Great Western Coffee Shop

Sideshoots - associated subjects => The Lighter Side => Topic started by: grahame on December 02, 2017, 02:43:53



Title: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 02, 2017, 02:43:53
Christmas - or rather advent - is starting slightly late this year!    1st December was a chaotic day as consultations and follow ups to them rained down upon us, so let me start with not one but two pictures on 2nd December, on what's going to be an (almost) daily series in the run up to Christmas.

1. Where is it

2. What thoughts and stories does in conjure up?

Picture for 1st December:
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_01.jpg)

Picture for 2nd December:
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_02.jpg)






Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 02, 2017, 17:35:13
I'll start then....
2nd December
Location: Post Office Railway at Mount Pleasant (ex) sorting office.
Memories: My Father-in-Law was a postie there for 25 years.

...and I know the 01 December one, but will leave it to others to have a go....(but CfN to note its not TAUNTON ::) )


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 02, 2017, 17:39:22
I'll start then....
2nd December
Location: Post Office Railway at Mount Pleasant (ex) sorting office.
Memories: My Father-in-Law was a postie there for 25 years.

Correct - I was lucky enough to see it in the 1970s when it was operational, and took the tourist trip a couple of weeks ago.  They have done a very good job in the presentation and the postal museum across the road, yet somehow it felt a bit hollow.  And I felt really old when I noted that the trains in the museum that I recall seeing weren't the final ones running but the generation prior to that.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 02, 2017, 17:55:08
.... (but CfN to note its not TAUNTON ::) )

No curved platforms at Taunton - even I know that!  ;) :D ;D



Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 03, 2017, 11:49:43
Well, as nobody else is in the xmas spirit just yet I'll answer the 01 December one as well then ::)

Location: Swansea Station
Memories:  First visited in 1968 on a tour of South Wales scrap yards.  To be honest, took much more interest in the surrounding infrastructure, so not many photographs of scrapped steam locos in my collections.  Here is a photograph looking the other way, taken in 1969 (I think):

(http://cbrailways.co.uk/PhotoAlbumsPro/1379866239/Swansea%20High%20Street%20Station%2001_1.jpg?cache=0.40259554874263603)
Image (c)2017 SandTEngineer


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 03, 2017, 12:08:35
Well, as nobody else is in the xmas spirit just yet I'll answer the 01 December one as well then ::)

Location: Swansea Station

I suspect the Christmas spirit has got diluted in the flood of technical documents this year!

Although I'm getting to be a regular at Swansea, it's not an old stamping ground for me an that picture is, for sure, Swansea but not as I would have known it.   There was a second Swansea station in those days, right?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 03, 2017, 12:18:24
There was a second (LMSR) station at Swansea but that had closed by the time of my visits.  Something I have just realised is that the sidings in the right distance in my photograph are now the new IET stabling/maintenance sidings!

Now, somewhere I have a photograph of the South Wales Pullman (Blue Pullman) coming into the station.  I'll see if I can find it in the boxes..... ;)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 03, 2017, 12:59:04
Let's see how you (all?) do with this one which has a very limited GWR service at present

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_03.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: paul7575 on December 03, 2017, 13:39:07
Let's see how you (all?) do with this one which has a very limited GWR service at present


Southampton Airport Parkway

Paul


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 03, 2017, 13:52:12
Let's see how you (all?) do with this one which has a very limited GWR service at present


Southampton Airport Parkway

Paul

Correct - just two GWR trains per day at present, one from Cardiff to Portsmouth and the other from Portsmouth to Westbury.  Sad really as it's such an excellent airport;  here in Wiltshire we have a direct service from Salisbury going there ...


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Adelante_CCT on December 03, 2017, 13:53:16
Just beaten by Paul... Yes Southampton Airport

As a child we went on random trips to airports, usually to Gatwick to have a coffee and watch some planes land/take off from the viewing gallery, invariably catching the 14:50c back to Reading (via Olympia) for the sheer fun of it. Once or twice for variation we went down to SOA, a very sparse place in those days IIRC, very empty with just a handful of planes all day, I don't even recall a coffee shop in the terminal.

I did fly to Jersey on a tiny plane once, although on that occasion we drove rather than went by train.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 03, 2017, 14:09:31
It certainly has changed ... 21 flights out tomorrow morning (and I eliminated codeshares from my search - so real departures!)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: paul7575 on December 03, 2017, 14:45:38
When I was still working I often did day trips from Southampton Airport to Glasgow or Edinburgh, typical check in times of 30 mins or less, and the time to get from the plane to the taxi on return was really excellent, it was quite unusual to have to wait for your luggage, it was almost always in reclaim when you got there...

Paul


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Rhydgaled on December 03, 2017, 14:52:25
There was a second Swansea station in those days, right?
There was at least three at one point I think; at least I've heard three names:
Swansea High Street (still open)
Swansea St. Thomas
Swansea Victoria
Did these three names belong to three different stations, or was one renamed? And was there a fourth?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Worcester_Passenger on December 03, 2017, 15:55:38
Attached is a scan of the area from the Railway Junction Diagrams 1915 book. There's a total of six termini:

High Street is the GWR station, still open.

Victoria was the LNWR (and later LMS) station that served as the southern terminus of what is now the Heart of Wales line. Closed 1964 according to Wikipedia. The 1910 Bradshaw has 12 departures Mon-Fri, 17 on Saturdays, nothing on Sundays.

St Thomas was the MR (also later LMS) station for their line that came in by way of Hereford and Brecon. This was on the east side of the river. 8 departures Mon-Fri (of which three got to Hereford), 16 on Saturdays, nothing on Sundays

The Swansea and Mumbles railway had a terminus at Rutland Street, near to Victoria.

The Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway (part of the GWR after 1923) had a station near to St Thomas for a local service to Port Talbot and Treherbert. 7 departures Mon-Fri, 11 on Saturdays and two on Sundays.

The GWR had another station at East Dock, for a local service by way of Neath Low Level to Resolven and Glyn Neath. 8 departures/day.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 03, 2017, 16:13:16
...and as mentioned in my post above here is the photograph of the Blue Pullman entering Swansea High Street station sometime in the early 1970s (noting that this is in the later BR 'reversed blue' livery)...

(http://cbrailways.co.uk/PhotoAlbumsPro/1379866239/Blue%20Pullman%20at%20Swansea%201970s_1.jpg?cache=0.19009798256247534)
Image (c)2017 SandTEngineer

...and here is a photograph taken at the same time of a Class 52 'Western' hauled London Paddington train...

(http://cbrailways.co.uk/PhotoAlbumsPro/1379866239/Class%2052%20Western%20Swansea%201970s_1.jpg?cache=0.48968082391904355)
Image (c)2017 SandTEngineer


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 03, 2017, 16:42:24
Attached is a scan of the area from the Railway Junction Diagrams 1915 book. There's a total of six termini:

With all those railways, was there any space for houses?

...and as mentioned in my post above here is the photograph of the Blue Pullman entering Swansea High Street station sometime in the early 1970s (noting that this is in the later BR 'reversed blue' livery)...

Love the pictures ... "then and now" have a curious fascination! .... next time I'm in Swansea (13th) I may try to get those angles.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 04, 2017, 09:47:14
How about this one ...

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_04.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: RA on December 04, 2017, 18:17:32
How about this one ...

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_04.jpg)

That looks like the bridge over the former Hayle Wharves line. The ground frame would have been just to the right of the image. Although closed in 1982 before I was around, I would liked to have seen a main line loco trundling down there and across the road with a train of oil tanks for the oil terminal.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 05, 2017, 07:55:45
That looks like the bridge over the former Hayle Wharves line. The ground frame would have been just to the right of the image. Although closed in 1982 before I was around, I would liked to have seen a main line loco trundling down there and across the road with a train of oil tanks for the oil terminal.

Yes - that's the line;  I'm not sure of the history - came a across it during a week away in Cornwall this summer.   Remains of old swing bridge down by the wharf too - and what was probably a level crossing over what would in those days have been the main road.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: bradshaw on December 05, 2017, 09:09:51
I had coffee at the small cafe by the harbour in May. The original West Cornwall Rly line is now a footpath leading toward the Angarrack incline.
The harbourside is worth investigating, there is a 'canal' from the basin back to some wharves.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 05, 2017, 09:51:05
And for today

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_05.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: trainer on December 05, 2017, 16:59:54
Parson Street.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: bradshaw on December 05, 2017, 19:17:34
There is more on the Hayle branch to be found here


http://www.cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk/hayle-wharf-branches.html


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 05, 2017, 19:43:48
And for today

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_05.jpg)

Yes indeed- taken from a passing train.   Illustrates the difficultly of making a city station look attractive ...


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 06, 2017, 11:43:30
Illustrates the difficultly of making a city station look attractive ...

So if they had put up that building next to Kemble station it wouldn't be ugly?

I think it is fair to say that planning policy in 60s and 70s treated railway stations in much the same way you'd address the aesthetics of backing onto a sewage farm. Standing on Platform 1 of Clifton Down Station, you are surrounded by astonishingly ugly architecture - worse than at Parson St, I'd say - but that's presumably because no-one cared about a station that wasn't considered to have a future. Canary Wharf is also a station in a city. I think it's quite attractive. Building ugly things is a choice.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 06, 2017, 13:16:42
Illustrates the difficultly of making a city station look attractive ...

So if they had put up that building next to Kemble station it wouldn't be ugly?

I think it is fair to say that planning policy in 60s and 70s treated railway stations in much the same way you'd address the aesthetics of backing onto a sewage farm. Standing on Platform 1 of Clifton Down Station, you are surrounded by astonishingly ugly architecture - worse than at Parson St, I'd say - but that's presumably because no-one cared about a station that wasn't considered to have a future. Canary Wharf is also a station in a city. I think it's quite attractive. Building ugly things is a choice.

So what do you make of the beauty of this? (and where is it??)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_06.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 06, 2017, 14:15:49
Yeugh! In the countryside somewhere, by the look of it ;)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: The Tall Controller on December 06, 2017, 15:33:42
Castle Cary. Before/during Glastonbury festival.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: JayMac on December 06, 2017, 15:45:27
Castle Cary. Before/during Glastonbury festival.

I concur.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 07, 2017, 19:45:30
Castle Cary. Before/during Glastonbury festival.

I concur.

Indeed and (sorry - late) for today

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_07.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: rogerpatenall on December 08, 2017, 12:54:56
Is this on a grown-up train? It looks like a Hornby setup to me. Besides, only on a model would all the lights in the shelter be working. . .


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: TonyK on December 08, 2017, 15:14:36
And for today

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_05.jpg)

Yes indeed- taken from a passing train.   Illustrates the difficultly of making a city station look attractive ...


So if they had put up that building next to Kemble station it wouldn't be ugly?

Spike Milligan observed that "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Get it out with Optrex."

I think it is fair to say that Parson Street is not in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Many years ago, when I worked in a nearby office and Parson Street was not greatly troubled by stopping trains, one of my customers, a lad called Shane, was living there, and was referred to as "the Shane now sleeping on Platform 1". I later arranged other, more secure, accommodation for him for four months (less time off for good behaviour).


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 08, 2017, 15:26:18
Is this on a grown-up train? It looks like a Hornby setup to me. Besides, only on a model would all the lights in the shelter be working. . .

Yes - it's a national rail station on the main network.  I would agree that it looks too spick and span to be real!

I guess by saying "main network" I'm giving you a clue that it's not Ryde Pier Head, nor any station reachable on just a train from there!


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: eightf48544 on December 08, 2017, 16:58:18
It's not the new station at Low Moor?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 08, 2017, 17:05:49
It's not the new station at Low Moor?

Correct - it is NOT the new station at Low Moor  ;D


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 08, 2017, 21:31:36
Yesterday's still to go

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_07.jpg)

and here's one for today

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_08.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: JayMac on December 09, 2017, 01:33:46
The one for December 8th:

Moorgate?

Possibly coming up from the Northern Line.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 09, 2017, 06:37:29
The one for December 8th:

Moorgate?

Possibly coming up from the Northern Line.

Closeish, but not bullseye!

It's not the new station at Low Moor?

Correct - it is NOT the new station at Low Moor  ;D

I may have quipped in answering that, but until I read "at Low Moor" I thought you might have got it ...


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: ellendune on December 09, 2017, 08:58:08
It's not the new station at Low Moor?

Correct - it is NOT the new station at Low Moor  ;D

I may have quipped in answering that, but until I read "at Low Moor" I thought you might have got it ...

So its a new station then.  How about Cambridge North?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: plymothian on December 09, 2017, 10:02:41
Today's is Essex Road.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 09, 2017, 10:43:14
Today's is Essex Road.

Yes, that's Essex Road - posted late yesterday as I'd been up there to an early evening event at which I learnt more about the South London line history in conversion from an under-utilised resource to part of the overground, and aspirations for improved Oxford services including Kidlington, Cambridge and Swindon services.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 09, 2017, 10:48:37
It's not the new station at Low Moor?

Correct - it is NOT the new station at Low Moor  ;D

I may have quipped in answering that, but until I read "at Low Moor" I thought you might have got it ...

So its a new station then.  How about Cambridge North?

Yes - that's Cambridge North.

For my (business) travel requirements, a station to services the science and business parks and innovation centre in Cambridge has been long desired, and delighted to have it open; I had an opportunity to use it for the first time earlier this week, and indeed I made a number of journeys rather than staying within the walking catchment.

Lots more pictures and (I suspect) a separate thread to follow.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 09, 2017, 14:00:46
For today

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_09.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: InTheSidings on December 09, 2017, 20:18:28
Trowbridge - Platform 1


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Surrey 455 on December 09, 2017, 20:50:17
Trowbridge - Platform 1

I think you're right. I saw a reflection of a red train with openable windows and wrongly assumed it had to be a SWR service. Enlarging the photo I then tried to decipher the station name on the onward travel poster. I thought I could make out Weybridge but photos of the station that I found didn't back up my theory  :(


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: JayMac on December 09, 2017, 22:23:45
That'd be a GWR Class 153 in the reflection.

I'm thinking the citizensrail.org branded 153325.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 09, 2017, 22:36:22
Trowbridge - Platform 1
Trowbridge - Platform 1

I think you're right. I saw a reflection of a red train with openable windows and wrongly assumed it had to be a SWR service. Enlarging the photo I then tried to decipher the station name on the onward travel poster. I thought I could make out Weybridge but photos of the station that I found didn't back up my theory  :(

That'd be a GWR Class 153 in the reflection.

I'm thinking the citizensrail.org branded 153325.

Correct down to the unit reflected in the window.   The 08:36 Swindon to Westbury at Trowbridge, loading 33/14


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 10, 2017, 19:24:40
And for today:

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_10.jpg)

with many thanks to SandTEngineer for supplying from his collection


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: JayMac on December 10, 2017, 20:18:02
Sorry CfN.

It's my home town and your favourite place.  :P ;) ;D

Taunton.

Looking west from the country end of the station. I remember that impressive signal gantry from my childhood. Beyond it is the '40 Steps' footbridge which afforded excellent views of trains, and a thrill as they passed underneath. '40 Steps', with its railing sides, has been replaced with a modern accessible footbridge with solid metal sides. Meaning one can no longer 'spot' from it. Sad, but understandable, that it was replaced. Incidentally, neither side had 40 steps up to the deck. One side was around 32 steps, the other a few less due to differences in ground height. There was also a sloping change in deck height halfway across.

To the right of the picture is the Avimo factory. They made optics* for the military. Moved across town in the late 1980s and became part of the Thales Group. That latter factory closed in 2007. The site in the picture is now a housing estate.

Here's a 1939 aerial image of the Avimo site and country end of the station.

(https://i.imgur.com/SQ7qMr9.jpg)
https://britainfromabove.org.uk/en/image/EPW061344 (Image reproduced complying with usage rights)


*No, not the 1/6gill/25ml kind.  ;D


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 10, 2017, 21:28:54
And for today:

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_10.jpg)

with many thanks to SandTEngineer for supplying from his collection

Hey - I'd say that's cheating, posting another chap's pictures!   :o ::) ;D



Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 10, 2017, 21:44:46
Well CfN.  We were hoping you would guess it first (knowing how much you adore TAUNTON) but BNM beat you to it...... ;)

Out of interest the photograph was taken in late 1969 and as BNM has stated, looking West from the upside of the station.  The line to the right was the Minehead (and earlier Barnstaple) arrivals bay.  Where did all that infrastructure go...... :'(


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 10, 2017, 22:13:46
Thanks, SandTEngineer.  ;)

Yes, I am (or, rather, was) somewhat familiar with that particular bay platform, in my work with the Severnside Community Rail Partnership (supervising Community Payback workers in clearing vegetation, collecting litter, etc.).

However, that particular scene is somewhat different today - as you say, all of that infrastructure is long gone ...  ::)



Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 11, 2017, 07:10:07
The scenes at Taunton are a sad reminder of how things were - and yet modern efficiencies allow far more trains to be run and more passengers carried on much less infrastructure.  If all that "stuff" had to be provided and maintained to what are the current modern standards, and staffed signal box by signal box at current wage levels, I really doubt that too much would be 'economic' as we know it.   Of course, if a similar amount of stuff on the roads hadn't been modernised (e.g. policemen on point duty, manual filling stations only) then there would be a similar high cost on road travel.

Yet I do look at scenes such as Taunton and wonder at whether we've gone too far in cutting back; that's a very well worn record indeed (and one that Chris Grayling has been playing yet again too).  Taunton is poignant as there's a perfectly good railway all the way to Minehead which (one can't help feeling, even when explained otherwise by both sides) could somehow be dual used.    And while we're on Minehead ... Swanage, Fleetwood, Fowey, Rawtenstall, Henbury and Kingswear?



Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: TonyK on December 11, 2017, 16:41:12
Here's a 1939 aerial image of the Avimo site and country end of the station.

(https://i.imgur.com/SQ7qMr9.jpg)
https://britainfromabove.org.uk/en/image/EPW061344 (Image reproduced complying with usage rights)


A few years ago, I flew home from Dunkeswell to Filton. I had intended going easterly via Bath, but the weather to the east looked a bit murky, so we headed north-west instead. The view of Taunton station and surrounds from above is still impressive, especially with the turning triangle. Sadly, my rear seat passenger was so enthralled by the experience that he forgot that I had given him my camera until we landed, so I can't share.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: JayMac on December 11, 2017, 18:22:21
The turning triangle at Norton Fitzwarren isn't part of the network. It's privately owned by the West Somerset Railway.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 11, 2017, 18:32:44
OK - so where is this? ...

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_11.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Oxonhutch on December 11, 2017, 18:46:59
Harlech looking south. Castle is off to the left from where I looked down on the station.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: TonyK on December 11, 2017, 23:43:20
The turning triangle at Norton Fitzwarren isn't part of the network. It's privately owned by the West Somerset Railway.

I know, but it's a fabulous landmark. The three points should be labelled "Exeter", "Swansea", and "Bristol", to aid pilots who find themselves "Temporarily Uncertain of Position"*.

(*Lost)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 12, 2017, 01:41:22
Harlech looking south. Castle is off to the left from where I looked down on the station.

Yes indeed - Harlech.  Love that line.   Picture is a couple of years old - shed a tear when I went through some of the pics we took on that holiday with Dad.   Harlech itself felt 'poor' and much of Cardigan Bay seemed to have dropped as  it's lost the traditional holidaymakers taking their week away and being replaced by - well - insufficient to give it a bright / sparkling / positive air.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 12, 2017, 07:26:52
For today

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_12.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: signalandtelegraph on December 12, 2017, 08:27:18
Waterloo, inside the station.  :)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 12, 2017, 09:20:18
Waterloo, inside the station.  :)

Gosh that was quick - yes.

I guess if I put up a picture of the busiest station on the network, someone will know it!


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: signalandtelegraph on December 12, 2017, 13:42:07
Its the stonework that gives it away for me rather than the names, Bucks may have confused people but that's where Datchet was until 1974!


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 13, 2017, 15:37:02
Where's Zena?

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_13.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 13, 2017, 15:39:29
Bath.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: RA on December 13, 2017, 17:02:09
Where's Zena?

Salisbury, platform 4.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 13, 2017, 17:22:08
Where's Zena?

Salisbury, platform 4.

She is indeed!    What gave that away??


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: RA on December 13, 2017, 22:21:26
Where's Zena?

Salisbury, platform 4.

She is indeed!    What gave that away??

The Salisbury canopy valances were recently refurbished and are quite distinctive to the LSWR. The platform surface near the gateline on platform 4 at Salisbury has a wide tarmac strip which was shown in the picture. I should be embarrassed to admit recognising that!  :P


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Tim on December 14, 2017, 11:18:42
Bath.

I'd second that and note it was before the platform widening and resurfacing.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 14, 2017, 15:01:33
Bath.

I'd second that and note it was before the platform widening and resurfacing.

Nope - it WAS Salisbury as identified by RA - and a very recent picture (lunch time this Tuesday to be precise!)

Quite surprised to see this in addition to the more usual trains, all be their colours quite new:

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_13a.jpg)

For today - I suspect some people may find this one quite easy

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_14.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: JayMac on December 14, 2017, 15:06:01
For today - I suspect some people may find this one quite easy

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_14.jpg)

Is it Melksham? Looking up at the town bridge from a boat on the Avon?
 ;) :P ;D


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: TonyK on December 14, 2017, 16:18:29
The MetroBust terminal at Bristol Parkway?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 14, 2017, 16:21:40
Is it Melksham? Looking up at the town bridge from a boat on the Avon?

I'm afraid it isn't

The MetroBust terminal at Bristol Parkway?

Nope - not there either.

I'm wondering if I'm going to have to start offering a clue or two on this one.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: PhilWakely on December 14, 2017, 16:36:45
Were you testing your new pen-camera at the Babbacombe Model Village?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 14, 2017, 16:57:49
...Taunton.... ::)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Oxonhutch on December 14, 2017, 17:38:49
I thought that was bought by someone in America!  :D

So Arizona then ...


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 14, 2017, 17:39:57
Were you testing your new pen-camera at the Babbacombe Model Village?

...Taunton.... ::)

Not Babbacome.

I don't think I took that one in Taunton ... need to go back and check

Edit to add

No - not Taunton


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 14, 2017, 17:41:24
I thought that was bought by someone in America!  :D

So Arizona then ...

So did he (the chap in Arizona).  However, his story at having bought that particular piece has now been proven to be a fake news story.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: rogerw on December 14, 2017, 20:48:39
We all know where it is but someone has to say it.  Tower Bridge, London - Presumably taken from a river boat


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 14, 2017, 22:20:54
We all know where it is but someone has to say it.  Tower Bridge, London - Presumably taken from a river boat

Thanks, Roger - yes indeed, and correct in suggesting t was taken from a boat - the river bus which Lisa and I caught a fortnight ago out to North Greenwich.  Came back on the 188 bus - much slower but much cheaper.   Could also have used the Jubillee line.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 15, 2017, 00:45:56
...Taunton.... ::)

Hah dee hah hah!  ::)

The River Tone flowing through Taunton doesn't require a bridge anything like that big - even I know that.  ;) :D ;D


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 15, 2017, 05:32:48
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_15.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: brooklea on December 15, 2017, 08:46:13
Is it Dovey Junction?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 15, 2017, 09:05:04
Is it Dovey Junction?

It is indeed ... a remote spot in the middle of the valley of the river Dyfi - as I recall with the picture taken from the curved platform on the line toward Pwhelli across to the very long platform on the Aberystwyth line.   The layout here is similar to Penryn - a single platform with two ends, one for trains headed each way and a loop that come in in the middle.  Access (apart from rail industry vehicles) is by footpath only, and the ORR figures show that interchanges are more than twice the number of entranced and exits (for every 5 people who get off a train, 4 are rejoining a train to carry on their journey).

Ten journeys were attributed to season tickets in the latest figures, which means that someone bought a week's season ticket from or to Dovey Junction!


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: stuving on December 15, 2017, 09:20:56
Is it Dovey Junction?

It is indeed ... a remote spot in the middle of the valley of the river Dyfi - as I recall with the picture taken from the curved platform on the line toward Pwhelli across to the very long platform on the Aberystwyth line.   The layout here is similar to Penryn - a single platform with two ends, one for trains headed each way and a loop that come in in the middle.  Access (apart from rail industry vehicles) is by footpath only, and the ORR figures show that interchanges are more than twice the number of entranced and exits (for every 5 people who get off a train, 4 are rejoining a train to carry on their journey).

Ten journeys were attributed to season tickets in the latest figures, which means that someone bought a week's season ticket from or to Dovey Junction!

Perhaps someone who was entranced by the scenery?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 16, 2017, 11:32:43
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_16.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Western Pathfinder on December 16, 2017, 16:35:34
The now saved Breich station ?.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 16, 2017, 17:38:49
The now saved Breich station ?.

Correct.  The walk there from Fauldhouse was far longer than I had expected from comment read ahead of time -you can't believe everything you read online. Considering that I was walking in considerable pain and with the aid of a stick in late August, it was a good job I didn't visit until the autumn!

I won't go so far as to say "no station should ever close" but having read about this proposal and also taken a look, I came to a personal view that there were too many remaining question marks and possibilities for the finality of a closure.  In "GWR land" I'm far better informed - through this forum, other sources, and personal visits - about just about every station served, and I'm relieved that no precent has been set at Breich.  Outside GWR land, there are a handful I really wonder about, but that's not a direction to head today.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 17, 2017, 13:12:11
And for 17th ...

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_17.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: bradshaw on December 17, 2017, 13:38:43
Chippenham, new gate line since I was there.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 17, 2017, 14:04:17
Chippenham, new gate line since I was there.

Indeed ... picture is only 2 hours old!

The gateline is due to be in use from later this week and it will be really good to give people arriving at Chippenham from open stations on overcrowded trains a chance to buy their tickets and be counted in the numbers we need to help ensure that facilities grow with use.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: TonyK on December 17, 2017, 16:10:12
The gateline is due to be in use from later this week and it will be really good to give people arriving at Chippenham from open stations on overcrowded trains a chance to buy their tickets and be counted in the numbers we need to help ensure that facilities grow with use.

I'll bet they can hardly wait...


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 18, 2017, 08:25:37
And a summery scene for today

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_18.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: plymothian on December 18, 2017, 08:40:56
Yeoford.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 18, 2017, 10:39:39
Yeoford.

Yes - pretty little station - one of perhaps a hundred sprinkled around this quarter of the country that I would love to find time to explore.  And to aspire to ...


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 18, 2017, 12:32:02
It didn't look quite as nice in 2006 so somebody has done a good job since...... :P

(http://cbrailways.co.uk/PhotoAlbumsPro/1379866239/PB020007_1.jpg?cache=0.21951933413770797)
Image (c)2017 SandTEngineer


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: plymothian on December 18, 2017, 12:32:31
Yeoford.

Yes - pretty little station - one of perhaps a hundred sprinkled around this quarter of the country that I would love to find time to explore.  And to aspire to ...

It has its own free community library.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 19, 2017, 13:50:01
An old one from me too today, I'm afraid

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_19.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Oxonhutch on December 19, 2017, 15:13:45
Melksham?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 19, 2017, 18:13:10
Yep, that one says 'Melksham' to me, too.  ;)

A bit more track was still in place then than there is today, but Avon Tyres are already there on the (one remaining) platform.  :-X



Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 19, 2017, 18:32:01
Yep, that one says 'Melksham' to me, too.  ;)

A bit more track was still in place then than there is today, but Avon Tyres are already there on the (one remaining) platform.  :-X



Yes, it is ... here are some more recent pictures.   Same angle not possible due to health and safety issues.

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_19a.jpg)
.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_19b.jpg)
.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_19c.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Oxonhutch on December 19, 2017, 19:21:28
The though line must have been on the right, away from the up platform. It looks like there is an unsecured hand point on the platform line. What was the date of the old photo please?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 19, 2017, 19:50:33
The though line must have been on the right, away from the up platform. It looks like there is an unsecured hand point on the platform line. What was the date of the old photo please?

The old photo is between 1972 and 1982 I would guess - possible even up to a few weeks before it was re-opened in 1985. Closed in 1966, singled a year or so later and all the station buildings demolished.   I think the tyre place was put up by 1972.

Upon singling, the main running line left was the old "up" away from the platform section that remained; the sidings had been taken out of service by the time that the station was re-opened, and the track was slewed across / jiggled to run through what had been a siding for at least a decade.   Re-opening was 1985


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 20, 2017, 10:44:45
And for today - this may take a little longer ... (but then we have such knowledgable members it may not!)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_20.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 20, 2017, 13:03:45
St.Albans Abbey......


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 20, 2017, 13:42:19
St.Albans Abbey......

I'm afraid not - sorry


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 21, 2017, 08:25:16
Yesterday - still not guessed:
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_20.jpg)

And one from a bigger place today:
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_21.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: brooklea on December 21, 2017, 08:45:10
Derby


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 21, 2017, 09:12:36
Derby

Assuming that's a guess for today's picture, you're correct.  The pioneers of rail would be turning in their graves if Derby station had been reduced to that shown in the picture for yesterday.

Derby station is in for a complete rebuild soon ... major closures while the whole track work is re-organised.  Too far "out of area" for me to have taken much note, yet I suspect that a look at what's going on would be useful to see if there's anything to learn for our own zone.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: stuving on December 21, 2017, 09:44:37
Derby station is in for a complete rebuild soon ... major closures while the whole track work is re-organised.  Too far "out of area" for me to have taken much note, yet I suspect that a look at what's going on would be useful to see if there's anything to learn for our own zone.

Here it is (https://www.railengineer.uk/2017/08/25/79-days-at-derby-in-2018/). The main physical changes are closing the bay (P5) and building a new platfrom 6, and unscrambling the big crossing at London Road Junction.

To my eye it looks a bit odd, spreading services over three platform pairs rather than putting most of them through a pair of two-faced platforms - not very "modern". But it certainly follows the current practice of building track to reflect the current service pattern and nothing else.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: paul7575 on December 21, 2017, 11:31:45

To my eye it looks a bit odd, spreading services over three platform pairs rather than putting most of them through a pair of two-faced platforms - not very "modern". But it certainly follows the current practice of building track to reflect the current service pattern and nothing else.

I expect the 3 pairs layout they've come up with is due to the relatively high proportion of trains reversing in the station, ie the Birmingham - Nottingham XC.  So the central pair of three is effectively reserved for them, and the through services are separated into Birmingham bound and London bound routes north of the station.  It presumably means that Nottingham - Birmingham trains do not conflict with anything else, and late running XC doesn't remove platform capacity for north/south mainlines at all.

Ought to stop now as this is a photo quiz...   ;D

Paul


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 21, 2017, 20:40:59
OK.  I'll have another go at the unguessed one - Severn Beach.....


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 21, 2017, 20:57:43
OK.  I'll have another go at the unguessed one - Severn Beach.....

Thank you, but 'fraid not.  Your first guess was at least 3 times closer!


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: rogerw on December 21, 2017, 21:06:15
Is it somewhere on the Bedford to Bletchley line?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: PhilWakely on December 21, 2017, 21:14:06
I'll plump for either of Bearley or Claverdon stations


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 21, 2017, 22:05:35
I'll plump for either of Bearley or Claverdon stations

Is it somewhere on the Bedford to Bletchley line?

Getting there ... no mention of the exact station yet.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: brooklea on December 21, 2017, 22:11:11
Is it somewhere on the Bedford to Bletchley line?
Indeed it is.....Fenny Stratford unless I'm very much mistaken.

I wonder what will replace the 150s used on this route next year, assuming they move on to Northern Rail? Some of Vivarail's finest maybe?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: rogerw on December 21, 2017, 22:23:48
The latest edition of Rail suggests that Vivarail will be supplying units for this line


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 21, 2017, 22:32:38
Is it somewhere on the Bedford to Bletchley line?
Indeed it is.....Fenny Stratford unless I'm very much mistaken.

I wonder what will replace the 150s used on this route next year, assuming they move on to Northern Rail? Some of Vivarail's finest maybe?

Spot on, as usual ;-) ...

My understanding from a very reliable source is that the planning is for 3 x 150 will be replaced by 6 x 153 - however that is a report from prior to the franchise change.  And 230s may follow - 153 can only be an interim with lack of disabled toilets

I would love to see the east - west rail line extended through Swindon and down 'our way' ... certainly it would have had a lot of my custom over many years.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 22, 2017, 06:18:41
Last full working day up to Christmas ...

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_22.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: basset44 on December 22, 2017, 07:27:43
Is It Bath?

Merry Christmas All.

Basset


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Worcester_Passenger on December 22, 2017, 09:08:56
Ulverston?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 22, 2017, 09:17:43
Neither Ulverston nor Bath Spa I'm afraid - in fact probably not even a practical day trip from either!


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: martyjon on December 22, 2017, 09:18:40
T'aint Yeovil Pen Mill.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Western Pathfinder on December 22, 2017, 09:25:45
Scarborough the excursion platform ?.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 22, 2017, 09:29:10
T'aint Yeovil Pen Mill.

Correct. T'aint  ;D

Scarborough the excursion platform ?.

Yes 'tis.

The longest bench in the UK ...


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: JayMac on December 22, 2017, 16:06:40
The longest railway station bench in the UK ...

Fixed that for ya.  ;)

http://www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk/things-to-do/the-long-bench/



Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 22, 2017, 16:12:53
The longest railway station bench in the UK ...

Fixed that for ya.  ;)

http://www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk/things-to-do/the-long-bench/



Thanks ... guess I was using an old source (my own memory) ... the Littlehampton thing only dates from 2010.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 23, 2017, 08:17:09
For Christmas Eve Eve ...

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_23.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: welshman on December 23, 2017, 16:12:46
Borth?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 23, 2017, 16:35:47
Borth?

Yes - and how appropriate for Welshman to know that!


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: TaplowGreen on December 23, 2017, 17:50:18
Not sure about this "Advent" business but now that we're definitely in the season of goodwill, Merry Christmas to all from Taplow! (.....and Plymouth, whom I have just watched win 4-1, truly it must be Christmas!!!)  :)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: The Tall Controller on December 23, 2017, 18:19:59
Only wishing people from Taplow and Plymouth a merry Christmas?   ;)

I was at the game too. Best I've seen Argyle play this season.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: welshman on December 23, 2017, 19:05:08
Quote
Yes - and how appropriate for Welshman to know that!

Not far from my ancestral part of the world. 

Quite an imposing station for such a small village.    See here (https://tinyurl.com/y74k3lqm).

Was used as a location in the Hinterland TV series.

Dovey Junction, of no road to the station fame, is in the far distance to the North East across the flatlands which surround the Dovey Estuary.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 23, 2017, 22:57:49
Borth?

As in Borth Spor?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 24, 2017, 00:06:57
Last full working day up to Christmas ...

Who were you trying to kid??  :o

Last full working day for me is today!  ::) ;) ;D



Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 24, 2017, 01:26:25
Only wishing people from Taplow and Plymouth a merry Christmas?   ;)

I'm from Plymouth - so thanks, TaplowGreen.  ;)

Quote
I was at the game too. Best I've seen Argyle play this season.

Bristol City did quite well here on Wednesday, too.  ;D



Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: GBM on December 24, 2017, 08:13:51


Bristol City did quite well here on Wednesday, too.  ;D


[/quote]
Sorry, who?  ;)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 24, 2017, 08:25:10
On Christmas Eve ...

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_24.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Oxonhutch on December 24, 2017, 08:29:01
Swindon


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: TaplowGreen on December 24, 2017, 09:28:52
................is that Mark Hopwood's latest disguise?  :D


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 24, 2017, 10:15:09
Swindon

Yes, it is ... one of those locations where just a few pixels of border around the train central to the picture tell those of us familiar with the place exactly where it was taken.   Swindon, platform 2.

The attire of the individual who appears in the photo may lead you to think the picture was taken at Rovaniemi - but that station looks rather different:

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_24a.jpg)

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license - Phil Richards from London, Sr1 3022 with IC710 waiting a late start on 11 July 2016 - train IC710, 15:20 Rovaniemi to Oulu.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: bobm on December 24, 2017, 16:52:32
one of those locations where just a few pixels of border around the train central to the picture tell those of us familiar with the place exactly where it was taken.   Swindon, platform 2.

So much so that despite this unit being away from home, it wouldn't tax too many in a quiz  (No Chris it *isn't* Taunton)   ;D ;D

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/swrplat2.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 24, 2017, 17:34:01
(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/swrplat2.jpg)

With six Salisbury based and seven Westbury based trains per day ... I wonder if that will become a daily sight at Swindon from the start of 2019?

I think I'll ask Father Christmas for this - give him a year to get it in place:

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/santa_for_2019.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: TonyK on December 24, 2017, 20:21:44
Last full working day up to Christmas ...

Who were you trying to kid??  :o

Last full working day for me is today!  ::) ;) ;D



Well, my last working d...

No, better not.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 25, 2017, 03:39:29
And finally in Christmas morning

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/adv17_25.jpg)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: Adelante_CCT on December 25, 2017, 07:51:12
It wouldn't happen to be the special place that had a very special train in last night.

It must have been magical..... it arrived  3 minutes early! (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S73184/2017/12/24/advanced)

 (Also the five instead of ten was very apt for such a location)

Merry Christmas to all forum members!


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 25, 2017, 09:14:54
...at least when I tested and commissioned the original signalling there in 1994 it didn't have those stupid 'modern' type shunting signals.... ::) :P


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: JayMac on December 25, 2017, 09:59:07
I'm guessing the sleigh is parked round the back. The driver now in a meeting without biscuits explaining why he's failed alcohol screening. Hopefully he has a very good ASLEF* rep with him.

North Pole



*Amalgamated Society of Legendary Figures


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 25, 2017, 10:04:31
I'm guessing the sleigh is parked round the back. The driver now in a meeting without biscuits explaining why he's failed alcohol screening. Hopefully he has a very good ASLEF* rep with him.

North Pole



*Amalgamated Society of Legendary Figures

..mmm.  Its actual name is NOTH POLE INTERNATIONAL.  Do I win the prize....... ;)

...oh, and happy xmas day to all....


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 25, 2017, 10:44:48
North Pole

..mmm.  Its actual name is NOTH POLE INTERNATIONAL.  Do I win the prize....... ;)

Technically, neither of those is quite right ...

North Pole International

However, it's Christmas ... so you both win the prize ... which is an offer to lead a group a our Didcot Forum meet up to discuss consultation inputs on Sunday 7th January 2018.   Having a technical expert lead one group, and someone with a master's degree in railway fares and charging leading another, will help make it such a valuable day.

See http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=19134.0


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 25, 2017, 11:01:50
North Pole

..mmm.  Its actual name is NOTH POLE INTERNATIONAL.  Do I win the prize....... ;)

Technically, neither of those is quite right ...

North Pole International

However, it's Christmas ... so you both win the prize ... which is an offer to lead a group a our Didcot Forum meet up to discuss consultation inputs on Sunday 7th January 2018.   Having a technical expert lead one group, and someone with a master's degree in railway fares and charging leading another, will help make it such a valuable day.

See http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=19134.0

...oh, OK.  I admit I've already had too many sherries :P

Unfortunately, I can't get to Didcot from the far southwest until about 1230ish as we have a bus substitution service for part of the route.  Would it be OK to turn up later?


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: JayMac on December 25, 2017, 13:14:14
It's in my diary. Awkward by rail from my nearest station, Axminster. Will probably drive.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: stuving on December 25, 2017, 23:15:56
For those of you who were wondering what 'Noth' might signify, here is an example:
(My picture, from the family history file.)


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: grahame on December 26, 2017, 08:49:09
Unfortunately, I can't get to Didcot from the far southwest until about 1230ish as we have a bus substitution service for part of the route.  Would it be OK to turn up later?

Caught between a number of rocks and hard places ... and I was aware that west of Exeter is a bus.  Yes - should you wish to make it and feel it's worthwhile we would love to see you.   Indeed I suspect some of us will retire to a local hostelry afterwards.  Note also the TWSW session in Exeter on 15th, where I may be able to "spring" a couple of invites for knowledgable individuals not linked with groups.


Title: Re: Advent 2017
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 26, 2017, 10:56:32
Unfortunately, I can't get to Didcot from the far southwest until about 1230ish as we have a bus substitution service for part of the route.  Would it be OK to turn up later?

Caught between a number of rocks and hard places ... and I was aware that west of Exeter is a bus.  Yes - should you wish to make it and feel it's worthwhile we would love to see you.   Indeed I suspect some of us will retire to a local hostelry afterwards.  Note also the TWSW session in Exeter on 15th, where I may be able to "spring" a couple of invites for knowledgable individuals not linked with groups.

Put me down for attending Didcot but not for running any sessions (I'm sure I can provide input to most).  I'll get there when I can......all subject to how the buses/trains perform.  I can make the 15th in Exeter if you would like me to support you.



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