Tracing the Rails

Stephen reflects on the closure of Steyning Station, discussing its impact and history. Mike interviews the colourful auction legends John Penfold and David Marshall, exploring their careers. The programme blends personal reminiscence with insights from the veteran auctioneers, offering a nuanced look at both topics.

The programme is an episode that brings together two distinct strands of storytelling. It opens with Stephen offering his personal take on the shutdown of Steyning Station, setting a reflective tone for the broadcast. The episode then shifts to a more conversational segment, led by Mike, who conducts an interview with two well‑known figures from the auction world. Stephen’s commentary centres on the impact of the station’s closure, recalling the atmosphere and the community’s response. His reflections are intimate, drawing on memories that convey both nostalgia and a sense of loss. This part of the episode provides a grounded perspective on a local landmark that has now ceased operation. Mike’s interview follows, featuring the colourful auction legends John Penfold and David Marshall. The discussion highlights their experiences and anecdotes, giving listeners a glimpse into the personalities that have shaped the auction scene. Their contributions add a lively contrast to Stephen’s more contemplative segment, enriching the episode with industry insight. The structure of the episode weaves Stephen’s reflective piece with Mike’s interview, creating a balanced programme that moves from personal recollection to engaging dialogue with the auction veterans. By pairing these elements, the broadcast offers both a sentimental look back at Steyning Station and an entertaining look into the world of auctioneering.