Viewed across the field from Rue de Maupertuis, to the left is the former Samarès Station on the Jersey Eastern Railway line, opened in 1873 and closed along with the line in 1929. Along with the scheduled timetable this was the stop for excursion trains taking passengers to Samarès Manor for ‘open’ days – the manor woodlands can be seen in the background.

I’ve often wondered what a surreal impact the night train would have had in this rural setting at a time when there would have been virtual silence other than the sounds of nature.

Deep stillness of the Jersey night you do not hear a sound
But stop and listen, try again, for life is all around
The robin cheeps. the song-thrush sings, the nightjar can be heard
They’ve always been there but by day to louder sounds deferred
But now the songbirds stop and hark as rumblings they hear
For now here comes the midnight train from Gorey it draws near
They’ve seen it all a hundred times the train no threat entails
The train for all its tiresome noise will stay upon its rails
And so once more the peace returns to fields and to the trees
The birds and creatures of the night once more can take their ease
And should you go a-wandering at night in Jersey fair
Remember that you’re not alone there’s plenty others there