[Glyn Howell]

G'Day to everyone.

Like some others I have seen, I have come across from Ships Nostalgia. Although one might query why I should like steam trains I do love paintings and photographs of the "Steam Era", I have a treasured book called Gordon England's Great Western Steam Album or again, J.A Brooks' Supernatural Steam.

I remember when I joined my first ships back in the late fourties, running up from Portsmouth to Waterloo, the rhythm of the wheels, the steam and smoke and the endless but fascinating views into the backgardens, they made great impressions on a 17 year old Deck Apprentice. Even now I can sit for hours looking at steam paintings, somehow they are even better than photographs.

But one thing I do want, and that is to find out if one of my ancestors, a certain Frank Howell was ever Station Master at Newport (South Wales) from 1920 onwards, I have tried for years to find any records resulting in resounding failure.

Any ideas? thanks Glyn