Bad morning

[whole diary]

[Worcester_Passenger]

Let's just wait until the real reason for the obstruction turns up. My betting is on this morning's problem being associated with the engineering works.

[willc]

Landslip in the cutting where a road bridge crosses the line south of Stonesfield, to the east of Charlbury. Trains passing at walking pace, nothing to do with redoubling.

Empty stock for halts service hit a lump of rock and bent something on the leading bogie. Parked in a siding at Moreton-in-Marsh at 9.30 with a fitter underneath hammering away at it.

[Worcester_Passenger]

Landslip in the cutting where a road bridge crosses the line south of Stonesfield, to the east of Charlbury. Trains passing at walking pace, nothing to do with redoubling.

OK - I'm obviously paranoid, expecting that the obstruction was down to the engineering work!

Meanwhile, have just read earlier post:

The 09:09 and 10:05 from Foregate St to Padd'n has been cancelled. Station staff are saying it's due to "ricks on the line at Combe". A bus to Oxford instead.

For "ricks" read "rocks".

[Tim]

Did you witness the incident itself? If you didn't I think it is unreasonable for you to judge the TM^▸ (Train Manager, or Ticket Machine, or Temple Meads (Bristol), depending on context)'s actions.

I think you are right Ollie,  Different people react differently.  Whilst it might be reasonable to expect some characters to strug off abuse and get on with their job, other's will be shaken up* and I wouldn't want someone in that kind of state responsible for my safety.

*Many years ago, I witnessed a respectable looking passenger (with a todler!) give the (very large - tall and wide) TM verbal grief and a bit of physical argie-bargie (not actual violence).  I went to offer my contact details to the TM as a witness and found this huge man sitting on the floor of the kitchen with a cup of tea and almost in tears.  Abuse does have a significant impact on some people and whilst staff are presumably trained to deal with it and not take it personally, I don't think you can blame staff for feeling unable to continue if they are a target of it. 

[Chris from Nailsea]

could the mods move the post above to bad morning? No obvious connection to redoubling, problem at Hanborough apparently

In the interests of peacekeeping - done! 

Chris. 

[Ollie]

Did you witness the incident itself? If you didn't I think it is unreasonable for you to judge the TM^▸ (Train Manager, or Ticket Machine, or Temple Meads (Bristol), depending on context)'s actions.

I think you are right Ollie, 

Thanks Tim - personally if I reported everytime someone got heated (as in shouting/swearing etc) I'd probably have to fill a form every day that I am on shift. I luckily haven't been physically assaulted, but it's been threatened. (and this from someone who tries to always be a polite and helpful member of staff )

As you say, some easily shrug it off, others take it personally.

The way I usually see it, is I wear an FGW^▸ (First Great Western) badge, which is peoples cue to have a go - I have had it get to me in the past - but it's sad to say - I'm used to it now.

[SDS]

Ollie, et al.
If I had to fill in a verbal abuse form everytime I was sworn at or abused I would only be out on the platform for around 3 mins. 5 mins without being sworn, abused, called w/c/d/ etc is unusual.

Now if I get a physical assault or threat I will fill in the form and get the ..... er..... person nicked. Physical assault is likely to result in me defending myself (using reasonable and proportionate force as is reasonable in the circumstances) and them being detained under S.16 Railway Regulation Act 1840. Never happened yet!

[willc]

And another one...

Line problem between Evesham and Worcester Foregate Street.
Train services between Evesham and Worcester Foregate Street are being disrupted due to signalling problems. Engineers are working as fast as possible to restore services to normal. Short notice alterations, cancellations and delays of up to 60 minutes can be expected.
Last Updated: 17/12/2010 08:18

05:48 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 08:36
This train has been delayed at Southall and is now 52 minutes late from Moreton-In-Marsh.This train will be terminated at Worcester Shrub Hill.It will no longer call at: Worcester Foregate Street, Malvern Link and Great Malvern.This is due to signalling problems.
Last Updated: 17/12/2010 08:28

06:43 Hereford to London Paddington due 09:47
This train has been delayed at Hereford and is now 23 minutes late from Malvern Link.This is due to signalling problems.
Last Updated: 17/12/2010 07:50

6:48 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 09:31
This train has been delayed at Southall and is now 20 minutes late from Oxford.This is due to signalling problems.
Last Updated: 17/12/2010 08:38

08:58 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 11:29
This train will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.It will no longer call at: Great Malvern, Malvern Link and Worcester Foregate Street.This is due to signalling problems.
Last Updated: 17/12/2010 07:57

09:29 Moreton-In-Marsh to London Paddington due 12:03
This train will be started from Oxford.It will no longer call at: Moreton-In-Marsh, Kingham and Charlbury.This is due to signalling problems.
Last Updated: 17/12/2010 07:53

Paddington arrivals:
Great Malvern   due 0759   expected 0857   
Hereford   due 0851   expected 0859 (via Stroud perhaps? Anyone know)

06:51 Worcester Foregate Street to Oxford due 08:12
This train will be started from Moreton-In-Marsh.It will no longer call at: Worcester Foregate Street, Worcester Shrub Hill, Pershore and Evesham.This is due to signalling problems. Last Updated: 17/12/2010 05:42

Starting to feel like the winters of 2006-7 and 2007-8 again. Got to be the worst week on the Cotswold Line since 2008.