Antony's Adventures, Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey (2026)

15/01/2026

2025 was not the one

But at least I met my reading goal - 100 books completed last year

Here's a little snippet of what I read.

31/12/2025

So long 2025.

In some ways this has been an incredible year - more trains, plenty of adventures, lots of smiles, new friends, and a rediscovered love of tennis. And I finally built the shelves in the kitchen!

But if I'm honest this won't be a year remembered for the good times. Indeed, it currently feels like a firm contender for "annus horribilis".

I've always felt passionate about the importance of sharing challenges - not because I want to spend my life complaining, but because the only way to tackle the stigma that exists around mental health is to be open and hope it helps others feel less alone.

Perhaps one day I'll be in a place to share more than just headlines, but for now I hope a few selected "highlights" will help remind you that its ok to not be ok, and its ok to ask for help.

Firstly, this year has seen further challenges for mum. In summer we received a diagnosis of dementia - likely Alzheimers - to go alongside her Multiple Sclerosis. This journey only ever had one ending, but my attempts to ensure that mum has as much happiness and independence as long as possible remains heartbreaking, especially due to other significant health challenges within the family.

A few months ago I began medication for ADHD, which was diagnosed in December 2024. The first medication didn't seem to have any impact, but the second medication was having a really positive impact... until it started causing severe anxiety, which resulted in my first ever panic attack which took place at work (which led to some impressively smeared glasses).

And finally, in January our cat Luke was diagnosed with diabetes and started losing the ability to walk. Luckily he's ok now, but only thanks to twice daily injections.

So as the year ends - celebrated as usual with cheese and a good book! - I'm enjoying seeing the joy that so many of you are sharing, but also reflecting that for so many of us the joy we share often covers challenges we battle by ourselves. Let's hope that 2026 brings plenty of opportunities to experience joy, and plenty of opportunities to embrace the joy when we do experience it.

Thanks to everyone who has been for both the good and bad days this year 🧡

09/11/2025

A lovely evening at the dress rehearsal of the at - very enjoyable and looking forward to helping people enjoy their journey over the coming weeks.

27/10/2025

The last week - Light night and a trip to Haworth.

28/09/2025

Yesterday (Saturday 27th September) was the 200th anniversary of the first modern railway journey. To celebrate, I'm spending the first day of the third century of rail in my lovely signalbox, where a misty morning has turned into a gloriously sunny day. Here's a few behind the scenes snaps of what I've been up to.

06/09/2025

More trains.

03/09/2025

If you know, you know.

01/09/2025

Slightly bizarre day - went to visit the and discovered my old music teacher on the footplate. Got a chance to ride up and down the line and natter about narrow gauge railways. Simply marvellous.

30/08/2025

Cab view, approaching Bolton Abbey Station

(Taken whilst loco stationary)

28/08/2025

Quack quack quack.

19/08/2025

End of the line

15/08/2025

Something to smile about.

Antony's Adventures