Yesterday morning I was in Ashton town centre and there was an elderly chap sat a few feet away and he kept holding up photos to me of war planes and muttered something which I couldn't understand. I thought "weird bloke", but then he came closer and showed me a b/w photo of the Flying Scotsman. As he did I asked him "you don't know John Farnley do you?", to which he said " I'm John Farnley". It was the steam train photo that made me think of him. I said to him that I've heard my dad mention you a few times that you're well into photography, particularly steam trains and planes.

I heard hes keen on steam photography that he will try and try until he gets the best photo.

He mentioned about when there used to be trolley lines in Gerard St.

I bet he must have some really interesting photographs, past and present. I couldn't stay longer to chat to him as I was in a hurry. I know my dad went school with him. I think he lives near Bryn Labour Club.

Anyone heard of him?.

yes i was sat waiting for my train the other week and he was showing me the pics of the train which were in black and white new every train by name .

I've heard too that he only photographs them in good old black and white (or prints them in b/w), whether he uses the (better IMO) film cameras or digital I don't know. I bet some people must think he's abit strange, and sadly no doubt you'll get some taking the mickey out of him.