the foot of the White Cliffs at Dover up to the top.
Colin was loved by many throughout the steam movement and there will be plenty of passengers on board who will be able to tell stories of Colin. Many on board will also be delighted that it will be a rebuilt West Country Bulleid Pacific, 34046 Braunton, hauling the train around the Kent Coast. This will be the first time that it does so in many years.
Steam Dreams founder, Marcus Robertson, is anticipating a very special and poignant day, ‘Colin drove our first ever Cathedrals Express to Canterbury when we started weekly trips in June 2000. Shortly afterwards he reached the age of 65 and enjoyed a further 15 years as a traction inspector for EWS/DB where he displayed a wonderful ability to manage the crew and the loco.’
Robertson added ‘He was a mentor to me and I called him my ‘Railway Dad’ as although for large periods we were not working with his TOC he was always available for advice behind the scenes and our families became friends. I am delighted that his wife Jill and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be joining us on the trip.’
Responses
I first met Colin when I was a Signalman at Gillingham A when he visited the box to see how it worked and he would often visit for a cup of tea and again when I transferred to Ramsgate. He was the traction inspector when I rode on Lord Nelson from Bromley to Lenham. Again on Clan Line on my retirement trip to Bath and we shook hands at Newbury Racecourse and he apologised that the engine was not steaming as it should have done. a real gentleman and Railwayman and was a pleasure to know.