SNAP TO ATTENTION

Back in the 1970s I was a founder member of the Nord Locomotive Preservation Group. When we were based at Ashford Steam Centre, we invited Mr Hardy to check out our locomotive; SNCF de Glehn Compound No. 230.D.116. He spent the whole day with us and drove the engine up and down the yard pretty much non-stop, all the while entertaining us and the public with many railway stories. In the evening I took Richard to Ashford station for him to return to London. Now, I don’t know what he showed the ticket inspector, but that fellow all but snapped to attention and called him ‘Sir’! Despite that, Richard thanked me for the lift, so graciously proving beyond doubt that he is the true gentleman everyone who meets him says he is. Roger Siggery, by email