Hello, TV Series: 'Along These Lines'
I'm hoping you might be able to help me. I'm working on a commissioned 8-part series for ITV Meridian, which looks at 8 former railway lines in the Meridian area. In each episode, the presenter walks, cycles or rides a disused rail track, sometimes alone, sometimes in conversation and, in the process, shows viewers a piece of their own local history they might never have known is there; a pleasure waiting to be explored. The aim is to make this a human story, drawing in locals and their stories and, hopefully, encouraging viewers to get out and enjoy the English countryside.
While researching the Sprat & Winkle line I came across a marvellous piece written by Norman Goodlant for your newsheet, entitled Days of Steam and Rose Gardens. This is dated 1997, but wondered if it would be possible to contact Mr. Goodlant, himself, or any of those family members mentioned in the article. I also wondered if you might know of any other locals who might have personal memories of this line and/or a family connection with it or any other lines in the area for that matter. Any names and stories you could give me would be a great help.
If you need more information about the series, please don't hesitate to contact me anytime.
Cathy (Further enquiries discover that sadly Mr Goodlant has died.)

Dear, may I say friends?
I live in Epsom, Surrey and am a volunteer working for the Watercress Line in Hampshire. Our Railway attempts to portray a line as it was in the early 1960's, both in its stations, trains and the train journey. One delight of travelling by train in years gone by was the view from the window as the train charged through the countryside sometimes as fast as 70 miles an hour! One thing that could be seen on a journey from Waterloo were the large advert's by the lineside that said that,"You are heading to the Strong Country". At my age then, I had no idea that this was a reference to beer.
The Watercress Line would like to re-create one of these signs and we need some information. We know they featured a locomotive that changed over the years but what colours were they? We have locomotives running on the line that are the same as at least one of the advertisements.
If there is anyone who could help us with information on these famous advertisements, we would be delighted to meet you. Initially I would be pleased to have any reply by E-mail.

In anticipation, thank you for your help, Michael Ball. Watercress Line Signalman.

Reply:
I notice that last week someone used Romseynet search facility looking for “Strongs” – maybe it was you, but if not, or even if you did, maybe you missed this item in the Romsey and District Archives on the following page: News item
Since the books referred to about the artist are purported to be available in Romsey Library they may be able to help you further.
From further enquiries I have received a picture of the Strongs Sign Board as on the top of this page and have sent you a copy.
A further reply from the Chairman of Romsey Signal box reads:
"We do have several signalmen from the Mid-Hants involved with Romsey SB, which is a fully operational box with simulator. If you wish to visit, we are open on the first Sunday of every month, bar January."