Last train to Buntingford
a poem
By Steve Glason (added by Chris Scott-Hake)
“My poem ‘Last train to Buntingford’ was a recent entry to the Ware Poetry Competition.
I have fond memories of travelling on this long vanished railway branch line – an autumn journey with my mother in 1961 and a journey with my toddler brother in the summer of 1964. Alas the line closed for passengers in November 1964.
I also have memories of attending St Edmunds College near Puckeridge from 1965-1970 and cross country running along the lanes near Levens Green and Dane End.”
LAST TRAIN TO BUNTINGFORD
Come citizens who live in Ware
Fond memories I’d like to share
A sleepy branch line – here no more
Beeching closure – by the score.
Stanstead Abbotts – caught the train
Up, up to Mardock – and again
Through Hadham, Standon – lovely ride
True Arcady on either side.
Track bed succumbed to grassy seed
Braughing full of rampart weed
Puckeridge – cars slowing down
Bypass relief – this little town.
Peaceful lanes around Westmill
And rural idylls – canvas fill
Nature paintings spring to mind
Vanished station hard to find.
Our journey’s end is Buntingford
The very place now strikes a chord
Delightful name – to me at least
Impossible from Hertford East.
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