The Way We Were

2022-09-25 11:53:50

sjpowermac posted a photo:

Memories
Barbara Streisand
1973
USA #1, UK #31

youtu.be/i4OGnk1ZzLs

‘Mem'ries light the corners of my mind
Misty water-colored mem'ries of the way we were’

The memories came flooding back yesterday as I stood and watched ‘Royal Scots Grey’ departing from Leeds. I took the picture from as close to the spot as I could where my railway enthusiasm began, when as an 8 year old I was invited to clamber into the cab of a Deltic.

Mum and dad would often take me to see the 0730 departure to London. The sight and sound of the Deltic along with the smell of the bacon and eggs from the restaurant car are an abiding childhood memory. Even better was to come though when one morning I was taken on the train, such an adventure.

The song asks: ‘If we had the chance to do it all again, tell me, would we, could we?’ Well yes, in a heartbeat!

Leeds ‘City’ station and its environs have changed beyond recognition in the intervening years. The ‘Dragonara’ hotel, which once dominated the background, is now only just visible at the extreme left of the picture. The Deltic itself is departing from what would have been the ‘goods line.’

Great days, lots of friendships and memories made over the following years spent chasing the Deltics. As the song says, ‘So it's the laughter we will remember. Whenever we remember the way we were.’

55022 ‘Royal Scots Grey’ departing from Leeds with 1Z56 1602 Newcastle to Wolverhampton ‘Deltic Delight’ InterCity charter on 24th September 2022

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