WHAT'S ON PETS OF THE NATION RAILWAYS ... - Aspire Magazine

Railways
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Fantastic France
Feature by Stacey Wragg...
Black Bull
Caravan Park
Malton Road, Pickering,
North Yorkshire YO18 8EA
Vive la France!
Feature by
Barbara Stone...
Full Steam Ahead!
With increased awareness and media coverage of how much patent for a separate condenser connected to a cylinder by a
carbon we’re emitting into the air as we travel, one of the
valve. Unlike previous engines, Watt's design had a condenser
most energy-efficient ways to travel is by rail. Under the right that could be cool while the cylinder was hot. Watt's engine soon
circumstances, a train needs 50-70% less energy to transport any became the dominant design for all modern steam engines and
number of passengers (or a given tonnage of freight), than road helped bring about the Industrial Revolution.
transport.
Railways date back 2000 years, when horse-drawn wagonways
appeared in Greece, Malta, and parts of the Roman Empire. The
first railways in Great Britain were built in the early 17th century,
mainly for transporting coal from the mine to the waterside,
where it could be loaded on to a boat. Iron rails began to
replace wooden rails at the start of the 18th century and British
civil engineer William Jessop designed edge rails for use on a
scheme from Loughborough in 1789.
Thomas Savery, an English military engineer and inventor,
patented the first crude steam engine in 1698. However, the most
notable contributor to the history of the steam engine is James
Watt, a Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer. He made
significant improvements to the steam engine, including the 1769
20 ASPIRE
Although the first steam locomotive to operate on rails was
unsuccessful (the engine was so heavy that the rails broke under
it), in 1811 John Blenkinsop designed the first successful and
practical railway locomotive. The Middleton Railway was the first
steam locomotive railway in Britain to be built under the terms
laid out in an Act of Parliament in 1758. Steam railways are
enjoying a revival, becoming more popular among those train
enthusiasts who want to recapture the memories of the past.
Steam engines are still loved and celebrated all over the world.
If you’re interested in all things steamy, there are various events
and rallies taking place across the country in 2010. These events
capture the magic and excitement of a by-gone era and are the
perfect family day out, whether you’re aged two or 92!
Quiet caravan park situated one mile south
of Pickering on the A169. Tents and Motor
Homes also welcome.
The North York Moors are a matter of minutes
away and half an hour from the coast.
On site there is a games room, separate
sports field for ball games, kite flying etc.
Opposite is a nine-hole golf course. Dogs are
welcome by arrangement only.
Refurbished toilets / free hot shower facilities
now open.
Tel: 01751 472 528
www.blackbullpark.co.uk
The Foxfield Light Railway is one of the UK’s earliest heritage railways. The line
was built in the 1890’s and unlike many lines which follow valleys, the Foxfield
Railway maintains a 5 ½ mile round journey which boldly crosses open moorland,
hills and woodland offering the finest unspoilt views.
At Foxfield, we have something for everyone with a ‘Drive Your Own Train’
experience for adults. A golden opportunity to take to the controls of a unique Steam
Locomotive. Exciting the senses, sights, sounds and feel the magnificent power of
these industrials servants at your fingertips!
As for children, we hold various events throughout the year to keep all ages
entertained. Visit www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk for more information.
Events taking place:
Easter 2nd & 5th April 2010 Vintage Vehicles 18th April 2010
Telephone: 01782 259667 or 01782 396210
Email: enquiries@foxfieldrailway.co.uk Web: www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk
PO BOX 1967, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8YT
Attracting around 75 million tourists each year, France is an
excellent destination for a holiday. This diverse country is
17 times smaller than Brazil, which means that one-hour by
plane, or eight hours by car, are enough to cross the whole
country from one landscape to another.
From the ancient city of Paris and its suburbs, to the high
alpine territory containing Mont-Blanc (15,780 ft above
sea level) to oceanfront towns, France has something for
everyone at any time of the year; there’s always a festival
or hot event happening somewhere in France. The French
love to celebrate, and it shows in festivities like the annual
Beaujolais Nouveau release, various Carnaval celebrations,
and Christmas markets, as well as the Tour de France.
Each of the 22 regions of France has its own charm, culture,
peculiarities, gastronomy, wines, history and people…
Located on the western coast, Brittany has a warm,
temperate climate, which makes it a population destination
with tourists. The coast at Brittany is unusual, due to its
colouring. The Côte de Granit Rose (pink granite coast) is
located in the Cotes d'Armor department of Brittany, and
stretches for more than 30km, from Plestin-les-Greves to
Louannec. It’s one of the most outstanding coastlines in
Europe because the pink rock is very rare and can only be
found in Corsica, China and Brittany!
Situated just opposite the southern coast of England,
Normandy combines the pleasures of an extraordinary
Chambre d’ Hôte
Our lovely, completely renovated Chambre d’ Hôte
offers 2 double bedrooms and twin room with
exceptionally high standards of comfort. English
owners but we speak some French as well!
We have UK TV in the sitting room, en-suite showers
in all rooms as well as tea/coffee making facilities.
The swimming pool is situated in our grounds and
used by guests in our Gite and B&B which has a
seating area and loungers. It is heated by solar
panels and has a cover for safety, cleanliness and
warmth. A supper menu is available 2 nights per
week. Price includes breakfast.
We are situated within 3km of the country town of St
Hilaire du Harcouet and within 30 minutes of Mont St
Michel, Avranches, popular for its War Museum and
Fougėres famous for its fairytale castle.
Price based on 2 people.
Large double - 57€.
Double - 52€. Twin - 52€.
Tel: 0121 288 2989 or
0033 233 617309
Email: holidays@vacancestranquille.com
www.vacancestranquille.com
LE HOUSSET
Centuries old, pretty restored traditional
cottage in large grounds, sleeping 6 plus cot.
This charming family house is set in 3/4 acre of
totally private enclosed grounds and is situated off
a quiet lane in the rural village of Omméel. It is 4
miles to Chambois - which has everyday shops and
is near the Normandy battlefields, the French National Stud and cheese and cider farms.
Accommodation consists of 2 twin bedrooms, 2 beds on the landing and a double sofa bed
downstairs. There is a bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen with a washing machine. The
living area has an open fire and is well furnished including a TV/DVD. There are electric heaters
throughout. Couples and families only. Sorry no pets and non-smoking.
Contact: Barbara Rix Tel: 01603 278095
Email: barbara.rix@tesco.net Web: www.normandygite.org
coastline with a green and blossoming countryside. With
600km of coastline, marshlands, pebbled beaches, pristine
sandy resorts and plunging cliffs, Normandy just begs to be
explored!
Known as the land of fine wines, Burgundy is also a
great place to pick up some delicious wine. The Romans
introduced the first vines to Burgundy and the region has
flourished ever since, thanks to the combination of ideal
climate and soil. Real wine buffs should definitely visit the
famous and exclusive wines of the Côte de Beaune and the
Côte de Nuits. However, knowledge of good wine is a not
requirement to fully enjoy this region and its beauty.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is the most popular tourist attraction
in France and is possibly the most recognised monument
in Europe. This iron tower was built between 1887 and
1889 on the Champ de Mars, beside the River Seine.
Named after its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, over two
hundred million people have visited it since its construction
(http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk). Located at the top of
the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile is
the most illustrious symbol of French history. At the heart
of the bustling city of Paris, in a district where the worlds
of business, retail and tourism sit happily alongside one
another, the Arc de Triomphe is part of the historic urban
landscape of France and its national culture. Today, it’s a
physical link between old Paris and contemporary Paris.
Visit www.france.com for more info on this beautiful country.
Le Lavandou
La Fossette
Provençal villa in quiet private domaine amongst mimosa trees overlooking La Fossette sandy beach.
Magnificent views of Mediterranean and along coast from all rooms. Beach is 10 minute walk.
Large living room with dining area, tastefully furnished. Sofas, electric
central heating, phone, British TV and fan. There is a small modern
kitchen with fridge freezer. The upstairs has double bedroom, luxury
shower room with wash basin and toilet. Washing machine. Outside
there is a patio with garden furniture, full sunblind, stone BBQ and
parking.
Le Lavandou has harbour, superb restaurants, market and shops as
well as 12 safe, sandy beaches and watersports. Only a coastal drive
to St .Tropez. Sleeps 2. Prices from: £220 -£580 pw.
www.lafossette.iowners.net
Saint Clair
Villa in private residence overlooking Saint Clair and Mediterranean with views across bay to Cap Benat.
Beach with free parking or 15 minutes walk.
There is a comfortable living room opening to terrace with full sunblind,
fan, electric central heating, phone and British TV. Luxury kitchen has
dishwasher, oven, hob, microwave and fridge/freezer. Two bedrooms
sleeping 4, (1 double, 1 twin) with fans. Shower room with washbasin
and toilet. Further luxury bathroom and a washing machine. Outside
is a garden on 2 levels offering tree shade and sunshine. Private
parking space.
Le Lavandou has harbour, superb restaurants, market, shops and 12
safe, sandy beaches and watersports. Prices from: £220 -£650 pw.
www.saintclair.iowners.net
For more information on either contact John Lucas on 020 8949 4042 or
email jandclucas@yahoo.co.uk
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