Thank you everyone. Northampton-the hub of the universe...well maybe not but pretty much the centre of England!
Sywell is nice, I live the other side of Northants, near Wootton. (and about 7 miles from Silverstone for you non-Northants folks)
I'm sorry you had a bad train experience MCM.....!!!However if it was the old Silverlink County service I am not surprised!