I’m on my way to the Rotherham Children’s Book Festival. The trip begins along what I possibly the most beautiful stretch of railway track – Lydney to Gloucester along the banks of the River Severn. At this time of year, with the sun blazing down, it seems to be the esscence of England. I feel that at any moment the train could halt at Adlestrop and the steam would his from the engine. No such luck, just a two car, cross-country diesel.