GWR Route: Hatton to Bearley and Alcester Branch

Great Alne Station: gwrga4029

Wednesday 1st August 1923 marked the reopening of the complete Branch Line from Bearley to Alcester. Attached is a copy of the public handbill detailing the proposed passenger services over the branch with times for onward journeys to Stratford-on-Avon, Birmingham, Leamington and London.

Also attached is the Signalling Notice for staff, detailing the changes at Great Alne, which had been the temporary terminus of the branch line since 18th December 1922. Only one extra signal had been installed. This protected the level crossing adjacent to Great Alne Station from Up trains (travelling from Alcester). It was an Up Distant Signal controlled from a new three lever Ground Frame located next to the level crossing gates at Great Alne. The other levers; locked/released the level crossing gate bolts, and controlled the Down Distant Signal on the Bearley side of the level crossing. This signal had been installed in December 1922 to warn drivers that they were approaching the Great Alne Station, but it had been permanently fixed at Danger. The Signalling Notice also detailed restrictions at Alcester Station, which had been agreed with the LMS Railway.

Robert Ferris

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