Northampton Alan's Last Live Visit
Northampton Alan collapsed whilst visiting Ridgmont station ...
... on the line between Bedford and Bletchley. That would explain why a Bedford company was undertaking. He was taken to hospital; In Bedford, where he died. It is fitting that fbb's last memory should be of Alan on a public transport visit, of which he made many and always reported on them by e-mail to fbb.
Of course Ridgmont station isn't at Ridgmont ...
... it is at Brogborough where brickyards ...
... have become Prologis Park, Marston Gate.
Ridgmont station is also served by bus ...
... but the line is famous for being served by Vivarail ex LT trains.
Well, famous when the units are working and when there are enough trained staff available to work them!
Bulk cement trains bound to and from a cement works at Bletchley rumble past ...
... trains which seem incongruous on a quiet branch line with gently bimbling ex London trains.
Ridgmont (at Brogborough) is one of the stops on the line that retains its station house, once with booking facilities included.
This may have been the "raison d'etre" for Alan's sadly aborted visit!
Within its walls is a fine collection of memorabilia pertaining to the line. including several signal box diagrams.
There is plenty to intrigue ...
... with more stuff outside.
Bit what makes Ridgmont station very special is its small but perfectly formed tea rooms. There are two ...
... rooms that is; also complete with nostalgia.
Because the accommodation is so "bijou", potential customers are advised to book a table in advance - "to avoid disappointment".
Many opt for the traditional cream tea ...
... but the highlight of a visit has to be the full and traditional afternoon tea. A variety of sandwiches is served ...
... plus delicious home made cakes and pastries ...
... all washed down with a pot of freshly brewed tea served, of course, in crinkly cups!
Unlike Northampton Grammar School canteen, fbb is absolutely certain that Ridgmont's cups don't have chips in them!
Of either kind!
Next Dark Deeds In Leeds blog : Mon 18 Nov
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