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Great Western Coffee Shop
Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Re: Portishead Line - possible meeting of forum members to explore the route?
In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [374318/31490/28]
Posted by chuffed at 12:19, 20th April 2026
 
I was at Portbury footbridge at 1037 awaiting the 1000 from Bristol bus station, but no-one got off, so I came home again...

Re: Great Japanese Railway Journeys
In "Media about railways, and other means of transport" [374317/31890/49]
Posted by matth1j at 12:15, 20th April 2026
 
I saw some of last week's episode, and it was entertaining, and eye opening. They took Michael into a maintenance shed for the bullet trains, except it was more like a laboratory; no sign of any dirt or grime anywhere:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002v46g/great-japanese-railway-journeys-series-1-4-kanazawa-to-kurobe-gorge
at about 7 mins in.

Re: Portishead Line - possible meeting of forum members to explore the route?
In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [374316/31490/28]
Posted by Mark A at 11:48, 20th April 2026
 
Pill has provoded a variety of experiences but at the moment I'm trying to leave the place, so far unsuccessfully.

Mark

Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026
In "TransWilts line" [374315/31359/18]
Posted by grahame at 11:33, 20th April 2026
 
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47

11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 has been delayed at Swindon and is now 11 minutes late.
This is due to a fault on this train.

Re: Melksham Station - "InfoStation" / loos / snack bar / info point opportunity?
In "TransWilts line" [374314/31510/18]
Posted by grahame at 11:05, 20th April 2026
 
The decison was in at the tail of last week, and I have been giving key stakeholders a head-up.  We have not been granted funds under CCIF, which - GWR indicate - was oversubscribed and they had to make difficult decisions.  I had been back in touch with GWR who have given me three specific elements which reduced our chances, and those are documented - together with a look forward - at https://www.mtug.org.uk/iats.html. It also covered in less depth as late news at https://www.mtug.org.uk/newsletter_202604.pdf.

Dodsdown brickworks tramway from Grafton & Burbage Station
In "Railway History and related topics" [374313/31904/55]
Posted by Marlburian at 11:02, 20th April 2026
 
Yesterday's glorious weather found me in Great Bedwyn in Wiltshire, from where I walked to Wilton Windmill and then into the picturesque village of the same name (not to be confused with its namesake close to Salisbury). Then  I walked close to the site of Dodsdown Brickworks.

In 1902 a two-mile light railway (but marked on Ordnance Survey maps as a tramway) was constructed from Grafton and Burbage Station to the Brickworks to convey bricks for the building of Tidworth Barracks, which was completed in 1910, the line being dismantled just after. See Journals – Bedwyn History Society.  In August 1907 Richard Haldane, Secretary of State for War, confirmed in the House of Commons that the War Office had rejected bricks made at Dodsdown because they did not comply with specifications.

Unsurprisingly given its short life there are no signs at all of the tramway, though I gather a brick kiln remains on private land.

There's so much history crammed into the locality, with the Kennet & Avon Canal (including the Bruce tunnel and Crofton Beam Engines), evidence of the complex MSWJR junction with the GWR, memorial plaques from the original monumental masons in Great Bedwyn, Wolf Hall, Savernake Forest and the Duchess of Somerset's Hospital in Froxfield.


Re: City Police issue more than double red-light tickets to cyclists
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374312/31902/5]
Posted by Marlburian at 10:39, 20th April 2026
 
Stopping errant cyclists must be a challenge for the police, and perhaps the best way is if the police themselves are on bikes.  And once they've been brought to halt, how are ID and  addresses accurately verified?

A couple of days ago the media had a story "Mum calling for balaclava ban after masked e-bikers leave son severely injured".  I sympathise, but how would such a ban be enforced?

Re: Portishead Line - possible meeting of forum members to explore the route?
In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [374311/31490/28]
Posted by Mark A at 10:21, 20th April 2026
 
*fx: searches this bus for orange hi-viz vests.

Mark

Re: Cardiff -Portsmouth Engineering work 2026
In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [374310/31446/20]
Posted by John D at 09:56, 20th April 2026
 
Further info on upcoming work, seems the cast iron footbridge in Sydney Gardens, Bath will get scaffolding ahead of grit blasting.

Also going to do work on listed Eastern portal of Box tunnel (which few years ago they allowed vegetation to become established and damage some stonework

https://www.bathecho.co.uk/news/community/restoration-work-railway-bus-replacements-planned-116929/#google_vignette

Re: City Police issue more than double red-light tickets to cyclists
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374309/31902/5]
Posted by Bob_Blakey at 07:58, 20th April 2026
 
As a former cyclist I have to say “good”.  There are a minority of cyclists who give the rest a bad name.....

As an active recreational cyclist I fully concur, but outside of our major cities it appears well nigh impossible to get the police to organise even the occasional blitz on these imbeciles.

Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026
In "Across the West" [374308/31163/26]
Posted by NickB at 07:11, 20th April 2026
 
Cancellations to services between Reading and London Paddington
Due to trespassers on the railway between Reading and London Paddington fewer trains are able to run on all lines.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 09:00 20/04.

India has splurged billions on metro trains. But where are the commuters?
In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [374307/31903/52]
Posted by grahame at 06:37, 20th April 2026
 
From the BBC
India has splurged billions on metro trains. But where are the commuters?

Aqua Line is the city's new fully underground metro train connecting the old business district of Cuffe Parade to newer commercial hubs like BKC and the airport terminals in the northern suburbs. It opened last year.

The 33.5km (20.8 miles) corridor was expected to ease congestion in India's financial capital and projected to carry nearly 1.5 million passengers every day. The actual numbers are about a tenth of that, as per various estimates.

The article looks at why ....

* Ticket cost

* "Infrequent" service away from the peaks

* Poor interconnections between services - not an integrated system.  Long walks even at interchange stations, services on each piece of public transport siloed and not linked to others

Some of the other background information looks designed to make a point and is an effect and not a primary reason

* Trains are very quiet by the time they get to the final terminal. Yep - there are examples of  buses and trains the world over which run from / through city centres and the final stop(s) are remote - "Triangle loading".  Falmouth Dock or Severn Beach, anyone!

* Trains are short - 3 or 6 carriages.  Well - if there's plenty of space, that makes sense

* Numbers improved by counting each leg of a connection journey as a separate trip in the stats.  So what - it's not going to out people off as how they are recorded.


Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026
In "TransWilts line" [374306/31359/18]
Posted by grahame at 06:07, 20th April 2026
 
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47

06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Salisbury and Warminster.
This is due to a fault on this train.

Re: "Powerstock Station - All Change" by Diana P. Read.
In "Railway History and related topics" [374305/31880/55]
Posted by PhilWakely at 22:41, 19th April 2026
Already liked by Western Pathfinder, bradshaw
 
If you're moved to read it, and are in Librarieswest's area, they have a copy available for loan.

Mark

If you can't get to the library, Amazon has a paperback copy available for £88.68 !!!

Attached is a badly colourised picture taken from a damaged B&W negative The station and house seen during the last week of operation of the branch. That is my mum exiting the station through the house!

Re: Portishead Line - possible meeting of forum members to explore the route?
In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [374304/31490/28]
Posted by Red Squirrel at 21:51, 19th April 2026
 
Sorry, only just picked this up. I’m not free tomorrow, sadly, so won’t be able to join you. Look forward to your report!

Re: Lost waterway of Melksham - Wiltshire & Berkshire Canal Trust
In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [374303/31863/47]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:08, 19th April 2026
Already liked by Richard Fairhurst, Witham Bobby, GBM
 
... the economics are not exactly favourable for any form of canal restoration right now!

No, indeed. As soon as it's revealed that the planned work involves the railways, that immediately adds another couple of '00's to the cost of the project.


Re: Lost waterway of Melksham - Wiltshire & Berkshire Canal Trust
In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [374302/31863/47]
Posted by Richard Fairhurst at 19:58, 19th April 2026
Already liked by grahame
 
The main line of the Wilts & Berks Canal will take a southerly bypass route around Swindon - indeed, parts of it have already been built in Wichelstowe.

There's an ambition to reinstate parts of the original line into the town centre as a dead-end branch, but realistically that would only happen if very major new-build development could be planned along with it - otherwise the economics are prohibitive. (To be fair, the economics are not exactly favourable for any form of canal restoration right now!)

Re: City Police issue more than double red-light tickets to cyclists
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374301/31902/5]
Posted by bobm at 19:56, 19th April 2026
Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, eightonedee, GBM, broadgage, Witham Bobby
 
As a former cyclist I have to say “good”.  There are a minority of cyclists who give the rest a bad name.

If they could now tackle the ones who cycle in pedestrianised areas and pavements it would be even better.

As for the maniac who gave me a load of verbal last week because I had the temerity to be on the pavement putting my bins out last week…..

Re: Portishead Line - possible meeting of forum members to explore the route?
In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [374300/31490/28]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:54, 19th April 2026
 
Worth pointing out that the last couple of hundred metres of Sheepway as you approach old Portbury Station from Portishead are really nasty to walk along, with some blind bends and fairly fast traffic. Most motorists I met were very courteous, but one of two were on me before either party had much chance to react.

I'll be carrying (maybe wearing) my own orange hi-viz vest - if any Coffee Shop forum members here would like to join me on this exploration, from Bristol Bus Station.

City Police issue more than double red-light tickets to cyclists
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374299/31902/5]
Posted by ChrisB at 19:31, 19th April 2026
Already liked by Chris from Nailsea
 
From City of London Police

City of London Police have issued more than double the number of fixed penalty notices for cyclists going through red lights.

Figures from the start of April 2025 to end of March 2026 show that the force’s cycle team issued 1,315 fixed penalty notices to cyclists, compared to 643 in the same period the previous financial year. On average, the force is issuing 25 fixed penalty notices a week to cyclists going through red lights.

City of London Police is hosting the biggest cycle roadshow between 8am and 10am today (Thursday 16 April) outside Mansion House, as part of the force’s education, engagement and enforcement work.

During the event, cyclists going through red lights and endangering pedestrians and other road users will be invited to attend the roadshow and speak with people in the visually impaired community.

Refusal to attend will result in a £50 fine.

Officers are joined by people who are visually impaired and blind to explain to cyclists who run through red lights how their actions affect their ability to safely cross the road.

Sergeant Stuart Ford, Cycle Team lead at the City of London Police, said:

“Most cyclists are safe and obey the Highway Code, however, we are educating, engaging and where necessary enforcing those road users who go through red lights, putting themselves and pedestrians at risk.

“Running a red light puts pedestrians, especially vulnerable ones, at risk. Cyclists gamble on the fact that pedestrians will move out the way, ignoring any hidden vulnerabilities.

“Cyclists who run a red light for the sake of saving a few minutes could endanger other vulnerable road users.

“We are going the extra mile by listening to concerns of the public and cracking down on anti-social behaviour and road offences.”

Figures also show that the cycle team has been seizing almost one illegal e-bike a day. There were 351 illegal e-bike seizures during the last financial year compared to 326 in the same period the previous year.

The City of London Police relaunched its cycling capability in 2023, to help combat phone snatching, as well as other offences like drug and road offences. The Cycle Response Unit is highly visible, approachable and able to quickly get through areas inaccessible to vehicles.

Tijs Broeke, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Police Authority Board, said:

“City streets are shared by pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, which means everyone needs to show respect for their fellow road users. I fully support City Police’s pro-active approach in tackling something we know is a big issue for residents and workers, and one which puts others at risk.

“Initiatives like this send a strong message that the rules apply to everyone, and we all have shared responsibility to ensure the Square Mile is a place where everyone can feel safe and welcome.”

Re: Seagulls: particularly in Bath, Bristol, Cornwall and Minehead - ongoing discussion
In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [374298/19857/31]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:18, 19th April 2026
Already liked by TaplowGreen
 
Coffee Shop forum member 'broadgage' will definitely need a bigger cat to deal with that one.


Re: Specialist shops - maps, books, models & stationery - ongoing discussion
In "Introductions and chat" [374297/27406/1]
Posted by bobm at 17:56, 19th April 2026
Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, Mark A
 
On the subject of bookshops, the well known Robert Humm in Stamford is retiring and winding down his business.

https://www.roberthummbooks.co.uk/index.html

We are no longer open to casual callers but are happy to open by appointment.
We shall continue to open by appointment while we still have sufficient stock for it to be worthwhile.
The sale discounts still apply!
For an appointment e-mail books@roberthumm.co.uk, or try phoning 01780 766266, we are still often working around the shop

Web site sales - the end
Online sales are no longer possible. Almost all the books listed here are still available (if not marked SOLD) and can be ordered by e-mail or by visiting the shop by appointment. The site is being remodelled and should appear in its new form before the end of April.

Retirement Sale - All Stock Must Go
Thousands of good clean railway books, British and foreign, booklets, time tables, bound periodicals.
Sale discounts for customers visiting the shop:
Old and recent : 50% off marked prices
New : 25% off cover prices
Plus many special bargains.

Re: Some pictures off the old computer - Bank Holiday Quiz
In "The Lighter Side" [374296/24963/30]
Posted by eXPassenger at 17:14, 19th April 2026
 
Don't think I would like to negotiate any pointwork on those red wheeled rail bikes 

The black one at the back might do ok though.

They will be light enough to lift across points.

Re: Seagulls: particularly in Bath, Bristol, Cornwall and Minehead - ongoing discussion
In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [374295/19857/31]
Posted by johnneyw at 12:49, 19th April 2026
 
It appears that the avian food raiding gangs are spreading beyond the seagull community.  Watch out for your sausage rolls!


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ceqwvp5g7ldo

Re: Portishead Line - possible meeting of forum members to explore the route?
In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [374294/31490/28]
Posted by IndustryInsider at 12:27, 19th April 2026
 
I enjoyed the walk from the Sheepway bridge through the nature reserve (and a housing estate) to the site of the new station at Portishead, keeping to the right side of the line. 

Well, I did it the other way round, but you know what I mean!

Re: Portishead Line - possible meeting of forum members to explore the route?
In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [374293/31490/28]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:09, 19th April 2026
 
Yes, Mark. 

Looking at the timetable for the X4, it runs every twenty minutes from the Bristol Bus Station.  It stops in Pill, handy for the railway station there, and on Station Road in Sheepway - handy for what used to be the railway station there.

I therefore suggest starting the excursion from Bristol Bus Station on the 10:00.  That gets to the Anchor Inn in Pill at 10:25, enabling an exploration on foot there before resuming the X4 service onwards to Sheepway, and then Portishead at around lunchtime.

Return journey is very flexible - every twenty minutes.

Re: Portishead Line - possible meeting of forum members to explore the route?
In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [374292/31490/28]
Posted by Mark A at 09:51, 19th April 2026
 
Do we have a plan 'A' for this activity please?

Mark

Re: Some pictures off the old computer - Bank Holiday Quiz
In "The Lighter Side" [374291/24963/30]
Posted by Oxonhutch at 09:43, 19th April 2026
Already liked by Mark A
 
Don't think I would like to negotiate any pointwork on those red wheeled rail bikes 

The black one at the back might do ok though.

Re: "Powerstock Station - All Change" by Diana P. Read.
In "Railway History and related topics" [374289/31880/55]
Posted by bradshaw at 09:12, 19th April 2026
Already liked by Mark A, PhilWakely
 
Mark,
I have just come across your post. Marion and I met Diana in the mid-1990s while preparing for an exhibition for Bridport Museum on the Bridport Branch. She showed around the station and was most helpful. She died a few years ago and was given on obituary by the Railway Ramblers.

 
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