Farnborough in Hampshire is rich in history, pleasant to live in and once every two years (thanks to the Air Show) extremely noisy !!!!!

Oddly enough one of my favourite places in Farnborough is the mainline railway station. It is probably the fastest route out of the town - and no that isn`t the reason why I like it so much!

The station is quite old and very much exposed to the elements, but after walking to it in the cold, the wind or the rain it gives some welcome shelter, and in summer it is shady and cool. I always enjoy those few moments waiting on the platform watching the line of trees that borders the train track, dreaming of my approaching journey and destination.

The upline takes you straight to London Waterloo and from there just about anywhere you want to go in London, Britain, Europe or the rest of the world (maybe .... )

The downline takes you to the south into the heart of the ancient Kingdom of Wessex, and to Winchester it's pretty capital (which was England`s former capital as well). Then on to the glorious south coast and places such as Portsmouth, Bournemouth and (if you take a sharp left turn) my own personal favourites Arundel and Brighton.

For me it's not just a station its a gateway .... the sad fact that I rarely go further than Woking in the direction of London, or Basingstoke the other way doesn`t stop me from dreaming .....

Sometimes a steam train from the early 20th century will roar through the station. These are special trains which give their passengers the most wonderful chance to step back in time and do things the way they used to be done. They speed through so fast that it is hard to see much of the details but it is possible to see inside the dining car and quickly catch the sparkle of silverware and glass, soft lights and happy customers! (All this comes at a price of course!)

If I ever find myself at the station during the morning rush hour - I would normally be going up to London, but not on a beautiful sunny winter morning earlier this year. On that occasion I was on my way to Old Basing and needed to go south to Basingstoke instead.

I was early for my chosen train so decided to sit down on a bench close to the ticket office and prepare for my meeting later that day.

When I was startled to hear what sounded like the rustling of birds wings - lots of them! I turned to my left and was amazed to see lots of fellow commuters rushing through the turnstiles and racing at top speed up the stairs and over the old bridge that crosses the line to get to the train that was at the opposite platform waiting to restart its journey to London.

My first thought was they won't make it ...... the train will set off before they can get across the lines and down the steps to the other platform, let alone the train!

Then my next thought - oh, there could be an accident ...... someone could fall on the bridge or worse the platform..... ( I have missed my true calling in "Health and Safety"). I looked at the commuters they were nearly all young men, a couple of older ones as well. I had a quick rethink. It was probably going to be OK.

But then I was not so sure for here were women my age, tottering on kitten heels and carrying heavy bags and laptops. Younger women wearing very high heels.

By now my heart is in my mouth ! What about that very dodgy step at the bottom of the flight of stairs opposite - it always takes me by surprise.

Oh no, more men .... each one racing for all he is worth. I stop wondering if they might have a heart attack as I wonder if I am going to have a heart attack.

Two young travellers weighed down by heavy rucksacks, but thankfully wearing trainers.

I am surprised to see the train is still in the station. I am praying "Please can they all make it OK"

To my relief everything becomes blissfully quiet.

Then I see her - she is isn`t exactly at her ideal weight - if you know what I mean - but she has got trainers on, her clothes are a rainbow of colours, but best of all is her beautiful hair ( which I can only describe as a kind of neon red - not pink ... ) streaming out behind her as - like all her fellow adventurers - she speeds like the wind up those stairs and out of my sight (she is quite short) the iron guard rail blocks my view.

She won't make it ....... I know that. At least she will be easy to spot on the platform and I can give her "cheery wave" of admiration and condolence.

The train pulls away.

But where is the red headed heroine? Nowhere to be seen. I wait thinking she will appear any minute. But no - she caught the train !!!

And I am left thinking about the lessons I have been shown.

One - you never know who is watching you and hopefully cheering you on !

Two - you never know what you can do if you try ...... I had felt so proud of all of those people who had the courage and determination to have a go. I thought of all those brave souls across the globe battling against the odds every day. I gave them all a silent cheer.

At that moment the 08.33 appeared slowly entering the station. I stood and walked carefully to the edge of the platform and boarded, walked towards an empty seat and tripped over an out-stretched foot .....