Albert (Albie) Gray, [centre front], on a Darlington PWI section visit to
the North Yorkshire Moors Railway at Grosmont, 2005

Albert Gray was born eighty nine years ago into a family of nine siblings in the coastal coal mining village of Horden in County Durham. He grew up with the support of the pit community and when he was old enough went out with his father selling fruit and vegetables around the locality from a horse drawn cart. The horse was affectionately called “Dolly” and through this he developed a love of animals, stockmanship and affinity to the the land which would be with him for the rest of his life.

National Service brought Albert to Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire and on to Surrey, serving in the Catering Core where he honed his culinary skills through his great interest, and to a high standard. His skills were well known as a bit of a “cordon bleu”, cooking to the highest standards of haute cuisine.

On his return to Horden Colliery he was determined not to follow the route of so many to work down the pit, and at that time was encouraged to go into the local Railway maintenance track gang. Albert excelled at the permanent way examinations and immediately showed the qualities of both responsibility and leadership. He quickly became Ganger for his local section at Horden, then sub inspector to Bill Maddison at Hartlepool where he eventually took over as Permanent Way Inspector covering what became an ever increasing geographical area and lines of route.

He had met his wife Dorothy after returning from National Service, married and then set up home in the delightful Hart Village, just on the outskirts of Hartlepool where they were graced with a son and two daughters. They both enjoyed a large well-tended garden of flowers, plants and vegetables which was much admired in the village. (Colliery villages and residents took great pride in their properties, particularly gardens and through local competitions which continue to this day). He started the White Hart leek club and was an ardent supporter of the village hall and a tireless fundraiser. To his great credit Albert personally kept the Hart village St. Mary Magdalene churchyard and memorial garden immaculate, his work being very much valued and appreciated by the Vicar and parishioners.

He and his wife were well travelled all over the world, with highlights including a visit to the “Great Wall of China” and flying over Ayres Rock in Australia. Albert was a very keen and strong supporter of the PWI, promoting and regularly attending the local Darlington Section meetings. He participated in the memorable section visits both technical and leisure, at home and abroad, where he brought his vibrant sense of humour to make these visits thoroughly enjoyable to all. Members will have many happy memories of those extended rail / ferry trips across Europe, where Albert would always ensure everyone in the group, young or old, had a wonderful time.

He was also a devotee of classical music as reflected in the tunes played at his funeral on the 12th January 2021. The Vicar described him as much loved and respected member of the local community, a wonderful chap of great character yet humble manner, and with a resolute trust in God.

Albert (Albie, [aka ‘Shirley Temple’ amongst the railway fraternity because of his renowned hair style]), will be sadly missed by us all here in the North East, particularly those in the PWI and the community of Hart Village. There was always a warm welcome at the timber cabins on the end of the station at Hartlepool which formed the PWay offices, and always a brew offered. Thank you Albie from all your colleagues for some great times and great memories, whether it was deep inside an industrial mining, steel or chemical complex, or out on a rural branch line somewhere. May you now forever rest in peace.

Deepest condolences go to Dorothy and the immediate family for your personal loss at this very sad time.

(Assembled for Albert by Neville Whaler PWI NE Section, Phil Kirkland VP North and also with the welcome help from the Vicar at Hart Church).