100-year-old railway aficionado starts celebratory journey from Banbury station
12/12/2025
The first-class day trip to Manchester was arranged by Cross Country
Banbury train station was the starting point yesterday for a special first-class milestone birthday celebration for a long-time railway aficionado.
Christopher Price turned 100 in October. He was joined by his family for a day trip to Manchester, organised by CrossCountry.
Mr Price was born in Birmingham. After taking an engineering course during the Second World War he trained with the Royal Engineers and served in India and Malaya. He recalls many memorable train journeys during this time.
Back in the UK as a Chartered Surveyor he regularly travelled by train. His passion for rail inspired him to write Empty to Abergavenny, a memoir of his journeys, named after a phrase he once saw on freight wagons abroad.
Mr Price continues to travel frequently by rail, relying only on occasional assistance from staff and fellow passengers.
He said: “I find railway staff, and fellow passengers, invariably helpful in allowing me to pursue my love of trains by travelling frequently to see friends and relatives, and attend events. It is very apt for me to celebrate my centenary with another journey – and, I must say, CrossCountry sandwiches happen to be some of the best I’ve tried.”
Mark Anderson, CrossCountry’s Customer and Commercial Director, said: “We’re delighted to help Mr Price celebrate such an incredible milestone. His advocacy for the railway and the opportunities it can give people is incredibly inspiring, and we’re proud to be part of his special day.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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