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Episode 21 – Life on the Watercress Line – Watercress People (3)
Welcome to Watercress People (3), where I have the opportunity to interview some of the many people who make the Watercress Line the experience it is.
Jim Russell – The Early Years
Jim joined the Watercress Line on 25th August 1973, soon after he left school. He travelled around on his first moped.
Jim and the others had many dreams for the line. He never imagined that it would turn into the thriving, living, railway seen today. He said that although the line never get to Winchester it has reached Alton.
One of the early jobs that Jim did was to paint the bicycle sheds. He thinks he did a good job, as they were only repainted recently.
Jim has always enjoyed his time with the line and there has been the excitement of completing major projects.
Colin Marsh – Travelling Ticket Inspector
Colin is a Watercress stalwart. He is often at Medstead and Four Marks station. His is also a Travelling Ticket Inspector.
Colin tells me that Revenue collection isn’t the major part of the role; there are relatively few fare dodgers! He says that most of the time he’s acting as an on-board host. He gives out lots of information to the travellers he meets on the trains.
David Mead – the Facebook Moderator
David tells me that there is a large Facebook community around the Watercress Line. He adds that many of the Mid-Hants members are part of it. Many of the members are good photographers and this provides an outlet.
There are no photographs to accompany this Podcast.
Find out more about the Watercress Line:
To visit the Watercress Line website please follow this link Watercress Line.
The Autumn Steam Gala 2019 will be held from the 18th to 20th October. Click here to find out more. Scroll to the posts below to find out about last year’s Gala.
Don’t forget Wizard Weekend on the 26th and 27th October. Click here to find out more.
About ‘Life on the Watercress Line’
The next episode of Life on the Watercress Line is in two weeks.
This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Deezer, Spotify and Stitcher.
AKM Music has licensed Steam Railway for use as the theme and incidental music.
Joseph McDade has licensed Crossover – Lectro Tango for use as incidental music in this episode.
© The MrT Podcast Studio 2019
