THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS

 EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY

I am trying to find out the names of the A.S.L.E.F. Branch Secretaries for the Horsham Branch and the dates they served between. if you have any info please can you let me know.

HORSHAM

The Horsham locomotive shed was opened on 14th February 1848 by the L.B.S.C.R. (Shed Code Hors). The locomotive shed was to close on the 18th July 1959 with the steam depot remaining opened until 27th January 1964.

With the electrification arriving at Horsham, this created a Motorman’s (E.M.U.T) depot opening in 1938 

The Horsham Branch of ASLEF was opened on 24th April 1898.

 Above is a list of all the engine men that where employed at Horsham Locomotive Department in 1877. It is not know if this is list was compiled in seniority order or not. However, the list does clearly indicates the  difference in the ages of both drivers & fireman at that period of time.

 A drawing of the first locomotive running on the Horsham - Three Bridges branch line in 1848.

The engine was designed by Thomas Mann and carried a nameplate on the boiler which read 'Horsham  and London 1848'  

Locomotive Journal 1898

OPENING OF A NEW BRANCH AT

HORSHAM SUSSEX

Sir, -- On Sunday, April 24, some of our friends from Battersea, journeyed down here for the purpose of addressing a meeting of enginemen and firemen, and to open a branch of our Society. There was a attendance, considering this is only a small depot. With a few transfers we started a branch with 21 members, and before long we shall have more. Mr. Perkins, of Battersea, was voted to the chair, and the meeting was addressed by Messrs. G. Mannell, W. Cooper, and J. Bliss, who pointed out why enginemen and firemen should mind their own business and not ask others to do what they could do for themselves. You will hear more from us soon.

Yours fraternally, 

BRANCH SECRETARY

Locomotive Journal 1900

HORSHAM BRANCH

Sir, - I am pleased to report a further increase in our membership. At our quarterly meeting held on March 18th, we enrolled three new Protection members and transferred one from half to full benefits. we have two or three more in view. The time has arrived when men It is not because see the benefit of belonging to a society, and a case which occurred her last year taught some a lesson. It is not because we join a society and pay into it that we want the benefit of it, but one never knows when his turn may come to want assistance we. I should like to see the time when every man on the footplate joined hands with us. 

Yours fraternally, 

W. Buckham Sec.

Locomotive Journal 1900

HORSHAM BRANCH

Sir, - We held our annual meeting on Sunday, December 17th. There was not a very good attendance, as we had several members at work, and others being away. I am pleased to say we made five new members, three half benefit and two for protection. This makes a total of eight new members during this last two months.

Yours fraternally, 

W. Buckham Sec.

Locomotive Journal 1905

HORSHAM BRANCH

Sir, - As you have not had any correspondence from this branch for sometime, I thought a little news would let our fellow members that we are still alive. We are not making the progress that I should like to see, but I must say we had a fairly well attended meeting on the 12th ult? which would have been better had it been such a rough day. We had Mr. Warwick, our Executive Council representative, and Mr. J. Bliss down from Battersea. our worthy chairman, Mr. J. Payne, took the chair, and after the contributions had been paid and minutes of previous meetings read and carried, Mr. Payne gave us an excellent address, which was very interesting. After this our friend Mr. J. Bliss gave us an address, which I was more than pleased to hear. His first subject was on the benefit which we received as an incapacitation grant, and he asked those present if they could bring forward any assurance company that would pay out £100 for fourpence a week. He next dealt with the National Programme, and explained it fully to the meeting. It was not only interesting, but gave us a better understanding, on different points that we did not know. He then touched on the question of a grant for failure of eyesight, which has been advocated in our branch, and he said it would be impossible under the present rules as an incapacitation grant. He asked if they thought that they could make 20s. pay for 30s. Mr. cooper then addressed the meeting in reference to the business that was being done at General Office by the Executive Council. He dealt with several different subjects , referring particularly to the compensation that the Society had got for several of its members. He also touched on the question of eyesight, and said he should like to reduce the figures a bit in the incapacitation, so as to bring out a benefit for the failure of eyesight, as he thought it would induce a lot more to join our rank; and not only, it would keep some in that would drop out. Mr. Bliss and Mr. Cooper promised that they would arrange to pay us a visit in the summer, if they were able, so that we could have an open meeting, as we have several outsiders. A hearty vote of thanks was given to Bros. J. Bliss and W. Cooper, who returned thanks to the chairman and all members present, which brought a very pleasant afternoon to a close. If this catches the eye of any good speakers, our members would be pleased to hear them.

Yours fraternally, 

BRANCH SECRETARY

 Locomotive Journal 1905

HORSHAM BRANCH

An opening meeting of enginemen, firemen, and cleaners was held on Sunday, October 22nd,  at "The Beehive," East Street, which was well attended. In the unavoidable absence of Mr. McKew, who had  promised to occupy the chair, Mr. Payne was unanimously elected to fill the position. After thanking the audience for electing him, he gave a brief address, describing the benefits and advantages of being a member of the Society. He then called on Mr. Clarke, Executive Council member for North London, who gave us a brilliant address, quoting a great number of cases where the Society had done excellent work, notably the Challis case, and referred to two or three deplorable railway disasters, showing how necessary it was for men to work collectively. He also referred to the large engines and heavy loads, which meant less labour and greater strain on the men's minds. He informed us that the average death rate of locomotive engine drivers was 44, which was a very serious state of things. In Mr. Clarke the Society undoubtedly has an excellent worker. This address created a deep impression on all.  We have several promises of new members as the result of the meeting. Mr. Worcester, in a few very appropriate words, thanked Mr. Clarke and the chairman, which brought a very successful meeting to a close.

 BRANCH SECRETARY

 Train arriving at Horsham from Dorking in 1910

Locomotive Journal 1911

HORSHAM BRANCH

The following resolution was carried at a Special Meeting held on December 8th:

"That this meeting of the above Branch greatly appreciate the work and arduous task of our worthy E.C. and General Secretary in obtaining the Eight Hour Day for locomotivemen and other grades, and we have the confidence that they will again acquit themselves when the opportunity arises with the standardization of wages."

Branch Chairman, 

Jesse H. Bone,

Branch Secretary,

W. H. Worcester

 Locomotive Journal 1912

HORSHAM BRANCH

On December 17th, at our meeting we had a very good meeting considering the state of the weather, as it was unfortunately, a miserably wet day. After contribution had been called, we proceeded with the election of officers for the ensuing year. After the chairman and vice-chairman were elected. I found to my surprise the members seemed to rally round in a somewhat better spirit than usual, and it was proved to me that they had been working in my absence. Unfortunately I had been on the sick list and had not been in a position to attend the two previous meetings. In the meantime I had sent in my resignation as branch secretary, and from that I soon found the feeling of the members of our branch, because by sending in my resignation I found the members had appreciated my past services. I was surprised when our worthy chairman Brother J. Worcester, called on Brother J. Payne to preside, which no doubt had been previously arranged, and after a well chosen speech from the president. I was more surprised when there was brought forward a beautiful timepiece, which Broth J. Payne presented to me, with my name, with the name of our branch, the initials of our Society and date of presentation inscribed on it; also a lady's handbag for my wife. I can assure all brother members I was utterly astonished. I was so taken by surprise that I seemed almost at a loss to find words to express myself to the member for their kindness. but I am pleased to that I know now the members have appreciated and recognized my past services as branch secretary.

One of my the reasons for the insertion of this in the Journal is that I wish to thank the members again for the assistance they have given me in the past. Another reason is to let the members of other branches know what has been done for me by our branch members. We know at times there is a certain amount of difficulty in getting branch secretaries, and the circulating of these reports up and down the country may at times do a lot in the way encouragement. I do not say I have held the secretaryship as long as some, but I held it since the branch was first opened, nearly 14 years ago. I have received many letters of regret, and I wish to assure all brother members that I shall take as much interest in the branch and Society business in the future as I have in the past. In closing I wish to again express my satisfaction and appreciation for the handsome present,  which will be a pleasant reminder to the end of my days of happy times I have had in the branch club-room

EX-BRANCH SECRETARY

 Locomotive Journal 1913

HORSHAM BRANCH

It is some long while since anything appeared in the Journal under this heading. Nevertheless we have been doing our little bit towards increasing our membership and extending our society. On Sunday December 1st, several of our members journeyed to Three Bridges, and with the help of one or two members who are stationed there, and Brother Harrison, of Battersea, a meeting was held for the purpose of hearing the report of the meeting of the board of directors and the representatives of the locomotive-men of the Brighton Railway. Brother W. H. Worcester was voted in the chair, and he asked Brother Harrison to give his report,which he did in a very intelligible manner. the chairman was then called upon to say a few words, but there was not very much left for him to say as Brother Harrison had given us a very full report. Questions were then invited. Though the attendance was not so large as one might have expected, considering the purpose of the meeting, it was very attentive and appreciated what was said. I might say that some of our A.S.R.S. friends were  present one of whom asked several questions (to clear the atmosphere a little) which were answered to his satisfaction. several other questions were asked and answered; and Brother Meadhurst, in a few well-chosen words, thanked us for coming. The usual votes of thanks being given, the meeting was brought to a close.

 --------------

A meeting was held the same afternoon, this being called by an A.S.R.S. member. who appears to have a good deal of influence on the men. This was very well attended, and Brothers Harrison and Worcester made it their business to be present. They also gave a report, and succeeded in getting the following resolution, which was moved by J. Neeve and seconded by W. Packham, both A.R.S.R. member, carried unanimously:-

"That the Three bridges locomotive-men accept the concessions granted by the board of directors"

I this is a very good work, considering (as I understand) that this meeting was held in opposition to ours in the morning.

B.S.

  ---------------

At the ordinary meeting of the above branch, held on December 15th and before a fair attendance, a presentation was made to Brothers J. Worcester and J. Payne of an umbrella and a pipe. Brother P. Manvell, in making the presentation, said that all members in the western district were aware that our two brothers had taken a prominent part in connection with the branch in obtaining concessions and better conditions of service. He went on to say that the business their two delegates had carried on requested grit, courage, and self sacrifice, and that it reflected great credit on them for what they had assisted to accomplish for their comrades, and he was pleased the members had realized to the fullest extent what they had done. He said he had great pleasure, on behalf of the members, of showing that their valuable work was not forgotten and he hoped they would accept these presents, not so much for their intrinsic worth, as that they were a token of the appreciation of all the locomotive-men in the Horsham district. The umbrella, he hoped, would not only serve to shelter them in rough weather, but also from the storms they may have to encounter while doing their duty for their fellow men. A notable feature of the presentation was that the A.S.R.S. members also contributed, a proof of the amity existing in recognition of the good work. Brother J. Worcester said, in recording his thanks, that he was pleased he had given them satisfaction with no thought of anything of that kind; he had only tried to do his best, and was glad it met with their approbation. Brother J. Payne, in replying, said it was one of the greatest surprises in his life. What he had done was a labour of love; which was only what a man should do if possessed the ability and qualifications. He recognized the importance and the responsibility resting on locomotive-men, and considered in the interest of the Society, its members, and the companies, it was essential to hold counsel together, because it was the only means which tended to successful working. He thanked them all most kindly for the gift. Brother W. Buckham, our late secretary, was heartily thanked for the work he had done in connection with the presentation; always a characteristic feature with him in doing a kindness to all.

BRANCH SECRETARY

 Locomotive Journal 1917

HORSHAM BRANCH

Lance - Corporal A. E. Francis, of this Branch, is in Hospital, and badly wounded. He was attached to the 1/4th  R. Sussex Regt., and was serving in Palestine. He was in camp when the war broke out, and he has been serving ever since. he went through the Dardanelles Campiagn, and was then transferred to Egypt and Palestine. The first intimation his parents recieved from the War office was of his death, but this proved to be an error, and later an offical notification was received regretting that an error had been made, and that Francis was wounded.

BRANCH SECRETARY

HORSHAM BRANCH

Some time as elapsed since a report from this branch appeared in the Journal, that progress is satisfactory. the first meeting in our new Branch room at the Queen's Head Hotel, was held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 29th, was proved to be a success as regards ambiance and the amount of business we got through, and a great improvement on the old Branch Room. We had the pleasure of having Bro. J. Enves, Secretary of the Brighton Branch and Corresponding Secretary of the Delegation Board, with us, whose presence was greatly appreciated. Five new members were admitted, this making a total of 15 new members in the last three meetings, which leaves very little room for propaganda work, owing to the non-members being almost non-existent, there being now almost 90 per cent, enrolled in their own Society, the A.S.L.E. & F. W e had before us applications for benefits under  rule 23, clause 4, from two of our members who have been reduced through accident, which have now been successfully dealt with, showing the need for all workers to safeguard their own interests. I am pleased to say that some of our young members were present, and brought forward an item concerning themselves which is now receiving attention, and I trust that all will continue to attend to look after their own interests, as it lays in their power to it. A hearty vote of thanks to Bro. J. Enves (who had to leave before the close of the meeting, owing to train service) was unanimously carried. Other business was then gone through, until the call of time, which necessitated us passing a hearty thanks to our enthusiastic Chairman for presiding at a very successful meeting.

BRANCH SECRETARY

Locomotive Journal 1919

HORSHAM BRANCH

An open meeting for drivers, firemen and cleaners was held at the Mission Hall Barrington Road, on Sunday, September 17th, at which Brother J. Payne, ex-chairman of our branch was elected to preside. After a few well chosen remarks, he referred to the Conciliation Scheme and recent delegations. He then called on Mr. Warwick our organizing secretary, who addressed the meeting for over an hour, to the greatest satisfaction to every one present. His subject was "The Conciliation Boards and the recent crisis." I was sorry we had not a larger attendance, but was pleased to see our representatives from Brighton, Portsmouth, Littlehampton and Midhurst. After the usual vote of thanksto the chairman and Mr. Warwick, we brought a very pleasant meeting to a close.

BRANCH SECRETARY

Locomotive Journal 1919

HORSHAM BRANCH

I much regret to report the death in France, on November 23rd, of Bro. A. Mitchell, a Cleaner Member of this Branch. Bro. Mitchell joined  the Army in August, 1914, and after having gone successfully through the whole fighting was taken ill with bronchial-pneumonia, and died in hospital.

I also have to report the death of Bro. J. Francis who was killed in action on October 11th. He joined the Army in May, 1917, at the age of 19 years, having been released for the purpose. He leaves a widowed mother to mourn his loss, who wishes to thank all members for the kind sympathy shown, and for the prompt payment of the Death Benefit from General Office

BRANCH SECRETARY

 Locomotive Journal 1919

HORSHAM BRANCH

Sunday, 4th May, was a red letter day in the annals of the above Branch, when Bro. Ivor Gregory addressed an Open Meeting of railwaymen and their wives in the afternoon, and presented Bro. G. Merritt, the Incapacitation Grant Benefit of £100, and £76 5s., the result of a draw. The Assurance fund Benefit of £38 having been handed over previously. Bro. G. Merritt had unfortunately lost his right foot, owing to accident at brighton, on September 18th. Bro. G. Merritt made an eloquent speech,which was greatly appreciated. A vote of thanks was moved by Mr. G. Shears, A.S.L.E.F., seconded by Mr. A. Streeter, N.U.R., to Mr. Gregory for his splendid address; and to Mr. J. Cordery, of Battersea, for taking the chair.

An Opening Meeting of Locomotivemen in the evening was addressed by Mr. Gregory. a brief account of the progress of this Branch for the first four months is as follows:- 

"New members, 3;transferred from N.U.R., 3 (one with over 24 year's membership in the N.U.R.) transferred to Full Benefit, 6; Assurance Fund members, 9; Death and Retiring Fund,12; Orphan Fund, 1; increase for sale of Journals,10. The number of N.U.R. at this depot are three, one aged 67 (still driving), one over 59 and one Fireman; whilst there are no "Nons." 

May every Branch in England, Ireland,Scotland and Wales, soon be able to possess a better record than this, and then we shall get our rights which we have so long waited for.

BRANCH SECRETARY

Horsham Loco Dept 1920 

This photo features all the Horsham Shed staff  as well as Horsham Loco crews.

The Shed Master is seen in middle of the front row wearing a bowler hat.

With reference to the above branch report in the 1919 Locomotive Journal, it would appear that all the footplatemen seen in this photo were members of A.S.L.E.F. with the exception of three N.U.R. members.

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL MARCH 1924

HORSHAM BRANCH

Some time has elapsed since a report from this Branch appeared in our Journal, and as we have had the pleasure of the company of our Organising Secretary Mr. Barton Wild, I thought it a good opportunity to let other Branches know that the Horsham Branch is still alive and progressing. I think you will agree that we are very fortunate in having booked Mr. Wild for February 3^rd , as at that time we did not know that we should have been out on strike and back to work by that date. It was real sense of enthusiasm and eagerness displayed by our members to strike a blow against the unjust attack made upon the conditions of service we were then enjoying, and when the call come from Head office every man came out, with the exception of five old sweats, who could not do us much harm, having no Firemen with them. A good number of our members turned up on February 3^rd to hear Mr. Wild clear the air a little with regard to the settlement of the strike, and I consider he made a very good job of it, and answered all the questions to the best of his ability. The time for his departure came all too quickly, as he had to catch a train, so he left with thanks and good wishes of all present, and was asked to come again and bring J.H. Thomas with him. This he declined to do, as he did not want to be responsible for the welfare of J.H.T.

SPERO MELIORA

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL OCTOBER 1926

HORSHAM BRANCH

Some considerable time has elapsed since this branch its activities published in the Journal. We are still 99 per cent. A.S.L.E. & F. During the past few months we have had our little troubles, but we are still smiling. The strike saw us all out, but, unfortunately, one got tired and went back to work, in spite of our efforts to keep him out. It seemed a great pity to see old retired drivers returning to work, yielding to temptations of the company. I hope, ere long, that the old men will have something respectable to retire on, and thus avoid having to work somewhere else after 40 to 50 years’ service. I am pleased to report that the attendance at the branch meetings since the strike has increased 25 per cent., but there is still room for a few more of those who grumble in the lobby. I would say to those few: come around to the Bedford every third Sunday of the month, and you will get some satisfaction, especially with the seniority question. We are all looking forward to a date to be stated, after October, for the long-awaited visit of our General Secretary.

August 15th saw an interesting event in the presentation of an eight-day striking clock, suitably inscribed, to H. Slaughter, who has retired after 44 years’ railway service, and has been a member of this branch for over 29 years. Our chairman made the presentation, and briefly referred to the recipient’s work in the past.

I may say, in conclusion, that we at Horsham have a good friend to working people, and especially has she proved herself so during the strike, Drivers having given the firemen practically their day’s pay when being booked off under suspension of the guaranteed week, no, or little, out of work. 

A. FRANCIS

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL OCTOBER 1927

HORSHAM BRANCH

Pleased to say we still keep the flag flying. The important news since the last insertion is a visit by Mr. Long E.C., and the Improvement Class outing, which took place to the Ashford erecting shops, which were visited by kind permission of the Southern Railway. Leaving Horsham just before 8 o’clock, Ashford reached at 11-15a.m., where we met a small party from Newhaven, with our very able instructor, Mr. H. Cornwall, of Brighton. The Southern Railway Debating Society welcomed the party, and, much to our regret, Mr. Bumstead was unable to come, owing to indisposition. We first went over the very fine sports ground, after which we split up into parties, each under a guide supplied by the company, and went into the Locomotive Erecting Shops, where we saw engines in course of construction, including the “River” class,  also engines for repair. We then looked over the carriage and wagon shops. Tea was served at the Ashford Working Men’s Club, supplied by the local co-op., after which Mr. Bone proposed and Mr. Cornwall seconded a hearty vote of thanks to the guides for the instructive way they had explained things to us. Mr. Wright suitably replied, and said they were only too pleased to do it. We then had a look over the club, and afterwards returned home which was reached at 10-30p.m., after a lovely day thanks to our energetic secretary, Mr. E. Charman. If any locomen living near Horsham would like to this class, our secretary will give any information.

A. FRANCIS

Left ~ Right: Driver Hodge & his Fireman Francis

Seen in Amberly down yard in c1934

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL JANUARY 1942

HORSHAM BRANCH

It is, I think, some time since an article appeared in the Locomotive Journal from this branch; nevertheless, we are very much alive-good attendance at the branch meetings, and still improving; one "non," one of the younger fraternity who sees no further than his nose. The L.D.C. are busy, being kept constantly at work. We have had the usual "shemozzle" with regard to the question of "firewatching," things not being worked fairly as they could be, the trouble apparently being the company's usual practice of putting square pegs in round holes. We have taken the matter up with divisional superintendent, and we hope that by the time this appears in print thats matters will be going more smoothly and the "chosen self exempted few" will find they will have quite a few turns of firewatching to do to catch up with the rest.

A little advice to our members re the 12 hours' rest clause. All men are entittled to 12 hours' rest, and if  they have made overtime, they sign on again aftyer having had 12 hours' rest. And if they have been informed that the rest period of the 12 hours' rest starts from when their eight hours was up, then they have been "bamboozled." Never

mind what turn you work or the number of hours that you do, see that you do not come in to work unless you have had the 12 hours' rest. This agreement is the finest one that you have, and make use of it.Wishing you all a Happy New Year, an d may the next one be a more prosperous one, and that we shall see the abolition of Facism and Nazism throughout the whole world.

R.T. TAYLOR.

 Horsham Loco Shed

  Horsham Loco Shed 8th May 1960

 Charlie Cook

 Left ~ Right; Driver Charles Scrase & Fireman Fred Manvell

 Horsham Loco Shed

 Left ~ Right: Guard Unknown, Driver Unknown & Fireman Dick Holden

 Unknown Horsham Loco-men

 Unknown Horsham Loco-man

Above & Below

Fireman Biff Manvell at Guildford c1964

Ted Phillps in Horsham Loco 

 Cyril Bullbeck Horsham Loco Foreman

 VIDEO OF THE CLOSURE OF

THE HORSHAM - GUILDFORD RAILWAY LINE

 This video features many railwaymen that worked over the the line,  Horsham locomen, Tony Luff, Dick Holden

 & Biff Manvell share their memories of working over this section of railway line.

 A veiw looking out of Horsham Loco shed after its closure.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Horsham Loco reunion at the Bluebell Railway

This reunion brought together a large number of old Horsham Loco footplatemen from the Horsham steam depot era.

Back row left ~ right: Jack Brooker, Dave Greenwood, Peter Symons (Guard), Arthur Godden(?),  Gordon Percival, unknown (1), George Wrighton, Reg Hampshire,  George Burton,  Bill Hutchings, unknown (2), Mick Hockley, Neville Speed, unknown (3), Dick Ford,  Brian Whitehead. 

Front row: Don Payne, unknown (4), Biff Manvell, Tony Luff, Jack Bouston, Rodney Burstow.

 Front row left ~ right: Brian Whitehead, Bill Hutchings, Tony Luff, Dave Greenwood, Reg Hampshire, George Wrighton, Dick Ford, Peter Symons & Don Payne

On the left ~ right Rodney Burstow, Arthur Godden(?), Gordon Percival, unknown (1), Biff Manvell

 & Neville Speed .

Dick Ford 

 Left ~ Right: Gerry Butler (Clerical Officer within the Brighton/South Central areas and a qualified Engine men on the Bluebell Railway) & Mick Hockley

 Left ~ Right: Mick Hockley & Geoff Ball