........  Catering is proportionate to journey time. 

I can remember the days when Waterloo/Exeter trains had a proper buffet, and before that even a restaurant.
Then came new shorter trains, and catering was improved to a trolley, sometimes.
Catering was then further improved to nothing.

The cynic in me suggests the ultimate aim is for a core Waterloo to Salisbury service, with a few extended to Yeovil Junction - leaving GWR (or its GBR(W) equivalent) to operate Exeter to Axminster, with a bus service serving Crewkerne. The track between Yeovil Junction and Axminster would remain in situ for Network Rail services and possible GBR(W) diversions when necessary 

.......  Be careful you don't encourage HMG to start splitting all trains at Salisbury - whereas in fact it might make sense for them to go on to Barnstaple and Plymouth via Tavistock.

There are steps on both sides of the canal, but those on the right side are quite small (and there's no lift) and right by the cab road entrance, so perhaps could be missed if you are already focused on crossing the cab road.

There are steps on both sides of the canal, but those on the right side are quite small (and there's no lift) and right by the cab road entrance, so perhaps could be missed if you are already focused on crossing the cab road.

Just found out that all trains to Melksham later have been cancelled so fuck you very much GWR and your useless incompetence!

No idea how we’ll get home now!

On a Saturday there were two trains from Westbury to Swindon - 08:00 and 08:40 I think. "For robustness" GWR cut the second one - we've one train less in the Saturday timetable now - but the robustness has not been delivered and at times I feel we were cheated.

Those steps at Bishop Road take you to the correct side of the canal and the back entrance to Paddington Station via the Met/Circle gateline. Was on my daily walking route to the station when based at Paddington on the site of the old goods depot.

19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00

19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.

15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58

15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 has been cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/rail-strikes-resume-with-bank-holiday-shutdown-on-crosscountry-trains/ar-AA1K5wZZ?ocid=socialshare

.........largely, it would seem, to be about a reluctance amongst the bruvvers to scan electronic tickets 

The RMT Union’s AGM has considered the matter and acknowledged the severity of this situation.  It is clear that there is now a breakdown in industrial relations, which includes the following serious issues:

    Undermining of safety-critical roles: Despite previous agreements, the company is actively trying to reverse the requirement for two Train Managers on double sets, threatening both safety and jobs.
    Breach of staffing agreements: Cross Country has failed to recruit the agreed number of Train Managers and intends to reverse an agreement allowing them to have the ability to go back and utilise catering staff to cover essential Guard duties. These actions also highlight the company's intentions for the future of catering on the network. The RMT cannot allow catering staff to be utilised in this manner. The company should enter into dialogue with the RMT to ensure that we have a catering service that is robust, delivers for passengers, and protects the employment of staff. It is unacceptable for Cross Country to simply remove jobs without any form of consultation with this union. Yet this is exactly what the company has done, with no attempt made to resolve the issue. This attack on the catering provision only deepens the fears of members that this approach to job cuts could cascade into multiple disciplines, putting wider job security at risk. We cannot accept this blatant attack on jobs and the ‘redundancy by stealth’ method. This practice must cease immediately, and urgent discussions must take place with the RMT on how to improve catering services across the network.
    Misuse of management grades: Management staff not authorised under agreed arrangements are regularly performing Guard duties, undermining agreements and frontline staff.
    Excessive payments to managers: Managers are reportedly receiving up to £250 per train on top of their salaries, another breach of an agreement, while also refusing to negotiate fair overtime and rest day enhancements for frontline grades.
    Failure to provide Rest Day Working proposals: Cross Country has failed to table proposals for Rest Day and Weekend Working enhancements for all grades, breaching commitments made during previous dispute resolution.
    Pay inequality: The company continues to pay different rates to staff doing the same job and has refused to honour its promise to resolve this issue.
    Failure to implement agreed ticket scanning payments: An agreed 3p-per-scan payment has not been implemented, and the company are refusing to pay the agreed amount without justification, which only shows the company’s lack of respect for agreed outcomes.
    Victimisation of RMT representatives: Union reps have been targeted and undermined simply for carrying out their legitimate duties on behalf of members.

I note the artist's optimism in showing OHL on the railway in the background......

B is OK thus far

The 18 goes from Euston station, and the stop at Bishops Bridge Road / Little Venice is close to the back entrance (footbridge) at Paddington.

Some navigation is required to cross the canal, and I don't suppose it's advertised for that stop (St. Mary's might be).

Arrived at Swindon 23 minutes late, but the return working left on time at 11:05.

On some routes especially it would seem that "Saturday is the new Sunday" when it comes to crew shortage.

09:52 Westbury to Swindon due 10:36
09:52 Westbury to Swindon due 10:36 will be starting late from Westbury.
This is due to train crew being delayed.