Well here we are chugging through October and in the eyes of many visitors winding down towards a Christmas rest.
Nothing of course could be further from the truth. Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for the railway. You have to work on a Santa running day to appreciate how special they are. In the past I would open Orton Mere station even though strains did not stop there, and we would be busy with passers by, either out for a stroll with or without children and/or the pet dog.
On those days nothing was rushed, I have spent many an hour chatting on the platform with customers whilst clutching a hot mug of coffee just passing the time.. Days like that are hard to beat.
I miss Christmas on the railway.