Lines of Duty - Radio 4 20:00 19/3/2022

[whole diary]

[CyclingSid]

I am sure others know what this relates to, but a bit a mystery to me
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0015kqr

[ChrisB]

The extraordinary untold story of a very British hero. A man called Reg, who risked his life and liberty to save Britain’s railways. The secret document he leaked became known as Britain’s Pentagon Papers - and what started out as an attempt to expose the truth soon became a fight for the freedom of the press.

Fifty years on, Lines of Duty tells the incredible story using the whistleblower’s own unpublished account, brought to life by actor Toby Jones, alongside interviews with many of those involved.

Presented by railway historian and broadcaster Tim Dunn, this remarkable tale lifts the lid on the world of Government secrets, espionage and an undercover fightback by a group of railway enthusiasts.

Presented by Tim Dunn
Produced by Phil Higginson
Original music by Brollyman

With contributions from Chris Dawson, Ian Yearsley, Chris Bushell, Leslie Huckfield, Colin Hope, Diane Drummond and Lord Faulkner of Worcester.

[Ralph Ayres]

I'm curious to see how Tim Dunn comes across on the radio rather than the telly.

I do wonder if the programme might be trying to make too much of proposals that were ultimately rejected as unsuitable, and not published for that reason. Not secrecy as such, just not regarded as relevant. Organisations do need to "think outside the box" on occasion to make sure they are not missing a trick, and may well consider controversial options if only to confirm there are valid reasons not to pursue them. Should be an interesting listen all the same.

[ChrisB]

I am sure others know what this relates to, but a bit a mystery to me
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0015kqr

Bit more about it - seems as though it relates to the Cambrian Coast Line

"In the 1970s an unassuming civil servant called Reg Dawson came upon top secret documents that showed there would be devastating cuts to a local Welsh train service-The Cambrian coast line- that he had come to love after using it when serving in the RAF^▸ (Royal Air Force). Drawing on Dawson's unpublished reflections, this tells the story of his leak of the information and Scotland Yard's seemingly heavy-handed pursuit of the source. The programme is presented by railway enthusiast Tim Dunn. Dawson died in 2012 but his words are voiced by actor Toby Jones.

[Western Pathfinder]

A bit of gentle digging,brings me this by way of further background on Mr Dawson
If you're interested
https://pocketbookuk.wordpress.com/2013/12/05/reg-dawson-a-very-brave-and-determined-man/.