I remember both events. I was quite small when the Flying Scotsman came to the station and I'm pretty sure it was the old one on Great Central Road (on the site where the police station now stands). I don't remember too much about it other than it's sheer size.

I also remember a time when a circus was unloaded at the old sidings on Baums Lane in the late 1960's. I think that was Smart's but again it could have been another one. The reason I remember it so well was my dad. He was never much of a gardener but had a fine crop of roses in that particular year. He was convinced that they would be even better if he could get some elephant droppings for them so he set off bucket and shovell in hand to fight of any opposition and bring home the prize.

He succeeded with a good bucket full and duly spread it around his pride and joy and sat back to watch the results. He was rewarded within a couple of days as every bush died off completely. The poor man was gutted and never tried again. Needless to say he was still being teased about it until his death about 38 years later. RIP Joe we still miss you.