Probably the most enjoyable West Wilts Rail User Group meeting I have been to - in the open air at Avoncliff, being shown around by local resident and expert on the area Dr Trevor Turpin ( See here ) , with help and co-operation from others who live there.  The history of the mills, the canal, quarries and tramway access, the railway line and later halt, Ancliff Square, the drying house and school, and ending at the house in the hillside - a private house which we could specially see courtesy of the owners. Huge "Thank You" to the committee who organised this, to the residents of Avoncliff, but more especially to Trevor and his wife Barbara for all their hard work "preps", refreshemnts and hospitality.



















Wonderful to catch up with old friends too, and to make new ones.

I somehow missed seeing this advertised, as otherwise I would have loved to have come along. I went through Avoncliff just a week ago and noted that the Cross Guns is said to date back to 1610, so predating the canal and railway by a couple of centuries. (I also noted on the web that it claims to be the most haunted pub in Wiltshire, with some past residents having been sighted numerous times). I assume there must have been a small settlement by the river in the middle ages, which the pub served. Was any mention made of this history at the talk?

Beautiful cat!