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Lionel Richie gives rare update on King Charles

<p>Lionel Richie has shared an update about King Charles’ health during a gala event in his honour. </p> <p>The <em>All Night Long</em> singer, who is friends with the monarch and even performed at his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/lionel-richie-spills-the-one-thing-no-one-knows-about-king-charles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coronation Concert</a> last year, shared the update on Thursday night during the inaugural King’s Trust Global Gala in New York.</p> <p>“Happily I can say, he is doing fantastic,” Richie, a Global Ambassador of the Trust, told <em>People magazine</em>.</p> <p>“Again, I understand, he needs to sit still, you know what I’m saying. The most important part is he is doing well. He’s back to his duties and so therefore, I wouldn’t want the first thing for him to do is come over — let’s not prove anything here.”</p> <p>He also shared that he was expecting a phone call from his friend at the conclusion of the event. </p> <p>“Believe me, my question [from him] now is, ‘How was it?’ After I finish tonight, I’m gonna get that call saying, ‘Well, how was it?’” he revealed.</p> <p>King Charles recently returned to his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/king-charles-returns-to-public-duties-for-the-first-time-since-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">public duties</a> for the first time with a visit to a cancer treatment centre in London, where he opened up about his own experience to other patients. </p> <p>There, he also spoke for the first time about the moment he found out he had cancer, telling one patient:  “It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you?” </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Richie and Gemma McCaw shame barefoot passenger on flight

<p>All Blacks star Richie McCaw and his Olympian wife Gemma have shared their displeasure after an inconsiderate passenger invaded their personal space on a flight to the Rugby World Cup in France. </p> <p>The couple - who were seated in economy class - were travelling with their young daughters Charlotte, 4, Grace, 2, and five-month-old Ella, when Gemma shared the video on Instagram. </p> <p>"Lovely pedi colour but I think I'll have to put my foot down for this one," she captioned the Instagram story, as she panned to reveal the strangers barefoot on her daughter's armrest.</p> <p>From across the aisle, Richie can be seen shaking his head in disgust. </p> <p>In the next update, the Olympian showed her eldest daughter Charlotte writing a polite message for the stranger. </p> <p>"Please put your foot down," the four-year-old wrote. </p> <p>"I don't want to put my foot in it so Charlotte thought of trying this approach," Gemma captioned the story. </p> <p>A few hours later Gemma revealed that the issue had been solved after a flight attendant stepped in. </p> <p>"Update on the foot gate: hostess stepped in and asked her to kindly remove her foot from the seat. All is well."</p> <p>Fans were quick to back the star, in an earlier post of the McCaw family at the airport. </p> <p>"Please tell that guy resting his bare foot on the arm of your daughters seat to bugger off and to put on some socks and to remove his foot from that personal space," wrote one fan. </p> <p>"Give that disgusting foot a shove after your daughter has drawn all over it," another commented. </p> <p>"Off to watch some footie," quipped a third with a foot emoji. </p> <p>"I hope you said something to the foot person, that is disgusting!!!" wrote a fourth. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Lionel Richie spills the one thing “no one knows” about King Charles

<p dir="ltr">Lionel Richie has spilled the tea on his interactions with King Charles over coronation weekend.</p> <p dir="ltr">The American singer, who attended the coronation and headlined the concert at Windsor Castle on May 7, shared some of the highlights in an interview with <em>Extra</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Richie praised King Charles’ “amazing” sense of humour, and shared how he convinced the Royal Couple to make a guest appearance on <em>American Idol </em>last Sunday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think the highlight for me was that I actually walked up to the King the day after the coronation and said, ‘Would you like to be on “American Idol?” he told <em>Extra.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Surprisingly, King Charles replied: “Yeah” and asked if it was alright to “bring the queen?”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I've known the King for quite a long time. He does have this amazing sense of humour that no one knows about.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He's a secret comedian, I'll put that out there,” Richie added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“For him to actually take the step and go out of the comfort zone — that was actually his comfort zone, he was hamming it up… It’s so good for the world to know.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Thanks to Richie’s little quip, the surprise cameo made headlines and gave viewers insight into the Royal couple’s playful rapport.</p> <p dir="ltr">The cameo, which was streamed live in the palace’s Throne Room, occurred shortly after Richie performed at the coronation concert.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I just wanted to check, how much, how long will you be using this room for?” King Charles quipped, suggesting that he wanted Richie out of the throne room as soon as possible.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We have to give the room up right away,” Richie replied.</p> <p dir="ltr">King Charles and Richie’s friendship came after the latter was appointed the First Global Ambassador and First Chairman of the Global Ambassador Group for The Prince’s Trust in 2019.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: ABC American Idol/ YouTube</em></p>

Music

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Lionel Richie’s daughter Sofia ties the knot in lavish French wedding

<p dir="ltr">Sofia Richie, 24, has officially tied the knot with British record executive Elliot Grainge, 30, in a lavish ceremony in the south of France.</p> <p dir="ltr">The wedding took place over the weekend at the ultra exclusive Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, which boasts stunning views of the Mediterranean, and was attended by various celebrities including Cameron Diaz, Benji Madden, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and Joel Madden.</p> <p dir="ltr">The socialite walked down the aisle with her famous dad, and has shared intimate details of the moment.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My father has always been the most comforting figure in my life, and he’s kept me grounded,” Sofia told <a href="https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/sofia-richie-and-elliot-grainge-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Vogue</em></a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sofia also said that she was really nervous and high on adrenaline before walking down the aisle, but her father’s words comforted her before the big moment.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was really nervous before I was going to walk down the aisle—it was like I had stage fright, my adrenaline was so high. We had over seven minutes to chat though, and he said: ‘You’re the love of my life, and I’m so happy for you.’”</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was very emotional, and I feel so lucky that I have my parents. I’m very grateful,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">In another touching post, Lionel shared some sweet photos of him walking his youngest daughter down the aisle.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My little girl is all grown up and starting her own journey with the love of her life. You'll always be my little bird, but I'm so proud of the woman you've become. Endless Love to you and Elliot. 🤍” he captioned the post.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sofia stunned the crowd in a custom Chanel halter gown with a long veil embellished with resin water droplets which glistened as she walked down the aisle.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sofia had also added subtle details to represent the couple’s love, including an embroidered heart and a blue embroidered S&amp;E on the inside of her dress.</p> <p dir="ltr">For her rehearsal dinner and after-party Sofia also donned custom Chanel dresses which allowed her to dance and move more freely.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram and TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Train driving dream comes true for brain tumour survivor

<p dir="ltr">Three years after doctors found a large tumour growing in his brain, seven-year-old Broly Blackmore has seen his dream of becoming a train driver come true.</p> <p dir="ltr">The young boy from Hallett, South Australia, had the tumour removed when he was just four years old after he collapsed and was rushed to hospital by helicopter.</p> <p dir="ltr">If it wasn’t removed that night, doctors told his mother, Corrine Maidment, that he wouldn’t make it.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the years since, Broly’s life has become relatively normal, albeit with regular brain scans and physio trips - and he has had his wish of driving a train granted by the Starlight Foundation.</p> <p dir="ltr">The seven-year-old went on a trip on the Pichi Richi steam train, travelling from Quorn to Port Augusta as a “trainee train driver”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Ever since he was only a couple of months old everything has always been about trains … diesels aren't as good as steam trains apparently," Ms Maidment said, adding that he barely slept the night before the big day.</p> <p dir="ltr">"According to everyone in the train, they weren't allowed to do anything without his say so … at one point, he told the fireman, the guy who does the coal, 'That's my seat. I need to sit there'.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He was boss for the day." </p> <p dir="ltr">The Pichi Richi railway, an outback steam train experience that has been operating since 1973, later shared a sweet photo of Broly on the train.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Last Sunday, Pichi Richi Railway was able to grant a wish for a very special visitor, 7 year old Broly who was having his wish granted with help from Starlight Children's Foundation Australia’s ‘Wishgranting Program’,” the railway <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PichiRichiRailway/posts/pfbid032C45MeP339xWYPL321ZTFjXXsehYJh7pWe2xkX812DkCLCBZgZyp8UVNGVzF7ztvl">wrote</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Broly loves trains so Starlight contacted Pichi Richi Railway and Broly was lucky enough to ride in the cab of engine W934 for the day with our crew on the Pichi Richi Explorer service. </p> <p dir="ltr">“A very special day for our crew, Broly and his family.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Although Broly’s wish was given to him while he was in hospital, Ms Maidment said they had waited until he was old enough to decide how he wanted to spend it.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He's had the wish sitting there since he was in the hospital ... but we wanted to wait until he was old enough to make a decision himself so he'd know what the wish was and he'd remember it," she said. </p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4354a857-7fff-0466-bb9f-4dd255b3ba47"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Blackmore family, Starlight Foundation, Pichi Richi Railway (Facebook)</em></p>

Caring

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Instead of putting more massive trucks on our roads, we need to invest in our rail network

<p>In recent years, the <a href="https://transport.vic.gov.au/ports-and-freight/freight-victoria">Victoria</a> and <a href="https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/strategy/nsw-freight-and-ports-plan">New South Wales</a> governments have both unveiled strategies to move more freight across the country by rail and ease the increasing pressure of goods moving through the two largest container ports.</p> <p>The reality is, however, the numbers of containers coming and going by rail to the Port of Melbourne and Sydney’s Port Botany have been going backwards.</p> <h2>More massive trucks on Victoria’s highways</h2> <p>The Port of Melbourne moves more containers than any other port in Australia. In 2020-21, <a href="https://www.portofmelbourne.com/about-us/trade-statistics/quarterly-trade-reports/">3.3 million</a> containers passed through the port, a <a href="https://www.portofmelbourne.com/about-us/trade-statistics/historical-trade-data/">30% increase from ten years ago</a>.</p> <p>Over this time, the percentage of containers moving by rail has fallen, reaching a <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Container%20stevedoring%20monitoring%20report%202020-21.pdf">low of 6.1% in 2020-21</a>. This has meant the number of trucks going to and from the Port of Melbourne has significantly increased.</p> <p>This has been assisted by improvements to the state’s roads and bridges. But the Victoria government also in mid-2021 <a href="https://transport.vic.gov.au/about/transport-news/news-archive/guiding-road-freight">approved</a> large “A Double” trucks being able to access the Port of Melbourne. These trucks can carry two 12-metre containers and be up to 36 metres long – much longer than the standard semitrailer at 19 metres.</p> <p>Large numbers of trucks accessing the ports not only add to road construction and maintenance bills, they also make our roads less safe and more congested, and add to noise and air pollution.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/994-epc-lc/inquiry-into-air-pollution">recently released report</a> into the health effects of air pollution in Victoria notes the city of Maribyrnong has some of Australia’s highest levels of diesel pollution. This is mostly due to the number of trucks accessing the Port of Melbourne each day.</p> <p>The report also notes the transport sector is accountable for <a href="https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/committees/SCEP/Air_Pollution/Report/LCEPC_59-04_Health_impacts_air_pollution_Vic_Report.pdf">20% of Victoria’s total greenhouse gas emissions</a>.</p> <p>In 2018, Victoria introduced a new <a href="https://transport.vic.gov.au/getting-around/roads/heavy-vehicles">freight plan</a> that included initiatives to move more goods from the port by rail. One of these projects was the Port Rail Shuttle Network, a $28 million investment to connect the freight terminal in South Dandenong to the rail network. This is now underway.</p> <p>Increasing the amount of freight moving by rail will not only make our roads safer and reduce maintenance costs, it makes environmental sense – <a href="https://www.railfutures.org.au/2017/07/submission-to-inquiry-into-national-freight-and-supply-chain-priorities">rail freight produces one-third the emissions of road freight</a>.</p> <p>However, rail freight in Victoria is crippled by two different track gauges and tracks with too many temporary and permanent speed restrictions. Without greater investment to improve the rail system, it remains a less feasible option than moving freight on massive trucks on our roads.</p> <p><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437972/original/file-20211216-19-ljbvpc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /> <span class="caption">A freight train passing through a level crossing in Cootamundra, NSW.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></p> <h2>Sydney’s situation is not much better</h2> <p>A recent NSW <a href="https://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/our-work/reports/rail-freight-and-greater-sydney">auditor-general report</a> said the volume of freight passing through Greater Sydney is expected to increase by 48% by 2036.</p> <p>In 2020-21, <a href="https://www.nswports.com.au/nsw-ports-ceo-update-july-2021">2.7 million containers</a> moved through Port Botany. The NSW government had planned to increase the number of containers moving by rail from the port to <a href="https://www.nswports.com.au/resources-filtered/trade-reports">28% by 2021</a>. However, the auditor-general report said this effort would fall short. Just 16% is currently carried by rail.</p> <p>This means more trucks on the roads in NSW, as well. The NSW government has also recently <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/congestion-compounded-as-more-trucks-added-to-sydney-roads-20201101-p56aix.html">given permission</a> for “A Double” trucks to access Port Botany.</p> <p>The auditor-general report made recommendations on how NSW Transport could improve the operation of the state’s rail network to allow for more rail freight. It noted, for example, 54 trucks could be replaced by one 600-metre-long port shuttle freight train.</p> <h2>Rail moving less intercity freight</h2> <p>The rail network between Australia’s two largest cities is outdated and under-utilised. In fact, the proportion of freight moving between Melbourne and Sydney on rail has <a href="https://pacificnational.com.au/australias-major-highway-now-a-conveyor-belt-for-big-trucks/">fallen to about 1% today</a>. In 1970, it was <a href="https://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/2000/is_017">about 40%</a>.</p> <p>This is, in part, due to the total <a href="https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/about/environment/protecting-heritage/hume-highway-duplication/index.html">reconstruction</a> of the Hume Highway from a basic two-lane road to a modern dual carriageway, completed in 2013. There are now over <a href="https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/about/corporate-publications/statistics/traffic-volumes/aadt-map/index.html#/?z=6&amp;id=GNDSTC&amp;hv=1">20 million tonnes of freight</a> moved each year on the Hume Highway, with over 3,800 trucks on the road each day (and night at Gundagai).</p> <p>The result is more road trauma, higher maintenance bills and pressure for further road upgrades. Plus more emissions.</p> <p>The Sydney-Melbourne rail track, meanwhile, has been left with severe speed weight restrictions and a “steam age” alignment characterised by tight curves. It is also over 60 kms longer than it needs to be.</p> <h2>From a national perspective</h2> <p>Getting more freight on rail is not helped by hidden government subsidies to heavy truck operations, which in my estimations exceed <a href="https://theconversation.com/distance-based-road-charges-will-improve-traffic-and-if-done-right-wont-slow-australias-switch-to-electric-cars-150290">$2 billion per year</a>.</p> <p>It is also made harder by the current <a href="https://www.freightaustralia.gov.au/">National Freight and Supply Chain strategy</a>, which puts much more emphasis on increasing truck productivity with ever larger trucks.</p> <p>Instead, much more attention is needed to improving the efficiency and competitiveness of rail freight.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/172491/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><span><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/philip-laird-3503">Philip Laird</a>, Honorary Principal Fellow, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a></em></span></p> <p>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/instead-of-putting-more-massive-trucks-on-our-roads-we-need-to-invest-in-our-rail-network-172491">original article</a>.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Home with personal railway sells for $2 million

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A popular home in the Adelaide suburb of Mount Osmond <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/mount-osmond-home-with-rad-railway-sells-in-2m-deal/" target="_blank">has been sold</a> in a multimillion-dollar deal and boasts a surprise feature: a life-size train track.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The property at 3 Stymie Place has an 80-metre railway that runs around the property and includes a 34-metre underground tunnel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While many train enthusiasts were attracted to the property, selling agent Pat Schinella of Agency Avenue Schinellas revealed that the buyer wasn’t one of them.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We had quite a number of people showing interest in the property,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A couple of people were train enthusiasts but it didn’t sell to anyone who was a train enthusiast.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Schinella said the buyer was a businessman who intended to move into the home with his family.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The buyer loved the garden and the views mostly,” Mr Schinella said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It was the views, the privacy, the gardens, the quality of the build - they could see that they could take it to another level.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think they are probably going to leave the track there and maybe down the road purchase something to put on the track as a bit of a novelty.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As well as the novelty railway, the 2770 square-metre property includes a 700 square-metre home with up to five bedrooms, an indoor pool, spa, and sauna, and large indoor and outdoor living spaces.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The track was built by the previous owner, 95-year-old Bob Nash, who retired at 47 to take up model engineering.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While living in the home Mr Nash built seven steam trains and an electric tram - all from the property’s workshop.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s not a toy track, it’s a serious, fun track and children of all ages are capable of driving the tram - it is as simple as (pulling) a lever,” Mr Nash’s son Peter said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Anybody that jumps on it, whether you’re five or 55, it doesn’t matter - you get a bit of a buzz out of it.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though none of the trains or the tram were included in the sale, Mr Nash said compatible trains were commonly available.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The property’s sale came in as the second highest in the suburb, according to CoreLogic data.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, Mr Schinella said it was “the highest price achieved per square metre per allotment”.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: realestate.com.au</span></em></p>

Real Estate

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Rod Stewart's "hidden track" inside his Beverly Hills home

<p>He has long been known as a railway enthusiast, even if at times he chose not to talk about it. But Sir Rod Stewart's legendary choo-choo layout -–26 years in the making – just has to be seen to be believed.</p> <p>The rocker's astonishingly detailed 124ft long x 23ft wide model depicting an American city and its industrial hinterland in the 1940s contains hundreds of buildings, from trackside switchman shanties to vast factories and skyscrapers.</p> <p>Called Grand Street And Three Rivers City, it also features a railway station crossed by numerous bridges at rush hour.</p> <p>Also featured in the landscape are period cars and lorries, driving alongside the train tracks.</p> <p>Everything is dramatically lit in the colours of late afternoon sunshine.</p> <p>Sir Rod told<span> </span><em>Railway Modeller</em><span> </span>magazine that scenery and structure modelling, rather than locomotives, trackwork or electrics, are his forte.</p> <p>"It's the landscape I like. Attention to detail, extreme detail, is paramount. There shouldn't be any unsightly gaps or pavements that are too clean," he said.</p> <p>Sir Rod was inspired by American Railways because that is where we has living when he began creating the model in 1993.</p> <p>At the time, he had recently built a new house in Los Angeles and included an attic room specifically for the layout.</p> <p>While Sir Rod acknowledged it took a while for him to publicly admit he was a railway enthusiast, he agreed in his interview with the magazine that attitudes now appear to be changing towards model railway making.</p> <p>But he added that he was still wary about answering questions on TV about it because "it's hard to talk about something so all-encompassing" if he was meant to be discussing his music.</p> <p>His passion was first inflamed when he was "eight or nine" on a family holiday in Bognor Regis where he saw a "marvellous" railway layout in a model shop.</p> <p>He said his father had once given him the advice that "every man needs a hobby".</p> <p>"Mine's model railway," said Sir Rod, who had a toy railway as a child. When he wanted a station for it, his dad bought him a guitar instead, which many might think turned out to be a shrewd move.</p> <p>His fortune stands at £190 million, according to the Sunday Times' UK Musicians' Rich List, and he has had nine No 1 albums and 62 hit singles in the UK.</p> <p>Sir Rod said guests are stunned by his magnificent model railway when he runs it for them at his LA home. He said: 'When I take on something creative like this, I have to give it 110 per cent. For me, it's addictive. I started, so I just had to finish.</p> <p>"I'm lucky I had the room. If I'd realised at the start it would have taken so long, I'd have probably said No! No! Nah!"</p> <p><span>Photos: Facebook and Model Railroader Magazine</span></p>

Real Estate

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6 great railway journeys

<p>Travelling by rail holds a romantic and old-fashioned appeal that can’t be matched by flying or driving. By taking the slow route, you get to experience and interact with an area in a completely different way.</p> <p><strong>1. The Rocky Mountaineer</strong><span> </span><br /><strong>Where</strong><span> </span>Canada, from Vancouver to Banff, Jasper and Calgary.<span> </span><br /><strong>When</strong><span> </span>In June, which is springtime in the Rockies, complete with blooming flowers and abundant wildlife.<span> </span><br /><strong>Duration</strong><span> </span>Between two and eight days, travelling only in daylight, staying in deluxe hotels. Highlights Unparalleled views of the Rocky Mountains, incredible luxury at every stage of the trip, traditional native storytelling, wine classes and natural history workshops.</p> <p><strong>2. The Chepe</strong><br /><strong>Where</strong><span> </span>Mexico. It begins its journey in the mountains of Chihuahua and finishes on the Sinaloa coast.<br /><strong>When</strong><span> </span>In the rainy season, from June to October, you’ll get lush vegetation and blooming cacti, although mid-summer (July) temperatures can reach 44 °C.<br /><strong>Duration</strong><span> </span>Doing the route straight through takes 14 hours, but you’ll want to stop off overnight and explore traditional towns along the way.<br />Highlights The train winds its way down through 656 km of the spectacular Copper Canyon (which is deeper than the Grand Canyon), over 37 precarious-looking bridges and through 86 tunnels. Local people sell crafts and foods along the route.</p> <p><strong>3. The Ghan<br />Where</strong><span> </span>Australia, from Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs.<br /><strong>When</strong><span> </span>Going during the wet season (December, January) will allow you to see more wildlife and tropical splendour in the north, though peak season is usually the winter.<br /><strong>Duration</strong><span> </span>Going straight through takes 52 hours. There are disembarkation points from which you can take tours.<br /><strong>Highlights</strong><span> </span>Going through Australia’s Red Centre with cobalt-blue skies, red earth and not much else – a hauntingly beautiful and serene experience.</p> <p><strong>4. The Royal Scotsman</strong><br /><strong>Where</strong><span> </span>travels around the Scottish Highlands or all the way around Great Britain.<br /><strong>When</strong><span> </span>Warmer weather and up to 20 hours of daylight in June makes it the perfect time to watch ospreys soaring over mirror-like lochs, or go in October for autumn colours and the rather vocal stag-rutting season.<br /><strong>Duration</strong><span> </span>Trips can be as short as two days or as long as seven.<span> </span><br /><strong>Highlights</strong><span> </span>Possibly the most expensive train journey in the world. You’ll be treated like a member of the monarchy. Indulgent cuisine, fine wines and carriages that look like rooms at Balmoral Castle await those willing to part with a minimum of £2350 per person for a two-night trip.</p> <p><strong>5. The Blue Train<br />Where</strong><span> </span>South Africa, from Pretoria to Cape Town, or to Hoedspruit and Kruger National Park.<br /><strong>When</strong><span> </span>From May to August you’ll be more likely to observe big game if you go to a game reserve.<br /><strong>Duration</strong><span> </span>27 hours on the train, with several stops along the way.<br />Highlights You’ll be travelling through diverse African landscapes in the utmost style, with stays on game reserves optional.</p> <p><strong>6. Eastern and Oriental Express</strong><br /><strong>Where</strong><span> </span>From Thailand, through Malaysia, to Singapore.<br /><strong>When</strong><span> </span>April and May, for the least humid weather.<br /><strong>Duration</strong><span> </span>Trips vary from two to eight days.<br /><strong>Highlights</strong><span> </span>You’ll travel through the heart of Southeast Asia. From golden temples and paddy fields to cosmopolitan cities, this luxurious train showcases the best of the countries it passes through.</p> <p><em>Written by <span>Lola Augustine Brown</span>. This article first appeared in </em><span><a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/train-journeys/Six-Great-Railway-Journeys"><em>Reader’s Digest</em></a><em>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN93V"><em>here’s our best subscription offer.</em></a></span></p> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p>

International Travel

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Prince Charles and Lionel Richie announce new collaboration

<p>Prince Charles has met with singer Lionel Richie to announce their collaboration in Barbados during the royal’s Caribbean tour.</p> <p>The music legend has been named as the new global ambassador for Prince Charles’ charity.</p> <p>The Prince’s Trust, which was co-founded by the Prince of Wales in 1976, aims to help vulnerable young people access jobs, education and training.</p> <p>"I've been involved with the Prince's Trust for a number of years and, of course, I understand exactly what they do – giving opportunity to kids who would never ever have a shot at anywhere close to their dreams," said Richie on Tuesday at the Coral Reef Club Hotel.</p> <p>The Prince thanked the 69-year-old singer for taking on the role, alluding to his hit song Hello: "It must have been you I was looking for". Richie replied, "Oh, did you say that? He did say that."</p> <p>Richie has also been named chair of the Global Ambassador Group for the charity. In this role, he will focus on international youth unemployment and education.</p> <p>He is the latest celebrity to support the charity, joining the ranks of<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/george-and-amal-clooney-bring-their-a-list-glamour-to-buckingham-palace" target="_blank">Amal Clooney</a>, Helen Mirren, Benedict Cumberbatch and more.</p> <p>Earlier this week, the charity and Amal collaborated to launch the Amal Clooney Award, an honour that puts the spotlight on "the work of young women who have succeeded against the odds to make a lasting difference in their communities". Amal is set to present the prize next year.</p> <p>"I am honoured to have been invited by Prince’s Trust International to participate in this global initiative celebrating young women who are change-makers in their communities," Amal said in a statement.</p> <p>"It is a privilege to be able to play a part in a project that will draw attention to incredible young women who are the future leaders of our world."</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see Prince Charles and Lionel Richie sharing a laugh.</p>

Music

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Orient Express-style vintage railway carriages

<p>We’ve all seen the gorgeous <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/train-carriage-transformed-into-luxury-airbnb/?gallery=4"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">100-year-old Victorian train carriage that’s been transformed into a luxury cottage</span></strong></a>, but you have to wonder, what did it look like in its heyday? If you’re a fan of heritage sites and plush, period design, this is sure to tickle all of your fancies.</p> <p>This secluded mountain-top retreat is home to meticulously restored heritage railway carriages, perched high on the Great Dividing Range in Cooks Gap, Australia. The once dilapidated railyard faced a fate in the scrap heap. However, <em>Better Homes and Gardens</em> TV host and renovator extraordinaire Scott Mcgregor rescued the gem, turning it into something quite special. </p> <p>The property features opulent accommodation in orient express style railway carts. The carriages are surrounded by extensive gardens, museum pieces, a generous fire pit and outdoor dining sets to rival the vintage charm of properties interiors.</p> <p>Complete with a dining car, two luxury sleeping cars and even a "Ruwenzori Station" games room, be whisked away by the sumptuous splendour as you indulge in a piece of history.</p> <p>Scroll the through the gallery above to see the vintage carriages in all their glory. </p>

International Travel

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Daredevil Duke and Duchess take risky railway walk

<p>When you’re an aide travelling with the Royal Family there’s never a dull day, and as you can see in the gallery above there can also be some very tense moments.</p> <p>As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge continue their tour of Canada they made a spur-of-the-moment decision to visit the railway line the Queen and Prince Phillip stopped in at when they were exploring the region back in 1959.</p> <p>But not to be outdone by their illustrious forebears, Will and Kate decided to embark on an impromptu railway walk. As you can see in the gallery above, this tricky manoeuvre saw the royal couple sidestepping on the very edge of the track next to the train, all the while running the risk of falling into the icy cold waters below.</p> <p>Royal aides’ hearts were in their mouths as the daredevil Duke and Duchess performed the manoeuvre. And justifiably so – the prospect of fishing a royal family member out of freezing cold rapids isn’t exactly that appealing.</p> <p>But it looks like it was all in good fun. To see the risky moment, scroll through the gallery above. What’s your favourite memory involving the Royal Family? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, we’d love to hear from you.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/09/duke-and-duchess-grant-womans-wish/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Duke and Duchess of Cambridge make woman’s wish come true</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/09/6-surprising-facts-about-how-the-royal-family-travels/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>6 surprising facts about how the Royal Family travels</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/09/duchess-of-cambridge-stuns-in-red-gown/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>The Duchess of Cambridge stuns in red gown on Canadian tour</strong></em></span></a></p>

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10 items you must pack when travelling by train

<p>There might be quicker alternatives, but nothing’s as romantic as a train journey. But for people unaccustomed with this form of transport it can be difficult to know what to pack. We’re going to take a look at 10 items you must pack if travelling by train.</p> <p>By making sure you’ve got all these items lined up at the platform and ready to go at the start of the journey, you can be confident your trip won’t go off the rails.</p> <p><strong>1. Lightweight luggage with wheels</strong></p> <p>Look for something small with a light frame as you’ll often be hoisting it aboard a train and above your seat. And wheels make walking through the station so much easier.</p> <p><strong>2. Multipurpose toiletries</strong></p> <p>When you’re travelling by train space can sometimes be at a premium, so multipurpose toiletries like two-in-one soap/shampoos can be a real space savers.</p> <p><strong>3. Clothes for sleeping on a train</strong></p> <p>While you might want to stop short of long johns, light, comfortable fitting clothes that are still warm and modest can be useful when you need some shuteye.  </p> <p><strong>4. Something to read</strong></p> <p>Books, kindles, tablet computers and laptops all provide a great way to entertain yourself when you’re on the road and during the less scenic parts of your trip.</p> <p><strong>5. Playing cards</strong></p> <p>Another great way to while away the hours, playing cards offer a world of possibilities while you’re on your train and provide a readymade ice breaker.</p> <p><strong>6. Napping supplies</strong></p> <p>Train rides can be exhausting at times and they’re not always the most conducive for sleep, so a neck pillow and light blanket can be absolutely invaluable.</p> <p><strong>7. Comfortable shoes</strong></p> <p>On many trains passengers are required to wear shoes at all times when moving around the carriages, so having comfortable footwear is crucial.</p> <p><strong>8. Headphones</strong></p> <p>Whether you want to listen to an audio book or simply tune out from the noise of your carriage and enjoy your favourite music, headphones are considered a must.</p> <p><strong>9. Hand sanitiser</strong></p> <p>Whether you want to clean your hands after touching that dubious guardrail or simply need a little refreshment, a bottle of hand sanitiser never goes astray.</p> <p><strong>10. Light snacks</strong></p> <p>Having a bag of your favourite lollies or non-perishable snacks generally is a good idea if you find yourself getting hungry on the road and in need of a snack.</p> <p>Have you ever covered a large distance by train? What did you pack for the journey, and how did you enjoy the trip? Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/06/dine-on-the-original-orient-express/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>You can now dine on the original Orient-Express</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/06/10-stunning-photos-of-first-class-train-carriages/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 stunning photos of the world’s most luxurious first class train carriages</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/06/tokyo-incredible-train-pushing-phenomenon/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Tokyo’s incredible train-pushing phenomenon</strong></em></span></a></p>

International Travel

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10 views you can only experience from a train

<p>There are quicker and cheaper ways to get around, but in terms of experience the beautiful surrounds there’s no better way to travel than by train.</p> <p>And as you can see from the gallery above, the view can be spectacular.</p> <p>We’re going to take a look at 10 of the most spectacular views in the world that you can only truly experience while sitting in a train carriage.</p> <p>To see all the views, scroll through the gallery above.</p> <p>1. Glacier Express</p> <p>2. South Devon Railway</p> <p>3. Lumberjack Train</p> <p>4. Trans-Siberian Express</p> <p>5. Nilgiri Mountain Railway</p> <p>6. Eastern &amp; Oriental Express</p> <p>7. The Ghan</p> <p>8. Rocky Mountaineer</p> <p>9. California Zephyr</p> <p>10. Scenic Railway</p> <p>Have you ever travelled a big distance by train? How did you find the experience? And do you have any stories you’re taking home from the road? Share your thoughts in the comments.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/06/dine-on-the-original-orient-express/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">You can now dine on the original Orient-Express</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/06/10-stunning-photos-of-first-class-train-carriages/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 stunning photos of the world’s most luxurious first class train carriages</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/06/crossing-australia-in-style-aboard-the-indian-pacific/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Crossing Australia in style aboard the Indian Pacific</strong></em></span></a></p>

International Travel

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London’s newest rail line to be named after the Queen

<p>London’s newest railway link has been named after Queen Elizabeth.</p> <p>Crossrail, as it is currently known, is a new metro rail line will connect east and west London. It is expected to start running in 2018, carrying an estimated 200 million passengers a year.</p> <p>Today The Queen visited the Crossrail site at Bond Street, where she met with engineers, construction workers, transport staff and apprentices to hear about the project. Scroll through the images above to see the Queen at Bond Street.</p> <p>She also unveiled the plaque to mark Crossrail’s naming as the “Elizabeth Line”.</p> <p>London mayor Boris Johnson said on Tuesday, "I think it’s truly wonderful that such a significant line for our capital will carry such a significant name from our country.</p> <p>"As well as radically improving travel right across our city, the Elizabeth line will provide a lasting tribute to our longest-serving monarch."</p> <p>This is the second track to be named in the Queen’s honour. The Jubilee Line was named in honour of the Queen to mark her 25th year on the throne in 1977.</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/15-things-kids-of-today-are-missing-out-on/">15 things kids of today are missing out on</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/grandparents-make-grandchildren-happy-study/">Why the grandparent grandchild relationship is important for happiness</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/easy-recipes-for-children/">30 cheap – or free – holiday activities to do with grandkids</a></em></strong></span></p>

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501 Richie Benauds spotted on Sydney Cricket Ground in record breaking tribute

<p>A record number of Richie Benauds have flocked to the Sydney Cricket Ground on day two of the third Test against the West Windies as part of an elaborate tribute to the late captain and commentator.</p> <p>Donning bone-coloured blazers and grey wigs the diehard fans carried trademark microphones bearing the Channel Nine logo.</p> <p>The group is lobbying to have the second day of the SCG Test known as Richie Day for all future matches.</p> <p>In tribute to the cricketing legend the game was paused at 2:22pm to remember the former Australia Test captain, who died last April at the age of 84.</p> <p>It’s the first game at Benaud’s home ground since he passed which is why fans wanted to make it the biggest and best they could to honour him with a bang; the photos show they’ve certainly succeeded.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/stunning-mid-air-firework-video/">Drone captures footage of fireworks display mid-air in this spectacular video</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/tips-to-make-dairy-products-last-longer/">7 tips to make dairy products last longer</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/spot-the-panda-hidden-in-this-vintage-school-photo/">Spot the panda hidden in this vintage school photo</a></em></strong></span></p>

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