It all began when I retired. Should I volunteer as a railwayman, like on the Bluebell Railway, or help with Sussex Wildlife Trust on a nature reserve.
Both had real interest for me but wondered perhaps, that fewer people would help out with wildlife. There was a reserve not far from Heathfield and, looking to the future, I might not be able to cope with the work in later years. I could,of course, make use of model trains along the side of the garage if necessary - a useful alternative to real railways.
No sooner said than done. Some years ago I gave gave up being volunteer manager for Selwyn's Wood reserve, between Cross-in-Hand and Waldron, and started to develop the model railway. But suddenly there was a problem! Other than a short period in the l autumn and winter I cannot work on it.
Our busy garden takes care of of the work for the whole summer season. Then in the late autumn and winter it is too cold in the garage for the trains! Heating of course, would be too costly in all that space, apart from the environmental considerations.
Truly it is Hobson's Choice - or, if you like - Hall's Horror.
The track for the trains is fixed and ready by courtesy of my friend Rickie. There is still much wiring to be done and lots of fun making the models, the people and the general atmosphere of a village. I have two Schools class model locos which (in real life) used to work on the Hastings to London line through Stonegate, with others and sundry rolling stock.
So as you can see, I am waiting at this very moment for the opportunity to ease off gardening before the weather sets in and I can run the trains. But in the meantime I have to get more compost onto the borders, clear up the redundant vegetables, deal with the soft fruit, remove some overgrown water lilies, clean and paint the garden seat - why do I go on, I frighten myself!
And it's all for what? The great pleasure of just being able enjoy solving the problem – which is a sight worse than many during my working years. For the joy of working in the garden, and for the joy of fiddling about with the railway.
Two hobbies, and believe or not, there still time to do some of the housework as well.