UK TV programmes to watch this week : 07/07/2018

The Rise and Fall of Nokia (BBC 4/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Tuesday 10th July 2018)

Once upon a time there was a large Finnish company that manufactured the world’s best and most innovative mobile phones. Nokia’s annual budget was larger than that of the government of Finland and everyone who worked there shared in the windfall. But global domination cost the company its pioneering spirit and quantity gradually took over from quality, with new phone models being churned out by the dozen. Market share eroded, until in 2016, mobile phone production in Finland ceased. The Rise and Fall of Nokia is a wry morality tale for our times, told by those that lived and worked through the rollercoaster years in a company that dominated a nation.

Secrets of the National Trust with Alan Titchmarsh (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 11th July 2018)

Alan Titchmarsh reveals the history, human stories and the hidden treasures of Britain’s historical estates. Set on the shores of the beautiful Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland is one of the most glorious houses in the National Trust Collection, Mount Stewart.

David Baddiel on the Silk Road (Quest | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 11th July 2018)

David explores the wilds of Central Asia to find what the Chinese wanted for their precious silk. In a remote gorge in Kazakhstan he finds clues carved in the rock.

Celebrity Five Go Caravanning (Channel 5/HD | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Friday 13th July 2018)

Travelogue series following five UK celebs as they bundle into a caravan and explore the open road. Colin Baker, Sherrie Hewson, Tony Blackburn, Todd Carty and Sonia head to the Lake District, England’s largest national park. Making the most of the lakes, the gang take to the water in Coniston and step back in time on the world’s oldest passenger steamer, on Ullswater.

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

UK railway stations list : updated 04-July-2018

I can now add Chesterfield and Kiveton Park to the list of UK railway stations that I’ve used!

Check out the full list at www.gordon-valentine.com/travel/railways/uk-national-rail-network/

Chesterfield railway station

Kiveton Park railway station

Now done 81% of #walk1000miles

That’s me now done 81% (812.73 miles) of #walk1000miles. So just 187.27 miles remaining!

Keep up-to-date with all my cycling and walking adventures over at www.strava.com/athletes/gsvalentine

Now done 79% of #walk1000miles

That’s me now done 79% (791.03 miles) of #walk1000miles. So just 208.97 miles remaining!

Keep up-to-date with all my cycling and walking adventures over at www.strava.com/athletes/gsvalentine

June 2018 most popular photos

Below are the top three most looked at photos on this website during June 2018.

Number 1 (305 views) : Cannondale Pro Cycling Team 2014
Cannondale Pro Cycling Team 2014

Number 2 (200 views) : O’Neill Hooded Psychotech FZ 6/4 FSW wetsuit
O'Neill Hooded Psychotech FZ 6/4 FSW wetsuit

Number 3 (130 views) : Pearl Izumi Team Garmin-Chipotle team kit
Pearl Izumi Team Garmin-Chipotle team kit

UK TV programmes to watch this week : 30/06/2018

Great Rail Restorations with Peter Snow (Channel 4 | 8:00pm to 9:00pm | Wednesday 4th July 2018)

In the series finale to this unique restoration project, all four carriages are brought together to create a bespoke ‘Time Train’, representing 100 years of railway history. The Time Train will run on the beautiful Llangollen Railway. This means that first off three of the carriages have to make their own epic journeys to get there. Once in the Llangollen, the carriages are coupled up, and Peter – decked out in boiler suit and cap – drives the steam locomotive. Henry Cole joins chef Ben Mason in the kitchen, preparing a celebratory lunch for everyone to enjoy, seated in the luxurious surroundings of the Pullman dining car. At the end of a unique experience, Peter states: ‘Not only is my tummy a bit full after that excellent lunch but I must admit my old heart’s a bit stirred too. What our restorers have achieved is something truly extraordinary.’.

Secrets of the National Trust with Alan Titchmarsh (Channel 5/HD | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 4th July 2018)

Alan Titchmarsh reveals the history, human stories and the hidden treasures of Britain’s historical estates. This spectacular mansion spread out over a stunning 900 acres of Staffordshire was built by a mixture of courage, creativity and brotherly love.

David Baddiel on the Silk Road (Quest | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Wednesday 4th July 2018)

Comedian David Baddiel embarks on his adventure in China. He learns the secret of silk that could get a man killed and visits caves full of hidden treasures.

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