I pointed out to Chris where we had stood on the steps that still lead down from the Hoole Road overbridge on the occasions that we cycled to Chester to train spot. We probably only managed it once or twice, as we usually went by train. Looking down onto the station from the top of the steps today means viewing an extensive car park, as some of the bay platforms, where the Western Region trains arrived and departed were abandoned decades previously. After all, it was 60 years ago that I last stood here.
The station itself is largely unchanged and it brings back many memories. Chester was an interesting venue for trainspotters, as a wide mix of locomotive types could be seen, including WR, LMR and Standard classes. There are barriers at Chester today and as I strained to take a picture from behind the line, I was approached by a lady who was part of the station staff and she asked if I wanted to come through to take my pictures. How nice was that? She went on to tell me about the many charter specials that visit Chester these days and how enthusiasts were always made welcome. I found that very encouraging and rather refreshing, when the trend nationally is probably the other way, in the direction of suspicion and increased surveillance.
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