This is a test of GDPR / Cookie Acceptance [about our cookies]
Really irritating test - cookie expires in 24 hour!
Great Western Coffee Shop
Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Re: Thunderstorms in the West Country - May and June 2026 - ongoing
In "Across the West" [376302/32078/26]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:30, 22nd June 2026
 
... if it likes it can go back up to the top of the clouds.

The helicopter? 

Re: Thunderstorms in the West Country - May and June 2026 - ongoing
In "Across the West" [376301/32078/26]
Posted by Mark A at 18:27, 22nd June 2026
 
Yup, continuous high stuff until a couple of minutes ago, and if it likes it can go back up to the top of the clouds.

Mark

Re: Thunderstorms in the West Country - May and June 2026 - ongoing
In "Across the West" [376300/32078/26]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:21, 22nd June 2026
 
Yes, we, too, had very little lightning - just almost continuous thunder.

The thunderstorm has now passed on - but the noise of thunder has now been replaced by that of the police helicopter hovering overhead.

CfN.

Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026
In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376299/31359/18]
Posted by grahame at 18:13, 22nd June 2026
 
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56

20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.

Re: Thunderstorms in the West Country - May and June 2026 - ongoing
In "Across the West" [376298/32078/26]
Posted by Mark A at 18:09, 22nd June 2026
 
Arrived in Bath sending a big push ahead of it from the downdraught beneath it, and continuous rumbling from high overhead. Now very dark, chucking it down, poor visibility, thrashing the trees, but suspiciously little lighting - on the incoming edge of that for the moment.

Mark

Re: Thunderstorms in the West Country - May and June 2026 - ongoing
In "Across the West" [376297/32078/26]
Posted by Western Pathfinder at 18:02, 22nd June 2026
 
I don’t think I’m going to have to water my veg patch this evening,water butts are filling up nicely.

Re: Thunderstorms in the West Country - May and June 2026 - ongoing
In "Across the West" [376296/32078/26]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:39, 22nd June 2026
 
Now some serious thunder and some very serious rain here in Nailsea.


Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026
In "Across the West" [376295/31163/26]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:37, 22nd June 2026
 
Fair point. 

Re: Thunderstorms in the West Country - May and June 2026 - ongoing
In "Across the West" [376294/32078/26]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:35, 22nd June 2026
 
Yes, we now have some thunder and serious rain here in Nailsea as I type. 


Re: Thunderstorms in the West Country - May and June 2026 - ongoing
In "Across the West" [376293/32078/26]
Posted by Mark A at 17:26, 22nd June 2026
 
It's upped the strike rate to ~450 per minute and the associated area of heavy rain has somewhat grown. I'm off to check a couple of drains for obstructions.

Mark

Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376292/32151/51]
Posted by ChrisB at 17:26, 22nd June 2026
 
I noted that EMT  published a phone number (0333 212 5934) for those customers & families directly involved in the accident. Staffed by trained colleagues, able to help with queries and collection of personal possessions left on the trains, and also refer anyone needing further assistance to the Red Cross.

Open Mon-Fri 0700 - 2000
Sat 0800 - 2000
Sun 1000 - 2000

https://x.com/eastmidrailway/status/2068727166276087888?s=46&t=xkfWmHOnbkxHSxxmzGCejw

Re: Thunderstorms in the West Country - May and June 2026 - ongoing
In "Across the West" [376291/32078/26]
Posted by Mark A at 17:22, 22nd June 2026
 
Seems to be about the size of half a county and producing ~150 strikes per minute and I think yr kitten will be hearing rumbles now as it's landed one near Yatton.

Mark

Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376290/32151/51]
Posted by ChrisB at 17:16, 22nd June 2026
 
Wonder what happens with the Bedford - Bletchley service in these circumstances.

A post on 'the' other forum states two additional loco & coaches sets running from tomorrow (Tues) until the line reopens between Bedford & Bletchley to assist those needing to travel towards London. One set from West Coast and the other from GBRf. Both running non-stop & both top & tailed with locos.

Also, on the night of the accident, Bedford Council went & ticketed cars that had overstayed their ticket....you'd think someone would have been intelligent enough to realise that the owners were likely stuck away & unable to return to their cars in time. But oh no.....

Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376289/32151/51]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:11, 22nd June 2026
 
Thanks for that update post and link here, ChrisB.


Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026
In "Across the West" [376288/31163/26]
Posted by IndustryInsider at 17:04, 22nd June 2026
Already liked by Mark A
 
Quite a lot of freight loops will also be booked out for the same reason.  The loops at Milton, Wootton Bassett, Hullavington and Chipping Sodbury being five examples.

That's four. 

Four locations but five loops as Hullavington has two. 

Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376287/32151/51]
Posted by ChrisB at 17:01, 22nd June 2026
 
From CambNews, the driver's local rag

Former Stukeleys councillor who helped shape village future killed in Bedford rail crash

A former Huntingdonshire district and parish councillor who helped shape the future of The Stukeleys has been named as the train driver killed in the Bedford rail crash.

Shaun Burton, 60, of Great Stukeley, died following Friday’s collision involving two East Midlands Railway services near Bedford, which left around 100 passengers injured.

Mr Burton was a familiar figure in Cambridgeshire public life, serving as an Independent Huntingdonshire District Councillor for The Stukeleys ward after first being elected in 2016. He was also elected to Great Stukeley Parish Council in 2018 and later served on The Stukeleys Parish Council before stepping down in 2024 because of work commitments.

His family paid tribute, saying: “We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident.”

They have asked for privacy as they come to terms with their loss.

Away from politics, Mr Burton was a dedicated railwayman who joined East Midlands Railway in 2019 after a career in the bus and coach industry. He was well known among colleagues and passengers alike, particularly on services between Corby and London.

But locally he will also be remembered for the role he played in protecting the character of Great and Little Stukeley through the parish’s Neighbourhood Plan.As lead member for the project, Mr Burton helped steer years of consultation, examination and community engagement designed to ensure future growth respected the villages’ distinctive identity while accommodating development linked to nearby Alconbury Weald.

Writing in the adopted plan, he thanked residents and supporters who helped bring the project to fruition. The document eventually secured overwhelming backing in a local referendum in 2023, with 91.6 per cent voting in favour before it was formally adopted by Huntingdonshire District Council.

The plan set out a long-term vision to 2036 aimed at protecting and enhancing the parish’s natural and built environment while ensuring future development reflected the character and uniqueness of the villages.

Tributes have also been paid by colleagues across the railway industry.

Dave Calfe, general secretary of train drivers’ union Aslef, described Mr Burton as a popular and dedicated railway professional.

He said: “We are all heartbroken by the death of Shaun Burton which leaves a hole in the lives of his family, friends, and colleagues, which will never be filled.”

Mr Calfe said Mr Burton had joined the railway later in life after working on buses and coaches and was “devoted to his colleagues” and “enormously popular” at his depot.

East Midlands Railway managing director Will Rogers said Mr Burton was a “dedicated railway professional” whose commitment and service touched colleagues and passengers alike.

He added: “Shaun was known for his quick-wit, kind, generous, and intelligent nature, and for always having a smile on his face.”

For many in The Stukeleys, however, Mr Burton will be remembered not only as a respected train driver and public servant, but as a family man and community champion who worked tirelessly to help safeguard the future of the villages he called home.

Re: Thunderstorms in the West Country - May and June 2026 - ongoing
In "Across the West" [376286/32078/26]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:50, 22nd June 2026
 
Thanks for your post, Mark.

I have expanded the heading of this topic accordingly, and I will now 'batten down the hatches', lest our new arrival (a kitten, actually looking rather like a tiger cub) is phased by the noise and flickering.


Re: Thunderstorms in the West Country - May and June 2026 - ongoing
In "Across the West" [376285/32078/26]
Posted by Mark A at 16:21, 22nd June 2026
 
June 22nd: just about a month later than the storms that prompted this thread, reports of an area of thunderstorms making their way up into and through Cornwall - and may be through Bristol around 6pm.

Mark

https://www.lightningmaps.org/


Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026
In "Across the West" [376284/31163/26]
Posted by ChrisB at 16:17, 22nd June 2026
 
Probably coinciding with the HS2 work & the Xmas closure.

Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026
In "Across the West" [376283/31163/26]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:09, 22nd June 2026
 
The western section of Dolphin Junction was completely replaced at Christmas.  There was talk of the eastern section (which is the bit these particular trains use) being replaced and upgraded from 40mph to 70mph…not sure when though.

Just seen a comment on another forum suggesting that the outstanding work on Dolphin Junction is scheduled for the end of this year - clearly can't come soon enough.

Re: Delays on Devon services - merged posts, ongoing discussion
In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [376282/28378/24]
Posted by GBM at 15:36, 22nd June 2026
 
Cancellations to services between Newton Abbot and Exeter St Davids
Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident near the railway between Newton Abbot and Exeter St Davids all lines are blocked.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 17:00 22/06.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
A person has been struck by a train, leading to all lines being blocked. It is necessary to bring all trains in the affected area to an immediate stop.
-
If you are onboard one of the services in this incident and have been affected by this incident or know someone else who needs support, there is always someone to talk to. Contact a Samaritan on 116 123 for free, any time, on any phone. Help is only a phone call away.
(Issued at 15h27).
I can see 1C80 1205 London Paddington to Plymouth wrong line working at Teignmouth, with
5Z46 1440 Exeter St Davids to Plymouth right line also at Teignmouth.

Thoughts with all those involved

Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376281/31355/51]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:24, 22nd June 2026
Already liked by GBM
 
Certain small and foolish persons ...

Cats, or seagulls? 

Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026
In "Across the West" [376280/31163/26]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:18, 22nd June 2026
 
Quite a lot of freight loops will also be booked out for the same reason.  The loops at Milton, Wootton Bassett, Hullavington and Chipping Sodbury being five examples.

That's four. 

Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376279/31355/51]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 15:18, 22nd June 2026
 
It's somewhat ironic that people are now investing in air conditioning, given it has a significant impact on climate change via its high energy demands, leading to "weather events" such as we are seeing now!

Re: Chippenham Railway Station and cycle parking
In "Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them" [376278/32157/50]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:57, 22nd June 2026
 
Going even further off topic, the Kennet & Avon Canal has long stretches which are lovely to navigate, and to walk / cycle beside. 


Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026
In "Across the West" [376277/31163/26]
Posted by IndustryInsider at 14:31, 22nd June 2026
 
The western section of Dolphin Junction was completely replaced at Christmas.  There was talk of the eastern section (which is the bit these particular trains use) being replaced and upgraded from 40mph to 70mph…not sure when though.

Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376276/31355/51]
Posted by broadgage at 14:26, 22nd June 2026
Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, TaplowGreen
 
AFAIK, only one "red heat health alert" has been issued in the past.
Air conditioning is becoming a requirement rather than a luxury.

Certain small and foolish persons have predicted that broadgage will burst or explode due to the heat !


Keep the Port chilled broadgage!
,The port season is over !
This time of year, I favour Plymouth Navy strenth gin and tonic with ice, or chilled beer.

Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026
In "Across the West" [376275/31163/26]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 14:18, 22nd June 2026
 
GWR relying on TfL/Elizabeth Line to bail them out between Reading-Paddington it would seem.

Indeed, a proactive and preventative strategy often used during extreme heat, and far better than the points at Dolphin Junction failing in 'reverse' and four operational lines becoming two.

Quite a lot of freight loops will also be booked out for the same reason.  The loops at Milton, Wootton Bassett, Hullavington and Chipping Sodbury being five examples.

Given that the frequency of these extreme weather events have been on the rise for the last decade or so, what has/is being done to make this and other key pieces of infrastructure more resilient?

Dolphin Junction would seem to be a well known and hugely disruptive single point of failure.

Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026
In "Across the West" [376274/31163/26]
Posted by IndustryInsider at 13:31, 22nd June 2026
Already liked by Mark A
 
GWR relying on TfL/Elizabeth Line to bail them out between Reading-Paddington it would seem.

Indeed, a proactive and preventative strategy often used during extreme heat, and far better than the points at Dolphin Junction failing in 'reverse' and four operational lines becoming two.

Quite a lot of freight loops will also be booked out for the same reason.  The loops at Milton, Wootton Bassett, Hullavington and Chipping Sodbury being five examples.

Re: Frome station - facilities, services, improvements, events and incidents - merged posts
In "Heart of Wessex" [376273/247/19]
Posted by John D at 13:27, 22nd June 2026
 
Due to a points failure at Frome all lines are blocked.
Impact:
Train services running through this station will be cancelled or running non stop between Castle Cary and Bruton. Frome will not be served. Disruption is expected until 14:15 22/06.

https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/live-network-updates

 
The Coffee Shop forum is provided by customers of Great Western Railway (formerly First Great Western). The views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit https://www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site at admin@railcustomer.info if you feel that the content provided by one of our posters contravenes our posting rules. Our full legal statment is at https://www.greatwesternrailway.info/legal.html

Although we are planning ahead, we don't know what the future will bring here in the Coffee Shop. We have domains "firstgreatwestern.info" for w-a-y back and also "greatwesternrailway.info"; we can also answer to "greatbritishrailways.info" too. For the future, information about Great Brisish Railways, by customers and for customers.
 
Current Running
GWR trains from JourneyCheck
 
 
Code Updated 11th January 2025