The Ciao community has done it again and justice has been done. Many thanks for all who stuck up fo...
The Ciao community has done it again and justice has been done. Many thanks for all who stuck up for my niece. Helen
Member since:19.04.2003
Reviews:32
Members who trust:55
A world of relaxation and enjoying the countryside. a world escaping the stress of the Rat Race and driving.
I had an interview in London for a course to further my career. Luckily for me if it is something to do with work I only have to fill in an online form and then they pay and get the tickets sent to me. They arrived promptly. I had a standard open return from Norwich to London Liverpool Street. It was valid from 7th May (date of interview) to 6th June and cost the department £66.20.
However please look at the website for much cheaper deals – Norwich to London from £19. http://www.angliarailways.co.uk/home/ The website is easy to navigate and has lots of information: Timetables and tickets Download timetables Route Map and Stations Ticket Types & Fares Season Tickets Group Travel Discounts Business Travel News & Events It is well worth a visit.
To be honest I was so nervous about the interview that I didn’t pay that much attention to my journey to London. I was a little stressed though as I got onto the wrong train in the first place.
I’d looked at the information on the screens and it said the London Train was in Platform 1A so I got on the one that was there. However a man came round and asked everyone where they were going. A lady behind me said Liverpool. I thought she meant Liverpool Street Station. He then asked me and when I said London he said “no you’re not, not on this train. You need to get on the train in front of this one.”
It could have been me being stressed and
dippy but it wouldn’t hurt that even if you check the screens it is still a good idea to ask a human if it is the right train. I would not have been pleased to have missed my interview and ended up in Liverpool.
So there I am already stressed but now on the right train. However I then discovered that this train had no smoker’s compartment. I know, I know, disgusting habit but it has helped me through some tough times.
Once on the train I concentrated on my notes until I arrived at Liverpool Street Station.
I wrote my draft to this op on the train back to Norwich. The train left at 17:30 and is due back at 19:35.
Yes I did check if it was the right train before I got on it. I didn’t have time to look around Liverpool Street Station but from what I could see briefly there were loads of shops to get something to eat, drink and read.
There are toilets there but be warned you need 20p to get past the turnstile to use them.
There is good information around the station to show you the trains, their destination, their platforms and if they are on time or not.
I managed to find the smoking carriage which was situated to the front of the train for us standard passengers and I did notice that there was also a smoking carriage for 1st class passengers as well.
Now the smoking carriage was as you would expect – full of smoke. It was also full which I was surprised about.
The Train Driver announces over the tanoy the designation of the train and welcomes you to Anglia Railways. Later a bit into the journey the steward gives details of where to find the Buffet car and what delicious delights are on offer. There was quite a selection. I fancied a bacon buttie but didn’t want to move and lose my seat.
The seats are basic. However I am not that large a lady but only just had enough room. There was enough leg room. There was also a small pull-down table in front of me to write this draft on. They had cleared the ashtrays out and overall the whole train was fairly clean and tidy. There was a toilet at the end of the carriage if you needed it. It was quite warm and humid on the train. You can’t open the windows as it is air-conditioned. There is space above your head to put your bags. I always try and get a seat facing the way I am travelling. When I have had to face the other way I have felt sick on a long journey.
Now looking out of the window it is fairly pleasant with green trees and foliage and yellow fields of Linseed. The train is quite smooth at present with little bumps here and there as it goes over a crossing. I love the noises of the train, almost hypnotic. Gentle whooshing and rumbling sounds which change as we go under a bridge. I see a road in the distance and I am so glad I haven’t got the stress of driving back after the interview.
Some passengers are reading, some eating, some sleeping and some talking on their mobiles. We are slowing down now – it’s a built-up area – shops, industrials and houses. Its funny but when the sun is shinning everything looks so much nicer.
Gathering speed again – back into fields.
Brakes are on – loud scraping noise as we slow down to go through one station.
What a glorious day. I can see a young girl playing ball with her dog.
The refreshment trolley comes round. Usually it is a bit pricy so I had brought my drink, etc before I got on the train at Norwich.
Ahhhh! Bunnies playing in the fields. More rambling countryside and quaint villages nestled into it. White blossom emerges on some of the trees. Ponies in a paddock. Church spires in the distance. Lambs nibbling on fresh blades of grass.
Announcement over tanoy – “next stop Manningtree” time 18:25 The station looks clean and is in the colour of all Anglia Railway Stations – turquoise and white.
We are on the move again. We go over some water and I see geese with their goslings. Sewage treatment works – hmmm! Not so pleasant. Gardeners tending their allotments.
Announcement again – we are pulling into Ipswich. Details are also given on to where to change for other destinations. The platforms are clean.
On the move again. Boys enjoying a game of cricket. Huge big park area – looks a nice place to walk the dog and enjoy a picnic. Meandering streams and puddles of small ponds. Cows grazing in the early evening sun.
Tanoy – delay because of engineering work after reports of a rough track – It was nice to be kept informed. The mobiles kick into action to inform loved ones. More bunnies.
Announcement – we are now arriving in Stowmarket. Time 7 p.m.
Bit more litter on the platform. Looks a quiet station.
A young foal suckles his mother. Speeding through flatter countryside now. Train is juddering slightly – watch those cups of teas.
Slowing down again – Announcement now stopping at Diss. Time 7:10 p.m. Diss station is situated in the middle of an industrial estate. It is fairly tidy and bright. I can see toilets and a waiting room, security cameras and parking.
Hmmm! Litter in the embankment as we leave the station. Long dark shadows of trees stretch across the fields as the sun begins to set. This part of the journey is bumpy too. We slow down as another train passes the other way. Now looks like there is a slight breeze as the leaves of the trees and bushes dance and sway.
Announcement – further delay – signalling failure. We are stationery now. I look accross a mass of yellow meeting blue sky. We are on the move again. Bum is starting to ache a little now.
Electric substation – another industrial area. Picking up speed again. Bumpy! Freshly turned soil waiting for their crop. More grazing horses and ponies. Tall pylons like giant robots stand guard, pointing up towards white swirling clouds. More bunnies! Look at my watch 7:30 p.m. now officially late. Slowing down again. Built up housing area. Outskirts of Norwich. More Industrial units – over the River Wensum Announcement – shortly arrive in Norwich – apology for late arrival from the driver. Nice touch.
My boyfriend was there waiting to pick me up from the station. He was there with our dog R.J. They allow dogs on the station as long as they are on a lead and are well behaved. I think that is brill!
Although there was a slight delay they kept you informed at all times which I thought was really good.
All in all I enjoyed the journey. There are loads for the kids to look at on such a long journey for them. I know I am a big kid but I love Bunnies.
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Good review, although feel lucky you don't have to use them every day....
Nice touches with the animal references.... :-)
ampuk2000 08.12.2003 14:49
Good review. I personally have never used their Mainline services only the local ones.
beatlemanic 30.06.2003 11:11
I enjoyed reading your descriptions of the English countryside on your journey, but I feel you'd need to compare Anglia Railways to other train companies for a really good rating here. Jo x
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May 8th, 2003
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