Station Name: SHIPSTON ON STOUR[Source: Darren Kitson]
 This somewhat romantic article appeared in an unidentified newspaper, possibly the Coventry Evening Telegraph, on the date indicated. The article implies that British Railways closed the station in February 1963, the actual date being 4 February. It is thought Mr Bradley was finally posted to another position elsewhere during May 1963. Whether Mr Bradley really did turn up "every morning at 8 o'clock sharp" after the road service ceased or whether the claim was a mere embellishment for the newspaper article is open to question. British Railways would have required him to turn up in order to justify his wages but, again, whether he did so daily is another matter. Then just as now, the terminology used by reporters who do not necessarily have railway knowledge or any interest in railways, can be quite amusing. Reporter Nick Davies said, for example, "It is thirty-four years since the last passenger train steamed through the station". Given that the station was a terminus it is difficult to see how a train could have 'steamed through' it! Nevertheless such articles can be valuable insights into the past and especially when, as in this case, there is a human part to the story. Most newspapers maintain surprisingly comprehensive archives yet many of their photographs, which are almost always of good quality, are rarely seen unless requested by people undertaking research. Cutting is courtesy of Anthony Hicks.
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