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!
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