Deeply trivial - Metropolis - a railway in joke?

[a_c_skinner]

Ages ago a conductor on a train we were on announced the next stop as "the vast sprawling metropolis of Rowlands Castle". I've just seen someone on here refer to Long Buckby in similar terms. Is this simply convergence of humour or is it a railway staff "in" joke when referring to any modest settlement with a main line station?

 

[JohnRegular]

I don't think it's a railway in-joke as such, just a slightly amusing way to refer to any small settlement.

I recall cycling through Achnasheen a few years ago, and seeing as it's the largest settlement for many miles around, I thought possibly there might be some kind of facilities there. So I asked a local gent passing by if there was anywhere to get a cup of coffee, and he merely stretched his arms out saying "in this vast metropolis?".

Point taken, mate!

 

[Mcr Warrior]

I recall cycling through Achnasheen a few years ago, and seeing as it's the largest settlement for many miles around, I thought possibly there might be some kind of facilities there. So I asked a local gent passing by if there was anywhere to get a cup of coffee, and he merely stretched his arms out saying "in this vast metropolis?".

Not sure how long ago that would have been, but there's now the Midge Bite Café in Achnasheen (located alongside the A832 and just a short walk from the station) which from next month is set to be open 8 a.m. -> 5 p.m. Wednesdays -> Saturdays & 10 a.m. -> 3 p.m. on Sundays.

 

[Howardh]

Not sure how long ago that would have been, but there's now the Midge Bite Café in Achnasheen (located alongside the A832 and just a short walk from the station) which from next month is set to be open 8 a.m. -> 5 p.m. Wednesdays -> Saturdays & 10 a.m. -> 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Ah, feeding time..for the midges!

 

[306024]

Here’s the only Metropolis worth knowing about:

https://www.colchesterbrewery.com/beer/metropolis/

A very satisfying thirst quenching beer.

 

[mikeg]

Have heard Thirsk referred to in such a way, too

 

[snowball]

Somewhatt simlar is the tendency of some on this forum to refer to Stalyvegas and Casvegas. (Stalybridge and Castleford respectively)

 

[yorkie]

Somewhatt simlar is the tendency of some on this forum to refer to Stalyvegas and Casvegas. (Stalybridge and Castleford respectively)

It's a locals thing, not a forum members thing.

There is even an Indian restaurant called Cas Vegas. Ponte Carlo is a local nickname for Pontefract.

 

[Ashley Hill]

Ages ago a conductor on a train we were on announced the next stop as "the vast sprawling metropolis of Rowlands Castle". I've just seen someone on here refer to Long Buckby in similar terms. Is this simply convergence of humour or is it a railway staff "in" joke when referring to any modest settlement with a main line station?

There was a guard on GWR who used to do this sort of thing when announcing stations. It amused some and annoyed others. Change at Bridgewater for the scenic views of Hinckley Point was one of them.

 

[yorkie]

See also this thread:

Entertaining 'lazy' or 'overhelpful' announcements

Inspired by two separate journeys in differwent parts of the south-east over the last few days. Firstly, at one extreme This is the xx.xx to London xxxxx. Calling at xxxxxxx, xxxxxxxx etc etc, I am your guard, you can find me in the middle of this 8 car train, but I will be walking...

railforums.co.uk

 

[weastebusdepot]

I was on a train last year that when arriving into Chesterfield the guard announced it as "Elvis Presley's favourite Derbyshire town".

On a Megabus a few years ago the driver announced "Welcome to Birmingham. The armpit of England ".

 

[DarloRich]

Ages ago a conductor on a train we were on announced the next stop as "the vast sprawling metropolis of Rowlands Castle". I've just seen someone on here refer to Long Buckby in similar terms. Is this simply convergence of humour or is it a railway staff "in" joke when referring to any modest settlement with a main line station?

It is just a turn of phrase. It isnt worth otherthinking

 

[a_c_skinner]

just a turn of phrase

I am disappointed, I hoped I had turned up a bit of staff culture.

 

[westv]

That reminds me that, one day, I maybe should try and find time to watch the classic film Metropolis.