Steam: Great Western Railway museum,Swindon

Day before yesterday, I went to the Great Western Railway museum also known as STEAM.  Swindon has a very deep connection with the Great Western Railway and it was here that the it built its engine and carriage factory.  In fact the museum itself is housed in a former factory building. 

The exhibition itself didn't have that many train engines on show, instead it highlighted the production process of the engines and carriages, along with the daily lives of its employees. 

At one stage the factory complex employed 14,000 men and women.  The sons of the men usually followed their fathers into the company.  The workshop display, along with its smell reminded me of metalwork class at school. 

There were a few interactive exhibits including a mock signal box where you can play signalman and direct some video game trains.  Most of interactive exhibits were aimed at children. 

The highlight for me was looking up at the base of the Caerphilly Castle engine as trench built underneath to give a bougie view.

After lunch upstairs, I made my way out. It was quite enjoyable and informative but it doesn't beat the National Railway Museum in York.

Leighton buzzard railway museum

As mentioned, yesterday I went to the Leighton Buzzard railway museum, dedicated to a short miniature railway which served the local quarries. 

The adult ticket was around £14 and it includes a ride on the train. The main exhibition consists of a covered engine yard with several narrow gauge engines, both steam and diesel powered.

The museum is staffed entirely by volunteers and after a few minutes a very friendly gentleman approached us to give us a free impromptu guided tour.

He informed us on why narrow gauge is used(easier to turn corners and go up steep gradients) and the purpose the railway originally served.  It turns out sand was quarried in the area, which was used in building and in glassmaking.  The gentleman volunteer told us that the glass used in building Crystal Palace was made from Leighton Buzzard sand. 

On that day, it hosted a beer festival but we didn't partake. Then it was time for the train ride.  As expected it was a slow pleasant journey through the suburbs of Leighton Buzzard and it terminated at industrial estate on the edge of town. There were a few more engines and other rail related exhibits there. We then took the same train back. On the way out I bought a £2 booklet about the engines on display, which our volunteer guide suggested. 

It's well worth visiting for railway nerds, and much respect to all the volunteers involved. 

UK visit 2026

Yesterday I arrived in the UK for a three week visit to see family and friends, go hiking, visit railway related venues, watch a concert and do some shopping.


My flight landed early in the morning so I went to the Leighton Buzzard railway, a miniature heritage railway with a fascinating history, I shall write in detail about that later.

Bettany Hughes, “The hemlock cup”

 I’ve literally just finished reading “The hemlock cup. Socrates, Athens and the search for the good life” by Bettany Hughes.  Its a biography of the ancient philosopher, Socrates, and explores his life, the historical events that shaped him and his contemporaries and peers.  It’s a good book if you are interested in the life of the philosopher and the Athens city state but not a good book if you want to learn about his philosophy.  It is a well readable book and it should inspire the reader to dive deeper into Socrates.

Copy borrowed from Hong Kong public libraries.

Kevin Keegan 1951-2026

 Yesterday the football world lost a great icon and player, Kevin Keegan, a Liverpool, Hamburg SV, Newcastle United and England legend.  He was also a very successful manager with Newcastle, Manchester City, Fulham and to a lesser extent, England.  Unfortunately he was already past his prime when I took an interest in football although I do remember his stint at Newcastle during the 1980s.  As for England, he only played one Fifa World Cup, 1982, in which he played in one match as a second half substitute.  For him, he played during a decade which had one of the weakest England teams in history, which meant he never fulfilled his true international potential.

I also remember him as a coach especially his time at Newcastle where the Magpies pushed Manchester United in the Premiership race in 1995/1996, which culminated in his infamous post match interview after a defeat to Liverpool.  Something that I remember to this day.

Rest in peace and thanks for the memories.

謝賢1936-2026

I literally just heard the sad news minutes ago, rest in peace and thanks for the memories.  I'll never forget you performance in 萬水千山總是情.

England vs India third ODI 2026 part 2

 I just caught the final five overs of the England innings whilst waiting for my bus home, incredible batting by England and finished on 387/3. The total confirms that India cannot live without Jasprit Bumrah, who didn’t play today.  It was fun listening to Jos Butler playing twenty/twenty style at the death. Someone in the Indian team needs to hit a near double hundred to even have a chance of making the total.  

England vs France third place playoff, Fifa 2026

What a game that was, well done and congratulations England. 

England vs India, third ODI 2026

 Tomorrow evening(Hong Kong time) I will be glued to my BBC Sounds app, playing Radio Five Live or Talksport app, listening to the third and deciding cricket one day international between England and India.  I wasn’t able to listen live to the incredibly exciting second game but what a game it was and what an innings by Joe Root.  It was also good to see the legend Virat Kohli in fine form as well. England are rebuilding after the departure of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum(from test cricket) but it was great to see the team still working well together. Jacob Bethel has developed slowly but surely since the recent Ashes series.  Football? What football?

Running 10k

 As some of you know, I restarted running/jogging after a break of few years and in the last two weeks I ran ten kilometres on three occasions. In fact I went on a 10K run today and I’m totally exhausted with aches down on both legs. 

The recent 10k runs have taken me at least one hour and forty minutes, which is a far cry from the sixty five minutes it took me to do the distance just four years ago. Maybe its because I’m getting old but I still recommend it.  For me its the feeling of accomplishment at the end, the “I did it”.

Sam Neill 1947-2026

Sam Neill, rest in peace, thanks for all the memories especially in Jurassic Park.

The sense of style of style by Steven Pinker

As someone who believes in continuous improvement, I have a great desire to improve my writing abilities, especially with this blog. So a few weeks ago I picked up this book amongst others at the public library where I work. 

However today, I returned it after just reading under half of it.  I was looking for a book that aimed at improving writing style and to better capture the reader’s attention. After the first chapter I realized this was a book about improving your written grammar and providing tips in how not to confuse the reader.  This was all very well and good but it wasn’t what I was looking for, hence the early return, I did find some of the grammar advice very helpful.

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Blokus

I've finally managed to beat my other half in Blokus for the first time, after many years of trying. 

England vs Mexico Fifa world cup 2026 final whistle

 What a game, well done England, the UK and beyond are proud of you. Commiserations Mexico, thanks for putting on a great show. 

England vs Mexico Fifa world cup 2026 first half

What a first half, hope England can hang on, looking forward to the second half radio commentary thanks to BBC radio 5 live on BBC Sounds App.