Reading Roars!

Brazil is currently enjoying Carnaval. Our dazzling equivalent is the pancake race. Sadly, not everyone’s happy. One town not celebrating this year is Ripon, up North, whose race was cancelled because of (it is alleged) health and safety regulations. I experienced health and safety nonsense myself this morning, when travelling on a First Great Western train.

Stepping on the Paddington-bound train at 08:08, I was surprised to discover an entire coach without passengers. The lights were out, indicating a problem. That didn’t stop a couple of commuters joining the train, who immediately made their way into the carriage to occupy its seats - only to be stopped by an FGW staff member. We were not allowed to enter, we were told, because of “health and safety” due to the lights not working.

We were forced to stand instead. Somewhat bafflingly, this was not deemed a health and safety risk in itself.

As I expected, there were a couple of sardonic comments made by other passengers. No one, however, made the rebellious move of entering the Forbidden Territory. We’re far too polite for that, leading me to believe that this sort of grudging acceptance will take us nowhere. We, myself included, give in too easily.