Approaching the Terminus

Born in Derbyshire in 1951, John Simms developed a love of railways at an early age, a passion that would shape his life and eventually see him become one of three finalists for a Group Travel Organiser Award. Although he considers himself a Somerset man, Simms has travelled extensively across Britain and around the world, exploring railway lines, meeting fellow enthusiasts, and even encountering celebrities drawn to the charm of steam locomotion.

From riding in half-century-old coaches and engaging with passengers, to absorbing spectacular scenery and documenting local routes, his journey is one of deep enthusiasm and lived experience. Approaching the Terminus – A Life Around Railways is an engaging memoir that offers a detailed account of heritage railways, their links to film and television, and the many highs, lows, and takeover attempts that shaped them – culminating in thoughtful reflections on an intriguing life.

The book traces a lifetime spent around railways, from Derbyshire collieries and the Somerset & Dorset line to volunteering with the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust and the Corris Railway. Simms also spent twenty-two years working full-time behind the scenes, promoting the West Somerset Railway to both the general public and dedicated enthusiasts. Along the way, he weaves in incidental but entertaining reflections on beer, pubs, and music—including the unlikely story of how Aunt Fortescue’s Bluesrockers were played on air by John Peel, beating The Desperate Bicycles to the punch.

Both a valuable reference for railway enthusiasts and an enjoyable memoir in its own right, this is a fascinating journey through a life lived alongside the rails.