...according to the lyrics of the theme from M.A.S.H.
Well it isn't. Last night my, and many other journeys home, or into London were delayed by a fatality on the rails at Hayes & Harlington. We all assume that this individual chose to take their own life, and whilst it may have been an accident experience tells us it was not.
In these tragic cases I feel sorry for a number of people.
I feel sorry for the friends and family left behind, wondering why they didn't spot anything wrong, and what could they have done.
I feel sorry for the train driver who will be blaming themselves, even though it was something they could not have avoided.
I feel sorry for the passengers on the train in question who will feel some vicarious responsibility even though they have even less control than the driver.
I feel sorry for all the FGW staff and Emergency service teams at the sight of the incident who have to deal with the whole event and it's aftermath.
I feel sorry for the staff at all the stations who then have to deal with anxious, curious and in some cases disgruntled passengers who are now trying to figure out how and when they will get home to loved ones, or if they will make their flight at Heathrow
I feel sorry for my fellow travellers as I shares the anxiety, though I am annoyed when knowing what happened as for once communications were clear, when people get disgruntled, as someone has just lost a life.
I feel sorry for the victim if it was an accident. If it was suicide I'm sorry they spoke to no one and failed to get help as they have wasted a life. I am angry that they have done so without thinking of the impact on all the other people they know, and don't know.
Suicide is far from painless, and if you ever feel that low then please, please reach out for help....it will be there.
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Climb every mountain
Well I could just rant and moan about FGWs usual service, i.e. at least one train I'm on a day being late but you are probably all bored with that so thought I'd share a conversation I overheard between a mother and her long-haired student son.
Mum - "it says in the newspaper people are queuing to climb Everest."
Son - "yeah well it's much easier these days, and they have really luxurious base camps."
Mum - "but I though 10 people died there recently."
Son - "oh yeah, over a year but out of thousands that's not so bad. I reckon more people die doing the 3 Peaks Challenge in the UK."
Mum - "what through oxygen deprivation."
Son - "Absolutley, especially on Ben Nevis."
Now I do not wish to decry the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scaffell the highest mountains in Scotland, Wales and England but I do think the hound feller over-egged the pudding.
Mum - "it says in the newspaper people are queuing to climb Everest."
Son - "yeah well it's much easier these days, and they have really luxurious base camps."
Mum - "but I though 10 people died there recently."
Son - "oh yeah, over a year but out of thousands that's not so bad. I reckon more people die doing the 3 Peaks Challenge in the UK."
Mum - "what through oxygen deprivation."
Son - "Absolutley, especially on Ben Nevis."
Now I do not wish to decry the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scaffell the highest mountains in Scotland, Wales and England but I do think the hound feller over-egged the pudding.
Thursday, 14 June 2012
It's close to midnight...And something evil's lurking in the dark
And they are probably drunk!
I am sat on Reading Station platform once more, having 'enjoyed' yet another fabulous journey with FGW. As usual the local fauna is best described as interesting ( or more accurately in various states of fatigue, and inebriation.)
It started quite well, arrived at Paddington at 10.20pm, went on National Rail enquiries website to check quickest tran home, then strolled nonchalantly to the 10.45 Swansea service,with a view to getting home by 11.45pm.
All was well with the world. The buffet car was full of people topping up their alcohol levels, and there were seats aplenty. 'Marvellous' I thought as I started catching up on Facebook, Twitter, e-mails etc. then came the first hint of trouble, at 10.45.
"Would te train manager please contact the train driver," came the announcement over the tannoy. I flippantly posted this on Facebook and asked if I should be worried....most who responed answered yes. How right they were. The next announcement was said very quickly, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, this is the train manager, this train has developed a slight technical issue, but fitters are on hand and we should soon be moving." 30 seconds later,"hello again ladies and gentlemen, this is the train manager, due to a fault with then train headlights this service is now cancelled, please move to the neighbouring train on platform 3." He then repeated this message as we all grabbed our stuff and ran for it, except those who'd just bought drinks in the buffet car. They appeared confused, should they finish drinks then. Move, or take them with them? Most after a bit of thought transported the drinks so as not to miss the train.
We boarded at 10.47pm. Another announcement then followed, "Good evening ladies and gentlement, apologies again for the delay we will be underway as soon as all passengers have left the previous train and join us on this one." 15 minutes later we were still sat there as new people joined our merry throng. One optimistic soul advised another not to worry as they had reserved seats so it didn't matter that the train had filled up. Given the state of some of my fellow passengers I'm not sure moving them if they were in their seats was an option.
Eventually we left London, not 100% sure of the time due to indulging in some Facebook and twitter banter. mainly I was typing out fellow customers reactions to moving (we had a very loud French gentleman who's grasp of the English language is best described as colourful...I won't repeat his remarks here, but in summary he was pleased to be moving as he had feared missing his holiday next week....even FGW are not that bad.)
We then had a cheery announcement from the buffet car manager, which made a few of us laugh. I would repeat his brilliant little re-opening speech, but know that the MD of FGW is aware of this post, and it may not be read the way it was intended. I thought it was genius.
Once we left London it's safe to say it was not full steam ahead! We eventually arrived at Reading where I was less than delighted to see how long I'd have to wait for a train.
Deep joy, I was now going to get home tomorrow, as I had to wait for the 12.24am service.
So I started typing this blog to share my experience. And then the inevitable last minute platform change happened.
I was therefore delighted to see the service I'a was waiting for pull in, the overhead signs said it was formed of 4 coaches so, from past experience, and to avoid the torrential rain further along the platform I'a boarded coach 4 admit would be the one that lined up with the exit once the train arrived at my home station. Then came the first little cherry on the cake.
"would passengers in the rear 2 coached lease move forward as we are going to lock the off for the remainder of the journey." 2 questions, why wait until we have boarded to do so, and why continue given the majority of travellers had go on the rear 2 carriages? Well done FGW, I'm sure there is a logical answer, it just escapes me at this time.
The second little cherry, we left Reading late, despite all passengers having moved in time.
I do so look forward to getting home, going to sleep, the heading back in the opposite direction in about 6 hours time.
Happy days!
I am sat on Reading Station platform once more, having 'enjoyed' yet another fabulous journey with FGW. As usual the local fauna is best described as interesting ( or more accurately in various states of fatigue, and inebriation.)
It started quite well, arrived at Paddington at 10.20pm, went on National Rail enquiries website to check quickest tran home, then strolled nonchalantly to the 10.45 Swansea service,with a view to getting home by 11.45pm.
All was well with the world. The buffet car was full of people topping up their alcohol levels, and there were seats aplenty. 'Marvellous' I thought as I started catching up on Facebook, Twitter, e-mails etc. then came the first hint of trouble, at 10.45.
"Would te train manager please contact the train driver," came the announcement over the tannoy. I flippantly posted this on Facebook and asked if I should be worried....most who responed answered yes. How right they were. The next announcement was said very quickly, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, this is the train manager, this train has developed a slight technical issue, but fitters are on hand and we should soon be moving." 30 seconds later,"hello again ladies and gentlemen, this is the train manager, due to a fault with then train headlights this service is now cancelled, please move to the neighbouring train on platform 3." He then repeated this message as we all grabbed our stuff and ran for it, except those who'd just bought drinks in the buffet car. They appeared confused, should they finish drinks then. Move, or take them with them? Most after a bit of thought transported the drinks so as not to miss the train.
We boarded at 10.47pm. Another announcement then followed, "Good evening ladies and gentlement, apologies again for the delay we will be underway as soon as all passengers have left the previous train and join us on this one." 15 minutes later we were still sat there as new people joined our merry throng. One optimistic soul advised another not to worry as they had reserved seats so it didn't matter that the train had filled up. Given the state of some of my fellow passengers I'm not sure moving them if they were in their seats was an option.
Eventually we left London, not 100% sure of the time due to indulging in some Facebook and twitter banter. mainly I was typing out fellow customers reactions to moving (we had a very loud French gentleman who's grasp of the English language is best described as colourful...I won't repeat his remarks here, but in summary he was pleased to be moving as he had feared missing his holiday next week....even FGW are not that bad.)
We then had a cheery announcement from the buffet car manager, which made a few of us laugh. I would repeat his brilliant little re-opening speech, but know that the MD of FGW is aware of this post, and it may not be read the way it was intended. I thought it was genius.
Once we left London it's safe to say it was not full steam ahead! We eventually arrived at Reading where I was less than delighted to see how long I'd have to wait for a train.
Deep joy, I was now going to get home tomorrow, as I had to wait for the 12.24am service.
So I started typing this blog to share my experience. And then the inevitable last minute platform change happened.
I was therefore delighted to see the service I'a was waiting for pull in, the overhead signs said it was formed of 4 coaches so, from past experience, and to avoid the torrential rain further along the platform I'a boarded coach 4 admit would be the one that lined up with the exit once the train arrived at my home station. Then came the first little cherry on the cake.
"would passengers in the rear 2 coached lease move forward as we are going to lock the off for the remainder of the journey." 2 questions, why wait until we have boarded to do so, and why continue given the majority of travellers had go on the rear 2 carriages? Well done FGW, I'm sure there is a logical answer, it just escapes me at this time.
The second little cherry, we left Reading late, despite all passengers having moved in time.
I do so look forward to getting home, going to sleep, the heading back in the opposite direction in about 6 hours time.
Happy days!
Monday, 11 June 2012
Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps please....
...may be what is going through the chaps mind I am stood by on the 1748 service to Cheltenham.
I hope I find out, when the guy behind the express cafe counter finally serves him. After a big announcement to say it was open, and the almost theatrical flourish of the shutter opening, our Cafe Manager (or whatever his job title may be)has managed to avoid all eye contact for 5 minutes with anyone here, including my fellow traveller who appears to be waving his £20 note like a flag of surrender as his "excuse me" and less than subtle coughs have been ignored.
He has played with his card machine, scanned and scrutinised what looks like a stock list, and then counted stock, whilst occasionally appearing to look around but in such a way he sees nothing. It is a masterful display of how not to meet customer needs.
And my fellow customer is now stood stoically with his £20 wafting in a draft.
But wait, finally our less than alert Cafe Manager has spotted him. With a tut as his count is interrupted he puts down the stock sheet and approaches the weary looking passenger. Good news the orders in, and my curiosity is satisfied.
Enjoy your Guinness, nuts and fruit cake my friend, you deserve them.
I hope I find out, when the guy behind the express cafe counter finally serves him. After a big announcement to say it was open, and the almost theatrical flourish of the shutter opening, our Cafe Manager (or whatever his job title may be)has managed to avoid all eye contact for 5 minutes with anyone here, including my fellow traveller who appears to be waving his £20 note like a flag of surrender as his "excuse me" and less than subtle coughs have been ignored.
He has played with his card machine, scanned and scrutinised what looks like a stock list, and then counted stock, whilst occasionally appearing to look around but in such a way he sees nothing. It is a masterful display of how not to meet customer needs.
And my fellow customer is now stood stoically with his £20 wafting in a draft.
But wait, finally our less than alert Cafe Manager has spotted him. With a tut as his count is interrupted he puts down the stock sheet and approaches the weary looking passenger. Good news the orders in, and my curiosity is satisfied.
Enjoy your Guinness, nuts and fruit cake my friend, you deserve them.
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Thinking of others is quite a nice thing to do...
Today's blog is a bit different, no complaint about FGW despite the fact I've had 3 out of 4 trains run a few minutes late and am now sitting on Reading Station platform having had to leave a broken train, and am waiting for what will now be the next ever so overcrowded service home. All due to some faulty doors, which I'll come back to. No today is a plea to my fellow passengers.
It's bad enough that we are on what is statistically the UK's least reliable line, it's bad enough that by the time we get to Hayes and Harlington in the morning, or board any train out of Paddington that finding the room to breath is a challenge, so why do so many fellow passengers add to the misery. Here are some words of sage advice;
When coughing put your hand over your mouth instead of spraying as many people as you can...being sprayed with someone else's phlegm is most unpleasant.
Instead of sniffing and snorting incessantly blow your nose, you'll feel much better...so will the rest of the carriage.
You can make I-pad keyboards silent so no one has to hear you tap tap tapping away. You can also turn off the whooshy e-mail sent notification too. We can see you have an I-pad, we dont need to hear it. Similar a light touch is all that's required when using a laptop keyboard...bashing it that hard will break it.
I-pods, other MP3 players, mobiles and other music playing devices are for your own musical enjoyment, not mine and the rest of the carriage, turn it down or get better headphones.
Don't wait to be asked to move your bags from a seat so someone can sit down, some people (not me) don't like to be asked. It's what the over-head baggage rack is for...the clue is in the name.
Letting your children play with their new whistles when people are on the way home from work is not big, and it's not clever. Whistles are for outside, not confined spaces.
No one really wants to hear your latest business deal, or about how much of a headache you have, or how you pulled on your night out, mobile phones are quite advanced these days, no need to shout...you could even use social media, e-mail or texts.
Finally, if the doors are beeping and starting to close don't leap through them like a deranged gazelle, you may make it out unhurt, but you will ruin everyone else's trip home as the doors will break and the service will be cancelled. And you don't want that on your conscience do you...(you NUMPTY!)
These simple words of advice will make all our lives more pleasant.
It's bad enough that we are on what is statistically the UK's least reliable line, it's bad enough that by the time we get to Hayes and Harlington in the morning, or board any train out of Paddington that finding the room to breath is a challenge, so why do so many fellow passengers add to the misery. Here are some words of sage advice;
When coughing put your hand over your mouth instead of spraying as many people as you can...being sprayed with someone else's phlegm is most unpleasant.
Instead of sniffing and snorting incessantly blow your nose, you'll feel much better...so will the rest of the carriage.
You can make I-pad keyboards silent so no one has to hear you tap tap tapping away. You can also turn off the whooshy e-mail sent notification too. We can see you have an I-pad, we dont need to hear it. Similar a light touch is all that's required when using a laptop keyboard...bashing it that hard will break it.
I-pods, other MP3 players, mobiles and other music playing devices are for your own musical enjoyment, not mine and the rest of the carriage, turn it down or get better headphones.
Don't wait to be asked to move your bags from a seat so someone can sit down, some people (not me) don't like to be asked. It's what the over-head baggage rack is for...the clue is in the name.
Letting your children play with their new whistles when people are on the way home from work is not big, and it's not clever. Whistles are for outside, not confined spaces.
No one really wants to hear your latest business deal, or about how much of a headache you have, or how you pulled on your night out, mobile phones are quite advanced these days, no need to shout...you could even use social media, e-mail or texts.
Finally, if the doors are beeping and starting to close don't leap through them like a deranged gazelle, you may make it out unhurt, but you will ruin everyone else's trip home as the doors will break and the service will be cancelled. And you don't want that on your conscience do you...(you NUMPTY!)
These simple words of advice will make all our lives more pleasant.
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