THE last lecture was a 19th century train journey in the company of Ian Moss, an enthusiastic and expert guide.

The route from the Euston Arch to the Carlisle Citadel included many diversions. What emerged was a complex picture. Planners, often at the mercy of powerful local landowners, have left a legacy of architecture exceptional for its time.

The story of the LNWR was a tale of heroism with romance and humour. Engineers battled against bad weather and the landscape. A disaster like Harrow was even worse than the recent Hatfield crash.

Sadly, it will never be the same. Even in the line's heyday it had severe competition and the speaker acknowledged this, returning to London by the more scenic Carlisle to Settle route and back via the Midlands.

The next talk will be given by Les Gwilliams on the Cotswolds at the Abbey High School on Friday, February 23, at 7.30pm.

For more details, call 892463.