The power of travel

Sir Nigel Gresley (1876 - 1941), based in an office in Kings Cross Station, designed powerful, elegant and fast locomotives, such as 'Flying Scotsman' and 'Mallard'. We were surprised we hadn't noticed this statue before, despite having passed this way many times. Perhaps, we thought, that was because he blends in with the brickwork. Then I realised that it was only placed here last year, on the 75th anniversary of his death.

I like that it is next to 'Leon', a food place we like and which is always full of students and travellers of all nationalities. A vibrant place full of talk, laughter, thought and people reading. I like that Leon is in what used to be the First Class Ladies Waiting Room - (see extra)

Trains enabled people to travel, to see new places, meet new people. A pity that those who voted to isolate us from the world and make the world's people unwelcome in our country, didn't give some thought to how they were limiting the opportunities of these young people. Perhaps if they had travelled more themselves . . .


In London - in the British Library, as usual. Waiting to meet daughter to go to the Hockney Exhibition at Tate Britain for an evening viewing and something to eat after. An exciting weekend ahead . . . for all of us.