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Buckie Cricket Club tribute to train crash victim


By Alan Beresford

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A VICTIM of the Stonehaven train derailment is being fondly remembered by members of a Buckie sports club where he was a promising young talent in the 1970s.

Christopher Stuchbury (62), who lived in Aberdeen, was one of three people who lost their lives last Wednesday morning when the 6.38am service from Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street came off the tracks south of Stonehaven. It is thought that a landslide covering the tracks after heavy rain is to blame for the tragedy although an investigation is currently under way.

The accident claimed two other lives – train driver Brett McCullough (45) and conductor Donald Dinnie (58) – with a further six people being taken to hospital.

After the alarm was raised at 9.40am it sparked a huge response from the emergency services, who battled very challenging conditions to reach those aboard the train.

The loss of Mr Stuchbury has caused great sadness as well as bringing back many pleasant memories at Buckie Cricket Club (BCC), where both he and his father John played in the early to mid-1970s. They were members of the talented Buckie side which won the league in 1973.

Recalling both the Stuchburys with great fondness was BCC stalwart Bill Flett, who played alongside them nearly 50 years ago.

He said: "I remember both Chris and John well, they were both very good players and nice folk, too.

"I've been speaking to a few of the Buckie Cricket Club members who remember Chris and they couldn't believe the news that he had died in the Stonehaven train crash. We're all in shock at the moment and greatly saddened, especially given the circumstances of his passing.

"Chris was a really nice young lad, just a normal young man, neither shy or flamboyant, very well brought up as you'd expect for a child of a Forces family. His family lived in Burghead and John was stationed at Lossiemouth – which was a naval air station then – where he was in the Fleet Air Arm.

"Sadly John died and Chris wasn't able to make it down to Buckie to play any more. Eventually, we lost touch with him.

"Like I said, Chris was just a young lad and was only with us about three years, but he was a very promising and talented player. I don't know if he continued playing the sport or not after he left Buckie.

"His dad was a real gentleman; he was an excellent batsman and a good bowler, too. After he passed away his widow Molly donated a trophy to Buckie Cricket Club which to this day is awarded to our player of the year.

"The thoughts of us all at Buckie Cricket Club are with Chris's family at the saddest of times."

In a statement issued through Police Scotland, Mr Stuchbury's family paid tribute to a man whose passing had left them "devastated".

“Chris was a much adored husband, son, dad, stepdad, grandad, brother and uncle and was a treasured and loved friend to many, including the Targe Towing Team where he was an integral and valued member of staff.

“He also volunteered at Roxburghe House in Aberdeen during his spare time which he thoroughly enjoyed doing.

“We are devastated by his death and we request privacy at this difficult time as we come to terms with our loss.”

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead offered his condolences to the family of Mr Stuchbury.

"This was an awful tragedy and many people from Moray use that route on a regular basis and will be shocked by what has happened.

"I have seen constituents paying lovely tributes to Mr Stuchbury who I understand originally hailed from Burghead and who has close family still living in the area and I offer them all my deepest condolences at this difficult time. My thoughts are with the family and friends of all those who lost their lives in this terrible accident."

Praising Mr Stuchbury's commitment and contribution to NHS Grampian's Roxburghe House, the palliative care unit's voluntary services manager Mandy Urquhart said she and her colleagues had been "privileged" to work with him.

She continued: "Chris really was a man much loved by all who knew him.

"He was incredibly caring, fun-loving, genuine and kind.

"His compassion and understanding brought him through the doors of Roxburghe House nine years ago, to help others at their time of need.

"Since then he has become a familiar, and regular, face on the ward with his tea trolley and in our coffee bar. He brought comfort and a welcome distraction to patients, their families, our staff and volunteers in so many ways.

"We were absolutely privileged to work alongside him and will remember him with a smile and of the stories and the laughter we shared on so many Fridays.

"Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time."

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