The above old street map shows the relationship between the existing Nottingham station (formerly Nottingham Midland) which lies at the bottom of the map. The former Great Central route crosses the Midland, running south to north. Curving in from the east is the former Great Northern Railway route, arriving from Grantham and points even further east, like Skeggy.
Victoria station would have celebrated its 125th anniversary this year had the line and station survived total excision.
In an earlier blog, fbb wrote that there was now no sign of the station facilitates except the clock tower. But was this correct?
Above we see the main entrance with 'porte cochere', the tower and the Station Hotel peeping in on the right. Today's views are obscured but improved by trees with the tower visible from a bit further north ...
... and the former hotel, still intact but repurposed as shops and offices ...
... but still recognisable. It is seen below through the remnants of the 'porte cochere' as demolition of the entrance building was underway.
One addition built later than the view of the original forecourt above was this "retail unit", seemingly a newsagent's business for the city rather than at platform level.
But, as demolition proceeded, only the tower stood firm as a reminder of past glories.
Local folk watched in amazement, anticipation or regret as new buildings surrounded their old friend.
But, perhaps fbb was right? If we take to Google Earth 3D view ...
... we can spot the tower and the former hotel. But if we zoom out ...
... the station site itself is obliterated by a shopping centre, car park, and some very unattractive tower blocks.
In tomorrow's blog, fbb will take his readers on a brief tour of the station at platform level.
In the meantime ...
Exciting Railway Room Improvements
As the move from back yard to attic room progressed, it was obvious that the lighting in the roof was totally inadequate. No 1 son, who is far less inclined to bodge than his much-loved papa, installed some new bright LED strip-lights.
But the switch was on a plug socket distant from the door and awkward of access.
It now has a radio controlled plug socket. Its "switch" is affixed with BluTac to the wall above the conventional on/off toggle thing ...
Press the black "on" button; there follows an audible click from behind and below the layout after which the room is fully illuminated. That's one less anguish for the nearly 81 year old. Thanks to No 1 son for the advice!
Bliss!
THESE BLOGS HAVE REPLACED
THE TRADITIONAL WEEKEND
VARIETY CONTENT
They were more fully prepared and
Boxing Day required more naps
after traditionsl launching for guests
on "The Big Day"
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T ravels and T roubles
Quirky Answer : What did Paul "shake off" as he made his way to Rome?
(a) a violent attacker
(b) a snake
(c) a bad cold
Paul was recovering from his shipwreck and warming (and drying?)himself at a camp fire on the island of Malta. A snake nipped out of the brushwood and attached itself to Paul's hand.
His companions were expecting him to die, but he shook the snake off his hand and into the fire. 
As he had survived, they thought he was a god, but Paul explained that he was an ordinary bloke but God (with capital G) had protected him.
This is typical of the adventures the early followers (The Apostles) had as they preached the message of repentance and forgiveness.
We hear about Peter, Philip, the martyrdom of Stephen ...
... Luke, Timothy, Lydia and many other women.
One of the big events turns out to be the "Conversion" of Saul, Christian hater, persecutor and official Christian basher with the blessing of the Jewish authorities. His encounter with God on the road to Damascus ...
... turns him into Paul, an initially mistrusted exponent of the Christian Gospel and, later, one of its most powerful missionaries and writers.
But do not be deceived.
The persecution of Christians continued throughout the period of the book of Acts - and it continues today with even more intensity than 2000 years ago.
But there is real life in the Book Of Acts, the second part of Gospel author Like's writing. It is the early days of Christianity, warts and all. There is no "Religious Hype", no soppy sentimentality. It is challenging, gutsy and entirely believable - because it happened that way.
A person approaching Faith with cynicism should read the Book of Acts.
It is a very real eye-opener
If you want theological writing with a very practical purpose, you should read Paul's letter to the Romans. It is a good bit harder on the brain!
Quirky Question : Complete this Bible quotation:-
All things work together for those who love God ...
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Next Victoria blog : Sun 29th Dec
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