John’s wave signals end of an era

Signalman John Halstead’s long career comes to an end

Signalman John Halstead’s long career comes to an end tomorrow along with more than 150 years of railway history.

For when the Oldham loop line closes after the last train departs, John will leave Oldham signal box at Glodwick for the very last time.

The line, which opened in 1847, will be passed to tram bosses who will convert it for Metrolink — and John will finally retire after 35 years.

The signal box is one of two on the line — the other is at Shaw — and nine other signallers who work them will be transferred to other boxes.

But John, 62 this week, decided that it was time to enjoy some of the other things in his life. “I’m quite happy to go. I live a full life and I’m worn out,” he joked.

Nine stations, which began their lives as the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in the 19th century, will close and trams are due to start running to a redeveloped Oldham Mumps in the autumn of 2011.

John, from Crumpsall, joined British Rail as a guard in 1974 and worked at Newton Heath and Guide Bridge before becoming a signalman in 1979 at Middleton Junction.

The solitary life has never bothered him. “I always fancied working on my own,” he said.

He arrived at the Oldham signal box in 1998 when it was still operated by levers — now replaced by a computerised system to control the eight-mile stretch between Newton Heath and Shaw.

“There is a lot more paperwork now,” he said. “I think I did prefer the old way of doing things with levers.”

A lifelong Manchester City supporter, he finally tired of the underachievers but rues the day he gave up his season ticket . . . just before their fortunes were about to change.

“Just as I got rid it of it, they got good,” he said. “Now I like nothing better than getting up on the moors and tramping around.”

John’s boss, Network Rail operations manager Andy Gallagher says he will be sad to see him go. “He will have forgotten a lot more than the new students learn these days,” he said.

Oldham’s rail commuters may face two years of misery before Metrolink arrives but life will get a lot easier for one group of travellers.

The level crossing next to Shaw station will be dismantled, the railway line fenced off, and motorists will be able to drive unhindered along Beal Lane.