To coincide with the 200th anniversary of public railways in 2025, author and railwayman Paul Stanford presents From Chocolate to Cider, a captivating new book documenting 186 years of railway service through five generations of the Stanford family.
This deeply personal yet widely relatable account traces the family’s footsteps across the iconic railway route from the West Midlands to the West Country, linking Birmingham to Bristol and further into Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. With unparalleled access to freight terminals, signal boxes, depots, and trackside life, this book offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a railway legacy woven into the fabric of British history.
Featuring a rich collection of historical photographs, many depicting scenes now lost to time, the book reflects on the evolution of Britain’s railways. From the chocolate-scented rails near Bournville to the windswept tracks of the West Country, From Chocolate to Cider offers a series of vivid vignettes showcasing both bygone eras and contemporary railway developments, including the heritage railway scene from the early days in the 1960s.
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In a heartfelt initiative, all author royalties from the book will be donated to Head-shunt, a railway mental health charity operated by Paul and his wife Fiona, supporting mental wellbeing in the rail industry.
From Chocolate to Cider is available for just £25 from www.mortonsbooks.co.uk with free UK delivery.
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