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Lt Cmdr Roy Francis, founder of the Wells & Walsingham, passes away

Discussion in 'Miniature Railways' started by Bramblewick, Jan 28, 2015.

  1. Bramblewick

    Bramblewick Member

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    Announcement made yesterday on the line's website. Rest in peace, sir.
     
    Bramblewick, Jan 28, 2015
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  2. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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    Martin Perry, Jan 28, 2015
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  3. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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    There should be an obit appearing in The Telegraph in the next day or two.
     
    Martin Perry, Jan 30, 2015
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  4. flaman

    flaman Well-Known Member

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    It was in yesterday's Telegraph. He certainly had a full life; apart from an exciting and lucky naval career and his railway achievements, he even got round to posing for life classes at an art college!

    The obit didn't mention my favourite story about him. Apparently, in the early days of the Wells & Walsingham, he had an interview with his bank manager, who was not impressed with the railway. "Why do you bother with it? You've had a great career in the Navy and retired with a good pension, most people would just take it easy and play golf." "You don't understand," replied Roy, "when you pop your clogs, they'll probably buy a round in your memory at the 19th hole, and that will be it. But they'll always remember that old sailor who built a railway!"
     
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2015
    flaman, Feb 11, 2015
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  5. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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    Martin Perry, Feb 11, 2015
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  6. Guitar

    Guitar New Member

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    That's a great shame. Is the future of the railway secure?
     
    Guitar, Feb 12, 2015
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