A few months ago, we published the picture below of a GWR steam rail motor at Winchcombe, showing a proud stationmaster in his uniform. Winchcombe at the time was a brand new station, after all.

The picture was probably taken in the period 1908 - 1912, when the SRMs were painted in lined brown - the earliest models were brown and cream. Slightly later models such as this one also had a sliding window removed, and replaced by a special water filler cap.

During this period, the Winchcombe station master was a chap called William Edwards, who lived in the station master's house with his family and a booking clerk as lodger. 

Subsequently Graham Peel, one of our readers, wrote in to say William Edwards was his uncle. Having done a bit of family research, he came up with the following details about his life, which we are permitted to share with you:

William Edwards:

a) Born Cassington (nr  Oxford) 1866. 2nd child (of 10) of Joseph Edwards, Railway Platelayer.

b) 1870 - family moves to Lower Oddington, Glos.

c) 1871, living at Lower Oddington.

d) 1881, Railway Clerk living at Shipton under Wychwood, and presumably working at the station there.

e) 1891, Railway Clerk, living at Bourton on the Water, and presumably working at the station there.

f) 1895: Married Martha Downes at Bridgnorth, while presumably working at the station there.

g) 1901: Railway Station Master living in the parish of St Philip and St James, and therefore presumably working at St James Station.

h) 1911; Railway Station Master at Winchcombe.

  Where else he worked after that and when he retired is not known. I believe it likely he died between 1920-1930. He had only one child, a daughter.

Apart from his father, at least two of his siblings worked on the railway, as did one of his brothers-in-law - my grandfather, who lived at Over Norton when working as a ganger.

We are always interested in historical facts about the Honeybourne line in GWR and BR days, so do not hesitate to send us (electronic) copies of photographs, or tales of your family members.