It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Graeme Wade on 17th June 2026
Graeme Wade, a Pennine member for a number of years and committee member of the Lincoln Railway Society, sadly passed away on Wednesday 17th June. Graeme was a railway enthusiast as well as being the City Solicitor for Lincoln City Council.
When I arrived in Lincoln as the BR Station Manager in 1988, arrangements for the City to buy a redundant 08 shunter locomotive (08102) were well in hand. I therefore met Graeme for the first time only a matter of days after my arrival. Even though some of the meetings were difficult, as British Rail at that time was in the constant throes of reorganisation, Graeme was very clear and fair as to how he wanted to execute the arrival of the 08 shunter. Graeme’s drive, determination and enthusiasm ensured the locomotive took its place on a plinth next to Lincoln High Street signal box on Sunday 09th April 1989.
Graeme and I became good friends outside work and he came to The Pennine Railway Society meetings at Doncaster doing presentations and I would in turn do presentations for The Lincoln Railway Society. Graeme was a committee member of the Lincoln Railway Society for many years from its formation in 1979. Graeme in his capacity as City Solicitor for The City of Lincoln, and as a railway enthusiast, meant our paths crossed frequently. Notably Lincoln High Street Level Crossing and its conversion from gates to barriers in 1991. The removal of the pedestrian footbridge over the railway at Hight Street. Access to and from Great Northern Terrace to mention a few examples.
We also sat together on the committee that arranged the Lincoln Central 150 celebrations in October 1998, although by then I had moved in my railway career from Lincoln to King’s Cross, But as two people committed to the celebration, we successfully loaned a number of exhibits from the National Railway Museum and the celebration jointly between the City of Lincoln and Regional Railways Central was a great success. Throughout the 80s and 90s Graeme was a tower of strength using his role as City Solicitor and as a railway enthusiast to strengthen the relationship between the people of Lincoln and the railway.
The world has moved on however, but I believe Graeme was a massive drive in the relationship between BR and the City and its inhabitants particularly railway enthusiasts. Graeme RIP.
Robin Skinner (Former BR Station Manager Lincoln) and Chairman of The Pennine Railway Society.
It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Phil Lowis on 29th January 2026
Phil Lowis sadly passed away on 29th January 2026 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Phil had been an active member of the Pennine Railway Society since 1979. Over the years, including those when we met at The Salutation, Phil in his capacity as a social carer would bring along the lads in his care to Pennine meetings. The lads would have a great night out under the care of Phil and they soon became regular attenders at Pennine meetings. Phil also helped Geoff to run the raffle for many years giving him a lift and helping him sort the prizes. One of the lads was Kevin and when his father died, his mum Mrs B, asked Phil and Geoff to sort his collection of models which Mrs B then allowed them to sell for her on Pennine stalls. In the end Mrs B sent a cheque to The Pennine Railway Society to say thank you. In 2012 Phil retired from being a social care worker with Doncaster council. He continued to come to Pennine meetings and as the lads had enjoyed it so much, they persuaded Phil’s successors to bring them along, not just to Pennine meetings but to see Phil as well. Phil was one of those special members who we will always remember as being part of the spirit of The Pennine Railway Society. RIP Phil.
Phil was cremated at Rose Hill Crematorium in Doncaster on Thursday 26th February.
2025 CHAIRMAN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
I would like to wish all members of the Pennine Railway Society a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2025 has been a difficult year with the loss of the room due to refurbishment taking some months. Thanks to all of you for playing your part. Lunch on the Great Central, and to finish the year with one of the best ever digital image competitions, is credit to a very special society.
Thankyou. Robin Skinner (Chairman).
2025 Digital Image Competition
On 17th December we held our annual digital image competition, this year celebrating 200 years of the railways. We had a bumper 75 entries and our audience judged them on the night. The winning images can be viewed in the Gallery.