Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: "The lost waterway of Melksham" In "The Lighter Side" [374095/31863/30] Posted by matth1j at 09:56, 12th April 2026 |      |
English version is on BBC News (Wiltshire): https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce3dxpveqnxo
It says:
Mike Gibbin, CEO of Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, said: "Peter has produced an excellent book, and we are delighted he has kindly offered to share it with everyone free of charge.
But I can't see it mentioned on their website: https://wbct.org.uk/Although there is a 2 page pdf: https://wbct.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Melksham_lost_waterway_v2_r.pdf
Is that the 'book'?
| We are in the money, or the story of the Southampton lifts In "South Western services" [374093/31865/42] Posted by CyclingSid at 09:18, 12th April 2026 | |
Starting tomorrow, Monday 13/4/26, they are refurbishing the lifts at Southampton Central
https://www.southwesternrailway.com/travelling-with-us/at-the-station/southampton-central-lift-refurbishment
Nice little earner for the Southampton taxi drivers ferrying people from one side of the station to the other. Will the detour via other stations be in additional fare for those needing to use platforms 2 & 3? Not sure about this if they have a weekend like this one with lines closed in the Southampton area. Was stuck at Eastleigh for three quarters of an hour, think there was a problem with the crossing at Dean. Cardiff train terminated at Fareham, apparently the driver was running short of hours. Anyway I have finally seen the use of platform 2 at Fareham.
Not quite sure why the lift job will take four months at the height of the tourist and cruise season.
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol direct service, ongoing developments and discussion In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [374092/28355/22] Posted by Bob_Blakey at 08:46, 12th April 2026 | |
The through EXD > OXF service, which is part of a Stoke Gifford > BRI > EXD > BRI >TAU > BRI > EXD > OXF > Stoke Gifford diagram, appears to be due to a temporary recasting of the normal Saturday timetable consequent upon the 23/05 to 08/06 Severn Tunnel closure. The normal EXD <> CDF Saturday services restart on 13th June.
At least that is according to RTT!
| Re: EU Border control delays - entry / exit system In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [374091/31864/52] Posted by John D at 08:46, 12th April 2026 | |
Currently on holiday, and it did cause few minutes delay on arrival whilst did fingerprint scan etc. Maybe 10 minutes in passport queue.
But when got through bags had arrived on carousel. I have been straight through immigration and waited 20 minutes for bags before.
One thing can do, and media doesn't seem to highlight this is previous week, look up arrivals at airport travelling to and see how many non Schengen flights arrive just before yours. Gives you good indication if they will still be processing arrivals from previous flights. (note flight times can vary by day of week so best to check same time previous week)
| EU Border control delays - entry / exit system In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [374090/31864/52] Posted by grahame at 08:03, 12th April 2026 | |
Media seems "full" of this ... did we have a coffee shop thread wider than just Eurostar?
An example from social media ...
British holidaymakers are being warned to arrive at airports four hours early as new EU border checks cause massive delays across Europe.
The Entry/Exit System, which launched in October and became fully operational across 29 European countries on 10 April, is creating chaos at border control.
The system replaces passport stamps with automated checks that log when you enter and leave European territory.
Because Brits are no longer EU nationals, you now have to register your personal details on your first visit to a Schengen Area country.
This means using EES machines at airports, ferries, and Eurostar terminals to scan your fingerprints and face.
The system was supposed to speed up border checks. Instead, it's causing hours of delays.
Reports from travellers show three-hour waits at Lanzarote Airport in March. Similar delays have been reported in Brussels, Lisbon, and Prague.
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has called the system "a shambles" and is demanding a five-month delay to fix the problems before summer.
He says it would make more sense to launch properly in October during the quieter winter schedule instead of right before peak holiday season.
Travel industry experts are warning passengers to add at least four hours to their usual airport arrival time for southern European destinations while the system beds in.
The Home Office claims the checks should only take one to two minutes per person, but admits longer waits are likely during busy periods.
If you're flying to Europe this summer, expect significantly longer waits at passport control both leaving the UK and arriving at your destination.
The Entry/Exit System, which launched in October and became fully operational across 29 European countries on 10 April, is creating chaos at border control.
The system replaces passport stamps with automated checks that log when you enter and leave European territory.
Because Brits are no longer EU nationals, you now have to register your personal details on your first visit to a Schengen Area country.
This means using EES machines at airports, ferries, and Eurostar terminals to scan your fingerprints and face.
The system was supposed to speed up border checks. Instead, it's causing hours of delays.
Reports from travellers show three-hour waits at Lanzarote Airport in March. Similar delays have been reported in Brussels, Lisbon, and Prague.
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has called the system "a shambles" and is demanding a five-month delay to fix the problems before summer.
He says it would make more sense to launch properly in October during the quieter winter schedule instead of right before peak holiday season.
Travel industry experts are warning passengers to add at least four hours to their usual airport arrival time for southern European destinations while the system beds in.
The Home Office claims the checks should only take one to two minutes per person, but admits longer waits are likely during busy periods.
If you're flying to Europe this summer, expect significantly longer waits at passport control both leaving the UK and arriving at your destination.
| Re: Crackdown on traditional carriages threatens ‘Hogwarts Express’ trains In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [374089/28578/47] Posted by PhilWakely at 08:01, 12th April 2026 Already liked by Western Pathfinder | |
An update from The National
West Coast Railways (WCR) has said it has reached an agreement with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to install central door locking on its heritage carriages on its entire fleet of Mark 1 carriages used on the Fort William to Mallaig route.
The train previously relied on stewards manually locking doors but the regulator demanded an automated system.
The train previously relied on stewards manually locking doors but the regulator demanded an automated system.
I sincerely hope that the ORR has not caved in to the WCR's bullying tactics
| Re: Hastings diesel on tour 11/4/26 In "Railway History and related topics" [374087/31862/55] Posted by grahame at 06:35, 12th April 2026 | |
Those rail replacement arrangements for Avoncliff remind me of St Keyne Wishing Well Halt on the Looe Branch
What the sign does not point out is the rise of over 50 metres from the station to the bus stop.
Quoting myself here ... the other ones where there's a big gap between railway station and rail replacement bus stop that I'm aware of are Cynghordy and Dovey Junction. I have used Dovey Junction to leave the railway network and, sure, it's a noticeable walk - though flat and with no residences anywhere close.
Avoncliff *does* have a noticeable local population though - hundreds of people, big old converted workhouse and an eclectic collection of houses, a pub, a cafe, and lots of walkers including those out for a stroll. As I waited to see the thumper come through, a local train called on the way into Bristol and half a dozen people joined it - and that's just one train in the hourly service there. So close it on a summer weekend and it's not exactly effecting no-one. Bus, I agree, can't get there; taxi and minibus certainly can
Putting Avoncliff in context:
The waterway you see if the Kennet and Avon Canal, crossing the valley on Avoncliff Aqueduct - the railway runs underneath the aqueduct at the end nearest the camera, and it then crosses the River Avon too. To the left if the station car park, from which separate flights of stairs lead down to each of the two platforms. You can see one of the several clusters of houses across the valley and Westwood Village - where the rail replacement bus calls - is atop the hillside in the picture. To get to the bus stop from the station, you walk across the aqueduct, then on the road (yep!) on the far side you loop around under the canal and climb the hill on the road through the trees ... standing to one side to let cars by as they go up and down.
| Re: Where could it be better?? In "The Lighter Side" [374085/22075/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:09, 11th April 2026 | |
Yes, it's Westbury: I see that now.
CfN.
| Re: Hastings diesel on tour 11/4/26 In "Railway History and related topics" [374084/31862/55] Posted by grahame at 22:22, 11th April 2026 | |
Those rail replacement arrangements for Avoncliff remind me of St Keyne Wishing Well Halt on the Looe Branch
What the sign does not point out is the rise of over 50 metres from the station to the bus stop.
| Re: South Bank railway station footbridge - near Middlesbrough In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374083/29298/51] Posted by bobm at 21:43, 11th April 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
Alerting the pedant in me
Trains and passengers have been unable to access platform two at South Bank train station, near Middlesbrough, for 18 months after safety concerns were raised at an inspection.
I suspect the trains could access the platform. There just wasn’t much point.
| Re: Hastings diesel on tour 11/4/26 In "Railway History and related topics" [374082/31862/55] Posted by bobm at 21:13, 11th April 2026 | |
Those rail replacement arrangements for Avoncliff remind me of St Keyne Wishing Well Halt on the Looe Branch
| "The lost waterway of Melksham" In "The Lighter Side" [374081/31863/30] Posted by Mark A at 20:32, 11th April 2026 | |
Imagine the scene. One Graham Ellis, seated on an obscure and now terminus platform of a one-time minor cross country railway in an obscure part of France. The curiously futuristic French railcar stabled for the night, Graham has just watched the crew make their way to the village's hotel and reflected that this is one of the last times that it will be possible to see this sight - the railway is in its last days of service. Anxious for a distraction from the general gloom, Graham glances down at the screen of his laptop, to read, in French, this article about his home town.
https://fr.helm.news/2026-04-10/new-book-details-history-wilts-berks-canal-plans-its-restoration.html
Mark
| Re: Where could it be better?? In "The Lighter Side" [374080/22075/30] Posted by AMLAG at 19:51, 11th April 2026 | |
The second is Westbury.
| Re: Hastings diesel on tour 11/4/26 In "Railway History and related topics" [374079/31862/55] Posted by grahame at 19:14, 11th April 2026 Already liked by PrestburyRoad | |
Look at the rail scene and watching the trains go by
| Re: South Bank railway station footbridge - near Middlesbrough In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374078/29298/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:04, 11th April 2026 | |
An update, from the BBC:
Unsafe train station bridge now to be reinforced
No date has been set for the reopening of the footbridge at South Bank station
An unsafe railway footbridge will now be strengthened, rather than demolished.
Trains and passengers have been unable to access platform two at South Bank train station, near Middlesbrough, for 18 months after safety concerns were raised at an inspection.
The plan had been to demolish the footbridge and construct a temporary replacement, ahead of a wider transport project involving redeveloping the station. However, it has now been confirmed the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) will finance an alternative temporary solution to "strengthen" the existing structure to bring it back into use.
Network Rail is said to be working with TVCA and other stakeholders to get the project moved forward, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Although, neither were willing to put a date on when the bridge and platform two could be reopened, following the last self-imposed target of August 2025 for a solution being missed.
Eastbound trains have not stopped at South Bank for a year-and-a-half
The footbridge provided sole access to eastbound platform two, transporting passengers to Redcar and Saltburn.
When it was open, the footbridge also provided access to the north of the station to Teesworks.
Trains that previously called at South Bank on the way to Redcar now pass through the station non-stop, while westbound services to Middlesbrough, Darlington and Bishop Auckland remain unaffected.
Network Rail said ownership of the footbridge was being transferred to it from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. A spokesperson said: "This will help move the project forward as we work with the local authority to finalise funding for the work needed to strengthen the structure. Once the necessary agreements are in place, we will move forward with appointing a contractor."
No date has been set for the reopening of the footbridge at South Bank station
An unsafe railway footbridge will now be strengthened, rather than demolished.
Trains and passengers have been unable to access platform two at South Bank train station, near Middlesbrough, for 18 months after safety concerns were raised at an inspection.
The plan had been to demolish the footbridge and construct a temporary replacement, ahead of a wider transport project involving redeveloping the station. However, it has now been confirmed the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) will finance an alternative temporary solution to "strengthen" the existing structure to bring it back into use.
Network Rail is said to be working with TVCA and other stakeholders to get the project moved forward, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Although, neither were willing to put a date on when the bridge and platform two could be reopened, following the last self-imposed target of August 2025 for a solution being missed.
Eastbound trains have not stopped at South Bank for a year-and-a-half
The footbridge provided sole access to eastbound platform two, transporting passengers to Redcar and Saltburn.
When it was open, the footbridge also provided access to the north of the station to Teesworks.
Trains that previously called at South Bank on the way to Redcar now pass through the station non-stop, while westbound services to Middlesbrough, Darlington and Bishop Auckland remain unaffected.
Network Rail said ownership of the footbridge was being transferred to it from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. A spokesperson said: "This will help move the project forward as we work with the local authority to finalise funding for the work needed to strengthen the structure. Once the necessary agreements are in place, we will move forward with appointing a contractor."
| Re: 'Vital' Fleetwood - Knott End ferry service across River Wyre estuary to stop In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374077/31861/5] Posted by stuving at 12:38, 11th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
When I saw the picture, I assumed at first it was a model no more than a few inches long in a rather choppy bath. On reading the words, I assumed the contract was for an operator for the council's boat.
Wrong on both counts! The ITT is reads follows:
The council are looking to procure an operator to provide an annual passenger ferry service between Fleetwood and Knott End. The Operator is required to provide the ferry vessel, staff and be responsible for day to day operation. The anticipated vessel size would carry twelve passengers per journey with an estimate of 30,000 - 40,000 passengers per annum. The council own the ferry dock and slipway which will be used to facilitate the service. The operator will retain all fares including slipway launch fees and currently a contribution is provided by Wyre Borough Council and Lancashire County Council for the day to day running costs.
No Value Specified Duration 5 years
No Value Specified Duration 5 years
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol direct service, ongoing developments and discussion In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [374076/28355/22] Posted by bobm at 11:25, 11th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
I was checking RTT earlier to see if there was any sign of them. As II says they have yet to appear.
However on the 13th June (a Saturday) there are trips from Bristol to Oxford and back.
Also on both that day and the previous week, there is a through service from Exeter St Davids to Oxford.
RTT has been known to produce false alarms but this is puzzling.
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol direct service, ongoing developments and discussion In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [374075/28355/22] Posted by IndustryInsider at 11:01, 11th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A, grahame | |
The new Oxford<>Bristol service is still awaiting sign off from the DfT AIUI - so the timings aren't in RTT or anywhere public yet. But this is the very likely weekday timings and headcodes assuming it does...though they are leaving it late to start in May, so perhaps it will be later in the summer?
Ones in BOLD I am pretty certain about, the ones in Italics involved a little bit of guesswork! Note the headcodes jumping in increments of four, i.e. 1N51 then 1N55, which is to allow the hourly service to be slotted in next year, so there would be a 1N53 at around 08:00 from Oxford to Bristol for example - keeping odd numbers for services to Bristol and even numbers for services to Oxford.
07:00 OXF-BRI (08:20) - 1N51
09:xx OXF-BRI (10:xx) - 1N55
11:03 OXF-BRI (12:13) - 1N59
13:03 OXF-BRI (14:15) - 1N63
15:04 OXF-BRI (16:13) - 1N67
17:00 OXF-BRI (18:18) - 1N71
19:04 OXF-BRI (20:16) - 1N75
21:xx OXF-BRI (22:xx) - 1N79
07:xx BRI-OXF (08:xx) - 1N52
09:08 BRI-OXF (10:25) - 1N56
11:xx BRI-OXF (12:xx) - 1N60
13:09 BRI-OXF (14:29) - 1N64 (via Bristol Parkway?)
15:16 BRI-OXF (16:30) - 1N68
17:12 BRI-OXF (18:29) - 1N72
19:15 BRI-OXF (20:32) - 1N76
21:10 BRI-OXF (22:27) - 1N80
| Re: Where could it be better?? In "The Lighter Side" [374074/22075/30] Posted by Western Pathfinder at 10:36, 11th April 2026 | |
Might No2 be Taunton I wonder !…
| Re: 'Vital' Fleetwood - Knott End ferry service across River Wyre estuary to stop In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374073/31861/5] Posted by Oxonhutch at 10:34, 11th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
If you've ever been to Knott End, you will realise that Fleetwood is the Big Smoke - which, in itself, stretching it a bit.
The Wyre estuary is not suitable for a ferry larger than the one photographed, the tidal range being such that it is a muddy ditch at low tide. Before Shard Bridge was opened in the '60s, the next crossing place upstream was Cartford Bridge, which was - and is still - a toll bridge. If you were too tight to pay for that, it was all the way to St Michael's-on-Wyre for the next crossing with a round trip of 21 miles.
And to think that at one time, Knott End had its own eponymous railway company.
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol direct service, ongoing developments and discussion In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [374072/28355/22] Posted by grahame at 09:33, 11th April 2026 | |
10:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 11:27
10:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 11:27 will be reinstated.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 5. First class not available. Catering is not available. There are no reservations on this service.
10:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 11:27 will be reinstated.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 5. First class not available. Catering is not available. There are no reservations on this service.
| Re: 'Vital' Fleetwood - Knott End ferry service across River Wyre estuary to stop In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374071/31861/5] Posted by Bob_Blakey at 08:33, 11th April 2026 | |
'Wyre Marine Services has been contacted for comment.'
According to its website Wyre Marine Services (WMS) is purely a commercial coastal dredging company and this ferry service does not warrant a mention therein. Information on the service schedule appears to only be available via a Facebook page. The Wyre Council website describes the service as 'not financially viable'.
It seems that WMS has decided that a loss making ferry service should no longer be part of its core business so maybe it is not as 'vital' as some people have claimed.
Very likely another case of Use It Or Lose It.
Depending on the start & end points travelling from Fleetwood to/from Knott End-on-Sea by car or bus involves a detour of approximately 12-13 miles so perhaps the provision of a pedestrian / motor vehicle service, along the lines of the Dartmouth<>Kingswear Higher Ferry, would work.
| Hastings diesel on tour 11/4/26 In "Railway History and related topics" [374070/31862/55] Posted by Mark A at 08:33, 11th April 2026 Already liked by GBM, Western Pathfinder | |
The Hastings diesel is coming to Bath and then Cranmore via Bristol Parkway. Always a welcome sight.
Mark
https://www.hastingsdiesels.co.uk/
| Re: Where could it be better?? In "The Lighter Side" [374069/22075/30] Posted by grahame at 08:32, 11th April 2026 | |
I've just stumbled across this topic - as usual, while I was actually looking for something else 
- and I noted that only three locations were identified originally.
2. Salisbury.
CfN.
- and I noted that only three locations were identified originally.2. Salisbury.
CfN.
No - it isn't (no platform 1 at Salisbury in passenger use). Looked like Westbury at first glance back to me, but I'm not convinced. Is the loo sign in the wrong place?
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol direct service, ongoing developments and discussion In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [374068/28355/22] Posted by grahame at 08:27, 11th April 2026 | |
Wobble. Hope not too many people got directed away.
10:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 11:27
12:02 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 13:13
12:02 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 13:13 will be reinstated and will now run as scheduled.
Last Updated:11/04/2026 08:23
12:02 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 13:13
12:02 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 13:13 will be reinstated and will now run as scheduled.
Last Updated:11/04/2026 08:23
| Re: Crackdown on traditional carriages threatens ‘Hogwarts Express’ trains In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [374067/28578/47] Posted by grahame at 05:27, 11th April 2026 | |
An update from The National
West Coast Railways (WCR) has said it has reached an agreement with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to install central door locking on its heritage carriages on its entire fleet of Mark 1 carriages used on the Fort William to Mallaig route.
The train previously relied on stewards manually locking doors but the regulator demanded an automated system.
The train previously relied on stewards manually locking doors but the regulator demanded an automated system.
