Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: WECA becomes WEMCA in December 2024 and ongoing political issues (updated title) In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [373583/25181/21] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:50, 24th March 2026 |      |
From the BBC:
Weca Mayor felt 'trapped and unsafe' amid Acorn confrontation
Helen Godwin said "aggression is not activism"
A mayor says she felt "trapped" after reportedly being cornered by activists in a lift after a meeting.
Helen Godwin, mayor for the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), which covers Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset, said the incident occurred following a meeting in Bristol on Monday.
Members of the community union Acorn said she presented a "complete unwillingness to engage" when questioned on pledges she had previously agreed to.
In a statement, Godwin said: "Aggression is not activism, and tactics like this designed to intimidate politicians have no place in our society." Avon and Somerset Police said enquiries into the incident were ongoing.
Godwin said she prides herself on being "open and accessible" to the public and willing to answer questions, describing it as an "important part of our democracy".
"But today, as I tried to leave the room, a group of people ran after me - shouting," she continued. "A man followed me into a lift and refused to leave, despite being asked repeatedly. People, particularly women, will understand just how scary this was. I felt trapped and unsafe. The police had to be called, and they are now investigating."
Acorn said their members tried to confront Godwin as she left the meeting to discuss taking action on public control of buses, bailiff bullying, homelessness and housing.
They claim on 25 April last year, Labour South West's regional communications officer responded to an email asking if Godwin would agree to these pledges. The email from Godwin's office allegedly stated: "With regards to the pledges that you have sent over, you can mark Helen as a 'yes' for each one".
Acorn accused Godwin of failing to follow through on pledges
The union said Godwin's "lack of follow-through on pledges" she made prior to the election "have let everyone down".
"As she left, Acorn members met her in the corridor outside and tried to ask questions, but were met with a complete unwillingness to engage," they said. "The claim that she was 'trapped' is particularly odd, given that it was her own security that blocked her exit rather than any members of Acorn. We just want a meeting, and it's very disappointing to see the mayor completely blow questions being asked out of proportion to avoid taking responsibility for promises she made," they added.
Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, described the incident as "deeply disturbing".
"Nobody has the right to impose their will on another person through physical, verbal or emotional intimidation," he said. "This is a fundamental principle of living in a democratic and free society, where people must be able to go about their work and daily lives without fear."
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said officers had attended the Weca offices on Redcliff Street at about 10.30 GMT on Monday. "(We) received a report that an elected official was confronted by members of the public following a meeting," the spokesman said. "Enquiries into this incident are ongoing."
Helen Godwin said "aggression is not activism"
A mayor says she felt "trapped" after reportedly being cornered by activists in a lift after a meeting.
Helen Godwin, mayor for the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), which covers Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset, said the incident occurred following a meeting in Bristol on Monday.
Members of the community union Acorn said she presented a "complete unwillingness to engage" when questioned on pledges she had previously agreed to.
In a statement, Godwin said: "Aggression is not activism, and tactics like this designed to intimidate politicians have no place in our society." Avon and Somerset Police said enquiries into the incident were ongoing.
Godwin said she prides herself on being "open and accessible" to the public and willing to answer questions, describing it as an "important part of our democracy".
"But today, as I tried to leave the room, a group of people ran after me - shouting," she continued. "A man followed me into a lift and refused to leave, despite being asked repeatedly. People, particularly women, will understand just how scary this was. I felt trapped and unsafe. The police had to be called, and they are now investigating."
Acorn said their members tried to confront Godwin as she left the meeting to discuss taking action on public control of buses, bailiff bullying, homelessness and housing.
They claim on 25 April last year, Labour South West's regional communications officer responded to an email asking if Godwin would agree to these pledges. The email from Godwin's office allegedly stated: "With regards to the pledges that you have sent over, you can mark Helen as a 'yes' for each one".
Acorn accused Godwin of failing to follow through on pledges
The union said Godwin's "lack of follow-through on pledges" she made prior to the election "have let everyone down".
"As she left, Acorn members met her in the corridor outside and tried to ask questions, but were met with a complete unwillingness to engage," they said. "The claim that she was 'trapped' is particularly odd, given that it was her own security that blocked her exit rather than any members of Acorn. We just want a meeting, and it's very disappointing to see the mayor completely blow questions being asked out of proportion to avoid taking responsibility for promises she made," they added.
Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, described the incident as "deeply disturbing".
"Nobody has the right to impose their will on another person through physical, verbal or emotional intimidation," he said. "This is a fundamental principle of living in a democratic and free society, where people must be able to go about their work and daily lives without fear."
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said officers had attended the Weca offices on Redcliff Street at about 10.30 GMT on Monday. "(We) received a report that an elected official was confronted by members of the public following a meeting," the spokesman said. "Enquiries into this incident are ongoing."
| Croydon rail upgrade delay may impact Gatwick Airport and Universal Studios park In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373582/31784/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:14, 24th March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Rail scheme delay may impact Gatwick and Universal
The Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme includes major upgrades at East Croydon and Norwood Junction stations
An MP has warned that continued delays to funding a major rail upgrade across Croydon could have knock‑on effects for other projects - including Gatwick Airport's planned runway expansion and the new Universal Studios UK theme park.
During a House of Commons debate, it was revealed that the £2.9bn Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme (CARS) remains stalled.
First proposed in 2020, the project was intended to ease a long‑standing bottleneck on the Brighton Main Line in the Croydon area.
Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed the project had been paused by the previous government in 2022 without notifying stakeholders, and has not been reinstated in subsequent spending reviews.
The Thameslink route is one of the busiest in the country and links London with the south coast, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
CARS includes major upgrades at East Croydon and Norwood Junction stations, extensive track remodelling around Selhurst, and bridge works to create space for additional lines.
Croydon East MP Natasha Irons warned that failing to tackle the long‑standing bottleneck could have wider consequences for the South East economy. She said further delays risked undermining the proposed Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire, due to open in 2031, which is expected to support about 28,000 jobs and attract 8.5 million visitors a year.
She also warned that the £2.2bn northern runway expansion at Gatwick Airport could be hindered. "Rail is not an optional extra - it is a fundamental element of Gatwick's success," Irons said.
The transport minister said that rail spending remained constrained and that the government would not be currently providing funding for CARS.
There were also no plans to apply for planning consents such as a Transport and Works Act Order or to carry out any associated compulsory land purchases.
Despite this, Lightwood described the Brighton Main Line as a "vital artery" and pointed to previous investment, including the £7bn Thameslink programme and the £250m upgrade of Gatwick Airport station.
During the debate on 17 March, he urged local leaders to continue developing their business case ahead of the next spending review in 2027.
The Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme includes major upgrades at East Croydon and Norwood Junction stations
An MP has warned that continued delays to funding a major rail upgrade across Croydon could have knock‑on effects for other projects - including Gatwick Airport's planned runway expansion and the new Universal Studios UK theme park.
During a House of Commons debate, it was revealed that the £2.9bn Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme (CARS) remains stalled.
First proposed in 2020, the project was intended to ease a long‑standing bottleneck on the Brighton Main Line in the Croydon area.
Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed the project had been paused by the previous government in 2022 without notifying stakeholders, and has not been reinstated in subsequent spending reviews.
The Thameslink route is one of the busiest in the country and links London with the south coast, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
CARS includes major upgrades at East Croydon and Norwood Junction stations, extensive track remodelling around Selhurst, and bridge works to create space for additional lines.
Croydon East MP Natasha Irons warned that failing to tackle the long‑standing bottleneck could have wider consequences for the South East economy. She said further delays risked undermining the proposed Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire, due to open in 2031, which is expected to support about 28,000 jobs and attract 8.5 million visitors a year.
She also warned that the £2.2bn northern runway expansion at Gatwick Airport could be hindered. "Rail is not an optional extra - it is a fundamental element of Gatwick's success," Irons said.
The transport minister said that rail spending remained constrained and that the government would not be currently providing funding for CARS.
There were also no plans to apply for planning consents such as a Transport and Works Act Order or to carry out any associated compulsory land purchases.
Despite this, Lightwood described the Brighton Main Line as a "vital artery" and pointed to previous investment, including the £7bn Thameslink programme and the £250m upgrade of Gatwick Airport station.
During the debate on 17 March, he urged local leaders to continue developing their business case ahead of the next spending review in 2027.
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [373581/10737/21] Posted by Mark A at 17:56, 24th March 2026 | |
Perhaps members of this forum could nominate additional stations to host statues and play a part in this "The Line to Legend Land" promotion.
How about... Maiden Newton, a six mile walk from the Cerne Abbas Giant? Next, we need an appropriate brief for the design of a statue for MDN. Anyone?
Mark
| Re: Train fire at Newton Abbot 22 March In "London to the West" [373580/31778/12] Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:33, 24th March 2026 | |
I'm sure the report on the incident and the sequence of events that led up to it will make for interesting reading.......
| Re: Spain / Portugal power outage - 28 April 2025 In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [373579/30210/52] Posted by ChrisB at 15:30, 24th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
From Ento-E
ENTSO-E Publishes Expert Panel Final Report on 28 April 2025 Blackout in Spain and Portugal
The final report of the Expert Panel on the 28 April 2025 blackout in continental Spain and Portugal identifies its causes and outlines recommendations to strengthen the resilience of Europe’s interconnected electricity system. It was prepared by a 49-member Panel including representatives from Transmission System Operators (TSOs), Regional Coordination Centres (RCCs), ACER and National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), and was chaired by experts from two unaffected TSOs.
The investigation concludes that the blackout resulted from a combination of many interacting factors, including oscillations, gaps in voltage and reactive power control, differences in voltage regulation practices, rapid output reductions and generator disconnections in Spain, and uneven stabilisation capabilities. These factors led to fast voltage increases and cascading generation disconnections, resulting in the blackout in continental Spain and Portugal.
Based on these findings, the Expert Panel sets out recommendations addressing each of the factors identified in the report to help prevent similar events in the future. These include strengthened operational practices, improved monitoring of system behaviour and closer coordination and data exchange among power system actors. The findings of the investigation also underscore the need for regulatory frameworks to adapt in order to support the evolving nature of the power system.
The 28 April 2025 blackout was a first of its kind event, and the recommendations aim to strengthen system resilience with solutions that are already technologically deployable. This blackout highlights how developments at the local level can have system-wide implications and underlines the importance of maintaining strong links between local and European system behaviour and coordination, while ensuring that market mechanisms, regulatory frameworks and energy policies remain aligned with the physical limits of the system.
Report here
The final report of the Expert Panel on the 28 April 2025 blackout in continental Spain and Portugal identifies its causes and outlines recommendations to strengthen the resilience of Europe’s interconnected electricity system. It was prepared by a 49-member Panel including representatives from Transmission System Operators (TSOs), Regional Coordination Centres (RCCs), ACER and National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), and was chaired by experts from two unaffected TSOs.
The investigation concludes that the blackout resulted from a combination of many interacting factors, including oscillations, gaps in voltage and reactive power control, differences in voltage regulation practices, rapid output reductions and generator disconnections in Spain, and uneven stabilisation capabilities. These factors led to fast voltage increases and cascading generation disconnections, resulting in the blackout in continental Spain and Portugal.
Based on these findings, the Expert Panel sets out recommendations addressing each of the factors identified in the report to help prevent similar events in the future. These include strengthened operational practices, improved monitoring of system behaviour and closer coordination and data exchange among power system actors. The findings of the investigation also underscore the need for regulatory frameworks to adapt in order to support the evolving nature of the power system.
The 28 April 2025 blackout was a first of its kind event, and the recommendations aim to strengthen system resilience with solutions that are already technologically deployable. This blackout highlights how developments at the local level can have system-wide implications and underlines the importance of maintaining strong links between local and European system behaviour and coordination, while ensuring that market mechanisms, regulatory frameworks and energy policies remain aligned with the physical limits of the system.
Report here
| Re: GWR Growing places report March 2026 In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373578/31780/40] Posted by grahame at 15:16, 24th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
It’s hardly surprising though that none of the 35 stations is in Wiltshire - we know that there are currently no new stations funded / under construction in the county - unlike all of those 35 (36 if you add in Brabazon). What should be is of course another matter.
Last Thursday I attended the "Wiltshire Sustainable Transport Forum" in Trowbridge
I am (today, Tuesday) on my way home from the GWR and Network Rail briefing in Westminster.
To my knowledge, I was the ONLY person to attend both ...
"What should be is, of course, another matter"
| Re: GWR Growing places report March 2026 In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373577/31780/40] Posted by Sulis John at 15:02, 24th March 2026 Already liked by grahame | |
It’s hardly surprising though that none of the 35 stations is in Wiltshire - we know that there are currently no new stations funded / under construction in the county - unlike all of those 35 (36 if you add in Brabazon). What should be is of course another matter.
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [373576/10737/21] Posted by Phantom at 10:54, 24th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
I saw those giants on Sunday, I must admit I had never heard that story before
| Re: Network Rail Enhancements plan (what is being done and target date) In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373575/31783/40] Posted by stuving at 10:08, 24th March 2026 | |
March 2026 enhancements plan with estimated target dates
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CP7-Enhancements-Delivery-Plan-Mar-2026-Update.pdf
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CP7-Enhancements-Delivery-Plan-Mar-2026-Update.pdf
That link is one of those self-garbling ones*. But the URL as displayed works:
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CP7-Enhancements-Delivery-Plan-Mar-2026-Update.pdf
* Actually the link inside the quote works too - it's just the original that 404s!
| Re: GWR Growing places report March 2026 In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373574/31780/40] Posted by Bob_Blakey at 09:14, 24th March 2026 | |
The newish Marsh Barton station appears in the report. It is hemmed in by the Marsh Barton Trading Estate to the west, and by the River Exe and it's flood plain to the east, so I would suggest there is little in the way of potential residential building development, and thus leisure passenger growth, in the immediately adjacent area. I assume 'travel to work' passenger numbers are already established.
The ongoing significant residential developments to the south of Marsh Barton, roughly 1.5 - 2.5 miles from the station, will possibly over time increase footfall although only if the regular A379 & Bad Homburg Way traffic jam issues are resolved.
| Re: Recycling rubbish and charity shops - something of a minefield? Ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373573/30854/31] Posted by Bob_Blakey at 08:06, 24th March 2026 | |
.....one of the things that does not get recycled in most areas is rigid plastic.....
This certainly appears to be true for Exeter & Devon; the city council do not accept any rigid plastic items in the kerbside collections. Devon County Council, via their large public recycling centres, will only take 'large' rigid plastic items. But don't define what 'large' means; I have apparently recycled a big outdoor plastic dustbin but a fairly substantial plastic washing-up bowl went into their general waste skip.
Fortunately our soon to be implemented Unitary Authority will sort all this out (pun intended).
| Network Rail Enhancements plan (what is being done and target date) In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373572/31783/40] Posted by John D at 07:54, 24th March 2026 | |
March 2026 enhancements plan with estimated target dates
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CP7-Enhancements-Delivery-Plan-Mar-2026-Update.pdf
Some selected items for GWR area (more details on document)
Oxfordshire Connect (capacity & time improvements) March 2029
Cardiff Central station modernisation March 2030
Acton West - Acton Wells (known as Poplar lines) electrification July 2026
Metrowest phase 1b (Portishead line) December 2028
| Re: St Ives Station - GWR unveils statue of mythical Mermaid of Zennor In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [373571/31782/25] Posted by eightonedee at 07:01, 24th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
...and that Michael Morpurgo was the Children's Laureate, not the Poet Laureate!
| Re: St Ives Station - GWR unveils statue of mythical Mermaid of Zennor In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [373570/31782/25] Posted by CyclingSid at 05:29, 24th March 2026 | |
It might be said that they mean engraved rather than etched.
| Re: Recycling rubbish and charity shops - something of a minefield? Ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373569/30854/31] Posted by infoman at 02:46, 24th March 2026 | |
I think its a good idea,but one of the things that does not get recycled in most areas is rigid plastic
like video tapes and broken plastic children's toys.
| Re: Children to get free bus travel in Bristol, 2025 In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373568/30338/5] Posted by infoman at 02:41, 24th March 2026 | |
Another anti-train decision.
| Re: GWR Growing places report March 2026 In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373567/31780/40] Posted by eightonedee at 22:38, 23rd March 2026 | |
Wot no Devizes Parkway?
| Re: RailAir and GBR In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373566/31773/5] Posted by eightonedee at 22:35, 23rd March 2026 | |
What is happening to RailAir links in the great new Great British Railways wonderland. I don't know what the current contractual relationship between the ROC▸ and the RailAir provider.
From a passenger point of view will things carry on seamlessly? (Innocent fool?).
From a passenger point of view will things carry on seamlessly? (Innocent fool?).
I am not sure what contractual relationship exists, but, if you are worried about the future of the service there's considerable comfort to be gained from the fact that (at Reading) this began quite a long time before privatisation of either rail or bus services, looking it up on Wikipedia, in 1967! (I have a vague memory of Thames Valley using Bedford coaches with the then-new Duple Viceroy bodies). So it has survived a lot of changes of operator in the intervening period. There's also the Rail Air lounge at Reading station which presumably is operated by the coach company under lease or licence from Network Rail.
| Re: Children to get free bus travel in Bristol, 2025 In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373565/30338/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:48, 23rd March 2026 | |
An update, from the BBC:
West of England children's bus tickets capped at £1 until 2029
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England (centre) said passengers deserved an "affordable, reliable and accessible" transport network
A £1 cap on child bus tickets has been extended until spring 2029.
The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) announced the three-year extension of the initiative as part of a wider fares support package for bus passengers.
The multi-operator fare cap, free bus travel for care leavers up to the age of 25, the Youth Guarantee free bus pass and the Diamond Pass to allow pensioners and disabled passengers to travel for free will also be extended following funding from the Department of Transport.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: "We're determined to support the delivery of affordable, reliable and accessible transport networks that passengers deserve."
According to Weca, the £1 child fare cap - which was introduced in September 2022 for anyone aged between five and 15 years old across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset - has already saved families across the region about £1.1m in the last year.
The authority has also allowed children to travel for free during the summer and Christmas half term holidays since June 2025.
Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said he was "pleased" to see the extension of several money-saving schemes which would encourage more people to travel by bus. "We will continue working with the Mayoral Combined Authority, bus operators and neighbouring councils to deliver reliable and affordable services," he added.
North Somerset councillor Hugh Malyan said: "Extension of these schemes will mean increased access to services for many, and at the same time support wider ambitions for a cleaner, more sustainable and inclusive transport network for the future."
Over the coming weeks, Weca is set to consult residents on its developing Bus Plan to enable the community to work together to build a more reliable bus network, which was earmarked as a priority for the region.
Elsewhere, the authority's Transport Vision plan which was announced last month also aims to transform public transport services across the region, with proposals to implement an extended rail network, a mass transit system, safer active travel and improved streets.
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England (centre) said passengers deserved an "affordable, reliable and accessible" transport network
A £1 cap on child bus tickets has been extended until spring 2029.
The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) announced the three-year extension of the initiative as part of a wider fares support package for bus passengers.
The multi-operator fare cap, free bus travel for care leavers up to the age of 25, the Youth Guarantee free bus pass and the Diamond Pass to allow pensioners and disabled passengers to travel for free will also be extended following funding from the Department of Transport.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: "We're determined to support the delivery of affordable, reliable and accessible transport networks that passengers deserve."
According to Weca, the £1 child fare cap - which was introduced in September 2022 for anyone aged between five and 15 years old across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset - has already saved families across the region about £1.1m in the last year.
The authority has also allowed children to travel for free during the summer and Christmas half term holidays since June 2025.
Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said he was "pleased" to see the extension of several money-saving schemes which would encourage more people to travel by bus. "We will continue working with the Mayoral Combined Authority, bus operators and neighbouring councils to deliver reliable and affordable services," he added.
North Somerset councillor Hugh Malyan said: "Extension of these schemes will mean increased access to services for many, and at the same time support wider ambitions for a cleaner, more sustainable and inclusive transport network for the future."
Over the coming weeks, Weca is set to consult residents on its developing Bus Plan to enable the community to work together to build a more reliable bus network, which was earmarked as a priority for the region.
Elsewhere, the authority's Transport Vision plan which was announced last month also aims to transform public transport services across the region, with proposals to implement an extended rail network, a mass transit system, safer active travel and improved streets.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373564/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 21:16, 23rd March 2026 | |
A vehicle had struck a bridge in the Freshford area between Trowbridge and Bath Spa. The bridge has been examined and we are now able to run trains.
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What are we doing about it?
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Our service between Chippenham and Westbury via Melksham will remain suspended as a number of our trains and crew are now not in the right place.
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What are your options?
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We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today, these are the current options available to you:
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Replacement transport has been arranged to run in place of cancelled train services. These have been advertised on journey planners.
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What are we doing about it?
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Our service between Chippenham and Westbury via Melksham will remain suspended as a number of our trains and crew are now not in the right place.
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What are your options?
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We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today, these are the current options available to you:
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Replacement transport has been arranged to run in place of cancelled train services. These have been advertised on journey planners.
| St Ives Station - GWR unveils statue of mythical Mermaid of Zennor In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [373563/31782/25] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:02, 23rd March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
GWR unveils mythical statue at St Ives station
The statue of the Mermaid of Zennor has been placed at St Ives Train Station
Great Western Railway (GWR) has unveiled a statue of the mythical Mermaid of Zennor at St Ives train station.
Along with four others dotted about the GWR network, the temporary sculpture is designed to encourage families to explore the landscapes behind the region's myths and legends.
A new book of the railway's Legend Land series, Line to Legend Land, has also been published, featuring a reissue of 11 myths and a new chapter written by former Poet Laureate Sir Michael Morpurgo.
Paul Gentleman, a spokesperson for GWR, said: "The statues are going to be around for the next few weeks so that people get out... and hopefully explore the countryside around and find out where these stories originated from."
The Mermaid of Zennor was etched into a pew at St Senara's Church in Zennor more than 400 years ago
Visitors can find the five mythical statues across network - The Giants of Avon Gorge at Bristol Temple Meads, Excalibur at Castle Cary Station, The Faeries of Pennard Castle at Swansea Station, and the Red Dragon at Cardiff Central Station.
'The Line to Legend Land' was a series of 24 pamphlets written 100 years ago, and included tales of folklore, myths, and legends from across the South West.
In a social media post for the rail network, Morpurgo said: "By retelling these ancient stories – including the addition of my own, The Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey – we aren't just looking back at the past; we are ensuring that the giants, dragons and mermaids of our heritage continue to live on in the hearts of children today."
Jeni Woolcock, collections manager at the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, which launches its own myths and legends exhibition at the end of this month, said: "Cornwall is absolutely prolific with myths and legends there are so many of them. I really do love the Mermaid of Zennor. I also love Cherry of Zennor which is another myth about a young woman. I think I'm quite often drawn to those where women are not represented in a way that I'm particularly happy with, so I resonate with those because I really want to give them a voice and see things from their perspective," she said.
The statue of the Mermaid of Zennor has been placed at St Ives Train Station
Great Western Railway (GWR) has unveiled a statue of the mythical Mermaid of Zennor at St Ives train station.
Along with four others dotted about the GWR network, the temporary sculpture is designed to encourage families to explore the landscapes behind the region's myths and legends.
A new book of the railway's Legend Land series, Line to Legend Land, has also been published, featuring a reissue of 11 myths and a new chapter written by former Poet Laureate Sir Michael Morpurgo.
Paul Gentleman, a spokesperson for GWR, said: "The statues are going to be around for the next few weeks so that people get out... and hopefully explore the countryside around and find out where these stories originated from."
The Mermaid of Zennor was etched into a pew at St Senara's Church in Zennor more than 400 years ago
Visitors can find the five mythical statues across network - The Giants of Avon Gorge at Bristol Temple Meads, Excalibur at Castle Cary Station, The Faeries of Pennard Castle at Swansea Station, and the Red Dragon at Cardiff Central Station.
'The Line to Legend Land' was a series of 24 pamphlets written 100 years ago, and included tales of folklore, myths, and legends from across the South West.
In a social media post for the rail network, Morpurgo said: "By retelling these ancient stories – including the addition of my own, The Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey – we aren't just looking back at the past; we are ensuring that the giants, dragons and mermaids of our heritage continue to live on in the hearts of children today."
Jeni Woolcock, collections manager at the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, which launches its own myths and legends exhibition at the end of this month, said: "Cornwall is absolutely prolific with myths and legends there are so many of them. I really do love the Mermaid of Zennor. I also love Cherry of Zennor which is another myth about a young woman. I think I'm quite often drawn to those where women are not represented in a way that I'm particularly happy with, so I resonate with those because I really want to give them a voice and see things from their perspective," she said.
| Re: Recycling rubbish and charity shops - something of a minefield? Ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373562/30854/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:32, 23rd March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Cardiff residents will have eight different recycling bags to meet targets
Recycling sacks have been used to separate materials in Cardiff since a trial took place in 2022
Residents in Cardiff will soon have an extra waste bag to deal with as the council looks to boost its recycling rate.
The city's cabinet has agreed to a dedicated collection for soft plastics. These include lightweight and more fragile plastics such as clingfilm, bread bags and crisp packets.
Figures show that last year, the city managed to increase its recycling rate by 4% to 64%,, external but this was still short of the 70% target.
Cardiff residents shared mixed opinions on the change, with one saying: "Rubbish bags don't look very nice, but it's more important that people recycle."
The change will be introduced this summer ahead of the statutory national requirement in April 2027
How will it work?
Residents will receive rolls of dedicated 30-litre bags for storing clean and dry soft plastics; the bags should then be placed in the existing red sacks for kerbside collection.
The council believes the new system should make things simpler for residents and can be incorporated into the current recycling scheme without capacity issues.
The change will exclude flats that use communal bins. A separate trial will be held to work out the best method for collecting soft plastics from these buildings.
The council will also adjust the collection for absorbent hygiene products, like nappies. The collection will be changed from twice a week to once a week in April 2026.
The change will be introduced this summer, ahead of a statutory national requirement in April 2027.
Soft plastic collections are expected to make a considerable impact to Cardiff recycling performance.
Councillor Norma Mackie, cabinet member for waste, street scene & environmental services, said: "Soft plastics represent a significant proportion of Cardiff's residual waste. Both these interventions will aid Cardiff in achieving the Welsh government statutory requirement of 70% of municipal waste being recycled."
What do residents think?
Residents from Cardiff expressed mixed views about the new recycling bags.
Andrew thinks there's enough recycling bags but will use the new ones. He said: "I'm not opposed to it but there's so many recycling bags now."
Sandra, 27, didn't know about the change but thinks it couldn't come soon enough. She said: "Rubbish bags don't look very nice, but it's more important that people recycle, the more recycling we can do the better."
Ellie, 34, who works at a property managing company, feels neutral about the change. She said: "I'm not bothered about new bags really it's obviously important that we recycle but I hope the items do actually get recycled."
Vin and Rhys both think the money used to provide new recycling bags should be used to improve the recycling centres. Rhys said he's seen the bin lorries mixing the waste so feels like it's pointless having another bag. They said: "I think the money should go into investing in the local recycling centre, it would make more jobs and waste would be sorted properly."
Recycling sacks have been used to separate materials in Cardiff since a trial took place in 2022
Residents in Cardiff will soon have an extra waste bag to deal with as the council looks to boost its recycling rate.
The city's cabinet has agreed to a dedicated collection for soft plastics. These include lightweight and more fragile plastics such as clingfilm, bread bags and crisp packets.
Figures show that last year, the city managed to increase its recycling rate by 4% to 64%,, external but this was still short of the 70% target.
Cardiff residents shared mixed opinions on the change, with one saying: "Rubbish bags don't look very nice, but it's more important that people recycle."
The change will be introduced this summer ahead of the statutory national requirement in April 2027
How will it work?
Residents will receive rolls of dedicated 30-litre bags for storing clean and dry soft plastics; the bags should then be placed in the existing red sacks for kerbside collection.
The council believes the new system should make things simpler for residents and can be incorporated into the current recycling scheme without capacity issues.
The change will exclude flats that use communal bins. A separate trial will be held to work out the best method for collecting soft plastics from these buildings.
The council will also adjust the collection for absorbent hygiene products, like nappies. The collection will be changed from twice a week to once a week in April 2026.
The change will be introduced this summer, ahead of a statutory national requirement in April 2027.
Soft plastic collections are expected to make a considerable impact to Cardiff recycling performance.
Councillor Norma Mackie, cabinet member for waste, street scene & environmental services, said: "Soft plastics represent a significant proportion of Cardiff's residual waste. Both these interventions will aid Cardiff in achieving the Welsh government statutory requirement of 70% of municipal waste being recycled."
What do residents think?
Residents from Cardiff expressed mixed views about the new recycling bags.
Andrew thinks there's enough recycling bags but will use the new ones. He said: "I'm not opposed to it but there's so many recycling bags now."
Sandra, 27, didn't know about the change but thinks it couldn't come soon enough. She said: "Rubbish bags don't look very nice, but it's more important that people recycle, the more recycling we can do the better."
Ellie, 34, who works at a property managing company, feels neutral about the change. She said: "I'm not bothered about new bags really it's obviously important that we recycle but I hope the items do actually get recycled."
Vin and Rhys both think the money used to provide new recycling bags should be used to improve the recycling centres. Rhys said he's seen the bin lorries mixing the waste so feels like it's pointless having another bag. They said: "I think the money should go into investing in the local recycling centre, it would make more jobs and waste would be sorted properly."
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [373561/10737/21] Posted by chuffed at 20:01, 23rd March 2026 | |
In response to the question 'how did they get through the barriers?' the obvious response is, 'they took a giant leap of course !'
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373560/31359/18] Posted by bobm at 19:24, 23rd March 2026 | |
More special stops
15:28 Weymouth to Gloucester due 19:04
15:28 Weymouth to Gloucester due 19:04 will be diverted between Westbury and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Melksham and Chippenham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 16 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
15:28 Weymouth to Gloucester due 19:04 will be diverted between Westbury and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Melksham and Chippenham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 16 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
16:24 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 19:53
16:24 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 19:53 will be diverted between Westbury and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Melksham and Chippenham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
16:24 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 19:53 will be diverted between Westbury and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Melksham and Chippenham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
17:24 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 20:46
17:24 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 20:46 will be diverted between Westbury and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Melksham and Chippenham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
17:24 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 20:46 will be diverted between Westbury and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Melksham and Chippenham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
18:24 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 21:45
18:24 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 21:45 will be diverted between Westbury and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Melksham and Chippenham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 16 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
18:24 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 21:45 will be diverted between Westbury and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Melksham and Chippenham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 16 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
19:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 22:56
19:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 22:56 will be diverted between Westbury and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Melksham and Chippenham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
19:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 22:56 will be diverted between Westbury and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Melksham and Chippenham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
20:24 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 23:57
20:24 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 23:57 will be diverted between Westbury and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Melksham and Chippenham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 3.
20:24 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 23:57 will be diverted between Westbury and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Melksham and Chippenham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 3.
Also a couple of road replacements
20:06 Chippenham to Westbury due 20:49
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 20:06 Chippenham to Westbury due 20:49.
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 20:06 Chippenham to Westbury due 20:49.
20:50 Chippenham to Westbury due 21:33
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 20:50 Chippenham to Westbury due 21:33.
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 20:50 Chippenham to Westbury due 21:33.
| Two pilots killed in collision with fire truck at LaGuardia Airport: 22 Mar 2026 In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [373559/31781/52] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:57, 23rd March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
What we know about the LaGuardia Airport crash
Two pilots have died after a passenger plane collided with a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport.
Photos from the scene show the plane tilting backwards with its cockpit almost sheared off. The fire truck is on its side, surrounded by debris, wreckage and warped metal.
Authorities said 41 people had been taken to hospital, with 31 later discharged but others suffering from serious injuries.
Here's what we know.
What happened?
At around 23:40 local time (03:40 GMT) on Sunday, shortly after Air Canada flight AC8646 had landed from Montreal, it collided with a firefighting vehicle on the tarmac at LaGuardia Airport.
The truck had been called minutes earlier to a separate incident on board another plane which had "reported an issue with odour", according to Port Authority executive director Kathryn Garcia.
In audio from the air traffic control tower at LaGuardia, a staff member can be heard saying: "'Truck One, stop, stop, stop!" in the seconds before the crash.
"We were literally like 100 meters away," 23-year-old eyewitness Leo Medina told the BBC. "It was like the plane got cut in half."
After the collision took place, authorities "immediately responded", Garcia said.
An investigation is now underway to determine what happened. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be looking at the speed the plane was moving, the staffing of the air traffic control tower at the time, and if anybody was ejected from the aircraft, according to Garcia.
Who are the victims?
The aircraft – a CRJ 900 model - was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members.
The identities of the two pilots who died have not yet been made public.
All others on board the plane have been accounted for, Garcia said, while adding that the sergeant and police officer who were inside the firefighting vehicle were in a stable condition in hospital "with no life-threatening injuries".
"I visited them both in the hospital, as has the chairman, and they were able to speak and we're notifying their families," said Garcia.
Mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani said he had "been briefed on the tragic collision".
"I am grateful to our first responders, whose swift actions saved lives," he said. He added that the NTSB "is investigating the incident, and the City is in close contact with federal, state, and local partners".
New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the incident "heartbreaking". She added: "Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected."
How will travel be affected?
LaGuardia Airport is one of the busiest airports in the US, with over 32 million passengers passing through in the last 12 months. It is currently closed, and the earliest it could reopen is 14:00 ET (18:00 GMT) on Monday, authorities have said.
The majority of flights listed on its website on Monday morning were labelled as cancelled, with a small number listed as delayed. Hundreds of flights are affected, with carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada.
Earlier, LaGuardia Airport authorities released a statement stating that "emergency response protocols were immediately activated" after the crash, with the agency's chairman and executive director on the scene with Port Authority police.
The New York City Police Department said people should "expect delays and avoid the area if possible".
"Due to an emergency incident at LaGuardia Airport, all streets and highway exits into the airport are closed until further notice."
The New York City Fire Department told people to "expect cancellations, road closures, traffic delays and emergency personnel near LaGuardia Airport".
"Use alternate routes," it posted on X.
Two pilots have died after a passenger plane collided with a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport.
Photos from the scene show the plane tilting backwards with its cockpit almost sheared off. The fire truck is on its side, surrounded by debris, wreckage and warped metal.
Authorities said 41 people had been taken to hospital, with 31 later discharged but others suffering from serious injuries.
Here's what we know.
What happened?
At around 23:40 local time (03:40 GMT) on Sunday, shortly after Air Canada flight AC8646 had landed from Montreal, it collided with a firefighting vehicle on the tarmac at LaGuardia Airport.
The truck had been called minutes earlier to a separate incident on board another plane which had "reported an issue with odour", according to Port Authority executive director Kathryn Garcia.
In audio from the air traffic control tower at LaGuardia, a staff member can be heard saying: "'Truck One, stop, stop, stop!" in the seconds before the crash.
"We were literally like 100 meters away," 23-year-old eyewitness Leo Medina told the BBC. "It was like the plane got cut in half."
After the collision took place, authorities "immediately responded", Garcia said.
An investigation is now underway to determine what happened. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be looking at the speed the plane was moving, the staffing of the air traffic control tower at the time, and if anybody was ejected from the aircraft, according to Garcia.
Who are the victims?
The aircraft – a CRJ 900 model - was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members.
The identities of the two pilots who died have not yet been made public.
All others on board the plane have been accounted for, Garcia said, while adding that the sergeant and police officer who were inside the firefighting vehicle were in a stable condition in hospital "with no life-threatening injuries".
"I visited them both in the hospital, as has the chairman, and they were able to speak and we're notifying their families," said Garcia.
Mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani said he had "been briefed on the tragic collision".
"I am grateful to our first responders, whose swift actions saved lives," he said. He added that the NTSB "is investigating the incident, and the City is in close contact with federal, state, and local partners".
New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the incident "heartbreaking". She added: "Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected."
How will travel be affected?
LaGuardia Airport is one of the busiest airports in the US, with over 32 million passengers passing through in the last 12 months. It is currently closed, and the earliest it could reopen is 14:00 ET (18:00 GMT) on Monday, authorities have said.
The majority of flights listed on its website on Monday morning were labelled as cancelled, with a small number listed as delayed. Hundreds of flights are affected, with carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada.
Earlier, LaGuardia Airport authorities released a statement stating that "emergency response protocols were immediately activated" after the crash, with the agency's chairman and executive director on the scene with Port Authority police.
The New York City Police Department said people should "expect delays and avoid the area if possible".
"Due to an emergency incident at LaGuardia Airport, all streets and highway exits into the airport are closed until further notice."
The New York City Fire Department told people to "expect cancellations, road closures, traffic delays and emergency personnel near LaGuardia Airport".
"Use alternate routes," it posted on X.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373558/31359/18] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:39, 23rd March 2026 | |
I'm assuming it was this one:
Image from https://www.wiltshire999s.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-21-at-11.54.04-750x428.png
| Re: Horace Prickett In "TransWilts line" [373557/31751/18] Posted by bobm at 16:47, 23rd March 2026 | |
Horace has recorded an interview with BBC Radio Wiltshire. Not sure when it is to be broadcast.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373556/31359/18] Posted by bobm at 16:46, 23rd March 2026 | |
It is the one at Limpley Stoke that was closed for refurbishment last year. Quite a bit of damage has been done to the bridge and the trackbed is affected.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373555/31359/18] Posted by Mark A at 16:44, 23rd March 2026 | |
8 cancellations reported ... and the issue is on a adjoining line and not on this one!
What has happened?
-
A vehicle has struck a bridge in the Freshford area between Trowbridge and Bath Spa. The bridge has been examined and one of the two lines over the bridge, the line towards Bath Spa, will remain closed for the rest of today.
-
A vehicle has struck a bridge in the Freshford area between Trowbridge and Bath Spa. The bridge has been examined and one of the two lines over the bridge, the line towards Bath Spa, will remain closed for the rest of today.
They're very coy about which bridge is involved.
Mark
| Re: GWR Growing places report March 2026 In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373554/31780/40] Posted by grahame at 16:33, 23rd March 2026 | |
GWR have released a report, with case study of 11 stations, regarding growth (economic, housing and jobs)
https://www.gwr.com/-/media/gwr-sc-website/files/publications/growing-places-report-2026.pdf
https://www.gwr.com/-/media/gwr-sc-website/files/publications/growing-places-report-2026.pdf
Interesting choice of 11 places - how have GWR come up with those?
I tend to look at things with a Wiltshirecentric view. My home town of Melksham has had perhaps 1000 new homes in the past five years, and it's expected there will be a further 3000 to 4000 in the next dozen years or so. I'm not sure what "vicinity of the station" means, but 68.5 acre has been sold off by Cooper Tires really close to the station, and the upside yard, Avonside proposal and Library site are all very close. We look pretty impressive against some of the officially chosen ...
Not a single new station in Wiltshire. A co-incidence in this planning period? I don't think so - the last brand new station to open in Wiltshire was in 1937, and there was a single re-opening of a 1966 closure in 1985.
And I have mirrored the report for members at https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/mirror/growing_places_report_2026.pdf in case it goes off GWR in due course.
