Swindon and Cricklade Railway

[whole diary]

[Oberon]

I think the original track was lifted later than stated, 1963-4

[johnneyw]

And I am going there soon

[bobm]

Disturbing story from the Swindon Advertiser

YOBS tried to derail a train as it approached a station on the Swindon & Cricklade Railway.

Staff on the train spotted two youths stood on the line at Taw Valley Halt, near Mouldon Hill, on Wednesday afternoon attempting to jam pieces of wood into the tracks.

Fortunately, the train driver managed to stop in time and one youth fled while the other was taken back to the station.
Railway spokesman Adrian Thompson was shocked by the the encounter.

He told the Advertiser: “When they saw the train coming towards them they ran towards the train would you believe.

(Continues in link)

[bobm]

Makes a change to read a story about the Swindon & Cricklade which doesn't involve vandalism - from Swindon Advertiser.

Police asked volunteers from the Swindon and Cricklade Railway for their help in moving the woman, who had broken her leg, from a remote field near Oakhurst back to the station. The Spartan steam engine came to her aid.
 
Adrian Thompson, a spokesman for the railway, said it was the first time the volunteers had been called to help with a medical emergency of this kind. He added: “We’re proud of having been of assistance in getting the patient to hospital.”

On Facebook, North Swindon police said members of the public had called 999 on Saturday morning after hearing screams for help near the old steam railway line in Oakhurst.

[infoman]

Nice footage on BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) popints west local news on Monday 15 April.

[Phantom]

Nice footage on BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) popints west local news on Monday 15 April.

https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org/general-steam-navigation-35011/

[PhilWakely]

Sorry if this is old news, but apparently, Pacer unit 143603 is headed for the Swindon and Cricklade Railway upon retirement at the end of the year.

[grahame]

From This is Wiltshire

10 ways in and around Swindon to nip boredom in the bud

1 Swindon and Cricklade Railway is worth a visit at any time of year, but sunny summer days are ideal for experiencing all the much-loved heritage railway, based at Blunsdon, has to offer. This summer’s programme includes a series of services hauled by both steam and vintage diesel locomotives, as well as various special events.

[etc]

[bobm]

Wiltshire Police appealing for witnesses after more vandalism.

We are investigating two incidents of criminal damage at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway where vintage carriages have been damaged by vandals.

Overnight into the early hours of Tuesday 13 August, three vehicles were damaged - six carriage windows were smashed on the Moonraker dining coach which is currently undergoing restoration.

A window on a carriage used for regular activities in the school holidays was also damaged, as well as a window on the recently acquired exhibition coach which had not long been refurbished.

Then overnight into Saturday 17 August, volunteers arrived at the site to find that two further railway vehicles had been attacked overnight. The Mk1 BR^▸ (British Rail(ways)) Brake Coach which was awaiting restoration had the majority of its windows smashed, while a specialised track maintenance vehicle was targeted and had a window broken.

PC Teresa Herbert said: "The railway is a charity and is run by a group of dedicated volunteers who give up their time not just because they have a keen interest in the railways, but to enable members of the public, both young and old, to enjoy the facilities and it is extremely disappointing to hear of these latest incidents which have threatened to disrupt some of the school holiday activities they regularly host.

"The members tell me the impact on them is considerable. They are now facing a bill for several thousands of pounds, and in operational terms, it also puts them back several months, if not years.

"I'd like to appeal to those who are responsible for these mindless acts of vandalism to think long and hard about their actions, and the impact their behaviour can have on the local community."

Anyone with information should call 101 and ask to speak to PC Teresa Herbert.

[infoman]

Film footage being shown on BBC1 local news at 07:55 on thursday
Might be shown again at 08:25 and 09:05am

[bobm]

More problems for the Swindon & Cricklade..

Fences have been damaged as members of the public illegally accessed a railway line near Swindon.

It’s believed people have been visiting the site despite the locked gates to walk alongside the railway, or cross the tracks at Swindon and Cricklade Railway over the weekend.

More here

[bobm]

Sadly this thread is turning into a catalogue of vandalism incidents.

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/18479215.vandals-cause-hundreds-pounds-damage-historic-swindon-railway/

VANDALS have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway.

This is not the first time that the historic site has been targeted by hoodlums but the fact that the railway has been closed for weeks and had none of the usual income from visitors will make this latest blow more difficult to recover from.

Volunteers are appealing for donations to help them cover repair costs.

A spokesman said: "Another heartbreaking discovery tonight at Taw Valley Halt. One of our members was taking his hour exercise and took the decision to check up on our station site.

(Continues in the link above)

[bobm]

Took a trip to the Swindon & Cricklade Railway today for their first steam operating day of the year.  GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) 0-6-2T 5619, built in Swindon in 1925, was in charge.  It is also planned to operate next Sunday before moving on to the Epping & Ongar Railway.

With the railway running compartment stock they are able to segregate individual parties quite easily and boarding and alighting was well organised.  (and good value for ?7)







The trip also gave me the chance to see how much the Tadpole Farm development is changing the landscape near the railway.



                                             2013 compared to 2020

[smokey]

With respect to the Two Tadpole Farm pictures from bobm, I never reaiised that telegraph poles grew SO quickly 

[TonyK]

With the railway running compartment stock they are able to segregate individual parties quite easily and boarding and alighting was well organised.  (and good value for ?7)

? Not sure? Or pesky fonts?