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.....

to see grown up women downing shots with such style!

Our annual holiday in Swanage is always a treat, and always brings back happy memories as we re-new friendships and re-acquaint ourselves with all that Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck have to offer.  This year was no different, with our stay timed (again) to coincide with the Swanage Carnival, in which we now take part (another story!).  Once again we walked (a little), paddled (a bit) ate fresh local produce and cream teas (a lot), drank Pimm's (in the interest of donating to charity of course), watched the fireworks from the Pier (with accompanying fish, chips and wine - all consumed on the grassy banks overlooking the stone pier)), sampled hand-made chocolate from Chococo (delicious) and 'mooched' around the shops to see what was new and what was re-assuringly the same.

So what was new?  Well, this year it was the added dimension of new friends made following my friend's approach to the carnival committee seeking support for funding of a holiday home for disabled servicemen, women and their families (another long story, but some amazing people responded and two years later the 'lodge' is there - see http://www.heroes-haven.org.uk), and what an added dimension this has brought!  We have grown quite close to the Heroes Haven committee, but now also are beginning to get to know some of the carnival committee and volunteers, mainly through hanging about the Pimm's or beer tent together with the introductions from the HH committee - if they had an afternoon tea tent, we'd be there all day!

Being on the committee during Carnival is hard work, but we were reliably informed that many of the ladies would be free on Thursday evening for the Masquerade-themed night in the town, meeting at half 8 at the 'Snack Bar' (http://www.snackbarswanage.co.uk/).  This was a place I hadn't been to before, and as the average age (including me) was probably 60-something, perhaps I could be forgiven for thinking it may be an early night after a coffee or two?  How could I be so wrong?  Snackbar is a trendy cocktail bar, and by the time we arrived it was rammed to the hilt, overspilling onto the street, with great love music playing.  I was at the bar choosing my first cocktail when the first round of vodka shots was passed around the group of ten or more, followed swiftly by the second, then later... well, I lost count - but suffice to say my first experience of caramel vodka was one I'd be happy to repeat! (I've making some at the moment, so watch this space!)

What struck me though, was that yes, we were drinking shots, but with style - no swearing, vomiting, aggression or (sadly perhaps) loose behaviour often associated with this kind of drink.  It wasn't a binge, but it was great fun, and a lesson to all: there's really no need to try to cram in all the fun, all the drinking, dancing, singing along and socialising before you reach thirty.  Life goes on and life can be bloody good fun, if you have the right attitude and the right people around you.   I'm lucky: I usually have both and am very grateful for this.  As I stood on the street outside the bar, singing, dancing and watching my friends, it made me smile.