I've done a European rail holiday the last 2 years and it was (mostly) flawless. It is crazy that you can get a 1st class interrail global pass for less than a London return. You are allowed one journey in your 'home' country outward and one return.
www.interrail.eu/en/interrail...

On the continent I find the intercity services (e.g. the ICE trains) reliable and punctual. I'd also consider getting an Interrail pass as it includes travel to/from London within the UK and that's usually the expensive bit. Although I hope work are covering costs(!)

The place to look for train travel is @seatsixtyone.bsky.social - www.seat61.com In the UK, travel to London (in my experience) is always prioritised (i.e. they'll delay a regional service to ensure a London service gets thru) and there are 100s or trains into London.

My vague memory is of the audience cheering when she reappeared in full outfit. It was the entertainment we had before t'internet. That, and the big wooden hoop with a stick.

I've had this argument many times. Imagine it's 2040, and the global target is missed by 1%, and the world asks "who failed?" and the UK pipes up with "well, China weren't meeting their target, so..."

Everyone pulling together, means just that.

It was on 'Going Live' or similar Saturday morning show I think. I've got only a vague memory of it.

I'm sure it was way too late for it have been 'fixed' for her, by he who shall not be named, although the dates would work.