It is with deep regret that we announce the loss of DEPG member and volunteer Chris Shields who passed away on Saturday 14th October at the age of 64.
Chris was very well known in railway circles, primarily due to his public-facing and tireless fundraising work for the causes that he loved.
In addition to the DEPG, Chris worked on sales and fundraising for the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust (owners of 60163 ‘TORNADO’), the Deltic Preservation Society and the Western Locomotive Association, to name but a few.
He was also involved in hands-on roles and could often be found on the footplate of a locomotive at the narrow-gauge Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, where he was a passed fireman and a valued member of the paint shop team.
At the DEPG, Chris handled the roles of Membership Secretary, Events Salesperson, Online Storekeeper and D1010 restoration team member, and had been training for diesel loco secondman duties on the West Somerset Railway until illness prevented him from completing the course.
He will be sorely missed by all at the DEPG and by his many friends in so many other organisations.