Richard Bunce is the highly popular "Station Master" at Horsley Station. That may not be his correct title but all the locals think of him as Station Master. He has been responsible for many local initiatives and the clean, tidy and friendly upkeep of Horsley Station has been a labour of love for him together with his well behaved and friendly dog George.

Therein lies the problem - SWR has clamped down on their "no dogs at work rule". So because Richard can't take George to work, it isn't viable for him to continue working at the station. I can't make out who is more popular in this scenario, George or Richard, but the people who aren't making themselves popular are South Western.

Rules is rules, it seems, but George wasn't doing any harm and he and Richard make a great team and that makes a lovely happy station. If it ain't broke don't fix it, so come on SWR, make an exception and find a loophole, turn a blind eye or do whatever it takes to bring Richard and George back to Horsley before it's too late!