Great Western Coffee Shop

There's a lot happening on Saturday - from the final scheduled departures of full length HSTs from Paddington to the 25th anniversary of RiverDance bursting onto the scene as the interval entertainment at Eurovision, via the RailFuture AGM and the FA Cup final. Which will you be doing? If some other event ... please post!






Edit note: Typo corrected, for clarity. CfN.

AGM Didcot Panel Society

Good one. Should have included it.

As this particular poll is something of a "fun" one - outcome not going in any learn-ed reports - I have added in that option.  Sadly, on the end of the list which is illogical, but done that way to preserve the votes we have already.  Votes can be changed on this poll ... so if anyone has voted "none of the above", you may switch.

Managed three on the poll - sadly couldn't fit this one in so have given my apologies.

None of the above but I hope to follow the major story in our world, the last HSTs out of Paddington via Social Media, this and other forums.

If your heading to Paddington and/or travelling on one of the last services. Have a great time on this historic day. Yes I say historic because 40 years of the HST on our lines is truly remarkable.

Muddled up my words after a couple of ciders, should have posted AGM Swindon Panel Society at Didcot.

No problem - after all, both Swindon and Didcot are far to the east of Cider land, both have big flows of passengers each day in to London, and both would be the butt of good jokes - "I'm going on holiday to [Swindon/Didcot]  ;D

If you voted, martyjon, you can alter your vote to say you're going to the Swindon AGM at Didcot!

Watching the mighty Exeter Chiefs v Northampton!

I have not yet been told what I am doing...

Likewise...should be a great game given that the result defines whether Exeter are end-of-normal-season table toppers (again) and if we play Northampton/Harlequins or Gloucester in the play-off semi-final, while defeat for Northampton could very well see them lose their semi-final place to Quins. Lots to play for.

Fixing up our old Grand Union butty boat, currently on the bank at a specialist wooden boatyard near Aylesbury. But if I'm back to Charlbury in time I might try and catch the last HST for a quick jaunt up the line.

The intention is to do what I call the Two Ferries Route. Train to Fareham, cycle to Gosport (down old rail line now busway), ferry to Portsmouth, cycle to Eastney, ferry to Hayling, cycle up the Hayling Billy Trail (old rail line) to Havant, train to Reading.

But as always said, the best intentions ...

Chauffeur for my ladies as they return from their Baltic cruise - will take the camera in the hope (more in hope than expectation!) of a diversion to somewhere on the B&H

I didn't know it was the Cup Final till I saw this! And I only realized Eurovision's tomorrow a few minutes ago. I did know it's Cotham Hill street party (music, food, etc) and I also know some people who are so enthusiastic about the last HST departure they're cycling all the way there from Bristol (and back). They're planning to eat marmalade sandwiches.  ;D (they might actually be doing this for a different reason). I, however, shall be working (and Sunday and probably much of tonight due to other people not meeting their deadlines  >:().

Intention achieved. Last minute check on Met, E wind, meant that I did it in "reverse formation" so to speak, Havant to Fareham. Weather fine and dry, managed to dodge the showers. Going firm to hard. Tide high. Showed Langstone Harbour almost at its best, despite growing up on Hayling and appreciating the finer points of mud https://youtu.be/Vt6xGqk0F0U (https://youtu.be/Vt6xGqk0F0U).

Only one other person on the Hayling Ferry, so they could do with a bit of support, both Havant and Portsmouth are on PlusBus although no bus goes to the ferry either end. Try and walk (or cycle) the Hayling Billy line. Portsmouth preparing for the 75th anniversary of D-Day, early June when there is a big visitor might not be the best time to go.

On the Gosport side went down to Stokes Bay, and then followed the line of the old branch to to Stokes Bay. Anglesey Terrace looked stunning in the sunshine https://c8.alamy.com/comp/DG07XC/crescent-road-and-the-anglesey-hotel-gosport-hampshire-england-uk-DG07XC.jpg (https://c8.alamy.com/comp/DG07XC/crescent-road-and-the-anglesey-hotel-gosport-hampshire-england-uk-DG07XC.jpg). No progress has been made on extending the Fareham - Gosport busway.

I have done that ride myself, though it was about 15 years ago, and remember there being a particularly good mobile coffee van at Stokes Bay, parked in the car park. Is it still there?

I don't think Hayling Island has ever been linked by ferry on its eastern side, which I find odd, though I assume the tides and distances there have never allowed for an easy crossing.

Have you used the West Itchenor to Bosham ferry? Sadly it wasn't running when I cycled down that way, but I believe it goes under the wonderful name of Itchy Bosom!

If you had been on the concourse of Paddington station at 3 o'clock on Sunday morning ( :o) you might have met this chap:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40924532393_43e17f4b45_z.jpg)

and he might even have offered you a marmalade sandwich.  ;D

Didn't notice any sign of food in the car park next to the lifeboat (non-RNLI) station.

No there has never been a ferry, as far as I know, between Eastoke and Wittering. Not enough population and the currents are strong.

The Itchenor ferry is seasonal, currently daily until September https://www.itchenorferry.co.uk/services (https://www.itchenorferry.co.uk/services). Not sure I'd ask the guy who man who runs the ferry if that was what it was known as!

 :-[ Watched Eurovision - for the 30th consecutive time - and picked the top 2 correctly. Should have had a flutter....