Tours master John on track to recovery from ill health
JOHN Farrow, who created Hertfordshire Railtours and more recently UK Railtours (UKRT), will soon be well enough to return to his home after prolonged hospital treatment for cancer.
His daughter Liz, has stepped in to help keep the business on track and writing the introduction to UK Railtours’ new brochure, said: “My father John has always sent his own personal message in the front of the brochure. He puts it together, but right now as most of you will be aware, he can’t.
“He remains in hospital making progress, but rather more slowly than was hoped, following surgery for cancer back in December. We hope that he will be back at home with us over the next few months and miss him terribly.
“On a lighter note, we have not been idle in dad’s absence – quite the opposite. We have put together a brochure which features some exciting ‘Forgottentracks’excursions and a great main line steam special with Clan Line, topped off with some great days out, complete with brand new locations.”
As reported last issue, the trip to Norwich with Clan Line on April 18 is the highlight of UKRT’S spring programme. The association with No. 35028 goes back a long way to Hertfordshire Railtours days when John Farrow would book the engine for a trip to Lincoln when the Bulleid Pacific was a rarely seen for outside hire, giving priority to its British Pullman duties.
Departing King’s Cross,‘the Merchant of Norfolk’calls at Potters Bar and
Stevenage as it heads for its destination.
Prior to that,‘the Cotswold Lion’runs from Peterborough to Worcester on March 21. It includes an optional transfer to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway by road coach.
On March 28,‘The Aberthaw Farewell’ starts from London Victoria for a final visit to Aberthaw power station in the Vale of Glamorgan prior to its closure.
➜ On behalf of all our readers and the heritage sector overall, the staff at Heritage Railway wish John all the best for a speedy recovery – editor.