The M1 appreciation course
Browsing the BBC news website during my lunch break, I came across this amusing tale of a course designed to increase our appreciation of motorways and motorway service stations. As the introduction to the piece puts it:
There’s more to motorways than tarmac, tailbacks and tepid coffee served at tourist prices. To prove it a lecturer took a minibus of students on a day-long tour of the M1.
Many people suppress feelings of mild dread at the idea of spending any time at all on the motorway. Few struggle with secret yearnings for the over-lit service stations areas that dot their routes.
This is all the brainchild of Peter Lawrence who, apparently, has a PhD in motorway services. Much as I approve of his dedication (and wonder why he’s never contributed to motorwayservices.info), I can’t help thinking that there can’t be that much original research you can do about MSAs. I’d love to read a copy of his thesis.
Was it not David Lawrence? He’s an architect guy and he is the author of “Always a welcome. The Glove Compartment History of the British Motorway Service Area (Paperback).
Comment by Alan — 20 November 2008 @ 5:19 pm
Yes, it was indeed David Lawrence who led the M1 Appreciation Course. Very happy to add any thoughts to MSB. Vey much enjoy and appreciate the website. Happy New Year.
Comment by David Lawrence — 6 January 2009 @ 3:14 pm
Oops, sorry, my mistake. I have no idea where I got the wrong name from!
Comment by Mark — 6 January 2009 @ 3:29 pm
David, Where on earth can I get a copy of your book??
regards
Andrew
Comment by Andrew Taylor — 28 January 2009 @ 3:29 pm
Wow. our company, admedia, advertises in moterway service areas..
the numbers of people that pass a MSA is amazing.. in 4 weeks the totel footfall across the network is 57.4 million males and 27.2 million females…
wow
http://www.admedia.com
Comment by Shem — 31 March 2009 @ 4:54 pm
That is the very same question I woulkd like to ask? Is your book still available anywhere David. I’ve tried main bookshops, second hand bookshops and the Internet, but to no avail. Can you help?
Comment by Alan — 18 May 2009 @ 1:04 pm
Just ordered this book seems it may go some way to quell my desire to track David’s book down!
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article6430265.ece
Comment by Andrew Taylor — 10 June 2009 @ 10:48 am
Hi Just wondering if anybody could give me contact details for David Lawrence?
Comment by Helen Burke — 30 October 2009 @ 11:27 am