Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Pilning Station - where are we, and looking at future options (May 2025) In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [361234/30237/21] Posted by Western Pathfinder at 09:59, 5th May 2025 |      |
I'm hearing that tentative moves are being considered by Gloucestershire County Cricket club to remove themselves eventually from playing matches at Neville Road the County ground in Bristol.
They are In the process of investigating, the purchase of and obtaining planning permission for a site adjacent to the wave .
If this comes to fruition the flow of traffic to matches and other events at the New County Ground, it would I feel be more than enough to overwhelm the roads in the village and create congestion at the nearby junction of the M5 which being the feeder for the retail park at Cribs is consistently busy it also feeds traffic from the north of the city and those from the new development at the former Filton airfield and of course the New Arenal.
Pilning,as much as I'm fond of the old place,these days is simply not fit for purpose ,and has been allowed to become a dumping ground for all sorts of muck and rubbish,the constant fly tipping on the approach to the station,has required heavy duty gates to be installed,which means that it is only able to be accessed by foot passengers,and those passengers who are less able are faced by a long struggle up a not inconsiderable slope,and then have to deal with crossing the severely deteriorated surface of the yard,which laughably is meant to be the Station Car Park.
Over the last few years a number of people,including myself to a certain extent, have spent a good deal of time and effort supporting the usage of the station,and have had a disappointingly small amount of support from the local area ,it would seem that the residents Of Pilning and its environs really don't have the need of a station !
Having said that ,you can bet your bottom dollar,that when GBR,and new network rail decides time has come to close the doors for good,as I have no doubt they will,the usual suspects will be up in arms,to no avail.
Now the time is ripe to revisit the award winning idea of moving the station closer to the village,and taking full advantage of The greatly improved road access that would come from the relocation and press for the building of a park and ride station to serve the local area Pilning Parkway for the win perhaps.
| Re: WW2 Spitfire emergency landing after losing power - May 2025 In "The Lighter Side" [361233/30240/30] Posted by Clan Line at 09:47, 5th May 2025 | |
I wonder if that's the same plane I saw flying over Eastney beach yesterday along with what looked like an old bomber. That had similar white stripes on the wings.
Probably not. The aircraft that came to grief was MJ627. There were 2 Spitfires doing flights from Chichester that day: BS410 & SM520. Couldn't see your "bomber" any where - if you can give me a rough time, I'll have another look.
The white stripes were D Day recognition markings.
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361232/30241/30] Posted by AMLAG at 09:20, 5th May 2025 | |
20 = Totnes Up platform
| Re: Shipping services across the Severn In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [361231/30207/28] Posted by grahame at 09:18, 5th May 2025 | |
https://gosouthwestengland.co.uk/wales-devon-ferry/
You could take a FERRY between Wales and Devon soon
Plans for a hydrogen-powered ferry linking Swansea with Devon are back on the table, more than a decade after a similar proposal failed to launch.
Swansea Council, working with Ocean Prime Industries Ltd, is exploring the viability of a fast, zero-emission ferry crossing the Bristol Channel – potentially slashing travel times between South Wales and the South West of England.
Plans for a hydrogen-powered ferry linking Swansea with Devon are back on the table, more than a decade after a similar proposal failed to launch.
Swansea Council, working with Ocean Prime Industries Ltd, is exploring the viability of a fast, zero-emission ferry crossing the Bristol Channel – potentially slashing travel times between South Wales and the South West of England.
| Re: Major rail disruption after blaze close to tracks between Newport and Cardiff In "London to South Wales" [361230/30239/11] Posted by Timmer at 08:49, 5th May 2025 | |
Given the serious nature of the fire yesterday, disruption will continue today with a much reduced service.
Cancellations to services between Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central
Following the fire brigade dealing with an incident near the railway yesterday between Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central some lines are now open.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 70 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 23:59 05/05.
Customer Advice
-
We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today.
-
Due to a line-side fire between Cardiff Central and Newport yesterday, Network Rail Wales are working to repair the damage caused to the signalling and overhead electric cables.
-
Whilst repair works are undertaken only two of the four railway lines are available for use in this area and the trains will have to run at reduced speed, this is causing delays of approximately 60 minutes.
To help ease congestion, GWR train services will be reduced to 1 train per hour only between Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central via Newport.
-
GWR train services from the West Country to Cardiff Central, are terminating short / starting back from Bristol Temple Meads, customers for South Wales are advised to change there for services to Bristol Parkway and then await the severely reduced train service to Cardiff Central.
-
GWR train services for Patchway and Severn Tunnel Junction stations are currently suspended.
A limited Rail replacement road transport service will operate Bristol Parkway - Patchway - Severn Tunnel Junction and return.
-
CrossCountry Trains between the West Country and the Midlands and the North were diverting via Bristol Parkway and Newport - these are still operating.
-
To help you complete your journey, you may use your ticket, at no extra cost on
>Transport for Wales train services, who are also operating a reduced timetable today.
>CrossCountry Trains, who are operating a revised timetable today
-
If you were intending on travelling yesterday (Sunday 4th May 2025), your ticket will be valid for travel today.
Following the fire brigade dealing with an incident near the railway yesterday between Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central some lines are now open.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 70 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 23:59 05/05.
Customer Advice
-
We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today.
-
Due to a line-side fire between Cardiff Central and Newport yesterday, Network Rail Wales are working to repair the damage caused to the signalling and overhead electric cables.
-
Whilst repair works are undertaken only two of the four railway lines are available for use in this area and the trains will have to run at reduced speed, this is causing delays of approximately 60 minutes.
To help ease congestion, GWR train services will be reduced to 1 train per hour only between Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central via Newport.
-
GWR train services from the West Country to Cardiff Central, are terminating short / starting back from Bristol Temple Meads, customers for South Wales are advised to change there for services to Bristol Parkway and then await the severely reduced train service to Cardiff Central.
-
GWR train services for Patchway and Severn Tunnel Junction stations are currently suspended.
A limited Rail replacement road transport service will operate Bristol Parkway - Patchway - Severn Tunnel Junction and return.
-
CrossCountry Trains between the West Country and the Midlands and the North were diverting via Bristol Parkway and Newport - these are still operating.
-
To help you complete your journey, you may use your ticket, at no extra cost on
>Transport for Wales train services, who are also operating a reduced timetable today.
>CrossCountry Trains, who are operating a revised timetable today
-
If you were intending on travelling yesterday (Sunday 4th May 2025), your ticket will be valid for travel today.
| Is it a "train fault" when a train's in the wrong place? In "Heart of Wessex" [361229/30242/19] Posted by grahame at 08:28, 5th May 2025 | |
06:50 Westbury to Weymouth due 08:25
06:50 Westbury to Weymouth due 08:25 has been cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
06:50 Westbury to Weymouth due 08:25 has been cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
09:32 Weymouth to Bristol Temple Meads due 11:49
09:32 Weymouth to Bristol Temple Meads due 11:49 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Weymouth, Upwey, Dorchester West, Maiden Newton, Chetnole, Yetminster, Thornford, Yeovil Pen Mill, Castle Cary, Bruton and Frome.
This is due to a fault on this train.
09:32 Weymouth to Bristol Temple Meads due 11:49 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Weymouth, Upwey, Dorchester West, Maiden Newton, Chetnole, Yetminster, Thornford, Yeovil Pen Mill, Castle Cary, Bruton and Frome.
This is due to a fault on this train.
I have to wonder if the "fault on this train" might be its location - that it's in Westbury when it should be in Weymouth ...
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361228/30241/30] Posted by Oxonhutch at 08:24, 5th May 2025 | |
23: Severn Beach
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361227/30241/30] Posted by grahame at 06:39, 5th May 2025 | |
Here are the 11 that were identified last night - wow ....
1 Starcross - PhilWakely
2 Weymouth - paul7575
7 Exmouth - lympstone_commuter
10 Bathampton Junction - Timmer
12 Worcester Foregate Street - ChrisB
14 Bere Alston - eightonedee
15 Bristol Temple Meads - Red Squirrel
16 Taunton - JayMac
17 Chepstow (Bridge) - TonyN
18 Okehampton - stuving
21 Penryn - bradshaw
Some great ideas from around the South West that could be replicated elsewhere and become more common:
1. A bus stop near the station (from Starcross)
7. A train to the seaside every half hour (from Exmouth)
15. A booking office (from Temple Meads)
18. A re-opened station (from Okehampton)
21. A passing loop with 2 platforms on the same side (from Penryn)
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361226/30241/30] Posted by stuving at 22:27, 4th May 2025 | |
18. Okehampton.
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361225/30241/30] Posted by eightonedee at 22:21, 4th May 2025 | |
14 - Bere Alston
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361224/30241/30] Posted by TonyN at 22:12, 4th May 2025 | |
17. Chepstow bridge
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361223/30241/30] Posted by lympstone_commuter at 21:54, 4th May 2025 | |
7. Exmouth
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361222/30241/30] Posted by Timmer at 20:44, 4th May 2025 | |
10 Bathampton Junction
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361221/30241/30] Posted by bradshaw at 20:28, 4th May 2025 | |
21 Penryn
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361220/30241/30] Posted by Red Squirrel at 20:09, 4th May 2025 | |
15 will be Bristol Temple Meads
| Re: WW2 Spitfire emergency landing after losing power - May 2025 In "The Lighter Side" [361219/30240/30] Posted by Surrey 455 at 20:01, 4th May 2025 | |
I wonder if that's the same plane I saw flying over Eastney beach yesterday along with what looked like an old bomber. That had similar white stripes on the wings.
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361218/30241/30] Posted by JayMac at 19:58, 4th May 2025 | |
16. I think may be the obligatory Taunton.
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361217/30241/30] Posted by PhilWakely at 19:52, 4th May 2025 | |
1. Starcross
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361216/30241/30] Posted by paul7575 at 19:38, 4th May 2025 | |
2. Weymouth
| Re: April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361215/30241/30] Posted by ChrisB at 19:23, 4th May 2025 | |
12. Worcester Foregate Street
| April across the South West - May bank holiday quiz In "The Lighter Side" [361214/30241/30] Posted by grahame at 19:13, 4th May 2025 | |
All taken during April - though a few are not quite near an FoSW station. One each please over the holiday!
1. Starcross - PhilWakely
2. Weymouth - paul7575
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Exmouth - lympstone_commuter
8.
9.
10. Bathampton Junction - Timmer
11.
12. Worcester Foregate Street - ChrisB
13.
14. Bere Alston - eightonedee
15. Bristol Temple Meads - Red Squirrel
16. Taunton - JayMac
17. Chepstow (Bridge) - TonyN
18. Okehampton - stuving
19.
20.
21. Penryn - bradshaw
22.
23.
24.
| Re: Closure of Bridport branch In "Heart of Wessex" [361213/30238/19] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:34, 4th May 2025 | |
Will do!
| Re: Walk to Pilning and return by train - 3rd May 2025 In "Diary - what's happening when?" [361212/30211/34] Posted by Mark A at 18:10, 4th May 2025 | |
I was completely astray on the New Passage Hotel - it's long gone. A photo, and history, here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/boxbrownie3/7050636461/in/photostream
Mark
| Re: Closure of Bridport branch In "Heart of Wessex" [361211/30238/19] Posted by grahame at 17:25, 4th May 2025 Already liked by PhilWakely | |
Blimey! 
Thank you for posting those historic images here, PhilWakely.
I'm now inclined to merge various previous posts into this one, to become a definitive topic on 'the Bridport Branch.'
Thank you for posting those historic images here, PhilWakely.
I'm now inclined to merge various previous posts into this one, to become a definitive topic on 'the Bridport Branch.'
Hmmm ... please take care of the "On this day" nature of this thread - leave it until after tomorrow?
| Re: Closure of Bridport branch In "Heart of Wessex" [361210/30238/19] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:13, 4th May 2025 Already liked by PhilWakely | |
Blimey!
Thank you for posting those historic images here, PhilWakely.
I'm now inclined to merge various previous posts into this one, to become a definitive topic on 'the Bridport Branch.'
| WW2 Spitfire emergency landing after losing power - May 2025 In "The Lighter Side" [361209/30240/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:01, 4th May 2025 | |
From the BBC:
A World War Two Spitfire has been forced to make an emergency landing in Kent after losing power.
Spitfire MJ627 came down in a field on Lower Wall Road, West Hythe, on Saturday evening, said its owner Fly a Spitfire.
Kent Fire & Rescue Service said one of the two people in the plane, which saw action over the Netherlands in 1944, was treated by paramedics.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation into what caused the loss of power.
Fly a Spitfire said: "We have spoken to the pilot who has advised that a precautionary landing was made at a non-airfield site." The company said the pilot and passenger "are uninjured", adding that it had no further information "at this stage".
The fire service said two fire engines attended the scene at 19:25 BST and made the aircraft safe.
Spitfire MJ627 first entered service on 25 September 1944 and, just two days later, destroyed Messerschmitt Me 109 over Arnhem.
It was previously involved in an emergency landing in 1998, when its pilot made a "wheels up landing" at Coventry Airport.
Last year, the cockpit canopy detached from the plane during take-off from Biggin Hill Airport. It was able to land safely and neither of the two occupants in that incident were harmed.
| Re: Closure of Bridport branch In "Heart of Wessex" [361208/30238/19] Posted by PhilWakely at 16:19, 4th May 2025 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, Alan Pettitt, bradshaw | |
Quoting from a previous thread relating to a proposal to reopen the Bridport Branch.....
Although I no longer have any direct connection with Bridport [both my parents and all grandparents came from Bridport or surrounding villages], I have retained an interest in 'the Bridport railway'. Knowing closure was imminent, Mum and I wanted a photographic record. The quality is not brilliant as the pictures were 'home' developed and the negatives were kept in a drawer in the loft for many years before being recovered and scanned.
A photographic record of the Bridport Branch
A photographic record of the Bridport Branch
| Major rail disruption after blaze close to tracks between Newport and Cardiff In "London to South Wales" [361207/30239/11] Posted by Timmer at 16:09, 4th May 2025 | |
From BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjew5q07n7go
Rail services into Cardiff are experiencing major disruption with journeys cancelled or delayed due to a fire near track.
The blaze at an electrical substation between Newport and Cardiff Central has damaged an overhead line and signalling equipment.
Emergency services and Network Rail staff are on site at St Brides Wentloog, working to manage the situation.
Rail replacement transport is running between Cardiff and Gloucester but major disruption is expected to continue throughout Sunday.
The blaze at an electrical substation between Newport and Cardiff Central has damaged an overhead line and signalling equipment.
Emergency services and Network Rail staff are on site at St Brides Wentloog, working to manage the situation.
Rail replacement transport is running between Cardiff and Gloucester but major disruption is expected to continue throughout Sunday.
From Journeycheck:
Due to a fire next to the track between Newport South Wales and Cardiff Central all lines are blocked. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Train services between London Paddington and Cardiff Central via Bristol Parkway may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
Customer Advice
-
We are sorry for the delay to your journey.
-
Network Rail advise that there is a lineside fire between Cardiff Central and Newport in the St Brides area. The emergency services are on site working to extinguish the fire as quickly and safely as they can. Once this has been done the railway and associated infrastructure will have to be inspected. We currently have no estimate for when we may be able to run trains again through the area.
-
Rail replacement transport has been requested but is proving difficult to source in the area.
-
To help you complete your journey, you may use your ticket, at no extra cost on Transport for Wales train services.
-
Please check your journey at gwr.com/check
-
We will update this message with more information when we have it.
-
Transport for Wales are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
Train services between London Paddington and Cardiff Central via Bristol Parkway may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
Customer Advice
-
We are sorry for the delay to your journey.
-
Network Rail advise that there is a lineside fire between Cardiff Central and Newport in the St Brides area. The emergency services are on site working to extinguish the fire as quickly and safely as they can. Once this has been done the railway and associated infrastructure will have to be inspected. We currently have no estimate for when we may be able to run trains again through the area.
-
Rail replacement transport has been requested but is proving difficult to source in the area.
-
To help you complete your journey, you may use your ticket, at no extra cost on Transport for Wales train services.
-
Please check your journey at gwr.com/check
-
We will update this message with more information when we have it.
-
Transport for Wales are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
| Re: Night Riviera - merged posts, ongoing discussion In "London to the West" [361206/489/12] Posted by CyclingSid at 15:33, 4th May 2025 | |
"I travel by sleeper train as my job – here’s what makes them so special"
https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/travel/sleeper-train-travel-job-special-3672719
Sorry, most of it is behind paywall.
| Re: Taplow-Hassocks In "Fare's Fair" [361205/30198/4] Posted by TaplowGreen at 14:55, 4th May 2025 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, Timmer, Mark A, Fourbee | |
Thanks again all, paid the £51.40 in the end.
Meeting an old schoolfriend from Plymouth who's living down there now, we're visiting a new(ish) craft ale Tap room which comes highly recommended, will report back!
Meeting an old schoolfriend from Plymouth who's living down there now, we're visiting a new(ish) craft ale Tap room which comes highly recommended, will report back!
A decent trip - Taplow to Farringdon on the Elizabeth Line and then Southern to Hassocks yesterday - on time to the minute - 12 carriage train so plenty of room even though it was busy - same trip in reverse today with no problems - Southern apparently don't have crew shortage issues on Sundays, I wonder what they do differently?
Discovered a couple of new bars and aforementioned Tap room which was excellent - also invited to play "Toad in the Hole" which apparently is a traditional Sussex pub game, and even saw some Morris dancing!
(I took part in the former, but not the latter!!!)
