JOHN SMOUT

d: 9th Sept 2011

We have recently lost one of our most ardent supporters. John Harry Smout died on September 9th 2011. He was probably the most consistent and generous supporter of our sales stands for many years and donated literally hundreds of good quality railway & transport magazines, books, videos and DVDs to help keep Tom Moore in business.

Throughout his working life John was employed first by the Great Western Railway then British Railways Western Region and ultimately the Midland Region. I believe he began his career at Wellington (Salop) m.p.d. and moved sometime later to Wolverhampton (Stafford Road) where he became very much involved in the organisation of stores and loco spares. After transferring to Bescot m.p.d. he joined the organising committee for their annual open days, and as a result we received invitations to attend with the 2857 Society sales stand.

On retirement John became more active with St. Mary & St. Johns R.C. church in Wolverhampton and devoted most of his time to care for his wife Rona.

We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to him for his help in getting 2857 back in traffic.

Bob Kyte