Catcott Burtle - Top Drawer!

Catcott Crossing Keeper’s Cottage was one of many on the Highbridge Branch. Due to the remoteness of the line many were without running water and electricity.

With much time between passing trains and little in the way of money, it was quite normal to grow vegetables for the table with railway land being allocated for such matters. I recall seeing lineside allotments as late as the 1980’s, though sadly in this health and safety and bean-counter dominated world this has become a thing of the past.

Note the outside privy to the right of the kitchen, then try to imagine the experience at 3am on a cold wet night with a westerly in January, maybe not?

• This and other 'in' and 'out takes' for my recent feature in July '09 Hornby Magazine can now be enjoyed here: http://www.nevardmedia5.fotopic.net/c1672495_1.html