It’s too dark to see the beautiful country outside but we hear it in the Country and Western music performed by Geoff Higginbottom and Rob Carroll on a music train to Chester organised by the Mid-Cheshire Community Rail Partnership.

Before boarding, Geoff says: “The set is made on the hoof after we have got to know this particular audience.” Their choice as we jog along reflects the liveliness of the passengers. The happy tunes strummed on their six and 12 string guitars are augmented by Geoff’s voice as he leads a sing-song and his performance on the Bodhran, a Celtic war drum is a bonus. We join in heartily with Dirty Old Town and Down where the Drunkards Roll, our courage appropriately boosted with a glass of sparkling wine.

Geoff says: “Performing on the train provides a very intimate atmosphere which is different from being on stage.” Before long we are in Chester and taxied to Alexander’s Café/Bar.

The ambience is relaxed as we enjoy the best bangers and mash ever. For the next two hours, the Dave Roberts quartet, a mainstream/modern jazz ensemble, entertain us.

They open with the aptly named Rhythm and Blues hit, Night Train. Then, Saxophonist Dave Roberts, guitarist, Alan Jeffs, bass guitarist Jason Tebble, drummer Norman Rothwell and gues Keyboard player Mal Fisher pay tribute to the importance of blues in jazz with their unique style.

Then it’s back to the rhythm of the last train to Alty and an even livelier session with Geoff and Rob.

For details of future music trains, see www.midcheshirerail.org.uk