On wrong track again

Now we've heard it all. The latest excuse by rail operator Connex about cancelled services is that drivers want to spend time with their children over the half-term break.

As a result, rush-hour trains have been cancelled and departure times changed. Of course there's nothing wrong with parents wanting to spend time with their children.

But surely a bit of forward planning by the management could have prevented this happening. It seems once again Connex is on the wrong track.

Ship-shape

Hurrah for Hoverspeed. The company, which runs the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry service, was due to begin its summer programme on March 31, but then announced it would not begin until April 12.

The delay was because a refurbishment of the SuperSeaCat fast ferry was taking longer than expected. But Hoverspeed has told the shipyard where the works are being carried out to get a move on.

As a result the service will begin next month as planned. It's great news for travellers and great news for Newhaven.

Favourite thing

Fans of the Rocky Horror Show are used to dressing up as their favourite characters from the show.

Now the trend has caught on with the most unlikeliest of films, The Sound Of Music. Managers of the Theatre Royal are delighted because their tills are alive to the sound of ticket sales.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.