Aggborough Stadium Saturday, September 6th, 2014 k/o 15:00   Conference Attendance: 2,607       Kidderminster Harriers 2 - 1 Gateshead
2014 /15

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Planned this trip 3 weeks ago, having got a train fare for £11.60. Up at 5.35, left at 6.10, caught 6.35 (375603) to Vic, then Euston, for Virgin train 7.23 to B''rum New St arr 8.45. Read Ben Elton''s ''Blast from the Past'' for entire journey, as I had a seat with limited window. Walked to the new library, a fine building and a complete contrast to the brutalist 70''s library nearby. Asked a number of locals how to get to Snow Hill station to continue my journey, and I seemed to directed towards New Street each time! Eventually found it and watched the UK Railtour ''Silver King'' train from Marylebone to the SVR pass through before my 9.53 London Midland (172339) train came in. Changed at Stourbridge Junction, and spotted the tiny ''peoplemover'' that operated on the quarter mile Stourbridge Town branch. Got 10.29 (172221) to Kiddy arr 10.40. Had intended to catch 291 bus at 10.45 to Rock to visit their church, but to late. Bought a £16.50 rover ticket on Severn Valley Railway, and after a quick coffee and teacake, caught the 11.15, which was crowded with UKR train fans. Sat with a couple of them, and chatted trains on the way to Highley where I got off, to visit the Engine House museum. Mainly there for lunch which I had sitting outside on the balcony overlooking the track and river. Would have been nice to have Eve with me at this time. Photoed the Chiltern Rail Mainline set used by UKR, doing a service run. Walked down to the Sun Inn, but not enough time for a beer as the 13.09 back. This was hauled by GWR 0-6-0 (1501) and spotted elephants and rhinos as we passed the Midland Safari park near Bewdley. Kiddy at 13.52. Quick beer in the King & Castle, (Hercules £2.95), finished reading my book, and left it in railway fund raising shop. Then walk to Aggborough for game v Gateshead, on non league day, so I''m wearing my Fulham cap, and I spot WBA, Villa & Chelsea colours. Only £9 for me, £3 prog, and sat in back row of stand next to a very friendly chap and we chatted throughout the game. Poor first half with Gateshead having bulk of possession but achieved little. Kiddy scored within 8 seconds of restart with a second soon after, and looked a much livelier team, chasing G''head down. But the visitors got one back with 25 to go and it was resolute defending till the final whistle, and relief all round when it blew. Back at station and got 17.08 (172343) as I arrived. Went to Moor Street, walked up to New St, bought coffee and wrap for journey back on 18.30, arr 19.55. Was lucky with connection on tube, at Vic, and ran for the Bus at Bromley and home at 20.45. Another good day, but Eve cool and doesn''t like me leaving her. She phoned me twice to ask when I''d be home even though I''d told her before I left.