A recruitment freeze, I've learned today that GNER are planning to axe up to 155 jobs through natural wastage and voluntary redundancy. They blame a fall in tourist passengers post July 7th, a steep rise in electricity prices and a promise to pay UK Gov PLC 1.3billion over the 10 year franchise. As a commuter I only hope that front line staff remain largely unaffected.

Caught my usual 07.20 this morning and what an excellent service it was too. It arrived into Tinsel Town at 07.17, left spot on 07.20, seat reservations were all in place, there was a full buffet and trolly service, and it arrived into KX bang on 08.09. We would have been earlier had we not slowed to a crawl as we approached KX. How I wish every journey was like that.

One thing that did baffle me came from the trolley guy. He'd just served me with one of the best cuppas I'd ever bought on board when a fella who'd missed the trolley as it passed his seat asked if he could have a cup of coffee. 'Sorry Sir', was the reply, but I'm not allowed to serve you whilst your standing in the aisle. You'll have to go to the buffet car instead'. Now what's that all about? Why can't the trolly serve customers who are standing in the aisle? Does that mean customers standing in the vestibules have to go to the buffet car too? I suspect it's one of those arse wipe health and safety rules that's been taken a step too far.