The book Signalboxes, People and Trains - The Berks and Hants Line is one of a range of railway books privately published by a railway signalman under the banner of Ravenswood Publishing.
Review
At first glance, I was a bit disappointed to find few detail views of box interiors and equipment, but on settling down to read it I realised that of course that wasn't the main point of the book. This is a collection of Dave's tales and memories from the days of semaphore signalling on the B&H line, dealt with box by box. Illustrations showing the boxes and signals are accompanied by emotive views of people at work - signalmen, drivers, lampmen etc. The icing on the cake, for me, was an emotive poem written on the wall of Lavington box by a retiring signalman just before the box closed. You'll need to read that for yourselves!
Although published privately, this is no amateur publication. The print quality is good, although glossier paper might have livened up the pictures a little. The text might be felt to be a little lacking in grammatical correctness in places, but it is written as Dave speaks which makes the stories all the more lifelike.
Only 500 copies of this A4-sized hardback book have been published, and all come numbered and signed by the author.
John Hinson 23/3/02
The book may be available in some shops, but is most easily obtained direct from the author/publisher at:
D E Canning,
"Helvetia", 20A First Avenue,
Ravenswing Park, Aldermaston, Berks, RG7 4PS.
Email dandmcanning
@talk21.com
Web site http://www.davidandmarionphotography.co.uk
Please mention The Signal Box web site when writing
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