T’OTHER BATEMAN’S. DON’T ASK FOR AN XB

Quite a lot of the essential (i.e. pubbed) Sussex and Kent is doable by train from Rye, but there’s a few new Guide entries, and lots of National Trust properties, miles from a station. Good luck, Si. I took Mrs RM on a “mystery trip” just before the Trust cards ran out, and enjoyed her… Continue reading T’OTHER BATEMAN’S. DON’T ASK FOR AN XB

MRS RM IS UNABLE TO WALK PAST RYE’S QUEEN’S HEAD. IT’S A GOOD DECISION

November 2025. Rye, Odd to think we’ve had a caravan in Rye Harbour for 3 years and I hadn’t been to all the town pubs before this last week. Heading back to Landgate from the Globe, Mrs RM had stopped a few yards short, staring at the Queen’s Head, about which I knew nothing. “What’s… Continue reading MRS RM IS UNABLE TO WALK PAST RYE’S QUEEN’S HEAD. IT’S A GOOD DECISION

ALL THE PUBS IN RYE. THE GLOBE INN MARSH

November 2025. Rye. The usual routine. 2 days in Waterbeach, leave a bag of washing in the garage for pick up later, pack light for trip to Rye via London. I cannot believe how much luggage folk drag around the capital. 22 minutes between trains.at Kings Cross St Pancras. You’ll recognise the lure of this… Continue reading ALL THE PUBS IN RYE. THE GLOBE INN MARSH

SIMPLE PLEASURES. THE TRAFFORD ARMS, NORWICH

November 2025. Norwich. We daren’t travel too far at the moment, with declining parents and unsold properties, so it’s lucky I can get so much joy from an afternoon in a big city walking suburban streets, gazing at street art and churches, and only having to choose which pub to nip in and eavesdrop on… Continue reading SIMPLE PLEASURES. THE TRAFFORD ARMS, NORWICH

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN NORWICH

November 2025. Norwich. I’ve taken more rail journeys these last 3 years than I had in all the previous 57, and despite the overcrowding on the Sheffield to Manchester routes and the unpredictable late cancellations I’m glad to get away from the car. No, really. But Monday nights trip south was a nightmare, an already… Continue reading CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN NORWICH

PLATFORM 1b, SHEFFIELD STATION

November 2025. Sheffield. Back from Leeds on Monday morning, quick walk to RM Towers to take the brown bin in, check taps, put heating down, then return to Sheffield station for the train south to Waterbeach. Wash and repeat. The rain adds something to central Sheffield. But obviously not the rail network, with a points… Continue reading PLATFORM 1b, SHEFFIELD STATION

TALKING TIDES. FROM MARSKE-ON-SEA TO LEEDS

November 2025. Leeds. A few minutes at bucolic Bramley station, waiting for the train back to Leeds. It’s late, but is it late enough to Delay Repay ? In Leeds, which is one of the most confusing stations in the UK to escape from, I head towards Swinegate, the Calls, and a pre-emptive recommendation 5… Continue reading TALKING TIDES. FROM MARSKE-ON-SEA TO LEEDS