On the Slow Train and a Michael Palin mystery solved
24 June 2010
People of have seen the feature about On the Slow Train in the 'Islington Tribune' or 'West End Extra' newspapers have asked about the nameplate behind me in the picture bearing the name 'Michael Palin'. This was once attached to a Virgin Super Voyager train which lost its nameplates after being transferrred to the ownership of Arriva Cross Country when the franchise changed. A shame. I acquired this one in an auction in aid of the good work of the Railway Children charity, organised by Steve Knight of Virgin Trains. it's a little known fact that Virgin is a huge supporter of Britain's charities. Some of the Voyagers bearing these lovely blue plates commemorating distinguished explorers can still be seen on Virgin's remaining Voyagers, which run from Euston to Chester and Holyhead or from Birmingham to Glasgow. Curiously, the real Michael Palin is a near neighbour of mine in Camden, north London. http://www.islingtontribune.com/reviews/books/2010/may/books-review-slow-train-twelve-great-british-railway-journeys-michael-william.
Have your say