THE Mid-Hants Railway is mourning the loss this week of one of its volunteers.
Brian Cartwright, 72, was found dead in the signal box at Alton station on Sunday from what are believed to have been natural causes.
According to Mid Hants chairman David Snow, the Camberley man normally worked as a porter at Ropley station but was also a qualified signal man. It was in this capacity that he had been seconded to Alton for the day.
Fellow volunteers were alerted to Mr CartwrightÕs plight when he failed to show up for duty by the side of the track at the allotted time.
His job was to operate the points levers and to check the Watercress steam line train in and out of the station.
When Mr Cartwright failed to appear, the engine driver proceeded under caution and stopped to allow his fireman to investigate.
The emergency services were then alerted and the line closed for a time to allow the body to be removed.
In explaining the delay in services, Mr Snow expressed his sympathy with Mr CartwrightÕs family.
He told The Herald: ÒIt is a very sad situation. Brian Cartwright had been a Mid Hants volunteer for around six years and the only consolation is that he died doing something he enjoyed.Ó