Over thirty years ago I worked at a bookstall on Royal Oak Underground Station

Although I served a large number of people

I never served Ricky Martin

Today I revisited the station

A lot has changed

The bookstall is now closed

But can still be seen

With its shutters down

The small booking area has been enlarged and is now a great hall

And the Victorian graffiti can be seen above the entrance to the station

Previously it had been hidden by a false ceiling

Steam trains bound for Doncaster still stop at the station

Although the ventilation of their steam remains a problem

The road outside once busy has been truncated and is very quiet

This is a little sad as it was once so vibrant

Tonight Ricky Martin is in concert in the great hall

I have purchased a number of tickets which I am currently giving away