to hear that familiar 'toot'

I've been away for a few days to one of my favourite places - Swanage in Dorset.  There's so many reasons why I love the place:  lots of incredible views and lots of incredible people.  I'm sure there's plenty more space for a page of their own here, but today I'll focus on sounds, and one in particular.

When I was growing up in North London I lived very close to a railway line and used to play there quite often; running through the tunnels and/or across the bridge (while trains on the King's Cross to Edinburgh line were thundering through - I now shudder at the thought...) No, they were not steam engines then, but now and again a 'special' would go through, and I remember clearly and fondly that a large crowd from the neighbourhood trooped across the local dump (my playground) to the embankment to wave the Flying Scotsman past.  That must have been in the mid to late 60s...  I guess that's where my nostalgic attachment to steam trains comes from, but I've often wondered where and why others have the same draw to the 'beasts'.  It's been over 50 years since regular steam services ran across the country, yet small children are still initiated to trains with a 'choo-choo' sound.

When I had children I did the same as everyone else: taught them that trains went 'choo-choo' or 'toooot' rather than 'clickety-clack' or 'click-clack, click-clack' which is what they do now (how else can you describe it?), and I was pleased that Thomas the Tank Engine reinforced this view and had regular 'toots' throughout, with the background 'chuffing' of the train pulling away.

So what has this got to do with Swanage?  I hear you ask (or perhaps not).  Well, Swanage has its own steam railway, which runs through Corfe to Norden, with plans to link up to the national rail service at Wareham.  If you haven't been on it, you must.  Swanage station is lovely and the ride is beautiful, with fabulous views especially of Corfe Castle.  The view of the railway and castle from the ridge opposite are spectacularly romantic and so British: rolling hills, stone cottages, a ruined castle on a hill and a stone arched bridge across a country lane.  Add to this a tooting steam train puffing cotton-wool steam clouds, and it's just about perfect.

Wherever you are in Swanage you can sporadically hear the train approaching or leaving the station. We were staying at Heroes Haven in Herston, just outside Swanage, and it's so peaceful that the sound travels clearly and perfectly.  Hearing that cheerful 'toot' on a beautiful winter's morning just made me smile.....