Exeter University Club - Exeter Branch talk: From Steam to Diesel by Richard Westlake MBE

Following in the footsteps of his father, Richard’s career on the railways spanned 46 years. He started on steam at Okehampton, and then worked at the heart of the Great Western Railway at Swindon, finally ending his career in the city of Exeter as a high speed train driver and instructor. He will explain the transformation between steam and diesel and the effect of the Beeching cuts on the railway and the rural communities within the south west, ending finally with the transition from nationalisation to privatisation.

The talk will cover many amusing railway anecdotes from cooking breakfast on the foot plate to the royal bath and some more serious like driving the royal train, famous steam engines and taking part in memorable events.

The Exeter University Club is a social organisation with branches across the country aiming to bring alumni together. To find out more see our webpage

The Exeter Branch are always looking for new members so why not go along to the talk and find out more?

You may also join the branch for lunch, (new attendees, members and partners are always welcome to the Branch activities), at the Cowick Barton from 12 noon, or attend just the talk from 2pm.

Meet at Cowick Barton, Exeter for lunch from 12 noon onwards followed by the talk at 2pm.
Contact Ian Thomson on 01626 867363 by Sunday 13th January 2013 to book your lunch and the talk