Let The Train Take The Strain

An old slogan which I never thought I would be using, But! A few days ago Genny Ira Yura and I decided to go to Birmingham, I was not feeling up to driving so it was suggested we go by rail. What! You kidding me? After giving it some thought, well maybe not so bad an idea.


I discovered the train ran from Banbury station the parking easy and it's a short hop from home.

“Four tickets to Birmingham” I said to the ticket clerk, “which station she asked? The nearest to the Bullrings please, well if you go to Moor Street I can do you four tickets return anytime travel today for £26 what! You serious? How close to the bullring is it? right across the road, that'll do for me thank you”


Lifts gave me easy access to the platform good information on arrivals displayed, train arrived on time, plenty of room, comfortable seats, is this for real? (Ok it's a Saturday) sitting at a table take stock good signage, then I discover free wifi yes wifi for free great for surfing or emails bit much to expect streaming video and of course you can't but for everything else very good. Mind you how fast and accessible it would be at peak times I don't know. The train manager (apparently not called guards or ticket collectors anymore) was cheerful and helpful so different from the old days.

We arrived on time.

The Bullring was as described right outside the station, Irina and Genny enjoyed their wander round. I found an Italian cafe come coffee shop dispensing excellent cappuccino, I was happy, Genny too we both agreed a further trip to Birmingham will be called for.

If I can get the use of a mobility scooter I will not be confined to the coffee shop whoopeee, I can now visit the apple store I subsequently discovered is there.


Our return journey was a carbon of the first, arrival at Banbury punctual, a short gallop to the car and home. Probably the least stressful journey I have taken for a long time. Would I do it again? Sure of course, well if that scooter bit can be arranged.

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