Hi, I'm Lucy Wright.

Hi, I'm Lucy Wright.

I'm Juliette Maxam, and this is Life on Rails.

I'm Juliette Maxam, and this is Life on Rails.

We both work in PR at Greater Anglia, and we are taking you behind the scenes of one of the largest train companies in the UK.

We both work in PR at Greater Anglia, and we are taking you behind the scenes of one of the largest train companies in the UK.

We're talking to a range of people from site managers to engineering experts, as well as some special Greater Anglia celebrities.

We're talking to a range of people from site managers to engineering experts, as well as some special Greater Anglia celebrities.

In this spring episode, we speak to the co- presenter of ITV News Anglia, David Whiteley.

In this spring episode, we speak to the co- presenter of ITV News Anglia, David Whiteley.

I remember a former colleague of mine said to me many, many, many, many years ago. He said, " You have to have one good question and then listen." So I think that's something very special.

I remember a former colleague of mine said to me many, many, many, many years ago. He said, " You have to have one good question and then listen." So I think that's something very special.

Our resident fares guru, Ken Strong.

Our resident fares guru, Ken Strong.

Make sure you specify exactly the journey you want to make and if you're making a return journey put in both ways at the one time because sometimes the return ticket will be cheaper than two singles, which is a mistake some people make, they buy a single and a single back, which might end up costing them more money.

Make sure you specify exactly the journey you want to make and if you're making a return journey put in both ways at the one time because sometimes the return ticket will be cheaper than two singles, which is a mistake some people make, they buy a single and a single back, which might end up costing them more money.

Andrew Goodrum, Greater Anglia's Client and Program Director.

Andrew Goodrum, Greater Anglia's Client and Program Director.

And Mum just turned around and said, " I can't believe this." She said, "This has really changed our whole travel experience. This is lovely that we can all travel together as a family."

And Mum just turned around and said, " I can't believe this." She said, "This has really changed our whole travel experience. This is lovely that we can all travel together as a family."

And one of our first female drivers, Sarah Swanston.

And one of our first female drivers, Sarah Swanston.

If you speak to my gran, I told her what I was about to do. She said to me, " Don't drink, don't smoke, don't gamble and please don't swear." I promised her I wouldn't.

If you speak to my gran, I told her what I was about to do. She said to me, " Don't drink, don't smoke, don't gamble and please don't swear." I promised her I wouldn't.

Juliette and I will also be giving you tips and tricks on how to find a seat on a busy train.

Juliette and I will also be giving you tips and tricks on how to find a seat on a busy train.

To kick things off though, we are going to speak to the Greater Anglia Site Manager, Phil Hogg. Hi Phil. Thanks for joining us on the Greener Anglia segment of the podcast. And we're speaking today in a staff garden by Norwich station. Just behind you, there's a honey bee hotel which I believe you built. Can you tell us a little bit about it please?

To kick things off though, we are going to speak to the Greater Anglia Site Manager, Phil Hogg. Hi Phil. Thanks for joining us on the Greener Anglia segment of the podcast. And we're speaking today in a staff garden by Norwich station. Just behind you, there's a honey bee hotel which I believe you built. Can you tell us a little bit about it please?

Yeah. I did this bit of a little scheme, which we're trying to spread throughout the network in Norfolk. The honey bee is close to extinct, so we're trying to promote it where we build these. This one's made out of a normal pallet with a bit more trimming of wood. As you can see, it's been here over a year now and they're actually starting to use it. So it's serving its purpose.

Yeah. I did this bit of a little scheme, which we're trying to spread throughout the network in Norfolk. The honey bee is close to extinct, so we're trying to promote it where we build these. This one's made out of a normal pallet with a bit more trimming of wood. As you can see, it's been here over a year now and they're actually starting to use it. So it's serving its purpose.

So it looks like a giant rabbit hutch almost with a little bit of chicken wire. And then it's got a lovely roof and lots of logs with holes in it. And some of the holes are even blocked in a little bit. Why is that?

So it looks like a giant rabbit hutch almost with a little bit of chicken wire. And then it's got a lovely roof and lots of logs with holes in it. And some of the holes are even blocked in a little bit. Why is that?

That is actually the honey bee at the end of the season, will actually put their eggs in there and the pollen, they hibernate and then break out the next day and their babies will actually come out as well.

That is actually the honey bee at the end of the season, will actually put their eggs in there and the pollen, they hibernate and then break out the next day and their babies will actually come out as well.

So we're actually going to have some baby bees in this garden then.

So we're actually going to have some baby bees in this garden then.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Oh, wow.

Oh, wow.

And then they'll start pollinating the garden again, and then it just goes on and on over the season.

And then they'll start pollinating the garden again, and then it just goes on and on over the season.

So why did you build this honey bee hotel? Are you interested in bees? Do you keep bees?

So why did you build this honey bee hotel? Are you interested in bees? Do you keep bees?

Yeah. Well, I think everyone who's interested in the environment, they go for one subject. Obviously I looked at this from another company before I started with Greater Anglia and I did a project there and it worked and it just got larger and larger. So I thought, well, I did it there. I want to do it here.

Yeah. Well, I think everyone who's interested in the environment, they go for one subject. Obviously I looked at this from another company before I started with Greater Anglia and I did a project there and it worked and it just got larger and larger. So I thought, well, I did it there. I want to do it here.

So you're like single handedly saving the bees in Norfolk.

So you're like single handedly saving the bees in Norfolk.

Well, no, the word is starting to spread. More staff are doing it. They're doing it in the gardens where you can make a little honey bee, farm or hotel. We have got other schemes this year where we're going to promote in our on our rural stations.

Well, no, the word is starting to spread. More staff are doing it. They're doing it in the gardens where you can make a little honey bee, farm or hotel. We have got other schemes this year where we're going to promote in our on our rural stations.

What is your job? How come you got to do this?

What is your job? How come you got to do this?

I'm a Site Manager for Greater Anglia. So I look after any projects or schemes in the Norfolk region. So I come along with quite a lot of scrap wood. I thought, instead of throw it in the skip, why not make some use of it? And that's why I've done this.

I'm a Site Manager for Greater Anglia. So I look after any projects or schemes in the Norfolk region. So I come along with quite a lot of scrap wood. I thought, instead of throw it in the skip, why not make some use of it? And that's why I've done this.

And you say, you've got some more schemes in the pipeline. Is that also using bits and pieces from projects at depos and stations?

And you say, you've got some more schemes in the pipeline. Is that also using bits and pieces from projects at depos and stations?

Yeah. It's a cage effect. We're calling it the green wall, but we've done a little thing to it where it's not just going to be foliage and plants. It's actually going to have logs in for the honey bees as well.

Yeah. It's a cage effect. We're calling it the green wall, but we've done a little thing to it where it's not just going to be foliage and plants. It's actually going to have logs in for the honey bees as well.

Explain that a little bit more. So are you building a green wall and where's it going to be?

Explain that a little bit more. So are you building a green wall and where's it going to be?

It'll be built on site (inaudible) stations. I think one of the stations we're looking at is Reedham, which is out towards Lowestoft. So we're going to start there and see how it works, which I think it'll go fantastic, and then we're going to spread it along that line and let's see.

It'll be built on site (inaudible) stations. I think one of the stations we're looking at is Reedham, which is out towards Lowestoft. So we're going to start there and see how it works, which I think it'll go fantastic, and then we're going to spread it along that line and let's see.

And so what is a green wall though?

And so what is a green wall though?

Green wall, it's just a timber, or it could be steel, frame. You put soil in, plants and foliage in and that'll bloom and it just looks a lovely effect. And it's all from waste materials.

Green wall, it's just a timber, or it could be steel, frame. You put soil in, plants and foliage in and that'll bloom and it just looks a lovely effect. And it's all from waste materials.

Sounds absolutely magnificent and of course supports the work that our adopters do in the gardens across the network where they're improving the biodiversity of our communities and our stations with their gardens, they've got honey bee hotels and bird boxes and so on. I hear you were doing something with compost bins as well.

Sounds absolutely magnificent and of course supports the work that our adopters do in the gardens across the network where they're improving the biodiversity of our communities and our stations with their gardens, they've got honey bee hotels and bird boxes and so on. I hear you were doing something with compost bins as well.

Yeah. So we involve the community. We involve local authorities. So the one I've got at the moment is we have a lot of scrap timber material at the Crown Point. So I'm going to use that with the local authority's adult learning center, donate to them and some bricks, because they do joinery brickwork and plastering and painting decorating. Then them guys or girls who are getting taught will come on site. So it'll give them the experience of a site out from the center and they're going to build us a compost bin in Norwich station.

Yeah. So we involve the community. We involve local authorities. So the one I've got at the moment is we have a lot of scrap timber material at the Crown Point. So I'm going to use that with the local authority's adult learning center, donate to them and some bricks, because they do joinery brickwork and plastering and painting decorating. Then them guys or girls who are getting taught will come on site. So it'll give them the experience of a site out from the center and they're going to build us a compost bin in Norwich station.

Oh brilliant. Well, I really look forward to seeing the green wall and in fact green walls across the network and I'm sure our customers will enjoy seeing those too. And it's just fantastic what you're doing to promote biodiversity in the area. So thanks very much for telling us all about it and thanks for everything you're doing Phil.

Oh brilliant. Well, I really look forward to seeing the green wall and in fact green walls across the network and I'm sure our customers will enjoy seeing those too. And it's just fantastic what you're doing to promote biodiversity in the area. So thanks very much for telling us all about it and thanks for everything you're doing Phil.

Yeah. Thank you very much. Let's look at the future and let's see what comes out with these green walls.

Yeah. Thank you very much. Let's look at the future and let's see what comes out with these green walls.

Absolutely.

Absolutely.

It's now time for Meet A Member of Staff and our guest with this episode is Sarah Swanston. Sarah qualified as a train driver over 25 years ago and she was the first ever female train driver in Norwich. She's still a qualified driver and you never know she might be driving your train right now, but these days Sarah is the Right Time Railway Manager focused on improving and maintaining punctuality. Hi Sarah, thank you so much for joining us.

It's now time for Meet A Member of Staff and our guest with this episode is Sarah Swanston. Sarah qualified as a train driver over 25 years ago and she was the first ever female train driver in Norwich. She's still a qualified driver and you never know she might be driving your train right now, but these days Sarah is the Right Time Railway Manager focused on improving and maintaining punctuality. Hi Sarah, thank you so much for joining us.

Hiya.

Hiya.

Can you please describe your current role?

Can you please describe your current role?

So as you say, I'm the Right Time Railway Manager, it's a mouthful, but it is about performance within the route. So I work quite locally with customer service teams, train service delivery team, other ops teams and stuff. And we look at issues within the route that we can do to then improve the punctuality of the train services for the customers.

So as you say, I'm the Right Time Railway Manager, it's a mouthful, but it is about performance within the route. So I work quite locally with customer service teams, train service delivery team, other ops teams and stuff. And we look at issues within the route that we can do to then improve the punctuality of the train services for the customers.

And just talk me through your journey. How did you come to be Norwich's first female train driver?

And just talk me through your journey. How did you come to be Norwich's first female train driver?

I had a vision when I was a youngster. I was going to basically go in the police force. My dad well and truly put me off that idea. And he was the one who suggested I put in to become a train driver, which I just laughed, because you never saw female train drivers. So for work experience when I was at school, I applied to go and do two weeks with the railway to see what it was like. And I loved it so much. I put my application form there and then in, and I still had about 18 months left to go at school. Once obviously left school, I went for a job interview. I got asked to come for a job interview. There's a little bit of a test and an interview. Luckily I got the job interview when I became on their railway training scheme, which used to be the old youth training scheme. Obviously you can't do shift work till you're 18. So they give you what they call a Junior Railway Woman's position. And mine was on the station servicing team going around all the local stations and making sure they're maintained and gardens are kept tidy and the stations were all cleaned. Then I got to be 18 and I got my very first proper job on the railway, which was as a Carriage Cleaner at Norwich station. And I worked with some really, really, really nice people. Hard work, I have to say it's one of the hardest I think for what you have to deal with sometimes. And then at 17 and a half, I could then apply for the assessment to be become a train driver. And that's an all day assessment, aptitude tests and color light tests and how your reaction and stuff. Luckily, I managed to pass that. I then got the position of what they termed then was a Trainman Driver they called it, but to make it a bit more PC, they put the Train and then bracket W- O bracket man. So became a Train( wo) man Driver. Eventually I got on a driver's course, I think in 1996. And then I got my first driver's job in October 1997. And that's where I thought I'd stay, if I'm honest, I just thought, wait, that's it, I'm going to stay as a train driver, quite happy doing this. Then I became a Driver Instructor and I quite liked doing that. And then I got to sign all the routes up to London and then it was like, " Oh, what next? What do I do next?" And then a Driver Manager job came up and I put in for that. And then off I went into the management role. So that's sort of my short history. If you like, of where, where it's all been.

I had a vision when I was a youngster. I was going to basically go in the police force. My dad well and truly put me off that idea. And he was the one who suggested I put in to become a train driver, which I just laughed, because you never saw female train drivers. So for work experience when I was at school, I applied to go and do two weeks with the railway to see what it was like. And I loved it so much. I put my application form there and then in, and I still had about 18 months left to go at school. Once obviously left school, I went for a job interview. I got asked to come for a job interview. There's a little bit of a test and an interview. Luckily I got the job interview when I became on their railway training scheme, which used to be the old youth training scheme. Obviously you can't do shift work till you're 18. So they give you what they call a Junior Railway Woman's position. And mine was on the station servicing team going around all the local stations and making sure they're maintained and gardens are kept tidy and the stations were all cleaned. Then I got to be 18 and I got my very first proper job on the railway, which was as a Carriage Cleaner at Norwich station. And I worked with some really, really, really nice people. Hard work, I have to say it's one of the hardest I think for what you have to deal with sometimes. And then at 17 and a half, I could then apply for the assessment to be become a train driver. And that's an all day assessment, aptitude tests and color light tests and how your reaction and stuff. Luckily, I managed to pass that. I then got the position of what they termed then was a Trainman Driver they called it, but to make it a bit more PC, they put the Train and then bracket W- O bracket man. So became a Train( wo) man Driver. Eventually I got on a driver's course, I think in 1996. And then I got my first driver's job in October 1997. And that's where I thought I'd stay, if I'm honest, I just thought, wait, that's it, I'm going to stay as a train driver, quite happy doing this. Then I became a Driver Instructor and I quite liked doing that. And then I got to sign all the routes up to London and then it was like, " Oh, what next? What do I do next?" And then a Driver Manager job came up and I put in for that. And then off I went into the management role. So that's sort of my short history. If you like, of where, where it's all been.

You're totally making the point here that the railway's a really good place if you want to progress. So what would you say to any women listening, particularly, who are thinking about becoming a train driver?

You're totally making the point here that the railway's a really good place if you want to progress. So what would you say to any women listening, particularly, who are thinking about becoming a train driver?

So I think it's one of them jobs you may not think of straight away, but if you are a person that likes to work on their own. If you are good at decision making, remaining calm sometimes in quite stressful situations. And I just think if you like something different every day and you want something outside of the normal, then I think it's a really good job. And don't be put off thinking you've got to be technically minded necessarily. My traction course, if I'm going to be honest, I struggled, I'm not a person that is very mechanically minded at all, if I'm honest. My dad would tell you that when my car run out of oil. There is people there that will help you there. The training course now we've got simulators straight away that help so much. Because when you learn something in a rule book, then you can go and learn on there and put it into practice. So whichever way you are capable of learning, whichever learning style, we've got you're catered for more. So don't let that put you off.

So I think it's one of them jobs you may not think of straight away, but if you are a person that likes to work on their own. If you are good at decision making, remaining calm sometimes in quite stressful situations. And I just think if you like something different every day and you want something outside of the normal, then I think it's a really good job. And don't be put off thinking you've got to be technically minded necessarily. My traction course, if I'm going to be honest, I struggled, I'm not a person that is very mechanically minded at all, if I'm honest. My dad would tell you that when my car run out of oil. There is people there that will help you there. The training course now we've got simulators straight away that help so much. Because when you learn something in a rule book, then you can go and learn on there and put it into practice. So whichever way you are capable of learning, whichever learning style, we've got you're catered for more. So don't let that put you off.

And your male colleagues were obviously really happy to help you and find a way that worked for you. Did you find that they were completely welcoming and you felt part of the team?

And your male colleagues were obviously really happy to help you and find a way that worked for you. Did you find that they were completely welcoming and you felt part of the team?

Oh God, yeah. I think I was spoiled if I'm honest. Yeah, yeah. Especially when I first... Because there used to be a top table in the mess room, you did not sit on as a junior person and it's like all these older gentlemen, but I have to say the ones I met... Well, one of them, he used to buy me tea and donuts at Peterborough, if I used to go route learning with him.

Oh God, yeah. I think I was spoiled if I'm honest. Yeah, yeah. Especially when I first... Because there used to be a top table in the mess room, you did not sit on as a junior person and it's like all these older gentlemen, but I have to say the ones I met... Well, one of them, he used to buy me tea and donuts at Peterborough, if I used to go route learning with him.

Brilliant.

Brilliant.

Others were only too glad to... Like when I used to go route learning, I used to sit and they used to describe all the route to me and say, " This signal is something around this one and you need to get, you might not see it, so be prepared for it." And then just all the different knacks of the route that you just think I'm never going to learn all this, but you do. Yeah. I have to say they were, they were really helpful, actually.

Others were only too glad to... Like when I used to go route learning, I used to sit and they used to describe all the route to me and say, " This signal is something around this one and you need to get, you might not see it, so be prepared for it." And then just all the different knacks of the route that you just think I'm never going to learn all this, but you do. Yeah. I have to say they were, they were really helpful, actually.

If anybody listening is interested in a career, then, please do get in touch. We are actually looking to increase the number of women who work for us. So we currently have just under 25% of the whole workforce are female and out of all of our drivers, about 6% are female. And we really want that to be 50% really. You mentioned your dad, are you from a railway family?

If anybody listening is interested in a career, then, please do get in touch. We are actually looking to increase the number of women who work for us. So we currently have just under 25% of the whole workforce are female and out of all of our drivers, about 6% are female. And we really want that to be 50% really. You mentioned your dad, are you from a railway family?

Mum and Dad are a no. But, funny thing is, when you used to be asked at an interview it was, " Do you have family members who are on the railway?" And I said, " Oh yes I do. I have a great- grandfather." So my great- grandfather was a train driver but at Rugby. Yeah. And if you speak to my gran, when she was alive, bless her, I told her I was about to do, she said to me, " Don't drink, don't smoke, don't gamble. And please don't swear." So I promised her I wouldn't. But yeah, bless him. He's the only one. They were chuffed to think a female in the family was going to follow their dad. So that was quite nice.

Mum and Dad are a no. But, funny thing is, when you used to be asked at an interview it was, " Do you have family members who are on the railway?" And I said, " Oh yes I do. I have a great- grandfather." So my great- grandfather was a train driver but at Rugby. Yeah. And if you speak to my gran, when she was alive, bless her, I told her I was about to do, she said to me, " Don't drink, don't smoke, don't gamble. And please don't swear." So I promised her I wouldn't. But yeah, bless him. He's the only one. They were chuffed to think a female in the family was going to follow their dad. So that was quite nice.

Well, I'm sure you've done them all really, really proud. Thank you ever so much.

Well, I'm sure you've done them all really, really proud. Thank you ever so much.

No problem. It was good to talk to you.

No problem. It was good to talk to you.

Up next is our New Train slot. And today I'm speaking to Andrew Goodrum. At the start of the New Trains program, Andrew was Greater Anglia's Business Readiness Director. He was responsible for the huge amount of tasks the company had to do in order to be ready for 191 new trains. Hello Andrew. Thanks for joining us.

Up next is our New Train slot. And today I'm speaking to Andrew Goodrum. At the start of the New Trains program, Andrew was Greater Anglia's Business Readiness Director. He was responsible for the huge amount of tasks the company had to do in order to be ready for 191 new trains. Hello Andrew. Thanks for joining us.

Hi Juliette. I hope you're okay.

Hi Juliette. I hope you're okay.

So you were responsible for making sure the new trains could run on our network. So what did that mean for say the stations?

So you were responsible for making sure the new trains could run on our network. So what did that mean for say the stations?

Well Juliette, the stations, there was quite a lot of work for us to do actually to get ready for the new trains to enter into passenger service. So one of the first things we had to do was to check the lighting of the stations was up to the required standard to ensure that there was clear vision for the drivers who would be dispatching the trains using the cameras that were going to be built into the side of these new trains. So it's really clear that they got clear image into their cabs so they could have a good uninterrupted view of all the doors at the side of the trains to ensure that passengers were safely on and off the trains. And to be honest, some of the lighting out on our more rural stations did need to be upgraded quite considerably. So that was a big work stream to get that lighting improved before the first trains came into passenger service. Now, one of the great things about the new trains is that they were longer with more seats on board, which is good for our customers and lovely for our colleagues to work on, but for the infrastructure or the stations and the platforms themselves, it meant that the trains would be stopping in different positions on the platforms. So we had to make sure that the stop car markers as they're called, the little signs that tell the driver where to stop, were in the right place. So the train could fit properly into the platform. But also of course, that the driver had clear view of any signals ahead of the train.

Well Juliette, the stations, there was quite a lot of work for us to do actually to get ready for the new trains to enter into passenger service. So one of the first things we had to do was to check the lighting of the stations was up to the required standard to ensure that there was clear vision for the drivers who would be dispatching the trains using the cameras that were going to be built into the side of these new trains. So it's really clear that they got clear image into their cabs so they could have a good uninterrupted view of all the doors at the side of the trains to ensure that passengers were safely on and off the trains. And to be honest, some of the lighting out on our more rural stations did need to be upgraded quite considerably. So that was a big work stream to get that lighting improved before the first trains came into passenger service. Now, one of the great things about the new trains is that they were longer with more seats on board, which is good for our customers and lovely for our colleagues to work on, but for the infrastructure or the stations and the platforms themselves, it meant that the trains would be stopping in different positions on the platforms. So we had to make sure that the stop car markers as they're called, the little signs that tell the driver where to stop, were in the right place. So the train could fit properly into the platform. But also of course, that the driver had clear view of any signals ahead of the train.

It's quite remarkable. You think it's a simple thing, you get a new train, it just replaces an old train that's that, but the fact that every train is different, that the wheelchair area is in a different place. The bicycle area is in different place. Needing new lights for the cameras to work. Just quite incredible. One thing I would say about the wheelchair spaces, of course, is that on 58 of our new trains, we've got level access boarding haven't we, but the other ones it's not level access, but presumably you've had to get new ramps for those as well.

It's quite remarkable. You think it's a simple thing, you get a new train, it just replaces an old train that's that, but the fact that every train is different, that the wheelchair area is in a different place. The bicycle area is in different place. Needing new lights for the cameras to work. Just quite incredible. One thing I would say about the wheelchair spaces, of course, is that on 58 of our new trains, we've got level access boarding haven't we, but the other ones it's not level access, but presumably you've had to get new ramps for those as well.

The company that manufacture these ramps for us is based on the Greater Anglia network in Thetford in Norfolk. And they work with us to design and install the new ramps along all of our lines at the locations where the ramps were going to be needed to enable customers with wheelchairs to get on and off the trains easily. If there wasn't the level access that we'd work so hard to create.

The company that manufacture these ramps for us is based on the Greater Anglia network in Thetford in Norfolk. And they work with us to design and install the new ramps along all of our lines at the locations where the ramps were going to be needed to enable customers with wheelchairs to get on and off the trains easily. If there wasn't the level access that we'd work so hard to create.

Brilliant. What about staff? I mean, obviously we had to train the drivers, but what other staff needed to be trained to get ready for new trains?

Brilliant. What about staff? I mean, obviously we had to train the drivers, but what other staff needed to be trained to get ready for new trains?

Well, the conductors all went through familiarization with the new trains. Clearly it's a lot of different door controls. The procedures for dispatch was very different. The procedures for helping wheelchair users to get on and off the train were very different. There were lots of features on the trains that we hadn't seen before, such as the CCTV, such as the passenger information systems, the different power sockets, different places for luggage. So they required a real broad familiarization into the construction and the workings of the train to ensure our customers could enjoy traveling on them safely. Train presentation colleagues, they need to know all the nooks and crannies of the train, where to clean them, how to clean, the sort of equipment, the sort of chemicals that were authorized for use on the trains. So they went through a specialized period of training. All areas of the business went through their own specialized training program.

Well, the conductors all went through familiarization with the new trains. Clearly it's a lot of different door controls. The procedures for dispatch was very different. The procedures for helping wheelchair users to get on and off the train were very different. There were lots of features on the trains that we hadn't seen before, such as the CCTV, such as the passenger information systems, the different power sockets, different places for luggage. So they required a real broad familiarization into the construction and the workings of the train to ensure our customers could enjoy traveling on them safely. Train presentation colleagues, they need to know all the nooks and crannies of the train, where to clean them, how to clean, the sort of equipment, the sort of chemicals that were authorized for use on the trains. So they went through a specialized period of training. All areas of the business went through their own specialized training program.

Has it all been worthwhile? Has there been any (crosstalk) good highlights?

Has it all been worthwhile? Has there been any (crosstalk) good highlights?

(crosstalk) Definitely. Oh yes. I mean, a couple of highlights for me, I suppose, was the first morning going with the first four carriage train down to Lowestoft to pick up passengers. Really lovely morning, sunny going across the swing bridge at Reedham. I remember it really, really well. Just wondering what the reaction would be of the customers we were about to pick up. I remember then on the way back to Norwich people were just bowled over by the space onboard, the comfort, the wifi, being able to plug in their mobile phones. And that was similar on all the routes we went to. Be it students, I remember going to Paston college on the Bittern line. I remember commuters on the Norwich to Cambridge route. Sometimes very early in the morning, we launched these trains at half five or six o'clock, but the reaction was all the same. It was one of, " Wow, is this what they're all going to be like?" Or, " Is this first class?" " Er No, this is the standard of train you've now got to enjoy on this route". I suppose the one standout highlight for me was the end of what was a long first day with the new trains in service. And that was meeting a family who traveled from Nottingham and they were on their way to a holiday in Great Yarmouth. And dad was a wheelchair user and there was mum and two children. And the fact that he could board the train himself, just wheel himself onto the train, that the accessible area meant that they could all sit together because there were seats and tables there for them to sit at. And mum just turned around and said, " I can't believe this". She said, " This has really changed our whole travel experience, this is lovely that we can all travel together as a family." So, yeah, that was the lasting memory if you like from the first day in service.

(crosstalk) Definitely. Oh yes. I mean, a couple of highlights for me, I suppose, was the first morning going with the first four carriage train down to Lowestoft to pick up passengers. Really lovely morning, sunny going across the swing bridge at Reedham. I remember it really, really well. Just wondering what the reaction would be of the customers we were about to pick up. I remember then on the way back to Norwich people were just bowled over by the space onboard, the comfort, the wifi, being able to plug in their mobile phones. And that was similar on all the routes we went to. Be it students, I remember going to Paston college on the Bittern line. I remember commuters on the Norwich to Cambridge route. Sometimes very early in the morning, we launched these trains at half five or six o'clock, but the reaction was all the same. It was one of, " Wow, is this what they're all going to be like?" Or, " Is this first class?" " Er No, this is the standard of train you've now got to enjoy on this route". I suppose the one standout highlight for me was the end of what was a long first day with the new trains in service. And that was meeting a family who traveled from Nottingham and they were on their way to a holiday in Great Yarmouth. And dad was a wheelchair user and there was mum and two children. And the fact that he could board the train himself, just wheel himself onto the train, that the accessible area meant that they could all sit together because there were seats and tables there for them to sit at. And mum just turned around and said, " I can't believe this". She said, " This has really changed our whole travel experience, this is lovely that we can all travel together as a family." So, yeah, that was the lasting memory if you like from the first day in service.

Thank you very much, Andrew. That's an absolutely fascinating insight into what you did to bring in the new trains. And thank you very much for everything that you've done.

Thank you very much, Andrew. That's an absolutely fascinating insight into what you did to bring in the new trains. And thank you very much for everything that you've done.

No, you're welcome.

No, you're welcome.

So it's time now for Fares Guru, where I talk to Ken Strong, Greater Anglia's resident ticketing expert. Hi, Ken. Welcome back.

So it's time now for Fares Guru, where I talk to Ken Strong, Greater Anglia's resident ticketing expert. Hi, Ken. Welcome back.

Thank you for having me back.

Thank you for having me back.

And today we're speaking about the different ways to buy tickets. So Ken, can you talk us through some of the various options please?

And today we're speaking about the different ways to buy tickets. So Ken, can you talk us through some of the various options please?

Well, of course, at most of our large and medium size stations, we do have ticket offices where you can buy tickets in the traditional way. Almost every station has a ticket vending machine, which sells a full range of on the day tickets to virtually everywhere in the country. But nowadays more and more people are choosing to go online to buy their tickets, which is a very convenient way of buying tickets. And you can see the full range of tickets on there. And we do have the Greater Anglia website and also the Greater Anglia app.

Well, of course, at most of our large and medium size stations, we do have ticket offices where you can buy tickets in the traditional way. Almost every station has a ticket vending machine, which sells a full range of on the day tickets to virtually everywhere in the country. But nowadays more and more people are choosing to go online to buy their tickets, which is a very convenient way of buying tickets. And you can see the full range of tickets on there. And we do have the Greater Anglia website and also the Greater Anglia app.

And how can people get the cheapest tickets when buying online?

And how can people get the cheapest tickets when buying online?

If you're going online, make sure you specify exactly the journey you want to make and if you're making a return journey, put in both ways at the one time, because sometimes the return ticket will be cheaper than two singles. Which is a mistake some people make, they buy a single and a single back, which might end up costing them more money. Be flexible in the time that you want to travel. And if you buy from us at Greater Anglia, you won't be charged any booking fees or credit card fees.

If you're going online, make sure you specify exactly the journey you want to make and if you're making a return journey, put in both ways at the one time, because sometimes the return ticket will be cheaper than two singles. Which is a mistake some people make, they buy a single and a single back, which might end up costing them more money. Be flexible in the time that you want to travel. And if you buy from us at Greater Anglia, you won't be charged any booking fees or credit card fees.

So when buying online, is it best to book directly with Greater Anglia? Because there are a lot of websites out there where you can buy train tickets. So, which is cheapest?

So when buying online, is it best to book directly with Greater Anglia? Because there are a lot of websites out there where you can buy train tickets. So, which is cheapest?

It's always better to buy from Greater Anglia because there are no additional fees. The price of the ticket is the price you pay.

It's always better to buy from Greater Anglia because there are no additional fees. The price of the ticket is the price you pay.

So the cheapest place to buy tickets online is the Greater Anglia website?

So the cheapest place to buy tickets online is the Greater Anglia website?

That's correct.

That's correct.

And what's the advantage of buying E- tickets, smart card tickets, over paper tickets?

And what's the advantage of buying E- tickets, smart card tickets, over paper tickets?

Well, the transaction is contactless. There's no interaction. So it's a very safe way of buying tickets. With E- tickets they come in a PDF format, so you can either print those out. If you prefer to have them on a piece of paper, or you can have them on your phone and just show the phone with the PDF to the conductor, or whoever's examining the tickets and there'll be a barcode on that ticket, that'll work the automatic ticket gates. That's a safer way to carry tickets than the traditional paper tickets, which you could easily lose.

Well, the transaction is contactless. There's no interaction. So it's a very safe way of buying tickets. With E- tickets they come in a PDF format, so you can either print those out. If you prefer to have them on a piece of paper, or you can have them on your phone and just show the phone with the PDF to the conductor, or whoever's examining the tickets and there'll be a barcode on that ticket, that'll work the automatic ticket gates. That's a safer way to carry tickets than the traditional paper tickets, which you could easily lose.

Thank you so much again, Ken, for your advice. And I'll see you back in the next episode.

Thank you so much again, Ken, for your advice. And I'll see you back in the next episode.

Thanks very much.

Thanks very much.

Today on Mythbusters, we're going to talk about our new trains and how to find a seat on a new train. A lot of people are returning to the railway. So we just want to put the record straight on a few things. So Juliette, the older trains had four, eight or 12 carriages, and now they have five or 10. So some people might think that that's a reduction in service rather than an improvement. So what's really going on.

Today on Mythbusters, we're going to talk about our new trains and how to find a seat on a new train. A lot of people are returning to the railway. So we just want to put the record straight on a few things. So Juliette, the older trains had four, eight or 12 carriages, and now they have five or 10. So some people might think that that's a reduction in service rather than an improvement. So what's really going on.

Yes. Our new trains have much longer carriages with more seats. So a five carriage train is much longer than a four carriage train. And of course there's other great features of those trains. They're longer. They've got more seats. They've got all the mods that people would expect, including air conditioning. And the air conditioning sucks new air, fresh air, into the carriage, every six to nine minutes, which means it's a lot safer. The ventilation is much better. And of course the doors open at stations as well, allowing more fresh air into the carriages.

Yes. Our new trains have much longer carriages with more seats. So a five carriage train is much longer than a four carriage train. And of course there's other great features of those trains. They're longer. They've got more seats. They've got all the mods that people would expect, including air conditioning. And the air conditioning sucks new air, fresh air, into the carriage, every six to nine minutes, which means it's a lot safer. The ventilation is much better. And of course the doors open at stations as well, allowing more fresh air into the carriages.

Are there actually more seats on the new trains though? And how can people find a seat when the trains look busy? Is there a way that people can get on and find out where a seat is available?

Are there actually more seats on the new trains though? And how can people find a seat when the trains look busy? Is there a way that people can get on and find out where a seat is available?

Yes, there is. The new trains are longer and generally have more seats than the old trains that they replace. Certainly a new 10 carriage train has more seats than an old 12 carriage train. And there's this really handy new bit of technology in every single carriage. There's this wonderful passenger information screen. You look up and you see it's got all sorts of symbols on it and it tells you where you're going and what time you're going to arrive. But the thing that's really handy is it tells you whether there are seats available in other carriages, and it's got this color coding system. So if it's all green, that means there's loads of seats everywhere. If it goes orange, the carriage is full. But then there's something in between. If there's one bit of green, there's not that many seats, but there are still seats. If there's two blocks of green, then there's quite a lot of seats, but there are some taken. If it's all green, loads of seats. And the other thing that I would say is don't always get on the train in exactly the same place as everybody else. If you get on where everybody else gets on, and that's usually the coach nearest the entrance to the station where you get on or nearest the entrance to the station, where you get off, then more seats are going to be taken. So walk further down the platform to get on the train. And if it is busy, please be considerate to other passengers, take your bag off a seat. Definitely don't have your feet on the seat because your feet should never be on the seat, especially on our lovely brand new trains and let people sit in those seats.

Yes, there is. The new trains are longer and generally have more seats than the old trains that they replace. Certainly a new 10 carriage train has more seats than an old 12 carriage train. And there's this really handy new bit of technology in every single carriage. There's this wonderful passenger information screen. You look up and you see it's got all sorts of symbols on it and it tells you where you're going and what time you're going to arrive. But the thing that's really handy is it tells you whether there are seats available in other carriages, and it's got this color coding system. So if it's all green, that means there's loads of seats everywhere. If it goes orange, the carriage is full. But then there's something in between. If there's one bit of green, there's not that many seats, but there are still seats. If there's two blocks of green, then there's quite a lot of seats, but there are some taken. If it's all green, loads of seats. And the other thing that I would say is don't always get on the train in exactly the same place as everybody else. If you get on where everybody else gets on, and that's usually the coach nearest the entrance to the station where you get on or nearest the entrance to the station, where you get off, then more seats are going to be taken. So walk further down the platform to get on the train. And if it is busy, please be considerate to other passengers, take your bag off a seat. Definitely don't have your feet on the seat because your feet should never be on the seat, especially on our lovely brand new trains and let people sit in those seats.

Okay. So spread out. That's good advice. I think what I've found while I've been traveling as well, is that the middle seat is often free. When you have three seats together, people don't want to sit in the middle one, which is quite odd considering that when we are on the underground, we all sit next to each other. And I understand that some people might not be feeling safe or might not be used to sitting next to strangers. So what measures are we taking to make sure that people are kept safe? And so that they're fine to sit in the middle seat.

Okay. So spread out. That's good advice. I think what I've found while I've been traveling as well, is that the middle seat is often free. When you have three seats together, people don't want to sit in the middle one, which is quite odd considering that when we are on the underground, we all sit next to each other. And I understand that some people might not be feeling safe or might not be used to sitting next to strangers. So what measures are we taking to make sure that people are kept safe? And so that they're fine to sit in the middle seat.

We are still keeping on with cleaning and sanitizing our trains. We are still using the fogging guns. And those are the bit of cleaning kit that spray a fine mist of disinfectant all over the place. And after a trainer has arrived at a destination and before it goes off on its new journey, our cleaners go in and they will use disinfectant to wipe down all surfaces. We've got our vacuum cleaners that clean the air as well as the seats and the floor. And we are asking customers, please follow public health advice and wear a face covering because it keeps us all safe. And a lot of our customers are continuing to do that. And thank you very much to all customers who are still wearing face coverings.

We are still keeping on with cleaning and sanitizing our trains. We are still using the fogging guns. And those are the bit of cleaning kit that spray a fine mist of disinfectant all over the place. And after a trainer has arrived at a destination and before it goes off on its new journey, our cleaners go in and they will use disinfectant to wipe down all surfaces. We've got our vacuum cleaners that clean the air as well as the seats and the floor. And we are asking customers, please follow public health advice and wear a face covering because it keeps us all safe. And a lot of our customers are continuing to do that. And thank you very much to all customers who are still wearing face coverings.

Another myth I would like to bust is the size of the new seats. I know some people think the seats on the new trains are more narrow than the old ones, but that's not the case is it.

Another myth I would like to bust is the size of the new seats. I know some people think the seats on the new trains are more narrow than the old ones, but that's not the case is it.

They look narrow because they've got higher headrests and backs than on the old trains. And so when you look at this sea of seats, because obviously there's no doors between carriages, the perception is that it's narrower, but actually I've been on both an old train and a new train and checked it. And there's really no difference. It is just a perception. And it's because we've tried to make the seats more comfortable so you can rest your head. And so that it's got the lumbar support and the perception is that the seats are narrower than on the old seats.

They look narrow because they've got higher headrests and backs than on the old trains. And so when you look at this sea of seats, because obviously there's no doors between carriages, the perception is that it's narrower, but actually I've been on both an old train and a new train and checked it. And there's really no difference. It is just a perception. And it's because we've tried to make the seats more comfortable so you can rest your head. And so that it's got the lumbar support and the perception is that the seats are narrower than on the old seats.

Brilliant. So spread out down the train, spread out down the platform and look for those green signs on the information screens. Juliette, thank you so much.

Brilliant. So spread out down the train, spread out down the platform and look for those green signs on the information screens. Juliette, thank you so much.

Thanks very much.

Thanks very much.

Up next is Travel Surgery and Juliette and I are sitting down with David Whiteley to pick his dream Greater Anglia travel destination.

Up next is Travel Surgery and Juliette and I are sitting down with David Whiteley to pick his dream Greater Anglia travel destination.

David's a TV presenter. He co- presents ITV News Anglia with Becky Jago and is a brilliant ambassador for the region. Hi David. Thanks for joining us.

David's a TV presenter. He co- presents ITV News Anglia with Becky Jago and is a brilliant ambassador for the region. Hi David. Thanks for joining us.

Thank you. Thank you both for having me on the podcast.

Thank you. Thank you both for having me on the podcast.

Brilliant. Can you tell us a little bit about what you do, what your job is, in case people don't know?

Brilliant. Can you tell us a little bit about what you do, what your job is, in case people don't know?

Okay. Well, my job as of last June, June, 2021 is I co- present ITV News Anglia with Becky Jago every evening, 6: 00 PM on ITV. And yeah, we present the news with Becky, we have a fantastic reporting team across the entire East of England. What some people don't know, it's a slightly guarded secret, but I can tell you, is that we do two programs. So one is recorded, one is live, because the region is so big and it all happens from the studios in Norwich. But of course we cover right out to Milton Keynes, down to Southend to Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, of course Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. And it's just a huge area, so diverse with so many stories and so many wonderful people. And you mentioned there Juliette about me being an ambassador for the region. I was born in East Anglia. I was born in Essex and have lived here and worked here all my life. I very much lived work and play in East Anglia. So it's great to kind of champion the place and the people where you live.

Okay. Well, my job as of last June, June, 2021 is I co- present ITV News Anglia with Becky Jago every evening, 6: 00 PM on ITV. And yeah, we present the news with Becky, we have a fantastic reporting team across the entire East of England. What some people don't know, it's a slightly guarded secret, but I can tell you, is that we do two programs. So one is recorded, one is live, because the region is so big and it all happens from the studios in Norwich. But of course we cover right out to Milton Keynes, down to Southend to Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, of course Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. And it's just a huge area, so diverse with so many stories and so many wonderful people. And you mentioned there Juliette about me being an ambassador for the region. I was born in East Anglia. I was born in Essex and have lived here and worked here all my life. I very much lived work and play in East Anglia. So it's great to kind of champion the place and the people where you live.

And I guess in your role, you must have met a huge number of people from this region?

And I guess in your role, you must have met a huge number of people from this region?

Yeah. I've probably conducted literally thousands of interviews over a 27 year career. And it's only when you think of that, you think, wow, I've met some amazing people and people who make you feel very humble, who you're in awe of, people you've kind of had to give a bit of a hard time. Some people you've had to put on the spot. It's normally okay afterwards. But yeah, it's amazing how many people I've met and interviewed.

Yeah. I've probably conducted literally thousands of interviews over a 27 year career. And it's only when you think of that, you think, wow, I've met some amazing people and people who make you feel very humble, who you're in awe of, people you've kind of had to give a bit of a hard time. Some people you've had to put on the spot. It's normally okay afterwards. But yeah, it's amazing how many people I've met and interviewed.

I guess that curiosity means that you get the most out of people and you are constantly finding something new.

I guess that curiosity means that you get the most out of people and you are constantly finding something new.

Absolutely. Well, you'll know all too well. It's a journey of discovery isn't it? I mean, it sounds a bit naff, but it is true. You start with something. I mean I remember a former colleague of mine, Stewart White, the legendary Stewart White from Look East said to me many, many, many, many years ago. He said, " You have to have one good question and then listen." So I think that's something very special.

Absolutely. Well, you'll know all too well. It's a journey of discovery isn't it? I mean, it sounds a bit naff, but it is true. You start with something. I mean I remember a former colleague of mine, Stewart White, the legendary Stewart White from Look East said to me many, many, many, many years ago. He said, " You have to have one good question and then listen." So I think that's something very special.

That's interesting. Now you mentioned Look East, of course your wife is Amelia Reynolds who presents Look East. So is there massive rivalry? What is your family? Are you a Look East family or are you an ITV Anglia family?

That's interesting. Now you mentioned Look East, of course your wife is Amelia Reynolds who presents Look East. So is there massive rivalry? What is your family? Are you a Look East family or are you an ITV Anglia family?

It's funny. That's an interesting one. We both watch both. Obviously I was at the BBC for many, many years. I was there for nearly 23 years and Amelia and I presented the news together at times and now I'll be on there with Becky, 6: 00 till 6: 30 and then I come off there and then we walk into the newsroom for our kind of debrief and chat to all the team and then on the screen is Amelia doing Look East on the other side. I don't know, we kind of compare notes. We don't tell each other what's going on though. We don't say... I think post an event, we will. We certainly keep it professional. You know, if I hear her talking to a colleague about something, I sometimes get the satisfaction of, "We did that last week." There are times when it could be the other way around. But, yeah, it's a friendly rivalry and Amelia's really proud that I got the job.

It's funny. That's an interesting one. We both watch both. Obviously I was at the BBC for many, many years. I was there for nearly 23 years and Amelia and I presented the news together at times and now I'll be on there with Becky, 6: 00 till 6: 30 and then I come off there and then we walk into the newsroom for our kind of debrief and chat to all the team and then on the screen is Amelia doing Look East on the other side. I don't know, we kind of compare notes. We don't tell each other what's going on though. We don't say... I think post an event, we will. We certainly keep it professional. You know, if I hear her talking to a colleague about something, I sometimes get the satisfaction of, "We did that last week." There are times when it could be the other way around. But, yeah, it's a friendly rivalry and Amelia's really proud that I got the job.

So if you had just 24 hours, just one day, to spend anywhere in the region, what would you do? What would be your sort of dream day?

So if you had just 24 hours, just one day, to spend anywhere in the region, what would you do? What would be your sort of dream day?

I'd get up really early. If it was in the summer, it's not uncommon me to get up at 2: 30 in the morning when it's in the middle of June and first light can be 3: 00 AM. So I'll be at the beach for 3: 00, 3: 30 and I would surf on the morning tide with my friends and see the sunrise and then probably have a breakfast. I'd probably have breakfast at North Sea Coffee because my friends there, they're surfers as well. They've built that business right on the front. I'd probably have coffee and breakfast there and then we'd probably surf again. So we'd probably go for another surf again after that and then might invite the children along as well in the afternoon because my kids love the seat and Amelia, we all love the beach and then we probably take the dog for a walk. We also really love Salthouse. I mean we'd probably go to Salthouse in the afternoon after that. Salthouse is great and then have a meal in the Dun Cow, which is one of our favorite places to have something to eat. But yeah, we love that beach. I'm probably spoiling it now. Everyone's going to know about Salthouse beach, but it's a really great beach and the dog loves it. He whimpers with excitement when he knows he is there. He's just very, very excited and we all just run and yeah it's a special place. So yeah, so that would, and then probably watch the sunset and have a beer. Yeah. That would do that would do I reckon.

I'd get up really early. If it was in the summer, it's not uncommon me to get up at 2: 30 in the morning when it's in the middle of June and first light can be 3: 00 AM. So I'll be at the beach for 3: 00, 3: 30 and I would surf on the morning tide with my friends and see the sunrise and then probably have a breakfast. I'd probably have breakfast at North Sea Coffee because my friends there, they're surfers as well. They've built that business right on the front. I'd probably have coffee and breakfast there and then we'd probably surf again. So we'd probably go for another surf again after that and then might invite the children along as well in the afternoon because my kids love the seat and Amelia, we all love the beach and then we probably take the dog for a walk. We also really love Salthouse. I mean we'd probably go to Salthouse in the afternoon after that. Salthouse is great and then have a meal in the Dun Cow, which is one of our favorite places to have something to eat. But yeah, we love that beach. I'm probably spoiling it now. Everyone's going to know about Salthouse beach, but it's a really great beach and the dog loves it. He whimpers with excitement when he knows he is there. He's just very, very excited and we all just run and yeah it's a special place. So yeah, so that would, and then probably watch the sunset and have a beer. Yeah. That would do that would do I reckon.

That'd be an incredibly long day. And then I think collapse into bed after all of that.

That'd be an incredibly long day. And then I think collapse into bed after all of that.

Yeah. One beer and then be fast asleep, Juliette. One beer.

Yeah. One beer and then be fast asleep, Juliette. One beer.

I think apart from the very early morning, it sounds fabulous.

I think apart from the very early morning, it sounds fabulous.

David, you do like traveling by train don't you? You've traveled quite a lot around our local network.

David, you do like traveling by train don't you? You've traveled quite a lot around our local network.

When I used to spend a lot of time on the road, it was always a relief to get the train and know that you could go to London from Norwich on the Greater Anglia line and kind of think, " ah, do you know what I haven't got to worry about driving to London or driving somewhere." One particular part I really love is when the train gets to Manningtree and you kind of see the estuary open up and it's just very special. And if the sun's catching the sea in the estuary there, the tides in, it's a very beautiful spot. And I think you, if you do spend a lot of time looking out the windows, instead of scrolling through your phone, as a lot of us are guilty of at times, you can really see such amazing parts of the region from the train.

When I used to spend a lot of time on the road, it was always a relief to get the train and know that you could go to London from Norwich on the Greater Anglia line and kind of think, " ah, do you know what I haven't got to worry about driving to London or driving somewhere." One particular part I really love is when the train gets to Manningtree and you kind of see the estuary open up and it's just very special. And if the sun's catching the sea in the estuary there, the tides in, it's a very beautiful spot. And I think you, if you do spend a lot of time looking out the windows, instead of scrolling through your phone, as a lot of us are guilty of at times, you can really see such amazing parts of the region from the train.

Well, I think we've got a perfect trip for you. You love the coast. You like traveling by train. What I would recommend to you is next time you are looking for a day out, maybe with the family, is get on the train at Norwich and go to Lowestoft. It's a really lovely, really beautiful line. You like water, you go past loads of water. There's the River Waveney, which at some point seems even higher than the train track. And so it's really weird that you are in a train and you look out of the window and there's a boat at a higher level than you. And you go past Oulton Broad. And then when you get to Lowestoft, you come in next to the Harbor. So you are traveling next to all these boats. It's really scenic line. But, it's not just the water. It's also the stations. There's some beautiful stations along the way with amazing gardens. At Cantley, they've got a boat and they're creating a sail made out of flowers which looks really pretty. Somerleyton has an incredible garden. And in fact, they've done this planting to attract scarce butterflies. And then of course, when you get to Lowestoft, well, wonderful sandy beach and the most easterly station, the most easterly point in the whole of the UK. So fish and chips, maybe a little beer, just a perfect little trip.

Well, I think we've got a perfect trip for you. You love the coast. You like traveling by train. What I would recommend to you is next time you are looking for a day out, maybe with the family, is get on the train at Norwich and go to Lowestoft. It's a really lovely, really beautiful line. You like water, you go past loads of water. There's the River Waveney, which at some point seems even higher than the train track. And so it's really weird that you are in a train and you look out of the window and there's a boat at a higher level than you. And you go past Oulton Broad. And then when you get to Lowestoft, you come in next to the Harbor. So you are traveling next to all these boats. It's really scenic line. But, it's not just the water. It's also the stations. There's some beautiful stations along the way with amazing gardens. At Cantley, they've got a boat and they're creating a sail made out of flowers which looks really pretty. Somerleyton has an incredible garden. And in fact, they've done this planting to attract scarce butterflies. And then of course, when you get to Lowestoft, well, wonderful sandy beach and the most easterly station, the most easterly point in the whole of the UK. So fish and chips, maybe a little beer, just a perfect little trip.

You're selling it to me, Juliette. You are. I mean, I don't think I've ever... I know Amelia's done that line many, many years ago when the children were little, but I've never been on that one. And I didn't realize it went through the Waveney, of course it does. Yeah. And you've got such... Somerleyton's beautiful and I know that easterly point very well. I filmed many an occasion on that most easterly point of the UK. And I think Lowestoft's underrated. I think it's a very special place. The beaches are vast.

You're selling it to me, Juliette. You are. I mean, I don't think I've ever... I know Amelia's done that line many, many years ago when the children were little, but I've never been on that one. And I didn't realize it went through the Waveney, of course it does. Yeah. And you've got such... Somerleyton's beautiful and I know that easterly point very well. I filmed many an occasion on that most easterly point of the UK. And I think Lowestoft's underrated. I think it's a very special place. The beaches are vast.

It's definitely a route for looking out of the window. The lovely big picture windows on the new trains.

It's definitely a route for looking out of the window. The lovely big picture windows on the new trains.

Yeah, fantastic.

Yeah, fantastic.

Well, thanks very much for joining us.

Well, thanks very much for joining us.

Well, it's been my pleasure. Thank you.

Well, it's been my pleasure. Thank you.

And be sure to take up our recommendation. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

And be sure to take up our recommendation. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Absolutely. Well, thank you both very much for having me on the podcast.

Absolutely. Well, thank you both very much for having me on the podcast.

We've reached the end of this episode. We hope you've enjoyed learning more about Greater Anglia.

We've reached the end of this episode. We hope you've enjoyed learning more about Greater Anglia.

Please do leave us a rating or review on your podcast platform and tweet us at Greater Anglia PR.

Please do leave us a rating or review on your podcast platform and tweet us at Greater Anglia PR.

Life on Rails releases every six weeks. So be sure to check back soon for episode five.

Life on Rails releases every six weeks. So be sure to check back soon for episode five.

And in the meantime, follow or subscribe to the podcast for free so you never miss an episode and visit our website at www. greateranglia. co. uk/ podcast for more information.

And in the meantime, follow or subscribe to the podcast for free so you never miss an episode and visit our website at www. greateranglia. co. uk/ podcast for more information.

Thanks for joining us. Bye.

Thanks for joining us. Bye.