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Roger Newman, an active member and chair of the West Wilts Rail User Group for many years, passed away earlier this week, having been taken into hospital a day or two previous with Coronavirus. Apparently his lungs were just too weak.

I knew Roger for many years  - an ardent advocate for rail, very well informed and the backbone of articles for the user group's newsletter.  He did a very great deal in station adoption at Trowbridge and at Bradford-on-Avon too, as well as lots of other support work such as surveys for the through Waterloo services when they were under threat. He took a very great interest in the railways of Finland too, visiting there many times for extended holidays.

There are many aspects of Roger that I'm sure I was not privy to; as a campaigner on what was something of a branch line off his axis of interest, we came into contact, but I never served on the same group or committee as Roger, and I'm certain that I've left much out - others are welcome to add.

There will be an announcement in the Wiltshire times; funeral by invitation only in these extraordinary times, but I have spoken with his widow on the phone and passed on my and our condolences, and let her know that we'll be there on the day I spirit even if we can't in person.

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/rnrip_20201124.jpg)

Edit - addition of picture (taken 9th July 2016 in front or a blue GWR train!)

Sad news - he was an excellent campaigner for the railways.

Attended a number of meetings he organised - he always managed to attract some top speakers.

One of the last times we met was on the first IET to reach Penzance.  We had an enjoyable walk along the seawall and he was in good form although for some reason I have no photos of him on the day. 

Sad to hear of his passing RIP Roger.

Richard Cowell writes on behalf of the West Wilts Rail User Group (http://www.wwrug.org.uk)

Obituary to Roger in the Wiltshire Times (https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/18905704.roger-newman---true-champion-trowbridge/)


Continues in the link

Thanks, Bob

A bench and plaque in memory of Roger Newman have been installed at Trowbridge Station ... quoting here from a email from the Friends of Trowbridge Station to the West Wilts Rail User Group, where Roger was the chair and driving force.


I know that quite a number of our members knew Roger and may wish to attend.  From the above, I gather that the official unveiling event will be by invite only - I can pass on any messages or you can get in touch directly with TransWilts if you wish to attend.

I have not been to Trowbridge station to confirm the presence of the bench yet ... I will take a look and some photos when next there.  Roger made a really big impression on the WWRUG - in many ways it was his group - and his work has set it up as a robust group that's now building on the base he nurtured - thank you Roger.

Is there a typo you'd rather not want in that last paragraph, Graham? Maybe the word 'not'?

Thanks, Chris - I have changed it to now which is what I intended to type in the first place!

I had kept the date free, but heard no more ... I understand that this did not happen and [may be / will be] now on 21st of this month.

As I understand it, it is at 2pm on the 21st February.

Indeed, and the invite for 21st suggests a more general invite this time. The WWRUG Committee meets on 14th (wonderful thing to do on Valentines - shows how long-suffering our partners are); I know that more that two wanted to attend.  Noting some train changes that new chosen day, with rail replacement buses from Melksham (covered by Roger and WWRUG) and Chippenham.

Indeed.  The timing would have been perfect for a train trip from Swindon but not so good by rail replacement.