I WAS saddened to read of [former Railway Magazine editor] Peter Kelly’s death in the February 2023 issue, and wish to express my deep sadness at his passing.
I was privileged to meet Peter when he was working for East Midlands Allied Press (EMAP) in Peterborough and he encouraged me to begin my journalism by writing articles and providing photographs for Rail Enthusiast – of which he was editor at the time. Whilst only employed on a freelance basis, Peter encouraged without seeking any reward – save that of seeing his protégés making a success of the opportunities he provided as they made efforts to ‘go the extra mile’ in gratitude for his support.
I recall joining him on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in April 1983 when he tasked me to photograph the recently arrived Class 17 No. D8568, still retaining its Ribble Cement livery, and we shared a ploughman’s lunch at the Goathland hostelry that later became famous as part of the Heartbeat TV show. Lunch was extended by an interesting raconteur and a friendship that may have been distant over time but never forgotten.