Rainbow over Reigate

Over the next couple of months I am having to make various day trips to Reigate in Surrey.  The train journey entails changing at Bristol Temple Meads (BTM) and Reading and as these are major stations they are provided with toilet facilities.  Those at BTM are in the underpass between platforms and are provided with the “all in one” type sink.  First we have to remember to put our hands in far enough to catch the splat of liquid soap which spurts from the very back of the sink a couple of seconds after we have given up hope that the automated system is working.  Then comes the water which is normally fine.  Lastly the hot air dryer bursts into action – but only for a split second meaning we leave with hands dripping wet.  So be prepared and approach the “all in one” with tissues at the ready.

This being the height of summer the carriages forming the Torbay Express are “parked” between platforms.  The sight of these iconic Pullman carriages took me back to my youth when I would see the Golden Arrow being prepared for service at Victoria Station.  Those lucky enough to travel on the Orient Express had their own very spacious waiting room  – perhaps that is what filled me with the desire to travel and see the world.

However, yesterday it was a matter of getting to Reigate.  Having to change trains at Reading gave me the opportunity of checking out more toilet facilities.  The first location I tried was the platform on which my train from BTM arrived.  Signs pointed to the far end of the platform but having eventually reached the right place I was greeted with a sign declaring “Toilets Closed – please use those on Platforms 12-13”.  As I needed to go in the opposite direction for my train to Reigate I was less than pleased.  Surely on such a huge station there must be other toilets available.  Having made my way over to the Gatwick Link platforms I again followed a sign to Toilets – this ended up at a brick wall with absolutely nowhere else to go.  In exasperation I asked a ticket collector who directed me in the opposite direction to the sign – way up the platform where he said the WCs could be found within the Waiting Room.  Success at last.  All this searching had taken up 15 minutes which then left me with just 4 minutes to race back down the platform and jump on the Reigate train just as the doors slammed shut.  So my advice to anyone expecting to “Spend a Penny” at Reading Station is to download a map of the station and take that with you!

The next part of the journey saw me speeding through the pine and cedar forests of Berkshire, fern filled Hampshire, and then the Dorking vineyards before reaching the commuter belt of Surrey.

Reigate Station is really nothing more than two platforms with a signal box and old style pedestrian footbridge.  Again, bringing back memories of my childhood.  

Having concluded my appointment I had an hour in which to wander around and take in something of the town.  Being a taphophile my first stop was naturally to the cemetery but the rain showers prevented my staying too long. 

In the centre of town can be found the Old Town Hall complete with clock tower.  It was here that I had to be glad of the damp weather because a beautiful rainbow appeared.

The route back to the station took me through Tunnel Road, at one time home to Wine Cellars.

And so it was back to the footbridge 

and home via Network Rail to Worle.