For most people who grew up in Sheffield in the fifties, the whistle of a steam train, the smell of burning coal and the rush of steam from the engine will bring back powerful memories of the annual holiday. The steelworks would close down for two weeks and everyone would head off to the seaside. I remember it well as July was the time that my cousin Christine and I would have our birthdays, but no one could come to our parties because they were all on holidays!
We were always late.... running down the platform with suitcases banging at our shins and the steam hissing angrily at us. Our excitement and feet were edged on by the fear that the train would leave without us. As we lurched down the corridors, the whistle would shriek and we would sag down gratefully into our seats listening to the increasing chug of the train. With excitement in our stomachs we were off for a caravan holiday in Filey!
And so today ... We are off on our holidays to Whitby. Plenty of time to admire the newly refurbished platforms and the splendid uniforms of the volunteers. The railway is run by volunteers, even the drivers who take time out from their regular train driving to take tourists on the train during weekends and holidays.
Goathland of course is famous for the filming of "HeartBeat" ... now a tourist attraction, including charabanc tours!
Charabancs were the early motor coaches popular for "works outings" to the country or the seaside, which were organised by the steelworks once a year for workers and their families Luckily for me by the fifties they were no longer open topped!
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