I am so glad that we commissioned two books from Adrian at Pen and Sword, his auto biography, Adrian Shooter A Life in Engineering and Railways and Chiltern Railways the Inside Story. I very much enjoyed working with Adrian on both projects and will miss him very much, also I will miss visiting the Beeches Railway and seeing the D & H R tank in action.
We first met on the 2010 Peking to Paris rally and since then shared countless classic car rallies all over the world. From changing his trusted Model A head gasket at night on the tarmac, to not to be allowed to drive her in Central America for being RHD, to having a drink at the highest pub in Africa, or enjoying the higher windscreen Allard and the Bristol in Portugal and in Finland. Always good humored and ready to help, rational and focused on problem solving… Will always remember both stays in Darjeeling, a crazy reveillon dinner in London before your back surgery and of course our last meeting in India just two months ago. How brave and dignified you faced up to the inevitable with Barbara on your side. RIP.
I knew Adrian from the day he arrived at Western House until he left and also did ten years helping at 'the Beeches Light Railway'. It was an honour to have known him as a colleague and a friend. He once said to me whilst at the Beeches having discussed some long forgotten railway topic which I had considered unrealistic, "Neville" he said, looking over his glasses at me, "there is no such thing as can't". That summed him up I think. He will be sorely missed by many.
Worked briefly with Adrian in Southern M&E in the late 70s before he departed to St Pancras so was amazed he remembered me on the Crewe Dinner visit to his railway in 2021. A railwayman through and through. The railways need more like him.
Few men are given to make their mark on the world, but Adrian made his - not only from Marylebone to Oxford, Aylesbury and Birmingham, but on the lives of everyone he met across the world. He was a great railwayman, a great boss and a good friend. RIP Adrian - you'll be sorely missed.
Looking back at my rally photos, Adrian is everywhere. Nursing molten brakes in Japan, investigating centuries-old train tracks in Peru, wearing those brogues in 40 degrees in the Atacama… Marvellous. What a man. So missed. Much love. 🚗
Raised for the event: Memorial service for Adrian