Wakefield man puts novelist Milly on the right lines
A Wakefield businessman who owns one of the world’s most luxurious train has been praised by Barnsley author Milly Johnson author for inspiring her blockbusting new novel.
The book called “Let the Bells Ring Out”, which turned into a Christmas best-seller, was based on a trip she took last year aboard the 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle.
And at the end of the novel Milly pays tribute to David Pitts, who bought the train from the iconic Orient Express group, saying: “A special thank you to David, who is rightly proud of his gorgeous train.
“You’ve been such a joy and pleasure to work with. I have loved writing this book and I hope I’ve done you proud too.”
Milly’s novel tells the story of how seven strangers spend Christmas trapped together on a luxury train that gets stuck in a snow drift during a terrible blizzard.
Published by Simon and Schuster, it stormed up the best-sellers’ list and is now being published in Latvia and Finland, with a Swedish edition coming out in the spring.
The Northern Belle was voted the world’s fifth most luxurious train last year by readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller magazine.
And actor Bill Nighy described it as the “Grand Dame of luxury travel” when it featured on a Channel 5 programme.
The train prides itself on its wonderful food, prepared by Sowerby Bridge-based chef Brian Clark, who has cooked for the King and rock royalty like Sir Rod Stewart and Madonna.
Milly tells readers in “Acknowledgments” at the end of her book: “Dining on the Northern Belle is one of the loveliest experiences – oh what a find! Even better than I imagined it was going to be.
“It is like stepping back in time or even stepping out of time – into a world where nothing exists but a stunning train and the best fare that can be offered.
“It’s the closest I’ve ever felt to being a queen. You should treat yourself because life is here and now.”
The train even has its own musicians to serenade passengers while they dine, and to add an extra touch of magic an onboard conjuror gets up to tricks as he wanders through the carriages.
Some well-heeled punters are paying up to £1,000 each to swig champagne as they travel to the Cheltenham Gold Cup race meeting aboard the Northern Belle next month.
But other trips, including many from stations all over Yorkshire, start at £365. For more details and to book, see www.northernbelle.co.uk.