Tag: The Architecture The Railways Built

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 20/06/2020

Building Britain's Canals - 25/06/2020 BT TV appThe Architecture The Railways Built (Yesterday | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 23rd June 2020)

Tim Dunn visits the architecture of the Stockton & Darlington railway, the first passenger steam line in the world and learns how Essex’s enormous Chappel Viaduct was built.

Scotland’s Home of the Year (BBC Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Wednesday 24th June 2020)

In the Hebrides and Arran, the judges visit an art filled family home, a contemporary hillside build, and a New York loft style abode.

The Railway 24/7 (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 24th June 2020)

Commercial director Darren launches a new scheme to tackle passengers not paying for tickets with on-the-spot fines and penalties. Meanwhile, passengers raise the alarm about an abandoned black rucksack on the Huddersfield to Manchester route, and in the maintenance depot, Carl and Steve are replacing a five-tonne bogie, the structure that connects the wheels to the carriages.

Building Britain’s Canals (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:30pm | Thursday 25th June 2020)

Writer and historian Dan Jones navigates Britain’s longest canal to be built by just one company, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Built to link the economically booming counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire, this 19th-century superhighway was experimental for the time, and made Liverpool the busiest port in the world. In Burnley, the cotton capital of the 19th century, Dan visits the world’s only steam-powered cotton mill, where enough cloth was woven each year to reach to the moon and back two-and-a-half times.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 06/06/2020

The Railway 24/7 - 09/06/2020 BT TV appOff the Tracks: Inside Central Station (BBC Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Sunday 7th June 2020)

A train disruption causes travel chaos for football fans, and the concourse becomes a stage for fans of the Proclaimers to pay tribute to their heroes.

The Architecture The Railways Built (Yesterday | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 9th June 2020)

Tim Dunn rides up Mount Snowdon’s railway to visit the summit station, and discovers how a glass structure envelopes Strasbourg’s 19th-century station.

Scotland’s Home of the Year (BBC Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Wednesday 10th June 2020)

In the Lothians and the East of Scotland, the judges visit a glass-fronted home, a country cottage, and a stunning Georgian townhouse.

The Railway 24/7 (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 10th June 2020)

Documentary series offering a behind the scenes look at life working at TransPennine Express, from control room to maintenance depot, and drivers to cleaners. In the first episode, a derailed train threatens to bring the network to a halt during the busiest time of the year. Meanwhile at HQ, the bosses decide to bring in a new timetable which sees hundreds of services scrapped.

Inside the Steam Train Museum (Channel 5/HD | 7:00pm to 8:00pm | Thursday 11th June 2020)

Phil and Stuart go to huge efforts decorating the site with home-made pumpkin-scarecrows, graveyards and mummies in preparation for Halloween. Brian cooks breakfast on a shovel for the engine drivers and John tells ghost stories from the fairground. As the event gets under way, the museum’s enthusiastic volunteers dress up in costume to scare the public on the ghost train, while retired minister David entertains the passengers on the journey.

The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 12th June 2020)

A 600-mile journey through one of the most world’s most northern countries – Finland – from Helsinki in the south to Kemijärvi in Finnish Lapland. The line whisks passengers through the thickest of forests, past vast frozen lakes 63 times the size of Lake Windermere and to station stops where time has stood still. As the train enters the Arctic Circle, it calls at Rovaniemi, a place destroyed by German soldiers at the end of the Second World War. Now the town has been re-built, famously in the shape of a reindeer, serving as the official home of Santa Claus. Narrated by Bill Nighy.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 30/05/2020

Inside the Steam Train Museum - 04/06/2020 BT TV appOff the Tracks: Inside Central Station (BBC Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Sunday 31st May 2020)

Shift station supervisor Alison deals with a railway accident and 16 year old visually impaired Summer must learn how to navigate the station.

The Architecture The Railways Built (Yesterday | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 2nd June 2020)

Tim Dunn explores St Pancras station in London and its sister hotel – built to show off the might of the Midlands, and learns about Castle Howard station in North Yorkshire.

Scotland’s Home of the Year (BBC Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Wednesday 3rd June 2020)

In the Northern Highlands, the judges visit an extended villa, a timber frame home, and a glass fronted house with more than one surprise.

Inside the Steam Train Museum (Channel 5/HD | 7:00pm to 8:00pm | Thursday 4th June 2020)

A look behind the scenes at Bressingham Steam Museum, revealing what it takes to keep the museum running, from restoring full-size steam engines and rebuilding railway tracks to rehabilitating a wooden cockerel from a set of Victorian gallopers. John and his team of volunteers drive a steam roller to a local country show, Dave has trouble starting a vintage bus, while younger volunteers, Alex and Taz enter into the spirit of the day by cooking lunch in a steam engine the traditional 1940s way. Narrated by Ellie Blake.

Billy and Us (BBC Scotland/HD | BBC iPlayer only | 10:00pm to 10:30pm | Thursday 4th June 2020)

A look at Billy Connolly’s relationship with organised religion, featuring classic routines which established him as a taboo-busting comedian.

The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 4th June 2020)

New Zealand’s Northern Explorer, the longest-running passenger service in the country. The train travels 423 miles along the historic North Island Main Trunk Line on a 12-hour voyage and the journey takes travellers through some of the most astonishing landscapes of the southern hemisphere from volcanoes to coast and from lava fields to unspoilt islands. Historians explain the history of the railway and tell the tale of the terrible tragedy at Tangiwai, when over 150 people were killed by a volcanic mudflow that hit the train. Narrated by Bill Nighy.

Portillo’s Empire Journey (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 4th June 2020)

Michael Portillo explores how British rule led to armed rebellion in the USA, and a loyalty in Canada that lasted until the very end of the Empire. On Long Island, Michael visits The Brewster House, a former tavern where British soldiers met and talked freely during the Revolutionary War, unaware that it was run by George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring. He also calls in at Fort Niagara, where he learns how the native peoples of North America saw their tribes and families torn apart as they picked sides, shedding blood on behalf of either the crown or the patriots.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 23/05/2020

Tackling Mental Health - 28/05/2020 BT TV appBritannia’s Burning: Fire on the Bridge (BBC 1 Wales/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 10:30pm to 11:30pm | Sunday 24th May 2020)

Archive footage and eyewitness accounts are combined to tell the story of the blaze 50 years ago that ravaged the railway bridge over the Menai Straits connecting Anglesey and the mainland. The film also charts the construction of the original bridge and the deaths involved in its rebuilding as a modern road bridge.

Off the Tracks: Inside Central Station (BBC Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Sunday 24th May 2020)

Exam time arrives for dispatcher Lauren and trainee train driver Kevin in Central Station, while tour guide Jackie uncovers some vintage station clocks.

The Architecture The Railways Built (Yesterday | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 26th May 2020)

Tim Dunn follows his family’s roots by exploring Metroland, the area around the Metropolitan Railway, and in Great Malvern learns about the woman behind a decorative 1860s station.

Scotland’s Home of the Year (BBC Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | Wednesday 27th May 2020)

In Perthshire and Central Scotland, the judges visit a home inspired by Vikings, a converted ruined steading, and a maritime-themed fisherman’s cottage.

Tackling Mental Health (BBC 1/HD | 8:05pm to 9:00pm | Thursday 28th May 2020)

Documentary following the Duke of Cambridge’s work to break the taboo surrounding mental health, using football as a way to encourage men to open up and talk about their emotions. The documentary follows the Duke as he meets players and fans from grassroots to the elite of the game, and openly discusses their mental health challenges. Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart talks about how he has learnt to cope with difficulties at the very top of the game, and William hears from a group of bereaved fathers who use their local football team as a support network and safe space to talk. Former Premier League footballer Marvin Sordell opens up about his struggles with depression, while Chelsea manager Frank Lampard compares life now with his early experiences of professional football.

The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 29th May 2020)

The 200-mile Ligne de Cévennes, which travels northwards through the Massif Central to France’s volcanic heart – Clermont Ferrand and the spectacular Puy De Dome. The route takes travellers across three incredible historic viaducts, plunges deep underground to explore the area’s hidden wildlife and traverses through several impressive valleys. The route winds through one of the world’s most spectacular national parks, before reaching its final destination, a collection of 80 dormant volcanoes. Narrated by Bill Nighy.

Portillo’s Empire Journey (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 29th May 2020)

Michael Portillo travels to South Africa to explore how the lure of riches led Britain into barbaric wars, dividing the country along racial lines. He visits the crumbling Fort Napier, the British garrison in Natal, where battles were planned and executed against the Zulu people. The white minority devised rules to subdue the native black population, corralling people into squalid townships and offering them menial jobs. Eventual conflict with the descendants of Dutch settlers – Boers – was inevitable. Michael learns how Mohandas Gandhi fought the racial segregation that would later calcify into Apartheid.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 16/05/2020

The Architecture The Railways Built - 19/05/2020 BT TV appOff the Tracks: Inside Central Station (BBC Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Sunday 17th May 2020)

Storm Hector causes havoc on the tracks, Sajid completes his last shift before he retires after 45 years in the station, and Beyonce and Jay Z are in town.

The Architecture The Railways Built (Yesterday | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 19th May 2020)

Tim Dunn visits Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales, talks to the man who saved it from closure and tours the breathtaking stations of the Hungerbergbahn in Innsbruck.

Scotland’s Home of the Year (BBC Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 8:00pm to 8:30pm | Wednesday 20th May 2020)

On the islands of Orkney and Shetland, the judges visit a home inspired by Vikings, a converted ruined steading, and a maritime-themed fisherman’s cottage.

Billy and Us (BBC Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | 10:00pm to 10:30pm | Thursday 21st May 2020)

Billy Connolly shares his ideas on masculinity and talks frankly about how his time in the shipyards shaped him both as a man and as a comedian.

The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 22nd May 2020)

Beginning in the mountaintop town of Creel, the Chihuahua Pacifico Express – or El Chepe for short – winds its way through the Tarahumara Mountains, home to the reclusive Raramuri people. Divisadero, Mexico’s most panoramic station, offers the first glimpse of Copper Canyon. Created by six separate yet conjoined gorges, it is four times the size of the Grand Canyon. The train continues on to the Urique Canyon, which at 6,200ft deep it is the deepest in North America. The final leg crosses the state of Sinaloa, Mexico’s breadbasket, before reaching Los Mochis and the gateway to the Pacific Ocean. Narrated by Bill Nighy.

Portillo’s Empire Journey (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 22nd May 2020)

Michael Portillo visits Jamaica, the Caribbean capital of the Empire, heading to Fort Charles where the Empire enlisted the help of pirates to defend the new territory from the Spanish. At the old naval headquarters, Michael learns how the Royal Navy moved in to replace the pirates as Britain struck a deal with Spain to keep her territories. The island needed a new source of wealth, and found it in the triangular trade as slaves were shipped from Africa to work sugar plantations. In Pinnacle, birthplace of the Rastafari movement, Michael learns how Jamaicans were later inspired to create a new religion.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 09/05/2020

Paddington Station 24/7 - 14/05/2020 BT TV appOff the Tracks: Inside Central Station (BBC Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | Sunday 10th May 2020)

Staff and passengers of Glasgow Central Station celebrate its 140th birthday with a special party on the concourse, while supervisor Allison helps rescue a young owl.

The Architecture The Railways Built (Yesterday | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 12th May 2020)

Tim Dunn goes behind the scenes at London’s King’s Cross station and finds out about the disused funicular railway hidden in the Avon Gorge in Bristol, blasted out of the cliff.

Paddington Station 24/7 (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Thursday 14th May 2020)

Documentary following 12 months of Paddington train station and the Western network, following the staff, engineers, drivers and signalers who keep the railway running. Cheltenham races sees thousands of extra passengers arrive – many of whom fancy an early morning tipple – while chaos ensues when a passenger chases a fraudster round the station, accusing him of selling her out-of-date football tickets. In Swindon, the control room staff hear that heavy rainfall might cause flooding and block the mainline to Cornwall – leaving them facing a big decision.

The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm| Friday 15th May 2020)

A 500-mile journey across South Africa in a luxury hotel train, which travels between Pretoria and Durban on the coast over the course of three days. The first stop along the way is Nambiti Private Game Reserve, home to rhinos and elephants, before moving on to the country’s most famous battlefields and the Drakensberg Mountains. Passengers have a chance to explore the ancient art of the San people and visit a vineyard that produces some of South Africa’s finest wines. Narrated by Bill Nighy.

Portillo’s Empire Journey (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 15th May 2020)

Michael Portillo tells the story of how a small island on the edge of Europe built the biggest empire the world has ever seen. In the first episode, Michael travels to India to uncover how the British East India Company – the world’s first multinational corporation – raised a private army to create an empire. Beginning his journey in the slums of Kolkata, he explores the ruins of the grand residence of Clive of India, who became the undisputed ruler of Bengal – amassing a vast personal fortune and making millions for shareholders in Britain.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 02/05/2020

The Architecture The Railways Built - 05/05/2020 BT TV appRace Across the World (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 3rd May 2020)

The five teams are reunited and look back on their journey, recalling the highs and lows, and sharing memories of the people who helped them along the way. They also reveal what their first impressions of each other were, and how those views were changed by the challenges they all had to face.

Off the Tracks: Inside Central Station (BBC Scotland/HD & BBC iPlayer only | Sunday 3rd May 2020)

Return of the documentary following people who work all hours to keep Glasgow Central Station on track. The team deals with chaos on the concourse caused by heavy rain.

The Architecture The Railways Built (Yesterday | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 5th May 2020)

Tim Dunn visits the Ffestiniog in North Wales originally built to transport slate from mountain to coast and learns about Amsterdam Centraal.

The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (Channel  5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 8th May 2020)

Cameras capture a route through Spain, beginning near Leon, part of the famous north Spanish Pilgrimage, in the Picos de Europa mountains. The railway then runs through the Basque country before the famous Guggenheim Museum greets travellers in Bilbao. In Galicia, the gorges, coastline and sea bridges are a sight for sore eyes, and a speciality cider tour refreshes the train’s guests. The journey ends in Ferrol, a spectacular harbour that has been a major shipbuilding centre for most of its history and has been a key city in many wars. Narrated by Bill Nighy.

Around the World by Train with Tony Robinson (Channel  5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Friday 8th May 2020)

The last leg of Tony’s round the world adventure begins deep in the Arctic Circle. His first stop is at a Polar Park working with wolves on a fascinating but brave project. Tony then rides the Arctic Circle Train south to the town of Kiruna, on the edge of Swedish Lapland, which is undergoing a very unique transformation as it’s being moved building by building to a whole new area. Tony also gets to see behind the scenes at the famous Ice Hotel, a structure which is rebuilt every year from ice taken from the nearby Torne river and ends his journey at Miniature Wonderland – the world’s largest model railway.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 25/04/2020

The World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys - 01/05/2020 BT TV appRace Across the World (BBC 2/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Sunday 26th April 2020)

The teams embark on the final leg of their journey, heading off on the 4,800 kilometre trek to the finish line in Ushuaia, Argentina, the most southerly city in the world. However, as they prepare to leave the last checkpoint, one of the teams reveals that they have run out of money and will not be completing the challenge. The three remaining pairs rely on different tactics to get ahead, benefiting from risky gambles, lucky opportunities and the kindness of strangers.

The Architecture The Railways Built (Yesterday | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Tuesday 28th April 2020)

Tim Dunn explores the disused tube station Down Street in Mayfair, that played a crucial tactical role during the Second World War, and tours Rotterdam’s new Centraal station with the man who designed it.

Weatherman Walking (BBC 1 Wales/HD & BBC iPlayer only| 7:30pm to 8:00pm | Friday 1st May 2020)

Derek Brockway is in fine voice when he kicks off his walk in Cardigan, home of the first Eisteddfod. After visiting the castle, lovingly restored by locals, he learns about the dying `art” of Seine net fishing before climbing the famous mount at Mwnt. He also gets to feed an alpaca and take tea with the Women’s Institute at his final destination, Aberporth – where he meets a fellow meteorologist, 98-year-old Joan.

The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 1st May 2020)

A trip beginning in Inverness and soon passing Culloden, the site of the last pitched battle on British soil. It then enters the Cairngorms National Park, home to some of Europe’s finest landscapes as well as valleys steeped in Gaelic folklore. The park’s station at Aviemore is home to the Strathspey Railway, where Victorian steam locomotives come to life. There is then a climb to the highest point on Britain’s railway network before the train winds its way through Fife. Eventually the route crosses the Forth Bridge before arriving in Scottish capital Edinburgh, admired for its architecture and annual arts festival. Narrated by Bill Nighy.

All TV guide information taken from DigiGuide — www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=15119.