Staffordshire

Behind the kilns. Acme Marls at Burslem used to make clay refractories and kiln furniture such as shelf supports. Most of the site has now been cleared and the major buildings remaining are the three bottle ovens which are listed structures, for what such protection is worth. These last remaining downdraught kilns in the Staffordshire Potteries look very sad and completely out of context with the rest of the works gone. So much for valuing our heritage.

The Hatton works of the Staffordshire Potteries Water Undertaking was completed in stages commencing with the building on the right which housed two compound rotary beam engines which commenced working in 1892. Further extensions with horizontal pumping engines were commissioned in 1898 and 1907. The engines have long gone and the buildings are now undergoing conversion to apartments.

Efficient combustion means that there is just a wisp of smoke showing at the chimney of the Mill Meece water pumping station during this operating day.

Steam in the woods alongside the Churnet as the S160 gets to grips with its train.

Kingsley and Froghall Station looks just right as the DMU waits to depart for Consall and Cheddleton. Restoration of the far platform has only just been completed.

An authentic destination showing on this DMU waiting at Consall station.

Just about to give the 'right away' from Consall Station. The guard on the Cheddleton bound DMU.

The points into the loop remain set for the wrong road and the train is waiting at signals whilst signalling staff investigate a track circuit failure on the approach to Consall station. View through the front cab window of a DMU.

No apologies for featuring another shot of Consall Station. This is a favourite spot and the DMU service today gave an opportunity to create a 1950s atmosphere. The sunshine was short-lived but very welcome.

Joseph Hewitt & Co, Fenton Low Brick and Marl Works, first appears in the trade directories in 1872 and was working until after 1940. Thia brick marked J Hewitt and Son probably dates from before 1872.

USA 5197 on the level crossing at Cheddleton as it arrives with a train from Leekbrook.

The Lafarge Cauldon works has a capability to produce 1 million tonnes of cement a year. The company has recently investing 3 million Euros in new storage and packing facilities at the site.

Safety valve weights hold down the lagging covers on the boiler backs at the Claymills Pumping Station.

The Railway Inspectorate has given special dispensation for passenger trains to run over the section between Froghall and Oakamoor sand sidings on the Churnet Valley Railway on just two weekends. Today's DMU trip towards Oakamoor ended right here a few yards from the start of the sidings. The last time I travelled this section was in the cab of a pair of Class 20 locomotives heading the last sand train from Oakamoor in 1988.

The listed kilns at the Acme Marls site in Burslem look completely out of context and steadily deteriorate without maintenance. The mess in front is due to occupation of the site by travellers.

The older parts of the Aynsley factory, on Sutherland Road in Longton, appear to be empty and shut. I think they must have bought a job lot of blue paint last time the place was decorated.

The Anderton Company warehouse at Middleport alongside the former slipway and repair shed is topped by the nice terracotta work dated 1890. The building has since been restored as offices.

One of two steam engines at the Mill Meece Pumping Station in Staffordshire. This example was built by Ashton Frost of Blackburn in 1914. Cylinders 49" and 26", running at 16rpm it generates 308 indicated horsepower.