Mr Bill Gillespie

TRIBUTES have been paid to one of the stalwarts of the Downpatrick and County Down Railway project.

Bill Gillespie, the President and one of the founders of the railway (DCDR), passed away while on holiday with his wife, Winnie, in Jersey on Friday.  

He had a passion from railways and a very strong personal connection following from his father’s involvement as a former train driver on the Belfast and County Down Railway.

Robert Gardner, the chairman of DCDR, said it was Bill and Gerry Cochrane who first met with Eddie McGrady in 1982 to propose a heritage railway scheme in Downpatrick.

Bill had a very strong personal connection to the original railway line, the Belfast & County Down Railway, as his father drove the BCDR diesel locomotive No. 2 on the Ballynahinch branch, a locomotive he attempted to preserve in the 1970s but which was unfortunately scrapped,” said Robert. 

“What an artefact that would have been.

“Bill carried on that legacy by helping to purchase and transport the two E-Class locomotives, E421 and E432 to Downpatrick in the 1980s, and E421 was named “WF Gillespie OBE”. When E421 was withdrawn from service it was Bill’s wish that it was put on display in the Carriage Gallery to help tell the story of our early days and climb aboard it.

“In my time as a volunteer, vice chairman and latterly chairman, Bill was heavily involved in the Carriage Gallery project, supporting Project Manager John Wilson through a very difficult time.

“After he retired from the Board he was made Honorary President of the Society in 2015, but has continued to be in constant touch with myself and many other volunteers,” added Robert.

“Bill was also involved in a wide range of activities beyond the DCDR, most notably the Charles Sheils charity in Killough, which administers one of the oldest social housing schemes in the UK. 

“It was my privilege, when the charity was rededicating the grave of their founder, that Bill asked me to get involved with the PR for this event. Even as recently as a few months ago I was sourcing an old cow tail pump for him for the restoration works.

“Bill was a gentleman in the truest sense, and I’m sure we all send our thoughts and best wishes to Winnie and the family at this time.”