40 Years ago today there was a record attempt for the fastest high speed train journey between London and Bristol.

As a tie-in between British Rail and BBC Top of The Pops, the event was covered in a special programme of the show including special guests.

I remember this one well as a kid. Bizarrely at a time when I was still living in Trowbridge, I was actually on a trip with the family to see my great aunt who lived in Hillingdon at the time, so ended up watching this in London very close to the Great Western Main Line at Hayes & Harlington !

I still associate this whenever I hear Howard Jones and “Like To Get To Know You Well” who was the special guest singing live at Temple Meads.

(Obviously in this day and age we have to forget all about Jimmy Saville! – and a reason why this event will never see television coverage ever again)