The London rail terminus does not need for critics, but it has its consolations and its joys
Once I’m travelling from Euston to go anyplace outdoors of London I’m at all times in a rush to get to the prepare. As quickly as I arrive, I search the departures board, seize a sandwich then hurry to my seat.
However since my son moved to Birmingham final 12 months, I’ve skilled Euston as a non-passenger, noticing all the things it has to supply. There’s a the little pub upstairs, The Sign Field, a comfortable place with cozy armchairs to take a seat and await an arrival. And, after all, there’s close by Drummond Road, with its nice row of Indian eating places the place a traveller can dine earlier than leaving town.
Immediately, although, I’m not doing any of that. I’m going to the station with my son Archie, as he’s heading again to uni. He doesn’t want his mum to drop him off – very a lot not – however I do wish to accompany him, to complete off final minute chats.
“Did you bear in mind to fill your water bottle?” (Sure).
“I sneaked some Caramel Wafers into your bag in case you get hungry – did you see?” (Sure).
“Do you want a hand carrying something?” (Chuckle. No thanks, Mum).
He appears relaxed with very uncool me, now half his measurement, tagging alongside to squeeze each ounce out of the our time collectively, and take each potential cuddle his big man’s shoulders and arms can provide.
We come out of the tube at Euston Sq. and stroll down the highway previous the King of Falafel, a kiosk on Euston Street. I’ve by no means eaten something from there, however when it’s open there’s at all times a queue.
I really feel Archie’s imminent departure, that final minute “He’s going to go” rising emotion, and I miss him even earlier than he’s left. We get to Platform 5 early and I ask the ticket inspector if I can go on and wave my son off. He raises his eyebrows and nods in a means that claims he clearly sees my mum-ness, although I assumed my appearing, non-teary sunshine face was bang on level.
Archie steps into the silent carriage on the entrance of the prepare (he loves a little bit of P&Q) and there’s 5 minutes of me standing freezing on the platform pretending I’m not chilly in any respect, with each of us waving and me making hearts at him earlier than the prepare pulls away. I watch it go proper out of sight, simply in case he’s nonetheless searching the window. When the monitor is empty, I let one tear fall free.
Strolling slowly again alongside the platform, I distract myself by trying round on the superb community of connecting tracks with trains coming out and in, 1000’s of passengers getting on and off, every with their very own story and their very own assortment of feelings, all set inside travelling moments.
I look as much as see an expanse of art work on Platform 3, a superb piece by Manchester-based Akse P19 of the primary feminine prepare driver, Karen Harrison. It’s now a everlasting fixture at Euston. Head down, you possibly can stroll proper previous it. Don’t. It’s phenomenal. On his Instagram, the artist wrote, in 2023:
“Karen was really given an interview within the perception she was a person. She efficiently certified as a prepare driver in 1979, however suffered discrimination all through her profession, with some employees refusing to work together with her, and her locker being defaced.
Karen went on to marketing campaign to enhance life for ladies on and off the tracks, and took on varied roles inside Aslef, the prepare drivers’ union. She handed away in 2011 whereas finding out on the College of Oxford as a way to grow to be a barrister specialising in labour regulation. Karen continues to encourage, encourage and educate the following era.”
Essentially the most putting facet of the portray is Karen’s expression – a reassuring smile. She stares out warmly from the portray, as if she has seen my face earlier than. I can’t assist however smile again at her. The caption reads: “She campaigned to enhance life for ladies on and off the tracks.”
She’s nonetheless doing it, in the present day: her form feminine face was one I by no means knew I wanted. I make a psychological be aware to at all times go to her when saying goodbye to Archie sooner or later.
I head off residence, previous the falafel queue and suppose I ought to positively be part of it subsequent time. I stroll down into Euston Sq. tube and marvel if Archie has eaten a Caramel Wafer but. He absolutely have to be hungry by now.
Julie Hamill writes novels, seems on Instances Radio and does tons, tons extra. Comply with her on Bluesky. Help OnLondon.co.uk and its writers for simply £5 a month or £50 a 12 months and get issues on your cash too. Particulars HERE. Picture of Karen Harrison mural from informative Rags Martel video.
