SimonWaldman.net

Life often puts us in places we never thought we’d find ourselves. And when it happens - you can often surprise yourself at how you survive under the circumstances.

And so, for what has to be the tenth time in as many weeks, I find myself on platform 8 at Guildford station, waiting for the 08.37 to Reading.

It’s not that I’ve started going to the same place in Reading (or its delightful environs) at the same time - just that every meeting I seem to arrange seems to involve me taking this train at this time.

Today, for the first time ever, it’s set to be on time. The first time, it was delayed because of a horse on the line at Dorking (I kid you not). Last week, there were some signal problems…don’t worry, that’s as far as I’m going with the reasons for delay.

Anyway, being here, now is a by product of two previous decisions: one to live in Surrey, the other to go and work at GMG (which includes our regional titles). Had the estate agent said: ‘you do realise that given your new job, if you decide to live here you will spend a lot of time on platform 8 in Guildford station waiting for the train to Reading, I might have had a rethink. Or maybe not..

It’s not that there’s anything wrong with being here - as stations go it’s perfectly charming..it’s just one of those stark reminders of how life changes.

A decade ago, I might have been on at least nodding terms with barmen in some of London’s more credible establishments. These days, I find my self saying hi to the people selling cappuccino at various Surrey train stations…and so on.