On December 20th morning I set off from Inverurie Station to Aberdeen for the first part of my journey to King’s Cross and then on to Haywards Heath in West Sussex to spend the festive season with my son Mark and family. Normally I travel very lightly—indeed when Tom and I went to New Zealand for 3 month holidays, I managed to take everything in a “trolley dolly” which went overhead in the cabin.

However, being Christmas, I had extra bags filled with presents which made for a slightly trickier journey.

Arriving in Aberdeen I made my way to the London train. I must have looked a “trachled auld wifie” as a chap in a railway uniform offered to help me—help which I gratefully accepted. He kindly took me to my carriage and then carried all my bags along to my booked seat. He asked if I wanted them to be put on the rack overhead and I said, “Yes please”. He hoisted them all onto the rack and I was upset (and a wee bit embarrassed) that I had not taken my handbag out of my shopping basket as I wanted to give him a tip. As I was wondering how to get the bag back down and

therefore get access to some cash, I chatted to him and said, “Well, I hope you have a lovely day in Aberdeen—the weather looks good.” Imagine my horror when he replied, “No madam, I am going with you—as I am your train driver!!!” My blushes took till Stonehaven to die down.

Kit