Steyning is a small town in West Sussex, but for us it’s often felt like a “second home.” Our voluntary TV project, Tracing the Rails, is based around what was affectionately known as “The Steyning Line,” and so we’ve spent countless weekends here filming, exploring, and bringing railway history back to life.
It helps that one of Mike’s best friends – and our Best Man – Chris, lives in Steyning with his wife Lou and their unforgettable little dog, Crumpet. Many an evening has been spent round their table, fueled by good food, laughter, and the occasional brainstorming session that somehow turned into filming plans for the next day.
What started as a small idea for a YouTube channel has grown far beyond what any of us expected. Tracing the Rails now has thousands of views online, and has even expanded into a “Proper” broadcast TV show.
With so much time spent filming and editing in Steyning, the place has given us not just stories to tell, but memories and friendships that mean the world to us.
So while Steyning may be best known for its pretty high street and the Downs rolling away behind it, to us it will always be the home of Crumpet the dog, railway adventures, and the slightly mad but wonderful project that has become such a big part of our lives together.