General railway help please

[loujn]

I am trying to research my great great grandfather John Booth. He was born in East Markham, Notts and we first find him working on the railway at Woodhouse Junction, Sheffield in the late 1880's. From then he moved to Staveley, Chesterfield and was an engine driver for Great Central who i believe were taken over by LNER in 1923.
I know that John was 1 of the first 5 members of ASLEF at Sheffield and that he remained an active member of the union.

Can anyone tell me more abut the stations at Woodhouse Junction or Staveley? anyone know any history of ASLEF? any info would be greatfully received as my railway knowledge is limited! any suggestions for futher research lines also appreciated.
Thanks

[stembok]

loujn: There are two autobiographical books by Eric Beavor 'Steam Was My Calling' (1974) and Steam Motive Power Depots (1983?), which may give a bit of background. Eric Beavor was an LNER/BR motive power officer and spent some time as Shedmaster at Staveley GC Motive Power Depot. In one of the books he gives an account of his time at the shed at Staveley There is also 'The Lighted Flame' (1950) A History of ASLEF by Norman McKillop. Getting a view of the books could be a problem, depending on your location, but the library at the National Railway Museum ,York should have copies of them. Incidentally, there were two motive power depots in the Staveley area, hence the Staveley GC for the old Great Central depot. I believe that the official historical records of ASLEF are held in the Modern Records Centre at the University of Warwick. Good luck!

[52D]

Also worth tracking down is the video/DVD Marsden rail part 10 Sheffield to Nottingham this will show you what sort of work went on in the area.

[loujn]

Hi,

Thanks to you both for your relpies - i will follow the leads that you have given me.

[Signalboxes.com]

A bit of a late reply.....but please visit my site www.signalboxes.com to see pics of Woodhouse Junction.

Thanks, Frankie.