Last Train From Aldeburgh

The last journey of a train on the Aldeburgh to Saxmundham branch line on 10 September 1966.

This film shows some of the stations on the Aldeburgh to Saxmundham branch line on the day that the last train ran between them. The station already looks to be falling into decline. The film opens with long shots of Aldeburgh station. A train passes and the station staff are presented with a cup. There are many shots of the station, its artefacts and station furniture. Close-up shots of station lamps, bells, the seats on the platform - even of the door knocker. The Station Master is filmed in the booking office, he then presents the well-kept gardens which he tends. Shots of the certificates and wards for the station gardens that have been received over many years. Thorpeness Station, opened in 1914. Here, two old railway carriages were used as a waiting room and as a bike shed. They are bedecked with flags. Inside, the waiting room is immaculate. Tables are covered with white cloths and there are vases of chrysanthemums and pot plants on the tables. There are also interior shots of the bike shed. At Leiston a diesel multiple unit crosses a level crossing. The DMU comes right up to the gate and pauses for the gate to be opened so that it can continue. There are shots of Leiston Station and interior shots of the signal box. The final sequence shows the last train on the line as it leaves Aldeburgh and Thorpeness. At Aldeburgh there are many people waiting on the platform to wave goodbye to the train. Close-up shots of some of their faces. Inside the train, there are shots of the driver in his cab and of the passengers. Shots are taken from the moving train as it speeds towards Thorpeness. At Thorpeness there is another welcoming party. Crowds cover the track near the level crossing. Many have cameras. The crowds move away so that the train can continue. The last shots are of the passengers inside the train and of stubble burning shot through the window of the train.

Featured Events

The last train to run on the Aldeburgh to Saxmundham branch line on 10th September, 1966.

Keywords

Rail transport; Railway closures; Railway stations

Intertitles

Saxmundham - Leiston - Thorpeness - Aldeburgh. (8 miles.) Opened 12th April 1860.

Other Places

Leiston; Thorpeness