Beechings Rambles ~ The Beginning

"Richard Beeching, Baron Beeching (21 April 1913 – 23 March 1985), commonly known as Dr Beeching, was chairman of British Railways and a physicist and engineer. He became a household name in Britain in the early 1960s for his report "The Reshaping of British Railways", commonly referred to as "The Beeching Report", which led to far-reaching changes in the railway network, popularly known as the Beeching Axe."

I wouldn't consider the word popular to be used in the same sentence as this Lord’s name, but generations later I suppose in a roundabout way he did us outdoor enthusiasts a favour. It was whilst walking down yet another of this Country's dismantled railway lines I was inspired to come up with this very Blog.

I'd be thinking for a while I might perhaps find out more about this notorious man I'd come to grow up with in the back of my mind of his unforgettable act that upset so many in years gone by. At the same time I found myself enjoying more and more walks and cycling on the very track beds he in essence caused to be.

So, it is with this is mind, that I’d like to share with you what I’ve lovingly nicknamed, “Beechings Rambles”. Instead of “Tales from the riverbank” it won’t be Ratty or Mole, just Barmy Bev on either two legs or two wheels from an old disused Railway line somewhere in England’s green and pleasant land in words and pictures.

So hold on tight, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride and remember NOT TO PULL THE EMERGENCY CHAIN!!! It doesn’t work anyway, very much unfortunately like the Railway Lines anymore.

(March 2016)