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December 19, 2005
Every journey has a story
Last Friday, I counted 158 train journeys from, to, or through Melksham. And that's 158 stories as to who and why people are travelling. Some people travelling regularly for work, some for pleasure, some to visit family. Some short distance, many long distance.
Lisa suggest to me that I tell individuals' stories - I know many - once a week, and copy them to the people who are going to be deciding timetabling issues in the new year. But that would be an invasion of privacy to name names. But I'll give you a flavour ... only the name is being changed.
Darren is a friendly guy, who loves life and the countryside and he works on a local farm, living there most of the time in a tied flat. He used to drive, but due to health problems he's no longer allowed to, so he relies on public transport and taxis which drain his income terribly ... so he often gets lifts.
I met him at the station last Friday, when I was "counting" the 17:02 to Swindon - he strolled up a few minutes before the train was due and I asked him if was heading for Chippenham or Swindon. "No - Salisbury" he says. The opportunity of a lift from a colleague had been too good for him to pass up - saving a taxi - so he was going to stand in the freezing cold for an hour and wait for the Salisbury train, where he had a lift arranged.
A charming young man - I chatted with him for much of that hour and learnt of his love of horses. I admire his positive approach in spite of the pack he's been dealt, and I come to realise what a lifeline this little train service of ours is to some remarkable people. Wouldn't it be a crying shame and a slap in the face to Darren, and others like him, to withdraw such a vital link.
Posted by gje at December 19, 2005 08:59 AM