I was introduced to Railwayman's Farewell to Darlington when joining the Tyneside Maritime Chorus in 2011. Written by Graeme Miles, this jolly song celebrates the much-maligned Dr. Beeching who amongst the general population is regarded as being responsible for the break-up of the British railway system. However, as always, there is a silver lining in every cloud and as a result of the break-up the song tells of a young newly redundant (getting the golden wag) ex-railwayman and his ex-railwayman to leave Darlington to join the armed forces. I particularly enjoy the rousing chorus of:

So I've handed in my shiny top cap and me suit of railway blue.
I've swapped 'em for a battle dress and a gun and a bayonet too,
And I've written to Dr. Beeching and I've told him what to do.
Fare ye well to Darlington me boys.

This song may be found in the Tyneside Maritime Chorus songbook

Lyrics