Looking through some old papers, I found the brochure issued to those on board the Brighton Belle on its final run from Victoria to Brighton on the April 30, 1972.

I had the pleasure of being one of the passengers and we were well entertained. Crowds waved from every station as we passed.

However, I was most fascinated by the following note in the brochure: "What of tomorrow?

A national development project programme is already being implemented. New stations are replacing the old.

Faster trains are bringing centres closer together and plans are well advanced to improve catering facilities, not only on trains but also on stations, and to spread the service until it covers not merely the supply of food and drink but whatever travellers may need.

"It's a lot to do, and in the doing of it some once-popular services will go the way of the Brighton Belle.

Sad - but there it is. We must utilise our resources where they are most needed - to invest in a service for today's traveller."

More than 30 years later, how are they doing?

-D Earl, Hove