When our son was small we spent many an hour at model railway exhibitions. I cannot say that it’s the most exciting hobby in the world, but even today I can’t resist taking a peak. Books are an abiding passion of mine, so when I found that I could combine the two at Barter Books in Alnwick, I was quite excited. You could spot the newcomers as, like me, they gazed at the overhead tracks as the trains rattled by. Regulars were simply curled up in an aged chair, with a book or three.
Not everybody’s idea of action, I have to admit, but a great way to spend a rainy afternoon. Patti is hosting the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week. Are you taking part?
restlessjo 
Another place for the list …..
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You’ll like it 🙂 🙂
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what a fun place, Jo. my grandson would love the overhead rattling train! 🙂
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He would, LolaWi! 🙂 🙂
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We were recently in a pharmacy of a small town, which also acted as department store, and a model train was circling above the shelves of the pharmacy part. That was the first time I’d seen something like that. Pretty cool!
The other thought your blog provoked is how, each time we go into a library to get internet, I realize what a valuable resource libraries are and how I wish I had more time and could just sit and read in one of the comfy chairs. You did, indeed, combine both and a rainy day was perfect for that. 🙂
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This place is quite famous, Liesbet, and somewhere I’d always meant to visit. Mick was more interested in a toasted teacake in the cafe! 🙂 🙂 I love libraries and am a regular user of ours (and we’ve joined the local Portuguese one too 🙂 )
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An interesting bookshop Joanne. I can imagine it would be a delight for kids too.
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There’s a good kids corner, too, Sami 🙂 🙂
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I have a model railway set. My grandson, aged 5, pestered me relentlessly to set it out for him. I gave in. He was so underwhelmed he lost immediate interest! Surprisingly Kim seems to like it!
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Hang on to it! It might be worth money in years to come. 🙂 🙂 Certainly the Hornbys are. Have you been to this place? It’s a good afternoon hangout with an interesting cafe.
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I keep it next to my Scalextric Jo!
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I love a good old bookshop, especially one with a twist like this 😉
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I’ve read about it but never been, so I was happy to see it for myself. 🙂 🙂
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That’s a book shop with a difference. These days book shops seem to be a rare treat.
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You could spend the day Carol. There’s a good tea shop too, of course 😃😃
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Great indeed jo! I remember every Christmas my brothers would set up the trains and all the little accompaniments. A fond memory!
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Our loft space over the garage is probably still full of them, Tina. Another job! 😕😕
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What an amazing place, Jo. If all the stories in those books were to come alive, the building would be overwhelmed by action-packed adventures.
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There were many armchair adventurers Ann 😃😃 xx
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The only thing I love more than trains are sailboats. It is my second mode of transportation and I have done much travel upon them. Barter Books would definitely be a heavenly place for me – adore model trains and books. Great captures.
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It’s a fun place, Lisa. And the best scones in the cafe! 😃😃
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What fun, Jo! Sometimes it’s best to watch the action! And besides, reading a book is an action too!
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I just came out of the Oxfam book shop in Durham, Patti. I’m supposed to be decluttering! 😃😃
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That look’s just the way I’d like to spend a rainy afternoon. Our attic is packed with model railway trains and accessories!
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Ah-ha! Another enthusiast 😃😃
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Your first visit? I can’t believe that I might have got there before you! It is a fabulous place and to this day I don’t know how we managed to get out without an armful of books. Alnwick is a lovely town, but I suspect it would be quite costly living there – I’d be either in the garden or in the bookshop!
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Been to Alnwick a number of times but never the book shop. I’d rather be at Warkworth 😃😃
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That’s definitely a great way to spend a rainy afternoon, Jo! Thanks for sharing!
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I didn’t even mention the mighty cream scone with strawberries, Jill 😃😃
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Yummy!
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Books and trains sounds like a pretty good combination to me. 🙂
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Hi Miriam! Sorry, I missed your comment earlier on. Been a busy day 🙂 🙂 I enjoyed a good browse, whenever I could take my eyes off the trains!
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That’s a great mural!
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Yes! I like it too 😃
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It must have been bloomin’ difficult to plan and paint!
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I should think so x
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That looks quite fascinating for a slow wander around Jo. Dare I mention our tennis player beating Roger, but I see he was defeated today, but we are all still very proud of him….
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You dare, Pauline. 🙂 🙂 I was up from 3am yesterday watching Rafa. Silly me!
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Zzzzzzz 🤩
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😊😀
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Did you see the video, Sue? 🙂 🙂
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No, I’m on the iPad…but maybe on the computer later
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Choices! Choices! I’m off to Durham in a bit. Mick has a job up there. I don’t need to hold the tape measure today so I can go for a mooch. 🙂
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Oh, lovely! Enjoy your mooch….and a coffee & cake?
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Wickedly wonderful cheese scone, overlooking bridge and castle in Durham sunshine xx
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Oh, that sounds fab, Jo!
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Went to t’ai chi this afternoon so calories accounted for 🙂
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Oh, you do make me smile, Jo! The world would be a duller place without you, ducks!
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🙂 🙂
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Oh, that is so much m kind of action, Jo. I’ve even looked up Alnwick already LOL (Sadly, not an easy day trip from London!!)
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Ah, but think of the fun you could have, Ken! 🙂 🙂 I can recommend a great little pub in Warkworth, just a couple of miles away.
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Never been to Newcastle either, or Durham (through but not to stop) I can but dream 😉
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I do a lot of dreaming. 🙂 🙂
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Oh I know someone who would totally love this. The same person that threatens me with an overhead railway around the living room, though he never explains how the large beam that holds up the house would accommodate same.And then there’s the books too. Actually, seeing this railway, I could warm to the idea.
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We have a Delft rack, Tish, but it’s just a bit narrow. 🙂 🙂 I did have to suffer years of railways on a big wooden board on the living room floor though. I believe it’s still in the storage space over the garage. (Haven’t dared look there yet! 😦 )
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I wonder how many other railway layouts are so lingering in attics and roof spaces.
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