Now the journey is over?
Followers will know that I visited my 56th and last station at the end of March, thereby completing my second ‘end of the line’ travel journey courtesy of London’s National Rail Network. When I started, I never imagined it would take me almost three years to complete.
But then again, who would have thought we would have had national travel restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of Covid? The days of mask-wearing seem a dim and distant past, although evidence can still be seen as some passengers elect to wear masks – albeit as ineffective chinstraps.
My travels took me from Amersham in the North West to Upper Warlingham in the South and from Upminster in the East to Tattenham Corner in the South West. I’ve enjoyed the experience of eleven different Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and that of Network Rail and Transport for London, who manage some of the stations.
Can you remember all the stations and locations I’ve visited? If you want to enjoy a run-through, watch this short video on my YouTube channel. As you count stations, see if you can count the number of different caps I wear. And whilst you’re at it, count the locations where I’m wearing a mask and sunglasses.
The next part of the journey begins as I craft my second book, which I am to publish in November. If you want to get ahead of the game and find out how my book is coming along, subscribe to my mailing list here. You’ll then be among the first to learn how things are progressing.
In my recent mailing, I mentioned how others are helping me. I’ve recently written to all those with an interest in each of my photos, and I’ve also appointed the talented designer, Jenn Garside, who crafted Memories from The End of the Line. Exciting times.
But does this mean it’s the end of ‘the end of the line’?
What next?
I have several ideas, but in keeping with my ‘end of the line’ name, I’m trying to find a suitable hook so that my continuing travels around London have a structured theme.
The one thing I’ve learnt in my five years of travelling so far is that taking a photo is simple, but getting it published isn’t, as there are licensing issues to overcome. For example, if I’m standing on private property (which is sometimes difficult to ascertain) or a brand has intellectual property rights or copyright.
Such things I discovered when walking outside the O2 (yes, it’s private property) or TfL’s insatiable appetite to protect its Roundel design. I fully understand companies’ rights to protect a brand, but when that brand is in your face everywhere, it’s harder to create a shot to avoid it, and in so doing, the image doesn’t truly represent where I am. Some of these issues escape the casual photographer or mobile photo enthusiasts who post on social media. Others may, of course, choose to ignore them.
With this in mind, I have started canvassing permission from Uber Boat by Thames Clipper and the Port of London Authority to travel along the river using the 24 landing points to create my next ‘the end of the line’ portfolio. But, of course, things are more complex than that. As it turns out, TfL owns many of the piers, so if I were to take a photo from them, I must also seek their permission. So, for now, and until I have approval, I’ll be cautious in the photos I take.
So if you still want to follow my journey around London, let’s do it together along The Thames. I may also include other water journeys too. They would include TfL’s Woolwich Ferry, Thames River Boat (summer service), Turk Launches (summer service), Thames River Sightseeing and City Cruises.
This link from TfL provides a helpful overview of the Thames’ river services.
Other ideas
How about Monopoly? How can I get you to throw a virtual dice to decide where I go next? Or visit all London Football Grounds – from Premiership to Grass Roots. Of course, both ideas need permission from various organisations. Any thoughts would be gratefully received.
If you have any other ideas, please let me know, and we can collaborate to develop the concept into a reality.
Once I’ve completed the collection of Network Rail visits across my social channels, I’ll share some random London locations with you until I can resolve the issue outlined here. In the meantime, please continue to follow me and let me know what you think of my photos and stories.
Follow my Social Media channels here: Instagram – for my complete photo portfolio, and Facebook and Twitter, where you can comment on any of my photos or anything else in general.
Photos By RJT 