Sixty years of the Master Cutler train service was marked on 6 September by the Master’s traditional ride on the footplate, combined with Midland Mainline’s first ever Heritage Open Day at Sheffield station.

It was a day to celebrate both old and new as the current Master Cutler, Mr Alan Reid, enjoyed the annual tradition of riding on the footplate of the London to Sheffield train, then joined a special public tour of the historic and modern aspects of the station.

Mr Reid said: “It was very exciting riding with the driver. You get a whole new perspective on train travel when you ride on the footplate and I’m delighted I was given this opportunity on the 60th anniversary of this historic service. I’m glad I did not have to shovel coal as they would have done 60 years ago! I believe that even in this modern age of the internet and mobile phone there is no substitute for a face to face meeting. Travelling by train to London allows you to prepare your thoughts and papers whilst relaxing, something that you just can’t do in a car.”

After his ride Midland Mainline offered a one-off public tour of the interesting but little-known heritage of Sheffield station. Led by local transport expert Mr Howard Turner, a group of 30 people were treated to tales of the station when steam locomotives reigned supreme, station masters wore bowler hats, wheel-tappers were a regular sight and the arrival of trains such as the Thames-Clyde Express was eagerly awaited.

Howard Turner said: “It is strange that very little has been published about the 137 year history of the Sheffield Midland Station. I’ve been visiting since I was seven years old and as I’m now 74 I’ve witnessed quite a few changes, from the austerity after the war, to the halcyon days in the early 1950s with enormous numbers of passengers flocking to the seaside specials. I think the Heritage Open Day is a great idea as it gives the general public a chance to really appreciate all the history around us. When we are busy commuting or looking after a family on the train we don’t have time to think about the amazing invention of the steam locomotive and the modern forms of traction that followed, or the complex business of timetabling and managing a station.”

Claire Ansley, Midland Mainline’s Business Manager for Sheffield station said “We decided to take part in Heritage Open Days this year because we wanted to offer the public a chance to hear about the little known history of our station. We have a marvellous mix of ancient and modern here- from the stunning glass frontage and fountains on Sheaf Square to the Grade II listed refreshment room and the old 1870 frontage on Platform 2.”

Gareth Roberts from Sheffield Civic Trust is the local organiser of Heritage Open Days. He says: “I’m delighted that Midland Mainline agreed to arrange this tour. There are only three public railway stations in the UK taking in part in Open Days this year so it’s an unusual opportunity for the public to see behind the scenes and hear about the important role that Sheffield station has played in local and national history.”