We set out for a w/e visit looking forward to a couple fast train trips. That was the idea but like all theoretical propositions reality proved to be quite different.
The 0947 to Norwich was canceled so we asked one of the railway staff what alternatives we had. He promptly gave us a printout. Off we went to Doncaster on the York train. This was a slow fast-train. Why slow? No one knew but it got to Doncaster. Time to change trains. Not so simple because the London train didn't stop at Grantham where we wanted to get to. Coffee and cake time!
After further consultation we were told that the next London train did stop so that solved that problem. To our delight it all worked out as predicted. That was on Friday.
Come Sunday we had to make the return. You guessed it! The train we had booked was canceled - a drivers' strike. What to do? Catch the Hull train and change at Doncaster. Fast and quiet travel at it's best and fortunately there were plenty of free seats. Five minutes in Doncaster saw us on the Sheffield train. All done and dusted!
So the moral is - even if you book seats it doesn't mean the train will run or you'll actually get a seat.
To give credit where it's due every one of the rail people were really helpful and very nice - can't have everything I suppose ...