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Great Western Coffee Shop
As at 16th March 2025 14:31 GMT
Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Re: Callers queue to save under-threat red phone box - Sharrington, Norfolk
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359501/30029/51]
Posted by ChrisB at 14:25, 16th March 2025
 
There are 0800 freecalls that they would use, I think

Re: Great British Railways
In "Looking forward - the next 5, 10 and 20 years" [359500/30032/40]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:14, 16th March 2025
 
My reading of the debate is that Labour are re-nationalising the railways, and re-nationalising ... erm, the National Health Service.

 

Re: Outstanding member of the Pewsey community dies after being hit by a train
In "London to Kennet Valley" [359499/30033/8]
Posted by hoover50 at 14:01, 16th March 2025
Already liked by ChrisB
 
Awful - but the ultimate result is that the crossing will be closed.

Is it a footbridge, or a road bridge that has the fault/s? And what is the problem that needs fixing?

This recent video from Danny Kruger (the Member of Parliament for Pewsey) gives more context about the footbridge and rail crossing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAPxV1qvviI

Re: "Mysterious" tunnels at Salisbury Station
In "South Western services" [359498/30006/42]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:59, 16th March 2025
 
More detail, from the BBC:

Secret tunnels discovered beneath railway station



Railway engineers have uncovered a "labyrinth" of historic tunnels and secret rooms hidden beneath an active railway station.

Network Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) staff have discovered the hidden network from a bygone era underneath Salisbury station in Wiltshire.

It came after an old phone box was removed as part of the ongoing £5.3m station forecourt upgrades, revealing a dark tunnel with unknown origins. Engineers are now hoping to learn more about its purpose as part of a larger effort to delve into the historical legacy and infrastructure of the railway station.


Engineers found a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms hidden beneath Platform 4

Salisbury station is used by two million people each year, but this discovery provides a small glimpse into part of the station that has been left unused and forgotten for decades.

It once occupied a much larger footprint in the city than it does today, with the old Great Western Railway platforms still in place behind the South Western Railway (SWR) depot.

The secret tunnel, concealed beneath sleepers immediately outside the station entrance, runs beneath Platform 4. The primary chamber beneath the platform features a striking architectural detail, with sections of rail repurposed as structural supports for the ceiling.


Platform 1 contains a building that is no longer in passenger use and features a map from the pre-Beeching era

Remnants of old signal equipment crafted from timber have also been uncovered, showing the passage of time. Further studies have uncovered the tunnel once played a role in the station's logistical operations.

When trains were equipped with guard's vans, barrels of beer and cider were transported to other stations where unofficial trade took place, such as the collection of eggs from stations like Whitchurch. Beer and cider were also sold and served at the station, although referred to as refreshments rather than as a bar.


Staff found old signs in Network SouthEast branding, which ceased to exist in 1994

Steve Kelly, Network Rail asset engineer, said: "This was one of the most interesting discoveries during my career on the railway. The tunnel's origins and purpose have become a topic of fascination, linking modern development with historical exploration. The tunnel offered a rare look into the hidden layers of the railway's history, preserving a snapshot of the site's legacy."


An old window on Platform 1 where railway staff would collect their pay

Dan Sherwood, site manager at Octavius Infrastructure, said: "We're thrilled that our survey works led to the incredible discovery of a hidden tunnel beneath the SWR car park redevelopment construction works. It's a reminder of the beauty of undiscovered historical infrastructure - hidden beneath our modern world, waiting to tell its story. We look forward to the second phase, to expose the wall and explore its possible link to the old hospital and uncovering where the staircase leads."


Re: Outstanding member of the Pewsey community dies after being hit by a train
In "London to Kennet Valley" [359497/30033/8]
Posted by grahame at 13:46, 16th March 2025
 
https://www.newvalleynews.co.uk/news/outstanding-member-of-the-community-dies-after-being-hit-by-a-train-inquest-report/

This was such a tragic death which could have been avoided.

Network Fail urgently need to fix the bridge AND improve safety at the rail crossing which has no warning lights or sirens despite having very limited visibility.

I often use this crossing and express trains from Paddington come hurtling round the corner at 100mph. Once you see a train you have only three seconds to cross over. Trains should sound their horn on approach to the crossing, but they don't always do so.

Thank you for posting that. I'm adding quote from that article, which reported on a coroners's hearing so that we have recorded the context here too. As the court was adjourned to a later date, no conclusion has yet been reached.

Pewsey is in mourning after an 82-year-old pensioner and her pet dog were killed by an express train while walking across a public level crossing.

Outstanding member of the community’ Shirley Pope had been walking on the crossing because a nearby bridge she normally used 80 yards away in Pewsey, Wiltshire, was closed for urgent safety repairs.

A member of the public spotted her body after the train had sped by.

The bridge was shut last autumn, and the repair work had still not been carried out.

Locals have said the tragedy should never have occurred.

Top Wiltshire Councillor Jerry Kunkler stressed: ”This is a tragic accident. It is very upsetting. We have lost an outstanding member of our community.”

[snip]

British Transport Police said crime had been ruled out.

[snip]

An inquest at Salisbury, Wiltshire was told Shirley Pope 82 from Pewsey was walking across a public level crossing in Pewsey on February 26 [2025] when she was struck by a train.

A member of the public called the police after seeing her body.

She died at the scene from multiple traumatic injuries and was identified by finger prints.

Death was confirmed by paramedics at 1427 hours.

The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

Re: Outstanding member of the Pewsey community dies after being hit by a train
In "London to Kennet Valley" [359496/30033/8]
Posted by ChrisB at 13:28, 16th March 2025
 
Awful - but the ultimate result is that the crossing will be closed.

Is it a footbridge, or a road bridge that has the fault/s? And what is the problem that needs fixing?

Outstanding member of the Pewsey community dies after being hit by a train
In "London to Kennet Valley" [359495/30033/8]
Posted by hoover50 at 13:19, 16th March 2025
 
https://www.newvalleynews.co.uk/news/outstanding-member-of-the-community-dies-after-being-hit-by-a-train-inquest-report/

This was such a tragic death which could have been avoided.

Network Fail urgently need to fix the bridge AND improve safety at the rail crossing which has no warning lights or sirens despite having very limited visibility.

I often use this crossing and express trains from Paddington come hurtling round the corner at 100mph. Once you see a train you have only three seconds to cross over. Trains should sound their horn on approach to the crossing, but they don't always do so.

Re: RMT balloting for Industrial action on GWR
In "Across the West" [359494/29960/26]
Posted by IndustryInsider at 12:49, 16th March 2025
 
So who is doing the bullying?

Well, ‘management’ of course.  Who else?! 

We can now expect the RMT to get even more militant under Dempsey’s watch.  And it might be a long watch as he’s still quite a young man.

Not good news for the industry as a whole IMHO.  Though he is right about station staff being treated as a poor relation compared to other grades.

Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025
In "London to the Cotswolds" [359493/29711/14]
Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 12:26, 16th March 2025
 
Sunday March 16

10:50 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 13:15 will be terminated at Worcester Shrub Hill.
It has been delayed at London Paddington and is now 40 minutes late.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:16/03/2025 11:53

13:58 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 16:24 will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:16/03/2025 11:53

Re: Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath, through West Wiltshire
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359492/30025/51]
Posted by Mark A at 12:14, 16th March 2025
 
Yes that is their problem, the strategic route they had before doesn't work any more so they need a new one.  When they planned it I think they assumed they could build the now aborted Swainswick - Batheaston bypass to avoid Bath. 

You are spot on there !  When the "proper" A46/A36 link was cancelled, that really made the remaining work that was carried out on the A46/A4 a complete waste of time and money and achieved absolutely zilch.


The A36 via the Limpley Stoke valley is... marginal... and a connection to it from the Batheaston bypass would be grim. A 'Proper' A46/A36 link would involve a dual carriageway connection from the east end of the current bypass via an 'A20-at-Folkestone' style tunnel to take it out of the valley and then to rejoin the existing road at Beckington. Awkward as the UK has been reluctant to undertake that sort of engineering task.

Mark

Re: Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath, through West Wiltshire
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359491/30025/51]
Posted by UstiImmigrunt at 11:50, 16th March 2025
 
There's nothing wrong in avoiding Barf. Shame there isn't a Bath avoider for the railway. Never liked the place especially those who can't count when it comes to bikes in the HST TGS.

Re: RMT balloting for Industrial action on GWR
In "Across the West" [359490/29960/26]
Posted by ChrisB at 10:55, 16th March 2025
 
So who is doing the bullying?

Re: Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath, through West Wiltshire
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359489/30025/51]
Posted by grahame at 09:57, 16th March 2025
 
Yes that is their problem, the strategic route they had before doesn't work any more so they need a new one.  When they planned it I think they assumed they could build the now aborted Swainswick - Batheaston bypass to avoid Bath. 

Others have posted while I was writing this - I have decided still to post as it backs them up and has a few extras

Indeed - you have the very curious Batheaston bypass  (connecting the A4 East - West and the A46 headed north) crossing the River Avon twice that at one point on the same side of the Avon as the road headed south (A36) and only about a quarter of a mile from it. 



The way around it shown on this map is via the Clevedon Bridge which - however - is a revered piece of history and accessed along roads like the London Road and Bathwick Street which are unsuitable for HGVs, or for an easy increase in vehicle numbers.    Other ways are the toll bridge at Bathmapton (and I'm sure there are weight limits there) and through the old town and across the old bridge at Bradford-on-Avon with problems with air quality, congestion, vibration and so on, and which has a weight limit which is very visibly applied.

There is no blindingly obvious route north to the M4 from Warminster. There is a strong case for a road (the new A350)  that allows traffic to bypass Westbury, from the A36 where it crosses the main railway to the West Country, parallel to the railway to the Industrial area north of Westbury station.   That industrial area is altready linked to the M4 via the A350 though there are pinch points at Yarnbrook and in Melksham north of the Farmer's runabout that already - err - need attention.

We shouldn't be looking at the strategic route in isolation either.  Resident population growth is set to be and mandate to continue to be explosive, but the commercial / economic hub for that growth is the Bath and Bristol area, and good mass transit links are needed - beyond what we have at the moment, as the private car infrastructure already creaks at the seams.

Re: Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath, through West Wiltshire
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359488/30025/51]
Posted by Mark A at 09:53, 16th March 2025
 
Should route everything via M4 and the A34...

Musings from the top deck of a Swindon-Cirencester bus a week ago, and the sight (again) of the earthworks of the rail route between Cheltenham and Southampton cutting across the road, the old canal and fields at Siddington. It's a sight that's always evocative: the two rail routes playing a comparatively minor part in the railway age, and long out of use, but at least in part now paralleled by major roads constructed very much as 'Motorways by stealth'.

Roads are by their nature far better able to evolve piecemeal and as well as enjoying benefits we all pay the price.

Mark

Re: Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath, through West Wiltshire
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359487/30025/51]
Posted by Clan Line at 09:38, 16th March 2025
Already liked by Mark A, Andy E, ellendune
 
Yes that is their problem, the strategic route they had before doesn't work any more so they need a new one.  When they planned it I think they assumed they could build the now aborted Swainswick - Batheaston bypass to avoid Bath. 

You are spot on there !  When the "proper" A46/A36 link was cancelled, that really made the remaining work that was carried out on the A46/A4 a complete waste of time and money and achieved absolutely zilch.

Re: Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath, through West Wiltshire
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359486/30025/51]
Posted by ellendune at 08:56, 16th March 2025
 
The objective is to avoid Bath. 

Bath is already "avoided" ! The closure of the Cleveland Bridge has already stopped heavy traffic from the A46 getting onto the A36 - as it used to do. This has moved traffic from the A46 to the A350. Bath has dumped its HGV problem onto West Wiltshire

Yes that is their problem, the strategic route they had before doesn't work any more so they need a new one.  When they planned it I think they assumed they could build the now aborted Swainswick - Batheaston bypass to avoid Bath. 

Re: Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath, through West Wiltshire
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359485/30025/51]
Posted by ellendune at 08:49, 16th March 2025
 
Warminster to Dorset strategic route remains via the A36 to M27 junction 2, then westward via the A31. I saw a discussion on the SABRE roads forum…

Paul

Just because someone has decided to call a route "strategic" doesn't mean it is capable of handling the required traffic volumes.  If only ...............

Totally agree.  All they are going to do as I understand it, is change the sign posts.  Though if they ever have money to spend on improvements it will be part of the justification. 

Re: RMT balloting for Industrial action on GWR
In "Across the West" [359484/29960/26]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 08:36, 16th March 2025
 

Seen on another forum - from Bruvver Dempsey - not sure if it's connected to the dispute on the original post, there seem to be a lot of them about! 


7th March 2025

Dear RMT Member

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, STATION GRADES - GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY

As you may be aware RMT went into dispute with the company regarding Rest Day Work rates of pay, Sunday rates of pay, and back pay to achieve parity with Driving grades who were given enhanced Sunday and Rest Day Work payments in 2024. The company has an agreement with the Unions to treat all grades equally, which it was in breach of, both with Joint Stations Divisional Council and On Trains Divisional Council.

This dispute arose as the company appeared to be dragging their feet over obtaining a Department for Transport mandate to negotiate and JSDC ran out of patience.

Station staff have been treated as poor relations to other grades for far too long.

GWR obtained a mandate in January and talks commenced; but the company brought forward plans similar to their Workplace Reform proposals which they wished to negotiate alongside the dispute issue. This included, under the banner of a '7 Day Railway', proposals that would mean significant changes to every member's Terms & Conditions, and see Sundays brought into the working week. There has been no mention of any significant compensation for our members in exchange for these huge concessions.

JSDC insisted that the company settle the outstanding dispute before any further negotiations took place, and the company returned to the DfT for a mandate to do so. They returned with an offer which failed to even address the back pay issue, and only offered Safety Critical staff a Sunday enhancement, leaving Ticket Office staff, non-safety critical platform staff, TSSO staff, and Gateline staff offered nothing at all for Sunday working, and all Station Grades offered no enhancements for RDWK at all.

This in no way offered parity with the Driver's deal; it was a derisory offer that denigrates the vital work Station staff do, and was completely unacceptable to your Staff side representatives; we were unanimous in this. JSDC turned down the offer and the talks collapsed. We have expressed our willingness to talk to the company, but until the material dispute is settled, this is not possible.

It now appears that the company intends to press ahead with its desired reforms to current working practices without agreement from your representatives, and without first settling the current dispute.

JSDC remains open to continuing discussions with the company to find a way forward but we will not be bullied into accepting a settlement that does not respect the efforts our members make on behalf of the company, day in day out, in all weathers, on the frontline, delivering the best service we can.


Re: Extra trains for the six Nations, 15.3.2025
In "London to South Wales" [359483/30024/11]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 08:19, 16th March 2025
 
It sounds like the extra trains ran roughly as planned, though with some delays because the platforms were so crowded that the next trains weren't brought in until the one across the platform from them had been loaded. As for the match, this is a public transport forum and I have no knowledge or comment 

Well......sort of.

There was also a train chartered from West Coast which departed half an hour late.

That said, after such a stunning English victory I am sure those heading back towards Bristol/London wouldn't have been too unhappy to wait a little longer to savour the atmosphere (..........and no doubt to accept the sincere congratulations of the locals!) 

Re: Great British Railways
In "Looking forward - the next 5, 10 and 20 years" [359482/30032/40]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 07:54, 16th March 2025
 
Looking at the governments recent decision to abolish NHS England deemed a quango; is the new Briitish Railways just another quango overseen by the Department of Transport.

Yes.

Re: Extra trains for the six Nations, 15.3.2025
In "London to South Wales" [359481/30024/11]
Posted by UstiImmigrunt at 07:42, 16th March 2025
Already liked by grahame, Timmer
 
Pleasantly surprised that GWR managed to run the additional trains from both crew and rolling stock perspectives. Now how about 2 an hour via the B+H in a fortnight?


Re: Great British Railways
In "Looking forward - the next 5, 10 and 20 years" [359480/30032/40]
Posted by grahame at 07:26, 16th March 2025
 
Looking at the governments recent decision to abolish NHS England deemed a quango; is the new Briitish Railways just another quango overseen by the Department of Transport.

Oh - the same irony that rail franchising is declared dead and the TOCs will be nationalised, whereas flavour of the month in bus operation is a network designed by the public sector, with routes or areas operated by franchises?

Great British Railways
In "Looking forward - the next 5, 10 and 20 years" [359479/30032/40]
Posted by REVUpminster at 07:10, 16th March 2025
Already liked by Timmer
 
Looking at the governments recent decision to abolish NHS England deemed a quango; is the new Briitish Railways just another quango overseen by the Department of Transport.

Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts)
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359477/3662/5]
Posted by grahame at 05:52, 16th March 2025
 

Additional sailings have also been added between Lochranza in Arran and Claonaig in the Kintyre peninsula.  The operator said all passengers should have a booking prior to arriving in Troon, adding that those who had not booked could not be guaranteed travel


Claonaig is a VERY long way round and I don't think public transport goes anywhere near it  ... I suppose for passengers with their own transport headed for northern Dumbartonshire it might have been a viable alternative.




Even when Glen Sannox is running (and it seems it's back after being patched up later today), it's running to and from a jetty in Troon which is not rail connected and it involves a transfer bus, rather than the service from Arran running to Ardrossan Harbour on the mainland which [is/was] adjacent to - err - Ardrossan Harbour station

Re: Extra trains for the six Nations, 15.3.2025
In "London to South Wales" [359476/30024/11]
Posted by grahame at 05:38, 16th March 2025
 
It sounds like the extra trains ran roughly as planned, though with some delays because the platforms were so crowded that the next trains weren't brought in until the one across the platform from them had been loaded. As for the match, this is a public transport forum and I have no knowledge or comment 

Re: Extra trains for the six Nations, 15.3.2025
In "London to South Wales" [359474/30024/11]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 21:18, 15th March 2025
Already liked by Chris from Nailsea
 
... and Wales were well and truly stuffed.

Oops - I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that out loud. 

Chris from England. 



Men against boyos

Re: Extra trains for the six Nations, 15.3.2025
In "London to South Wales" [359473/30024/11]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:00, 15th March 2025
 
... and Wales were well and truly stuffed.

Oops - I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that out loud. 

Chris from England. 


Re: Travelogue observations - 27th September 2019 - painting 42,000 words
In "Introductions and chat" [359472/22232/1]
Posted by grahame at 20:56, 15th March 2025
 
The crew and customer profiles are both things we have noticed.   LONG discussion could follow but whilst we know and are concerned at the massive differences (in attitude but not in age, skin colour or current nationality) between us and most of the people we meet - we tend to be far more circumspect in talking about our views than I would be even in the regular member areas of the forum here.

 
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.
 
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