We are sorry to bring the sad news that Grantham driver Ken Willetts passed away on Saturday 5th September aged 93 years. Ken has supported Tracks through Grantham for many years.
Ken began on the railway at Grantham as an engine cleaner in the late 1940s. At the age of 16½ he was asked to fire The Flying Scotsman express between Grantham and Newcastle after the booked fireman reported sick. It was explained to the Driver, Bill Thompson, that the only spare men available were two young cleaners who had just finished cleaning the locomotive which would take over the train. One of them was Ken, and Bill knew Ken's father so he said, "I'll take Jim Willetts' lad." They had been due to return from Tyneside with a Grantham A3 locomotive, but it had failed with a heated bearing. So instead they got an A2/2, a type of engine which was hard work to fire. Bill Thompson had to help Ken out by taking the shovel for part of the return journey. Thus began Ken's main line career on the footplate.
Ken’s funeral will take place at Grantham Crematorium, Harrowby Road, NG31 9DT on Friday 2nd October at 12.30pm and afterwards at the Railway Club. All friends are invited.
The family notice in The Grantham Journal is here.
Regards,
John Clayson and Mel Smith