Great Western Coffee Shop

I was on the 19:44 from Bristol Temple Meads through to Taunton. The Train Stopped at the signal on the down line at the end of the platform. We waited for about 5 minutes when an announcement came over. The announcement of a rather concerned TM was that we would be proceeding very slowly because people had been throwing bricks at the train infront. We passed through the Worle area with no trouble thank goodness ;D

The 19:15 (From Bristol) FGW HST Stopping service to Taunton was the unlucky victim. It was terminated at Weston Super Mare. I don't know the full details of the damage but according to the FGW website. The service was terminated due to "Vandalism"

This has affected the return working, with the following in place (according to FGW Website)

21:18 Taunton to London Paddington due 00:34
This train will be revised.This train will be formed of 4 coaches instead of 8 between Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads.This is due to an earlier train fault.
Last Updated: 19/02/2009 20:24

Also

21:18 Taunton to London Paddington due 00:34
This train has been revised.This is due to an earlier train fault.
No catering service available.
Last Updated: 19/02/2009 19:28

I do hope that FGW and BTP catch those responsible for this act. IMO attacking an innocent and beautiful HST should be punished by a severe frown from the driver and passengers and life imprisonment ;)

The Scary was that I nearly got on this train... Glad I waited for the 19:44 Taunton Fast after all ;D

* Edit * Found the report on the FGW Website :)

17:30 London Paddington to Taunton due 20:27
This train has been terminated at Weston-Super-Mare.It will no longer call at: Highbridge & Burnham, Bridgwater and Taunton.This is due to vandalism. Last Updated: 19/02/2009 19:51

I was on this service as far as Nailsea and know the TM (a very enthusiastic chap who insists on running the full length of the platform at Nailsea to make sure all the doors are closed promptly). He's a regular on the service, so I'll ask him what happened when I next see him.   

Half term strikes again.

I'll get my coat.

From the Rail-Gen Yahoo Group last night:

Why should you because you are spot on tramway. Of all the many breaks that kids and teachers get every year, this half term break is well known for kids causing trouble as parents don't tend to take as much time off during this break partly because a)we've just had Christmas b)there are only so many days you can take off from work in a year.

Saturday afternoon last, (21:02). Trains running under caution at Newlands East on the Malvern Line.  This was due to youths throwing stones at trains.  This area is a perennial trouble spot, with frequent reports of trespass and vandalism, which usually occurs during the light summer evenings, at weekends and school holidays.  All in all, a pretty strong case against our youngsters.  However, this section of line is also one of the worst for fare evasion and general anti-social behaviour and many of the offenders are adults.

To me, this suggests a deep seated cultural problem. Heaven knows what a society we are moulding.  :(