Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380751/32605/31] Posted by Mark A at 09:30, 12th October 2026 |      |
Where on earth is 11? Keeps making me think Evesham, which is plain wrong.
| Re: Changes to TransWilts Train services - week of 12th October 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [380750/32608/18] Posted by grahame at 08:59, 12th October 2026 | |
| Re: Changes to TransWilts Train services - week of 12th October 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [380749/32608/18] Posted by grahame at 08:27, 12th October 2026 Already liked by JohnM, Mark A | |
To "complete" the picture - here's the path plan for 10 a.m to 5 p.m. today, no less than 25 paths offered.
Quite a number of those are alternatives - freight trains for which the final destination can vary, and a number are "Q" - runs as required. There is no way that 25 trains could get through in that time.
The plans rather confirm the "pecking order" which has long distance passenger trains and freight given first and second priority, and service to the people who live along the line and support it being places third, and pushed off.
| Re: Changes to TransWilts Train services - week of 12th October 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [380748/32608/18] Posted by JohnM at 08:10, 12th October 2026 | |
For completeness, the 06:29 to Southampton is replaced by a 06:10 bus (to Trowbridge, then there's a 06:33 train onwards).
I'm WFH today but on Wednesday will probably take the 08:09 train option (to Bristol via Chippenham).
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380747/32605/31] Posted by RobT at 07:55, 12th October 2026 | |
5. Dartmouth
| Re: Changes to TransWilts Train services - week of 12th October 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [380746/32608/18] Posted by grahame at 07:54, 12th October 2026 Already liked by JohnM | |
Further comment - a somewhat deeper level for the Coffee Shop. The original post in this thread is shared as it was posted on local social media (sure, by me) a few minutes ago.
I remain unconvinced that GWR really have much care for our line or the passengers on it these days. Words AND deeds.
They wrote to us and others on the 2nd October to let us know - yep, that was a Friday afternoon just before office staff would finished for the weekend, and invited questions. A couple of queries submitted within hours - like asking why the regional trains (not the hyper fast expresses) aren't stop at the three stations along the line (buses provide a much slower service and cost the railways more!), and asking why the fares for journeys like Trowbridge to Swindon have been doubled for the week via the online booking system, even though there's supposed to be an easement in place for when direct trains are not running. No reply, even now (10 days later).
To be fair, whilst GWR and NR invited questions - they didn't actually say they would acknowldege or answer them. And they probably figure that the question will go away after 16th October anyway, so why go to the trouble and expense of actually answering?
Reproduced above ... the "Tiger" display for this morning for Melksham. Good old optimism that the buses are expected "On Time". Sometimes they are (based on previous experience) but typically they're anytime from 5 to 15 minutes late and to my knowledge there are no trackers on the buses. Indeed, experience prepares us to see "On Time", the bus to not appear, the details to disappear off the departure board (worrying people waiting!) and then the bus to turn up a bit later. Not customer friendly.
Also on the Tiger display - "Buses stop in the Station Car Park". No, they don't. We have reported this before. They stop at the Rail Replacemement bus stop on Station Approach. The place is small enough for the buses to be obviously noticed, so no harm done - but why continue to pump out incorrect information like this?
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380745/32456/31] Posted by IndustryInsider at 07:26, 12th October 2026 | |
In the latest escalation in the Middle East, a major airport in Saudi Arabia has been atacked, presumably by houthi rebels.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cqy7lxd104xet
Of little direct relevance to to the UK, but increases the risk of regional instability.
EDITED TO ADD that a second attack has occurred.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cqy7lxd104xet
Of little direct relevance to to the UK, but increases the risk of regional instability.
EDITED TO ADD that a second attack has occurred.
I presume you'll be slipping one of these on?
https://es.pinterest.com/pin/861806078682945544/
| Changes to TransWilts Train services - week of 12th October 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [380744/32608/18] Posted by grahame at 07:21, 12th October 2026 | |
From Melksham Transport User Group on Facebook
This week - Monday to Friday (12.10.2026 to 16.10.2026) - there's just one train calling at Melksham each way per day, with the rest replaced by buses from Chippenham, calling at Melksham and Trowbridge, to Westbury. Passengers travelling to / from Swindon will need to change at Chippenham to / from the other trains running from there.
The changes are because the line through Pewsey, normally used by West of England expreseses, is closed for engineering and some of the long distance trains are being sent through the bottleneck of a single line through Melksham, and they are prioritised over local traffic.
Passengers travelling westward - to Bristol, for example, are advised to catch the 271/2/3 bus (and, yes, different fare system / ticket) to Grand Parade, Bath and walk down Manvers Street to the station.
The changes are because the line through Pewsey, normally used by West of England expreseses, is closed for engineering and some of the long distance trains are being sent through the bottleneck of a single line through Melksham, and they are prioritised over local traffic.
Passengers travelling westward - to Bristol, for example, are advised to catch the 271/2/3 bus (and, yes, different fare system / ticket) to Grand Parade, Bath and walk down Manvers Street to the station.
And part of a share commentary also includes a link to Tiger
| Flight Free UK In "Media about railways, and other means of transport" [380743/32607/49] Posted by grahame at 06:40, 12th October 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
https://flightfree.co.uk
Our mission is to inform people of the climate impact of aviation and inspire people to travel by other means.
Flight Free UK is a charity that encourages people to travel without flying. We educate the public about the climate impact of aviation, and give information and inspiration for travelling by other means. We run the Flight Free Challenge which asks people to take one year off flying to reduce emissions, break a habit and try the alternatives.
Flight Free UK is a charity that encourages people to travel without flying. We educate the public about the climate impact of aviation, and give information and inspiration for travelling by other means. We run the Flight Free Challenge which asks people to take one year off flying to reduce emissions, break a habit and try the alternatives.
I can't really take the challenge; habit already broken - not flown since 25th February 2024, and that only because I (morally committed) had to be back to vote in person at the Town Council the following day
| Satirical news feeds In "Media about railways, and other means of transport" [380742/32606/49] Posted by grahame at 06:20, 12th October 2026 | |
In our area
Crewkerne Gazzette - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573032260391
Cornish News - https://www.facebook.com/groups/216265215554617
and further afield
Rotherham Bugle - https://www.facebook.com/RotherhamBugle
NewsThump - https://newsthump.com
Most seem to concentrate on social media outlets and several of the above have broken links even from their social media profiles - these sites seem to spring up from time to time but they don't always last. I did enjoy this - hot news from Rotherham:
There was disappointment in Barnsley last night as, what was at first thought to be a display of the northern lights in the town, turned out to be nothing of the sort.
With the spectacular display visible across much of the country on Saturday night, hopes were high that Barnsley locals were seeing it for the first time as the sky glowed bright over Wombwell. However, locals were crestfallen when it emerged that the light was coming from a torched 1992 VW Golf.
"It were still good though" one positive Wombwell man told The Bugle "and we get to see it most nights, even when it's raining. You don't get that in Norway."
With the spectacular display visible across much of the country on Saturday night, hopes were high that Barnsley locals were seeing it for the first time as the sky glowed bright over Wombwell. However, locals were crestfallen when it emerged that the light was coming from a torched 1992 VW Golf.
"It were still good though" one positive Wombwell man told The Bugle "and we get to see it most nights, even when it's raining. You don't get that in Norway."
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380741/32605/31] Posted by grahame at 06:08, 12th October 2026 | |
4. Taunton - the new pedestrian and cycle route connecting Taunton station to the town centre and the nearby Somerset County Cricket Ground. 
With the ongoing political and financial shenanigans delaying redevelopment of the wider Firepool Lock area this "Welcome to Taunton" walking and cycling route isn't much of a advertisement for the town. Running by overgrown wasteland peppered with stalled construction. Lovely for a supposed "Garden Town".
Looking down from the top of the steps, I felt it was far more potential than actually welcoming just yet.
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380739/32605/31] Posted by grahame at 05:37, 12th October 2026 | |
So far - these are identified, with the first responder credited in each case
4 Taunton - Chris from Nailsea
7 Needles (Isle of Wight) - johnneyw
8 Temple Footbridge (River Thames) - TonyN
9 Reading Town Centre - stuving
10 Bicester Village - chuffed
16 Chepstow - Red Squirrel
| Re: Public Houses (including Wetherspoons) at or near railway stations - merged ongoing topic In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [380738/15910/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 01:45, 12th October 2026 | |
Actually, washed down with some baked beans, it was most enjoyable.
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380737/32605/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 01:42, 12th October 2026 | |
I will wade in with No.16: Chepstow Bridge ...
16. Chepstow
Yes, I'd agree with both of you: 16 is on the River Wye at Chepstow.
| Re: UK destinations you wished you'd visited sooner. In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380736/32590/31] Posted by JayMac at 01:21, 12th October 2026 | |
Railwise, I do love travelling around in Ireland, and my "wish list" / "never been there" must include Colraine, Portrush and Derry which ARE UK.
I visited Derry/Londonderry/Doire during my recent holiday based primarily in Northern Ireland. I visited Free Derry Corner in the Bogside area of the city. Poignant.
| Re: UK destinations you wished you'd visited sooner. In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380735/32590/31] Posted by JayMac at 01:10, 12th October 2026 | |
| Re: Public Houses (including Wetherspoons) at or near railway stations - merged ongoing topic In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [380734/15910/51] Posted by JayMac at 01:07, 12th October 2026 | |
Did you survive the black pudding, CfN?
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380733/32605/31] Posted by JayMac at 00:59, 12th October 2026 | |
16. Chepstow
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380732/32605/31] Posted by chuffed at 00:57, 12th October 2026 | |
10. Bicester Village
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380731/32605/31] Posted by JayMac at 00:51, 12th October 2026 | |
4. Taunton - the new pedestrian and cycle route connecting Taunton station to the town centre and the nearby Somerset County Cricket Ground.
With the ongoing political and financial shenanigans delaying redevelopment of the wider Firepool Lock area this "Welcome to Taunton" walking and cycling route isn't much of a advertisement for the town. Running by overgrown wasteland peppered with stalled construction. Lovely for a supposed "Garden Town".
| Re: Ideas for a day out? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380730/32559/31] Posted by Trowres at 23:44, 11th October 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
I think part of the problem with the trolley getting through a train is down to it making a late start.
It often seems to take a long time to check stock after a crew changeover or replenishments being loaded. I don’t know what is involved in the process but it can seem lengthy.
It often seems to take a long time to check stock after a crew changeover or replenishments being loaded. I don’t know what is involved in the process but it can seem lengthy.
I understand that on the down journey, the trolley crew changes at Exeter. The new crew (on both occasions of my travel) made a long announcement on the PA, so the train was around Starcross before anyone would have been likely to have received service. I wonder how many passengers purchase things at this late stage in their journey? (If you are first to be served and you are going all the way to Paignton, you have about 35 minutes)
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380729/32605/31] Posted by Red Squirrel at 23:03, 11th October 2026 | |
Well I can’t speak for all the others. You know what they say: When you know one squirrel, you know one squirrel.
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380728/32605/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:47, 11th October 2026 | |
Do squirrels wade in - anywhere?
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380727/32605/31] Posted by Red Squirrel at 22:40, 11th October 2026 | |
I will wade in with No.16: Chepstow Bridge, seen from The Back. Much as I like Chepstow Station, from a Bristolian viewpoint this is much easier to get to on the T7 bus.
The seal is called Sammy, by the way.
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380726/32605/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:23, 11th October 2026 | |
7. Gun emplacements Needles, Isle of White.
Edit. I realise that I recognise 11 too but I've had my turn.
Edit. I realise that I recognise 11 too but I've had my turn.
Good shout on 7, johnneyw - I hadn't recognised that particular location.
I, too, know 11, but we've both had our first turn for the first 24 hours - house rules!
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380725/32605/31] Posted by stuving at 21:56, 11th October 2026 | |
9. Broad Street, Reading. Well, it did have my name on it.
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380724/32605/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:51, 11th October 2026 | |
Blimey, grahame - some of those are indeed rather obscure - but I've got a few of them.
However, I'll make it easy, just to get this particular one out of the way:
4. Taunton - the new pedestrian and cycle route connecting Taunton station to the town centre and the nearby Somerset County Cricket Ground.
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380723/32605/31] Posted by TonyN at 21:51, 11th October 2026 | |
8. Temple Footbridge on the Thames between Henley and Marlow.
The Middle section has now been removed as the bridge is past its use by date.
| Re: West, but not trains. Where? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [380722/32605/31] Posted by johnneyw at 21:48, 11th October 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
7. Gun emplacements Needles, Isle of White.
Edit. I realise that I recognise 11 too but I've had my turn.
