Tracing the Rails

Stephen returns to Steyning in West Sussex, where he surprises the town’s last remaining Porter Signalman during his visit. He also meets several locals who share vivid memories of the steam era that once dominated the area, from the railway’s steam days.

Steyning Revisit is a programme presented as a single episode that follows a specific journey back to a small West Sussex town. The series is built around revisiting places of personal and historical interest, and this particular installment centres on Stephen’s return to Steyning. It offers viewers a glimpse of the town’s character through the eyes of someone who’s coming back after time away. In this episode Stephen arrives back in Steyning and immediately catches the town’s last remaining Porter Signalman off guard. The surprise encounter sets the tone for the visit, as Stephen moves from one familiar landmark to another, reconnecting with the people who still call the town home. Along the way he meets several locals who each hold vivid recollections of the days when steam engines dominated the landscape. The episode also highlights the unique position of the Porter Signalman, the final holder of a role that once kept the railway running smoothly through the area. Through conversations with residents, Stephen hears detailed, colour‑rich memories of the steam era, underscoring how those days continue to shape the community’s identity. The combination of a personal homecoming, an unexpected meeting, and the sharing of nostalgic stories gives the episode a clear focus on the enduring links between people, place, and the railway heritage of Steyning.