The Churnet Valley Railway...

Hi all. Today myself and Jenny spent the day at the Churnet Valley Railway, near leek in North Staffordshire. The line runs for 10 1/2 miles from Kingsley Froghall Station to Ipstones Loop, The Ipstones Branch is currently still owned by the MCR (Moorland & City Railway). Our day started at 8:30am as me and Jenny both woke up and went down stairs to say good morning to her parents. After breakfast we got ready and set off from Jenny's house at 10:30am, arriving at Cheddleton CVR Station at 11:04am. Tickets purchased it was time to wait as 5197, the locomotive in service for the day was shunting coaches to form her train for the day.

"Smile Now !!"

The end for the day was USA S160 Class 2-8-0 Locomotive No. 5197. Whilst there are 2 S160's based at CVR, only 5197 was there during our visit, this was due to 6046 being on loan to West Somerset Railway for their summer season. After 5197 had formed her train, we boarded and found a compartment seat and sat down to wait for the delayed 11:15 departure to Froghall via Consall. At 11:30am, we departed bound for Consall Station. The line follows the canal and river to Froghall, crossing over both several times along the route. 

Before long we arrived at Consall, where our train stopped for a moment, a quick toot from the guard whistle and a reply from 5197 and we were on our way once again with our final destination...Froghall. Surprisingly, whilst Froghall station might look original, but in fact is actually a replica of the original station that was demolished by BR in the 60s.

"Black Lion Pub, Consall"

We soon arrived at Froghall where the train stopped so the locomotive could be uncoupled to run round its train for the return trip to Cheddleton. After a quick look in the gift shop, we went to admire 5197 who had already run round her train whilst me and Jenny were in the gift shop. After a 5 minute wait for departure we set off on the return run bound for Consall and eventually Cheddleton.

Before long we arrived back at Consall we bidded fair well to 5197 and her train and went to 'The Black Lion Pub' for lunch. After lunch, it was time to head back to the station to catch the last train of the day back to Cheddleton. But typical British weather struck as it started to rain, after a slight soaking we arrived back on Consall Station and in the distance, the unmistakable sound of an American Chime Whistle could be heard. She gently rolled into Consall Station with her train bound for Froghall. 

Having boarded the train and a quick blast on the whistle from the guard, 5197 replied once again and we set off, for the final run into Froghall. On arrival at Froghall, 5197 was uncoupled once again and proceeded to run round and take water, before being re-coupled to the other end of her train for the return to Cheddleton. 

After a quick look in the gift shop...again... This time I actually bought a DVD!! It was time to reboard the train for the run back to Cheddleton. Before long the sound of 5197's whistle marked our departure towards Cheddleton with a brief stop at Consall. As we neared Cheddleton, our train passed straight through the station to Leekbrook Junction where the locomotive was uncoupled to run round once more with our train terminating at Cheddleton. Well after another enjoyable day, its time for me to dry out after some pretty soggy weather weather.Thanks Jen for another enjoyable day, Jake...

A trip to Chasewater Railway...

Hi all. Today saw me and Jenny pay a visit to Chasewater Railway, the old NCB Colliery Railway near Cannock. The line is approximately 2 miles long, and runs round the edge of the Chasewater reservoir in Staffordshire. The day started with us waking up at 7am and getting dressed before taking a slow gentle drive towards Cannock Chase,  at 10:00am arriving at Chasewater Heaths (Chasewater Railway Station) at around 10:30am. The weather wasn't brilliant today sadly coupled with the fact the railway had a children's event on meant our visit was only a flying visit to the railway.

"Arriving into Chasewater Heaths Station"

On our arrival at Chasewater Heaths Station, it was time for breakfast before buying our tickets to travel on the train. After we had bought our tickets we wandered onto the platform where we quickly got chatting to a volunteer and good friend of mine Robert, my mate Ryan's dad. Who was Station master for the day there. Before long the sound of No. 2 "Kent Electric Power Station" could be heard and sure enough she arrived into Chasewater Heaths with a full train. We boarded train for the short journey to Chasetown Church Street Station. At 11:25am, we departed for Chasetown Church Street.

We soon arrived at Chasetown Church Street Station where the engine runs round to the other end for the return journey to Brownhills West Station. The main terminus of the Chasewater Railway. Whilst the engine ran round its train I got to photograph No.2 as she was re-coupled to her train.

At 11:35am, a quick toot from No.2's whistle and we retraced our steps back to Chasewater Heaths to pick up / set down passengers. After a brief stop we set off towards Brownhills West.

"Me stood waiting to film No.2 leave Brownhills West" (Pic - J.Davies)

On our arrival back at Brownhills West. We got off the train, watched No.2 run round her train before having a quick conversation with Ryan who was on carpark duty, along with Jenny's cousin Alec. After a quick chat with Ryan. We wandered down the track and prepared to film No.2 departing for Chasewater Heaths. 

"No.2 seen passing the the HAA hopper wagons." (Pic - J.Davies)

At 12:18pm the sound of No.2's whistle could be clearly heard as she departed, I quickly turned my video camera and Microphone on to record the engine passing the camera whilst Jenny took photos of No.2. 

"No.2 doing her best to smoke out the carriages." (Pic - J.Davies)

After filming No.2 pass us. We carried on walking back to Jenny's car which was parked at Chasewater Heaths Station, but we couldn't resist taking a photo of someone water skiing on the reservoir though. 

"No.2 doing her best to smoke out the carriages." (Pic - J.Davies)

Before long we arrived back at Chasewater Heaths in time for No.2 to arrive into the station. A quick video clip of her before heading over to Jenny's grandparents house for lunch. Until next time. cheers all, Jake...

BMES: A Speedy Day...

"Lighting up Speedy"

Hi all. Today saw me pay another visit to the Burton Model Engineering Society as a volunteer. At the time of writing this post I managed to delete my last post about BMES, which I apologise. Don't worry I will post more as time goes on. !! I Today saw me get up at around 09:30am and take a steady cycle ride into town towards "Basses Meadows". I arrived at 11:10am, Having helped David prepare his loco for service. 

After doing a few laps Dave allowed me to have a go at driving his engine. After two laps and managing to almost loose all the water out the boiler it was time to hand the controls back over to Dave and start getting some photos and videos for today's blog post. Below is a photo of Dave driving his engine. She is a scale model of a 0-4-0 tank like the one based at Didcot Railway Centre. 

"Dave driving his Polly locomotive"

At 1:30pm we started to wonder if anyone else would turn up. But sure enough at 2:00pm Geoff and his wife arrived with "Speedy", An engine I'm rather familiar with driving. I helped Geoff unload Speedy onto the steaming bay before helping him to prepare her for service. 

"Speedy's footplate"

Having helped Geoff prepare her for service, we rolled her onto the traverser and onto the running line. Before coupling her to a riding truck. With Geoff driving the first two laps I decided to ride as a passenger. After two laps with Geoff driving, we stopped at the steaming bay for water. Having stopped for water, it was time for me to have a go at driving. With Geoff riding as passenger... oh fun!! Once again with another two laps completed we stopped for water at the steaming bay.

"Geoff driving speedy"

Having taken water at the steaming bay, Geoff told me i could take Speedy solo. So with a full head of steam and a full glass of water in the boiler I eased her gently through the station before opening the regulator a slightly more in order to run through the sharp curve before coasting down the straight section. After two laps were complete solo, I stopped for water before continuing once more for two more laps. I then had to stop to allow Dave back on with his engine. I used the time to replenish the water before doing two more laps stopping half way round the circuit to allow Dave stop to regain pressure on his engine. 

"Dave's Polly Engine passing camera"

After three laps had been completed I handed the driving seat to Geoff as I went for a break to film and photo both engines in use. At 4pm Geoff and Dave decided to call it a day.... Not that I would of blamed them, the sky went rather dark as if it was going to rain... not that it did though... strangely.

I watched as both locos were blown down and packed away as I finished the day by taking two last photos from the day I'll leave towards blog post with a photo of Speedy sitting quietly waiting to be taken home with Geoff. Thanks once again to Geoff and Dave for allowing me to drive their engines. cheers all, Jake...

A friends meet up at Ecclesbourne Valley.....

"Group Photo Time" (Pic - C.Johnson)

Hi all. Today saw meet up with a few friends of mine as we paid a visit to Ecclesbourne Valley Railway to see Ex LMS 3F Jinty 0-6-0 No. 47406, which was on loan from Great Central Railway. The day started with me meeting Jenny and Alice at Derby at 10:23. I'd arrived at Derby at 10am so had around 20 minutes to wait for the girls to arrive. Soon after meeting the girls off the train, we bought some breakfast and headed back to Platform 2 to wait for our train to Duffield which was gonna be the 10:52 EMT (East Midlands Train) Service to Matlock formed of a 2 car Class 158 Diesel Multiple Unit. 

"Coming into the Station" (Pic - J.Davies)

Before long our train arrived and having found Kieran we decided to sit in the gangway and leave Casey sat at a table till we arrived at Duffield where we would disembark. Before long we'd set off towards Duffield and having introduced Kieran to Jenny and Alice and vice a verse our next task was getting off at Duffield bound for Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. We'd soon arrived at Duffield and having found Casey who had come up to great us from where she'd been sat, we all got off the train before exchanging hellos and then headed over the footbridge to the EVR Platform. 

"47406 at Duffield" (Pic - J.Davies)

Having stood for a quick photo around the sign at Duffield EVR Platform, we bought tickets and sat inside till the first train of the day was due to arrive at 11:48am. We were soon made aware of a problem that had occurred with 47406 and were very reassured to hear the sound of her unmistakable whistle as she rounded the curve into the station. After a quick few photos we boarded the train and found a COMPO (A compartment seat) inside one of the Second Corridor Coaches that was forming the 5 coach train.

"Smile Now"

After a lot of messing around and waiting for the engine to change ends ready for the run up to Wirksworth it was time to depart bound for Wirksworth. Out of the 5 of us, I'm the only one who had visited EVR on three other separate occasions and once again had to pay the railway YET another visit. Before long it was time to depart. A quick toot from 47406's whistle marked the departure. After a slightly iffy departure, we started to move and soon were on our way towards Shottle for the first passenger stop. 

"One very happy Alice" (Pic - J.Davies)

After a brief stop at Shottle for the train to collect and drop off passengers we set off again with the next passenger stop being at Idridgehay. With 47406 now well into her stride it wasn't long before we arrived. A quick stop at Idridgehay and we were off again with the final stop being at Wirksworth where the engine would run round the train for the return to Duffield. Before long we were slowing down for Wirksworth. On arrival, we got off the train and Kieran decided to get a photo of Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 Tank No.3 which was working the Ravenstor Branch Brake Van Shuttle rides on the steep 1 in 27 Incline. 

"Looking ahead from the Brake Van" (Pic - J.Davies)

Photos finished it was time for lunch, we found the café in a old Pullman Railway Coach on the same platform we arrived on. We were soon tucking into to our lunch and having a nice conversation the 5 of us together. Whilst having lunch Kieran spotted a sign about footplate rides on the Ravenstor Branch, which I'd previously mentioned to him in a brief conversation.... Oh why did I let it slip.... Sorry Casey.. lol. Lunch finished we headed over to the engine and brake van and after paying £2.00 per person, Myself, Jenny, Alice and Casey boarded the brake van as well as various other passengers and Kieran got on the engine with the crew. 

"Cheesy Grin"

After a quick blast on the whistle from the guard followed by a green flag and toot in reply from the engines whistle we started to move. To begin with the engine was making little noise but once she hit he climb, the noise from the exhaust as a bit more crisp. On arrival at the top of the branch, a quite stop and it was time to return to the main station again. After getting off the shuttle, it was time to wait for our train back to down to Duffield. Once again the unmistakable sound of a 3F's whistle could be heard in the distance as she appeared. 

"Looking up the hill" (Pic - J.Davies)

After a long stop at Wirksworth to allow 47406 to run round. The Journey down was pretty much the same as the outward so I won't go into details but id like to Thank Jenny, Alice, Kieran and Casey for their company once again And thanks again to all my readers of this Blog. Thanks all. Jake...

A trip along the Nene Valley.....

"34081 '92 Squadron at Peterborough Station" (Pic - K.Evans)

Hi all. Today saw me and two friends take a trip to Nene Valley Railway for the day. Sadly what we hadn't planned for was the horrible wet weather we were about to have. My day started as I left Burton on Trent (My home town) by train on a Cross Country Class 170 Diesel Multiple Unit. Before long after stops at Willington, Derby, Long Eaton & Beeston it was time to leave the train at Nottingham Station. Before long I was on the 08:34 Nottingham - Norwich Train which would see me to Peterborough the East Terminus of the Nene Valley Railway.

"Kieran posing for a photo on the footplate of 34081" (Pic - C.Johnson)

 At Grantham I was joined by my good mate Kieran and his girlfriend Casey and we settled down for the journey to Peterborough. Before long we arrived at Peterborough Station and had the fun of trying to get out the station and find our way to Nene Valley Railway. We found the station and Railworld, Only to find that Railworld DOES NOT open till 11:00am....KIERAN.... Take note.... lol. Before long the distinctive sound of a Bullied Pacific's whistle could be heard in the distance as 34081 appeared with her train. 

And soon 34081 could be seen as she arrived with her train of BR Mk1 Coaches. It was the first I'd got up close to 34081 so whilst Kieran was getting ready to take photos as 34081 ran round her train I was admiring 34081 whilst the crew were uncoupling. With a quick toot on the whistle 30481 moved off her train to the head shunt to run round. As she ran round her train, she slipped to the bemusement of myself and Kieran who muttered things afterwards to the line of "Really, light engine?" 

Soon it was time to find a seat on the train, so whilst Kieran was was stood at the carriage window taking photos me and Casey found a seat and waited for the wanderer to return. At 11:00 with a quick toot from 34081's Whistle we set off for Wansford, the main base of the NVR. This station has been featured in my T.V. programmes such as Holby City, Casualty, London's Burning, East Enders, Coronation street and many more. 

"Catching the mail!!"

We soon arrived at Wansford and decided to get off the train and head over to Platform 2 for the Travelling Post Office Demonstration Train which was being operated a Class 31 Diesel Locomotive. But of course we couldn't miss an opportunity for a photograph as Kieran managed to get a quick look on the footplate of 34081. With thanks to Casey for allowing me to use the photo of Kieran in this blog post. 

We then boarded the TPO demo train to just south of Wansford Station where apparatus is situated. We disembarked along with others on the train and stood as the volunteers of the TPO Society at NVR explained how the TPO Equipment worked, After they reversed the class 31 just south of the apparatus and did 3 run pasts for us all to take photos and videos of it. Sadly I didn't film much due to poor weather conditions but I've decided to revisit Nene Valley in the summer when the weather is a bit better.... (He says) lol.

"Hi Thomas!!"

After the run pasts it was back to Wansford where we disembarked for a wander round the site, We soon found the workshop Gallery and guess who we found... non other than Thomas the Tank engine. After a quick look at Thomas and the Class 14 shunter, we wandered back out past Ex GWR 0-6-2 5600 Class Tank engine '5619' and A1 Pacific 4-6-2 60163 'Tornado' which was currently being repaired after a incident on the mainline, For more information on that, please go to the A1 Trust Website by clicking the link here. We then headed back to the station building to go to the toilet and then into the café for lunch. 

After lunch we decided to head back to Peterborough behind 34081 and head over to Railworld. Whilst at Railworld we had wander round and came across this old Turntable Pit. I decided to take a few photos and couldn't miss a chance to get a photo of Kieran Stood in the pit looking at his camera...lol

"Deep concentration!!"

Having looked round Railworld we decided to call it a day and head back to Peterborough Mainline Station. Whilst I have 30+ photos from today, I decided to limit it down to the ones you see in today's post. Thanks to Kieran and Casey for their company today, thoroughly enjoyed your company and thanks again everyone to those who continue to read my blog posts. Speak soon, Jake...

A Private Castle Viewing....

"7029 'Clun Castle, 5043 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe' & 5080 'Defiant' "

Hi all. Today saw me take a trip to Tyseley to the former 84E at Tyseley Locomotive works. The reason for my visit was that Tyseley Locomotive works were holding a private steaming of newly overhauled No7029 "Clun Castle". This would be the first time I've visited Tyseley Loco work in 3 years since my last visit back in July 2014 when I went to see 5972 "Olton Hall". Aka "Hogwarts Castle". The event would also see me joined by my good friends David Moyle, Kevin Poole and Phil Clarke. 

My journey to Tyseley started at 09:21am when I caught the 09:21am Cross Country Service into Birmingham New Street from Burton on Trent. I soon arrived at New Street and walked the 5 minute walk between New Street and Moor Street Stations. On arrival at Moor Street, I walked for the 10:45am service to Tyseley via Small Heath. Before long the train arrived worked by a Ex London Midland 2 car 172 Turbostar Unit. I soon settled down for my journey to Tyseley. Soon we departed on our way to Tyseley, and before long as we approached, a small plume of smoke could be seen appearing from Tyseley Locomotive Works, which was 7029 'Clun Castle' as we arrived into Tyseley.

"Anyone want a Castle? "

I got of the train and hung around on the station till 11:48am for my good friend David Moyle to arrive, who had travelled down from the North West. Whilst waiting I was able to grab a quick photo of a passenger Cross Country Trains 220 Voyager which passed through Tyseley Platform 1. At 11:48am, David's train could be seen in the distance as it arrived on Platform 1. I walked into the footbridge and stood waiting him, Before long we were following the stream of other people towards Tyseley Locomotive works. Now as I've mentioned already in this post, I've visited Tyseley Locomotive Works on more than one occasion, but its always nice to be greeted by the friendly faces of Vintage Trains Stewards who myself and my girlfriend Jenny are very good friends with. Having showed our tickets to the stewards on the gate. We went into the site and were greeted with 7029 'Clun Castle', 5043 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe' and 5080 'Defiant' sanding side by side around the turntable. 

After taking plenty of photos of the engines sat side by side. 7029 was moved to sit nose to nose with 5043. Which did look like that 5043 and 7029 were trying to kiss. Which I did find rather amusing so of course I couldn't not take a photo.

"Kissing Castles. "

It wasn't long before Kevin Poole and Phil Clarke joined us and came for a chat. I was also lucky enough to meet a fellow YouTuber by the name of SYKAROST, who also filmed the event. I'll put a link in at the bottom of this post for their YouTube Channels. After taking photos of 7029 and 5043. I wandered into the workshops to see progress with 4936 'Kinlet Hall' and to see if I could find 9600 and 4965 'Rood Ashton Hall'. To which I found both engines.

 "4965's cab view. "

The last time I had seen 9600, she was paired with 9466 on 'The Valley Rambler' tour to Bridgnorth, back in November 2017. As for 4936 'Kinlet Hall' The last time I had seen her, she didn't quite look in the state she was on today's visit. I had seen 4936 at Severn Valley Railway back in April 2013.

Before I left the workshops and sheds to head back out side. I manged to get a quick photo of 9600, 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' which at the time of writing is currently undergoing a 10 year overhaul and 34070 'Manston' who I had seen at Great Central Railway back in October 2013. Sadly last year 34070 was involved in a slow speed shunting accident and was at Tyseley for repairs. 

 "71000 'Duke of Gloucester'. "

Having spent a bit of time in the workshops and sheds, myself, David and Kevin wandered back out side and I got one last shot of 7029 before 

 "34070 'Manston'. "

Whilst outside again taking photos and video clips of 7029, I caught up again with Brian (SYKAROST) for a quick chat. Before we were joined by Ben Mason from Vintage Trains Ltd. After a lengthy chat, I said good bye to them and went over to speak to David to say good bye, but of course I wasn't gonna get away without a quick photo. With thanks to David for allowing me to use his photo he took of me at Tyseley. I said good bye to David and headed back to Tyseley Station to wait for my train back to Birmingham New Street.

"Caught on Camera!!" (Pic - D.Moyle)

Its time to wrap up and I'd like to thank David Moyle, Kevin Poole, Phil Clarke and Brian for their company throughout the afternoon whilst at Tyseley. Below are the links to the following YouTube Channels.

David Moyles Channel - Click here

Phil Clarke's Channel - Click here

Brian's Channel - Click here. 

Above is the link to my video from today's event. Once again thanks for a fantastic day all of you. And thanks again to all my readers of this Blog. Thanks all. Jake...

A double dose of Severn Valley Railway

"Smile now"

Hi all, Once again me an Jenny took another trip to the Severn Valley Railway, this time with the company of Jenny's best friend Alice, who has been mentioned in a previous blog post from the Llangollen trip. - see post here. Having caught the train from Burton to Stone to meet the girls we then caught a train to Stafford to change for a train to Smethwick Galton Bridge. where we would then change for a train to Kidderminster. Having arrived at Kidderminster, we collected our pre booked tickets from the booking office and went to the café for refreshments and in Jenny and Alice's case BREAKFAST!!

"Give it a push"

Refreshments finished we wandered onto the platform to board our train bound for Highley. At this point it I'll make mention that it was Alice's first time to Severn Valley Railway and I think she was a bit overwhelmed by it all. Once we boarded the train, we managed to find a compartment with a lady and gentleman and their grandson, - Thanks for allowing us to join you as far as Highley. At 11:10 we departed Kidderminster behind 7802 'Bradley Manor' on our way to Highley for the Engine house and model railway displays. Before long we it was time to leave the train at Highley in order to visit the engine house.

"Taking photos"

Having got off the train at Highley, I decided I wanted to stand and watch 7802 depart with her train for Bridgnorth. I knew that with a 8 coach train and a 1 in 100 climb and wet rails, 7802 was likely to loose her feet on the climb. Sure enough I was right. The driver whistled and 7802 started her train away, to begin with we thought she was going to get away cleanly without a problem, but sure enough, just as the last coach started to pass us, we heard 7802 loose her feet, but impressively the driver managed to control the slip to avoid the train being brought to a stand still. Having watched the train leave we headed for Highley Engine house after showing our tickets to the ladies in the main entrance, we started to walk round to have a look at the various layouts on display. 

 As we wandered round the museum looking at the various layouts that were being exhibited, It become clear that Alice was quite overwhelmed by the size of the engines in the Engine House, having made sure Alice was ok we carried on walking round the exhibits, And even managed to get Jenny to pose as if she was trying to push Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 46443 aka 'The Mickey mouse' as the class is often referred to as. It wasn't long before the girls spotted the TPO coach, so we had to have a look inside the coach,... It would be hard not to.

"Smile now!"

After having a look at the exhibits downstairs we decided it was time for a light lunch. So wandered up stairs to the café. Having eaten lunch and figured out a plan for the afternoon we dashed back to Highley Station from the engine house in order to catch the double header behind 1501 and 1450 to Bridgnorth. Soon we were on our way to Bridgnorth...well after a brief stop at Hampton Loade in order '7802 Bradley Manor' to pass us on her way back down to Kidderminster that is.. Soon it was onwards to Bridgnorth.  Our arrival at Bridgnorth saw us arrive on Platform 1 alongside 34027 'Taw Valley', which that and its train could be seen on Platform 2 awaiting the route to depart. It wasn't long before 34027 was due to leave so, having found a space on Platform 1 I prepared to film 34027 depart, well attempt to depart. She lost her feet a few times as the engine struggled to depart Bridgnorth on her way back down the line. 

"New Build loco 82045"

Having watched 34027 depart for Kidderminster, we wandered over to the sheds for a walk round the sheds which was open to the public as part of the 'Open House Weekend', At this point, I'll point out that the sheds aren't normally open to the general public so access is limited to special events ONLY. After walking round the sheds and looking at the progress on 4930 'Hagley Hall' and 75069 it was back to the station for a quick look inside Bridgnorth Signal Box. As we walked back to the station, I managed to get a quick photo of 82045's frame, Boiler and cab. For those who don't know, 82045 is a New Build engine just like 60163 Tornado, the latter being build and completed in 2008 - 2010. Where has 82045 is due to be finished sometime in 2018 - 2019. 

"The leaver frame inside Bridgnorth Signal Box". (Pic - J Davies)

Before long it was time for me to surrender the Canon Photo camera to Jenny for her to get a few photos for me. We stood at the bottom of The signal box and was quickly offered up inside by the signal man. Needless to the say the signal box was lovely and warm and Jenny and Alice's ears soon pricked up at the mention of the station catch that apparently is known for sleeping in the signal box. Before long it was time to re board the train back to Kidderminster for our journey home. I'll try and write a separate post soon explaining more about the insides of a signal box as seen in the photos above and below. 

"Track diagram". (Pic - J Davies)

Soon we were retracing our steps back to Kidderminster behind 1450 and 1501 which were both double heading. As we headed back down the valley, i was able to get a photo from the carriage window as we arrived at Arley, Which is a lovely station in itself and has plenty of character, for those that don't know. Arley was used in 'Goodnight Mister Tom' and in 'Oh Doctor Beeching' the latter being about a branch line in the 1960s at risk of closure. Despite only being a 2 series sitcom by David Croft, Its a very interesting program and myself, Jenny and our families have spent many happy days watching the series through, so much so, I think we can recite the words off by heart.

 The return home was pretty much standard, having seen the girls as far as Stafford, we said good byes and parted company as they returned to Stone. I headed back to Burton via Tamworth. Once again another great trip out with Jenny and Alice. Thanks again both for your company. And once again thanks for reading all, And goodnight, Jake...