CHRIS'S BOOK

A sideways move from buses to trains today to recommend a book co-written by my colleague Chris Austin OBE, working in partnership with Richard Faulkner (Lord Faulkner of Worcester).  'HOLDING THE LINE: How Britain's Railways Were Saved' chronicles the repeated attempts in the second half of the 20th century to destroy Britain's rail network and more importantly, how it was saved. Both authors were closely involved in rail management during these critical years and the book is based on their first-hand personal experiences. Chris, during his time working in the Strategic Rail Authority, was responsible or the introduction of the government's Community Rail Development Strategy. This successful initiative supports many of our local rail lines and continues to go from strength to strength led by the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP).

ANDREW'S BOOK

A splendid sunny day in Winchester yesterday for the annual King Alfred running day, their twenty ninth year. And on sale on almost every stall in the transport bazaar was Andrew Waller's splendid new hardbacked book about Toopy's buses: 'BERE REGIS & DISTRICT MOTOR SERVICES, the life and times of country busmen'. Compared to my earlier publication 'Bere Regis & District, the story of their bus services' it is a far more comprehensive and well researched history of the fabled operator, as well as being splendidly illustrated. I recommend it to you as well worth spending your hard-earned money on! Whilst in Winchester it was pleasant to recquaint myself with Mark Chessell, author of the recently published 'Independent Bus Services on the Isle of Wight'.  Another history which I recommend to you as a worthy read. Wishing a happy new year to one and all.