Having it both ways

[whole diary]

[Red Squirrel]

I am considering investing in a weekly season when the Severed Beach line is finally reconnected, but never having possessed such a thing in the past I realise that I'm not sure what's possible.

Specifically: my home station is Montpelier; one or two days a week I travel to Clifton Down and back, sometimes twice; maybe once a week I'll want to go to Temple Meads and back. Will I be breaking the rules if I get a BRI^» (Bristol Temple Meads - next trains)-CFN^▸ (Clifton Down station) season and then use it from MTP-CFN or MTP-BRI? BRI-CFN is the same fare as MTP-CFN, and I presume the zones come into it, but it's all a bit bewildering to someone with a brain the size of a squirrel's...

[grahame]

I am considering investing in a weekly season when the Severed Beach line is finally reconnected, but never having possessed such a thing in the past I realise that I'm not sure what's possible.

Specifically: my home station is Montpelier; one or two days a week I travel to Clifton Down and back, sometimes twice; maybe once a week I'll want to go to Temple Meads and back. Will I be breaking the rules if I get a BRI^» (Bristol Temple Meads - next trains)-CFN^▸ (Clifton Down station) season and then use it from MTP-CFN or MTP-BRI? BRI-CFN is the same fare as MTP-CFN, and I presume the zones come into it, but it's all a bit bewildering to someone with a brain the size of a squirrel's...

A season ticket gives "unlimited" travel during its period of validity between the two places / zones specified on it via any permitted route (unless it has a "via") and is valid for short journeys to / from / between any stations on those permitted routes.

In English - your plans are covered.

[grahame]

From Melksham, I once had 2 days work to do in London and 3 beside Farnborough Main Station in a week. Fares quoted on the phone by National Rail Enquiries were 2 x MKM^» (Melksham (Station code) - next trains) to PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains) returns and 3 x MKM to FNB - total price at today's figures £730.20.   Actually I used a Trowbridge to London Terminals (and permitted) season - £273.00 in total. Only issuse was a gateline person at Farnborough not knowing where Melksham was.  Mind, I would have been asking too prior to about 1979!

[JayMac]

Why not really push the boat out and spend another £3 for a whole line weekly season?

You can then experience the Roman ruins at Portus Abonae (aka Sea Mills - all my time living nearby I never did see any mills) even if they do just look suspiciously like foundations for a Barratt semi. Next, the shoppers paradise and vibrant nightlife of Shirehampton with its former Woollies, two Co-ops, three pubs - one excellent one on the river, two 5h1te ones in the village, oh and Bristol's best kebabs. Then the bright lights of Avonmouth await with its heady aroma and regular insect plagues (nothing to do with the refuse derived fuel facility of course), you can stay the night here in the one star Royal Infirmary Hotel ("unacceptable" Mark C - TripAdvisor), praying that nothing blows up nearby - particularly if Network Rail have blocked the level crossing. Next morning on to the sights and sounds (often deafening) of the Bulk Coal Terminal at St Andrew's Road (no longer by request). And finally take the air at the wind-drenched resort mecca of Severn Beach, promenading as you gaze wistfully across the stygian waters to the Newport steel works.

All that for nine quid a week? Bargain.

Don't forget you'll need to get a Photocard. It must be carried at all times you are using a Weekly Season. I believe the ticket examiners/conductors carry the blanks on board. Well, in my day, the lovely Rena did. You'll need a passport sized photo. It's helpful if this is of yourself.

[SandTEngineer]

You didn't mention the beach itself.  Can I go for a quick paddle and build some sandcastles there?

[Red Squirrel]

Why not really push the boat out and spend another £3 for a whole line weekly season?

What? D'you think I've got money to burn?

I have ventured into the strange land beyond Clifton Down Tunnel, you know - I find that as long as I remember to whistle Che farò senza Euridice to myself as we rattle under The Downs, I can usually get through without suffering a fit of mimsy.

[JayMac]

You didn't mention the beach itself.  Can I go for a quick paddle and build some sandcastles there?

You can slowly sink while attempting to build a mud hut.

[chuffed]

Why not really push the boat out and spend another £3 for a whole line weekly season?

I have ventured into the strange land beyond Clifton Down Tunnel, you know - I find that as long as I remember to whistle Che farò senza Euridice to myself as we rattle under The downs

Best of Gluck with that!

[JayMac]

I have ventured into the strange land beyond Clifton Down Tunnel, you know - I find that as long as I remember to whistle Che farò senza Euridice to myself as we rattle under The Downs, I can usually get through without suffering a fit of mimsy.

I forgot to mention. The Trym at Sea Mills is a good approximation of The Styx.

[Red Squirrel]

I have ventured into the strange land beyond Clifton Down Tunnel, you know - I find that as long as I remember to whistle Che farò senza Euridice to myself as we rattle under The Downs, I can usually get through without suffering a fit of mimsy.

I forgot to mention. The Trym at Sea Mills is a good approximation of The Styx.

Indeed. In fact I have played Pooh styx there.

[chuffed]

I have ventured into the strange land beyond Clifton Down Tunnel, you know - I find that as long as I remember to whistle Che farò senza Euridice to myself as we rattle under The downs
[/quote]

Best of Gluck with that!
[/quote]

One arrangement I have of this is called 'Dance of the happy Spirits'. I didn't think they served alcohol on the Severed Bleach line.

[JayMac]

I gave been on a FGW^▸ (First Great Western) train through Shirehampton whilst supping an ale bought from the buffet.