There were a number of railway songs and a few references last night to Dr Richard Beeching

For information Dr Beeching was an accountant and produced a report in 1963 based on a survey conducted during just one week in April 1962. On the evidence of that one week survey he produced a report that led to more than 4,000 miles of railway and 3,000 stations closing in the decade following the report, a reduction of 25 per cent of route miles and 50 per cent of stations - and that is without those that successfully survived his recommendations.

Given the love of the British for their railways (whether they use them or not!) this produced shockwaves in this country not equalled until Margaret Thatcher oversaw the demise of British heavy industry.

Further 'vandalism' has occurred since with the destruction of the routes of many of these former railways by the injudicious siting of the odd housing estate or superstore along their lengths making reopening in changed circumstances (eg the green agenda or growth of the towns involved) all but impossible.

The subject still rankles with the British public and has produced quite a number of songs of protest and nostalgia including 'The last train to Dobcross' performed last night.