The first new steam train to be built in Britain for 50 years made its first passenger-carrying journey on Saturday 31st January 2009, and again on Monday 2nd February 2009. The Tornado was built by enthusiasts at Darlington – home of the world’s first railway, and once a major centre for the manufacture of steam engines. The initial passenger journey carried many enthusiasts – some of whom had donated to the project, which cost £3 million.It travelled between Newcastle and York on the first journey, and between Durham and Doncaster on the second.On Saturday 7th February 2009, it will make its first trip from Darlington to London’s Kings Cross, along the East Coast Main Line. You can read more about the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, which has built the Tornado, on this link.
Monthly Archives: February 2009
Heartbreak for Moors village
The North York Moors village of Goathland is reeling after being told its main lifeblood is ending. TV Series “Heartbeat” has been filmed in the pretty location since 1992 and at the height of its popularity attracted over 15 million viewers per episode. Now it looks set to end filming immediately, along with its spin-off series “The Royal”. On TV, Goathland is known as Aidensfield, and is set in the 1960s. Visitors to the village can see many of the sights and period vehicles from the show when not being used for filming.
Whether this will be a permanent end to filming the show is not known. Producers cite a “backlog of shows” as the reason. Local businesses have mixed views, with some stating this could kill the village’s popularity, whilst others remain positive that tourism will still continue due to the excellent local scenery and attractions. After all, the town is a station stop on the wonderful North York Moors Railway.
The UK braces itself for more snow
The south-east of England has received its greatest snowfall for 18 years and it looks like more is to come. It’s estimated that around 6 million people didn’t show up for work in London today; buses are at a standstill; airports have been closed. Should Britain be better able to cope with such an event? Of course, this isn’t a common occurrence but how does the investment in snow ploughs, staff, etc. weigh up when compared with losses in productivity, inbound tourism, etc. Do you think the UK should be able to cope better or is it excusable given that this level of snowfall is not a common occurrence?
