As last week's issue was being printed I was on a train heading for London. I know it is remiss of me, but it's the first time I've gone down to London direct from Keighley. What a pleasant surprise.

I was in the capital for a newspaper awards ceremony, but sadly came away empty-handed. Still, two major trophies in a year can't be bad.

Back to the train. Last Friday I got up at 6am, had breakfast, crossed from Marble Arch to Kings Cross and boarded the 7.50am Yorkshire Pullman. A read of a morning paper, did some work and when I looked up I was in Leeds. Sheltered from the rain I crossed a platform and got straight on a Skipton train.

By 11am I was back at my desk. What a great, environmentally-friendly, comfortable and productive way to travel.

Yes, I accept rail travel is not always that smooth, and this tale can be matched with a horror story or two, but let's give credit where it is due. What's more, the price was extremely reasonable.

This 'green aura' was tarnished as I read the comments in the Keighley News about the proposed cycle ways in the Aire Valley with people saying that cycling isn't a realistic way to travel. It isn't if you don't want it to be.

Last Sunday, as I have done in the past, I came to Keighley on my bike. It's a great ride. From Shipley to Skipton is basically as flat as a pancake - even more delightful on the canal bank.

The NHS is celebrating its 50th anniversary. There would be a lot more bed space for those in need if people looked after themselves better and made more positive contributions to keeping this green and most pleasant land instead of knocking genuine efforts .

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