There were once many Engine Towns in Britain, that is to say communities which grew up around railway works. Derby is rather special, because it used to build railway locomotives and it now builds aircraft engines: truly an Engine Town still. Please note: this is written from the perspective of a Derby resident; many would hold that far better locomotives were designed and built in Swindon and Doncaster!
25th October 2022
We’re an Engine Town, we know about power,
The theory and practice of thrust and miles per hour.
From any sort of fuel, get the maximum clout:
Always our goal, it’s what Derby’s about.
Ever since they laid the very first track
Into Derby, we have never looked back:
With strengths and knowledge like thine and mine,
This town built locomotives for the Midland line.
From London in the south to Carlisle up north,
The engines we built, they proved their worth:
Over the Pennines, from Thames to Solway,
Ever faster and stronger for the Midland Railway.
Time flies along, peace begets war;
Guns needed first, then something more…
Meeting of minds, Royce and Rolls:
Power out of petrol, instead of from coal.
Different aims for sharpened skills:
Climbing to the clouds instead of over hills.
Aeroplane engines, but only the best –
“Built in Derby” must mean better than the rest.
Ever onwards and upwards, that’s the drive:
Through research and experiment, Derby thrives.
Ready for new challenges, whatever they are –
Started on the rails, now heading for the stars!
We’re an Engine Town, we know about power,
The theory and practice of thrust and miles per hour.
From any sort of fuel, get the maximum clout:
Always our goal, it’s what Derby’s about.
© Christopher Jessop 2022
