IT is a standard journalistic cliche to begin any annual feature with the immortal words, "It hardly seems a year since..." This time we can say them with conviction, for it is only eleven months ago that our last Holiday Guide appeared since, in response to your requests, we are publishing this popular feature a month earlier. We had hoped to advance it last year, but the postal strike prevented our circularising to the organisers in good time. Mind you, what with the power crisis, a printing dispute and then the railway work to rule, we began to wonder if it would be possible this year! Still, where would we be without the occasional disruption of the regular routine ?

Nevertheless, we do prefer planned disruptions, such as holidays, and so that readers can make best use of their leisure, our guide is prepared with the casual visitor in mind. Therefore, we have restricted entries to those places which are open to the public at stated times, and have omitted private collections which can only be viewed by appointment. Moreover, we have included many attractions which we know will be enjoyed by the family. With so many people visiting railway establishments during the coming months, we should like to introduce a more serious note. Treated with respect, a railway is the safest form of transport so far conceived by man. However, a train, even a miniature on a ly gauge line, can cause serious injury to the careless. Let us not be mealy-mouthed, a fair proportion of enthusiasts, who should know better, do mill over tracks on preserved lines and on Steam Days at the various depots throughout Britain. We make mention of this for the General Manager of Western Region, alarmed by fatalities on the line has just made the following appeal. "To parents: You must impress on your children —whatever their ages—the danger of going on or near railway lines. If you live near a line, please keep an extra special watch on your children and those of your neighbours. To all adults: If anyone sees children on or dangerously near railway lines please, for their sake, dial 999 at once and tell the police. Adults are themselves not above going on the track either, and I cannot stress too strongly the danger to which they expose themselves". May we, in conclusion, wish you all a happy, and safe railway holiday.