If you are reading this and are either expecting to spend a spell in hospital over the next week, or you have friends or relatives who are patients at Gloucester Royal or Cheltenham General, then suggest they tune in to Cotswold Hospital Radio on Monday 2nd March for 7pm when there will be an hour-long programme hosted by Allan Durant called 'Up the Junction'.  Allan's special guest is Ian Crowder of the GWR.  The story of the railway's development and ambitions will be discussed to the accompaniment of a range of railway-related tunes, all chosen by working volunteers on the GWR - some a little tongue-in-cheek (such as 'Love My (me) Tender' by Elvis!). Of course, very much a 'captive audience' - but hopefully, the thought of trains running through the glorious Cotswold countryside will be the best possible tonic for a rapid return to health!

The timing is perfect, too - just before the GWR's 2009 season kicks off on 7th March. And what a start! It's the 25th anniversary of the railway's first train, a very modest affair that ventured over just 700 yards of track at Toddington and, to celebrate, anyone aged 25 or under can travel free* on any operating day in March! Of course, there is much more than 700 yards to enjoy as the line now runs from Toddington over 10 miles to Cheltenham Racecourse. And, just like the radio station, the GWR is entirely volunteer-run and both organisations could always do with more volunteer help!

*Those aged 25 or under can travel free provided they are accompanied by a fare-paying passenger of any age.