Ended up in Loanhead this morning , dropping off the car to be repaired after its wee shut in the rear in December. Having had a bit of a run in with Help Hire, and told them where to stick their hire car and lengthy documentation process I took a walk back along Edgefield and into Clerk street.
At the bridge in Edgefield
I found that the once very busy mineral railway, running from Millerhill to the Bilston Glen Colliery, was totally overgrown, and even had the original tracks still in situ. This line ran downhill all way and there was often great excitement as the laden waggons tried to run away from the train, there were great big traps to catch them at Millerhill in the event. Occasionally as a young PC I would hitch a ride on the footplate from the Colliery ( the Merry Go Round) where the trains were turned and the wagons loaded, and then jump off at the Clerk Street bridge.
I found that the once very busy mineral railway, running from Millerhill to the Bilston Glen Colliery, was totally overgrown, and even had the original tracks still in situ. This line ran downhill all way and there was often great excitement as the laden waggons tried to run away from the train, there were great big traps to catch them at Millerhill in the event. Occasionally as a young PC I would hitch a ride on the footplate from the Colliery ( the Merry Go Round) where the trains were turned and the wagons loaded, and then jump off at the Clerk Street bridge.Into Clerk street, where it is a while since I had a walk along the full length. brought back memories of the nights I paraded up and down, firstly checking and then turning out the pubs, then along to get our chips at Joe Pia's shop, and then to do our routine nightly check of the doors of the properties.
BUT, there was my friend Joe and his son Dino, getting this wonderfull Chippy all set up for lunchtime business. So a sneaky entry entry and the familiar "bastardo carribenieri", it was big smiles all round. Lovely to see them both, wee bit of reminiscing about the good old days - nearly missed my bus - coincidentally we even mentioned Andrew Stewart who has just popped his latest publication , "The Harbours and Environs of East Lothian and Berwickshire" through the door. This personal project took Andrew on a journy of discovery along the coast of the Firth of Forth from Fisherrow all the way to Burnmouth, via Cockenzie, Port Seaton, North berwick, Seacliffe, Dunbar, Skateraw, Cove, St.Abbs and Eyemouth - facinating wee booklet.
Ihave had and will no doubt have many more wonderful "Special fish suppers, from the shop which is now known as Dino's rather than Pia's as it was in Joe's day.
Back in Penicuik, had a blether to the "Luscious" Mellissa at her salon , she liked her photo from last week and has it on her web site.
Getting organised and off to Dalkeith for a meeting of Esk 42 RA, where they have some French candidates tonight - BUT - one consolation I do not have to get up early tomorrow as I have not had my Runcorn job verified.
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