Today we take for granted the ability to access all the latest news immediately, 24 hours per day, and to be able to research even the most arcane of subjects simply by operating a computer keyboard. Back in the 1960s things were very different and it was far from easy to keep abreast of events and developments. The newspapers told you what they wanted you to hear, the wireless and television tended to report primarily on national issues and specialist magazines, which could help with raising awareness of forthcoming events, were quite expensive for youngsters with limited pocket money. For railway enthusiasts there was, apart from magazines, a grapevine which, although frequently inaccurate, was sometimes helpful in providing useful tips and information.
Some school friends and I had heard that train services on the Isle of Wight were to be further reduced and that the steam locomotives and antique rolling stock in use at that time were to be phased out at the end of 1966. None of us had ever been to the island but were very interested in railways and enjoyed walking so we decided to make a day trip there during the winter half term of that year. So, on Monday 21st February we took the 9.55am train from Dorking North and settled into the comfortable seats of a 4-COR unit heading south. After a non-stop run to Horsham we rolled through the attractive Arun Valley, with a
