Many thanks

1 Many thanks for the presents. The railway map was just the job. I've spread it on the desk, and I've pored over it with a magnifying glass. The extent of the railways in Ireland, in Wales, in addition to England. What a demonstration of the penetration of railways into all parts of the kingdom. And I can imagine the extent to which lives were influenced by the time-tabled operation of a railway. The characteristic figure is the uniformed member of staff with fob watch in hand. Working, in factories and on railways, to the rhythms of a machine.

2 I had those thoughts in mind at Horsted Keynes station earlier today. The sights and sounds of a steam engine. The evident, unmistakeable, power of the engines; the regularity of the setting and the procedures; the uniforms, the protocols. It was satisfying to be on the platform, in cycling kit, with a container of warming tea in my hand whilst the activities followed one and other in an ordered sequence around me.

2.1 The down (to Sheffield Park) train was in the station. As the up (to Kingscote) train ran slowly towards the neighbouring platform, a signalman held up a rigid oval loop with his right hand whilst holding his left hand in such a way that it would capture the loop which the fireman (I suppose) was holding out. Signalman and fireman, each handed over and collected a loop, a permission to continue the journey from Horsted Keynes. Each in uniform, each working to the rule. (Remember that factory and other workers wore their own clothes.)

3 Thank you too for the other small present. I am trying hard to remember what it was. I really am.

4. And now the next news must be from Farawayland to this land.

Levieuxquiarestéici