Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Responsible travel - the countries that are "doing better" than the UK In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [364850/30639/52] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:28, 28th August 2025 |      |
https://www.holidayextras.com/travel-news/have-a-good-trip.html
The UK came in 17th in the Holiday Extra Good Trip Index ...
... before you go check the country's record on press freedoms …
The UK came in 17th in the Holiday Extra Good Trip Index ...
From the BBC:
Reform council boss bans local newspaper's reporters
Mick Barton has banned his councillors from any engagement with the Nottingham Post and its online arm Nottinghamshire Live
The Reform UK leader of Nottinghamshire County Council has banned a local newspaper from speaking to him or any of his councillors "with immediate effect".
Mick Barton has banned the Nottingham Post and its online arm Nottinghamshire Live over what the BBC understands was a disagreement about a story it ran on local government reorganisation. Also included in the ban are BBC-funded journalists who work at the publication as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Senior editor Natalie Fahy said she was "very concerned" by the "unprecedented ban". In response, Barton said the party would not "allow misinformation to shape the narrative of our governance".
The authority will stop sending press releases to the publication, and Barton and his colleagues will not give interviews or invite them to council events. Reporters from Nottinghamshire Live and the LDRS will continue to attend public meetings.
A spokesperson for the council said: "The ban, which will only be lifted for emergency scenarios like flooding and weather-related cases, incidents at council-run schools, adult social care, or public safety issues, has come into immediate effect."
In a statement, issued on Thursday, Barton said the move was "not about silencing journalism", but "about upholding the principle that freedom of speech must be paired with responsibility and honesty. We firmly believe that open dialogue is vital to a healthy democracy, and we welcome scrutiny that is conducted with fairness, balance and integrity," he added. "However, we also have a duty to protect the credibility of our governance and the voices that we represent. For this reason, we will not be engaging with Nottinghamshire Live or with any other media outlet we consider to be consistently misrepresenting our policies, actions or intentions."
Reform took control of the authority at the local elections in May, winning 40 of 66 seats. Barton, who has been a councillor on Mansfield District Council since 2003, was elected to the county council for the first time in May and later announced as leader.
Nottinghamshire Live editor Ms Fahy said those who applauded Reform's decision "should think carefully. We pride ourselves on our balanced and accurate coverage of all political parties across the county and our treatment and coverage of Reform has been no different to any other parties," she said. "We see this as a direct attack on the free press and our ability to hold elected members to account. Ultimately, we will struggle to find out where taxpayers' money is being spent, so those who applaud this decision by Reform should think carefully. My concern as a journalist of 20 years is that we are increasingly seeing attacks of this kind which affect how we can carry out our jobs effectively. We'll continue to speak out and fight against them in the hope of bringing about change."
The Liberal Democrats have written to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, urging him to intervene.
Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesperson, MP Max Wilkinson, called it a "dangerous and chilling" decision. "Reform's move to block local journalists from reporting on their work is straight out of Donald Trump's playbook," he added.
MP Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative Party chairman, said it was a "disgrace for Reform to deliberately cut off local journalism". He added: "They are completely denying communities the right to scrutinise those in power. If Reform can't even face questions from the Nottingham Post, what hope is there that they could ever face the serious responsibilities of government?"
The leader of the opposition on Nottinghamshire County Council, Conservative Sam Smith, called the ban an "extremely dangerous step". He added: "It's not just the press Reform are shutting out in Nottinghamshire. It's the voice and views of residents."
The BBC funds 165 LDRS reporters across the UK, three of which are funded in Nottingham.
A spokesperson for the BBC said: "Independent journalism is vital to local democracy, and journalists must be free to question those in power without fear of reprisals. We continue to support Notts Live in seeking a resolution."
Mick Barton has banned his councillors from any engagement with the Nottingham Post and its online arm Nottinghamshire Live
The Reform UK leader of Nottinghamshire County Council has banned a local newspaper from speaking to him or any of his councillors "with immediate effect".
Mick Barton has banned the Nottingham Post and its online arm Nottinghamshire Live over what the BBC understands was a disagreement about a story it ran on local government reorganisation. Also included in the ban are BBC-funded journalists who work at the publication as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Senior editor Natalie Fahy said she was "very concerned" by the "unprecedented ban". In response, Barton said the party would not "allow misinformation to shape the narrative of our governance".
The authority will stop sending press releases to the publication, and Barton and his colleagues will not give interviews or invite them to council events. Reporters from Nottinghamshire Live and the LDRS will continue to attend public meetings.
A spokesperson for the council said: "The ban, which will only be lifted for emergency scenarios like flooding and weather-related cases, incidents at council-run schools, adult social care, or public safety issues, has come into immediate effect."
In a statement, issued on Thursday, Barton said the move was "not about silencing journalism", but "about upholding the principle that freedom of speech must be paired with responsibility and honesty. We firmly believe that open dialogue is vital to a healthy democracy, and we welcome scrutiny that is conducted with fairness, balance and integrity," he added. "However, we also have a duty to protect the credibility of our governance and the voices that we represent. For this reason, we will not be engaging with Nottinghamshire Live or with any other media outlet we consider to be consistently misrepresenting our policies, actions or intentions."
Reform took control of the authority at the local elections in May, winning 40 of 66 seats. Barton, who has been a councillor on Mansfield District Council since 2003, was elected to the county council for the first time in May and later announced as leader.
Nottinghamshire Live editor Ms Fahy said those who applauded Reform's decision "should think carefully. We pride ourselves on our balanced and accurate coverage of all political parties across the county and our treatment and coverage of Reform has been no different to any other parties," she said. "We see this as a direct attack on the free press and our ability to hold elected members to account. Ultimately, we will struggle to find out where taxpayers' money is being spent, so those who applaud this decision by Reform should think carefully. My concern as a journalist of 20 years is that we are increasingly seeing attacks of this kind which affect how we can carry out our jobs effectively. We'll continue to speak out and fight against them in the hope of bringing about change."
The Liberal Democrats have written to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, urging him to intervene.
Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesperson, MP Max Wilkinson, called it a "dangerous and chilling" decision. "Reform's move to block local journalists from reporting on their work is straight out of Donald Trump's playbook," he added.
MP Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative Party chairman, said it was a "disgrace for Reform to deliberately cut off local journalism". He added: "They are completely denying communities the right to scrutinise those in power. If Reform can't even face questions from the Nottingham Post, what hope is there that they could ever face the serious responsibilities of government?"
The leader of the opposition on Nottinghamshire County Council, Conservative Sam Smith, called the ban an "extremely dangerous step". He added: "It's not just the press Reform are shutting out in Nottinghamshire. It's the voice and views of residents."
The BBC funds 165 LDRS reporters across the UK, three of which are funded in Nottingham.
A spokesperson for the BBC said: "Independent journalism is vital to local democracy, and journalists must be free to question those in power without fear of reprisals. We continue to support Notts Live in seeking a resolution."
On that evidence, I wouldn't go on holiday anywhere near Nottinghamshire.
CfN.
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [364849/27919/47] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:49, 28th August 2025 | |
With thanks again for your posts, Clan Line, I've merged them here into a definitive topic.
CfN.
| Re: Scottish castle with miniature railway on the market for £3.25m In "Media about railways, and other means of transport" [364848/30635/49] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:42, 28th August 2025 | |
There seem to be a number of Scottish castles on the market at present - here's another
... and yet another:
From the BBC:
'Significant interest' in buying Skye clan castle, sellers say
Estate agents say there has been "significant interest" in a ruined castle at the centre of a controversial land sale in Skye.
Armadale Castle, its gardens – along with offices and visitor facilities - have been on the market for offers over £995,000.
The sale, along with the selling off of the wider £6.7m Sleat Peninsula - historic lands of the Clan MacDonald - have been met with protests by some islanders concerned about how the land might be managed in the future.
The 20,000-acre estate is mostly used by tenant crofters and farmers, and has a history as a game shooting estate.
All the sales reached a closing date at midday on Thursday.
The Clan Donald Lands Trust, which owns the castle and wider estate, said in March it had taken a "difficult" decision to sell up because of financial challenges. The charity said it wanted to focus on giving grants to "clan and indigenous Highland heritage projects". But the sale came as a surprise to people living in the south of Skye, and some criticised the lack of community involvement in the decision.
Sleat Community Trust has investigated a community buyout of Armadale Castle - the historic home of the MacDonalds of Sleat - and its gardens. But the trust told BBC Naidheachdan that, after a "careful assessment", it had concluded a buyout was not viable at this stage, mainly due to costs involved. It also claimed it received "incomplete" financial details.
Donaidh MacDonald, chairman of Sleat Community Trust, said: "We want to see Armadale run again as a successful enterprise, bringing jobs and associated business to our communities. We want it to be recognised as a place of significant historical value, as well-managed land where people respect, value and celebrate the natural beauty and heritage of the area."
(BBC news article continues)
Estate agents say there has been "significant interest" in a ruined castle at the centre of a controversial land sale in Skye.
Armadale Castle, its gardens – along with offices and visitor facilities - have been on the market for offers over £995,000.
The sale, along with the selling off of the wider £6.7m Sleat Peninsula - historic lands of the Clan MacDonald - have been met with protests by some islanders concerned about how the land might be managed in the future.
The 20,000-acre estate is mostly used by tenant crofters and farmers, and has a history as a game shooting estate.
All the sales reached a closing date at midday on Thursday.
The Clan Donald Lands Trust, which owns the castle and wider estate, said in March it had taken a "difficult" decision to sell up because of financial challenges. The charity said it wanted to focus on giving grants to "clan and indigenous Highland heritage projects". But the sale came as a surprise to people living in the south of Skye, and some criticised the lack of community involvement in the decision.
Sleat Community Trust has investigated a community buyout of Armadale Castle - the historic home of the MacDonalds of Sleat - and its gardens. But the trust told BBC Naidheachdan that, after a "careful assessment", it had concluded a buyout was not viable at this stage, mainly due to costs involved. It also claimed it received "incomplete" financial details.
Donaidh MacDonald, chairman of Sleat Community Trust, said: "We want to see Armadale run again as a successful enterprise, bringing jobs and associated business to our communities. We want it to be recognised as a place of significant historical value, as well-managed land where people respect, value and celebrate the natural beauty and heritage of the area."
(BBC news article continues)
| Re: 16th August 2025 - Buses to Imber In "Buses and other ways to travel" [364847/29807/5] Posted by Oxonhutch at 16:41, 28th August 2025 | |
Should be towing a luggage trailer.
| Re: HST derailment, near Stonehaven, 12th August 2020 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [364846/23891/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:23, 28th August 2025 | |
An update, from the BBC:
Inquiry into fatal train derailment in Stonehaven set for next year
An inquiry into a train derailment which killed three men in the north east of Scotland is to be held next year.
The Aberdeen to Glasgow train came off the rails at Carmont, in Aberdeenshire, on 12 August 2020 after it hit a landslide following heavy rain.
Driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62, died in the crash. Network Rail was later fined £6.7m after admitting a series of failings which led to the deaths.
A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) preliminary hearing heard a start date in late January was being reserved. It could last about a month.
Alex Prentice KC, for the Crown, told a remote hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Thursday morning that "good progress" had been made between the parties involved in the inquiry to agree evidence in advance. Mr Prentice said he was now confident that the FAI would not go beyond four weeks in duration.
Sheriff Lesley Johnston noted the previous estimate of about eight weeks had been further reduced. She expressed gratitude that discussions had halved the potential timescale.
The sheriff said dates for the inquiry would be reserved, starting the week of 26 January. This would run through to 13 February, followed by further dates on 23-27 February.
Work will continue on a location for the inquiry, which the sheriff said was likely to be a mix of in-person and remote.
A further preliminary hearing has been set for 24 September.
(BBC news item continues)
An inquiry into a train derailment which killed three men in the north east of Scotland is to be held next year.
The Aberdeen to Glasgow train came off the rails at Carmont, in Aberdeenshire, on 12 August 2020 after it hit a landslide following heavy rain.
Driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62, died in the crash. Network Rail was later fined £6.7m after admitting a series of failings which led to the deaths.
A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) preliminary hearing heard a start date in late January was being reserved. It could last about a month.
Alex Prentice KC, for the Crown, told a remote hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Thursday morning that "good progress" had been made between the parties involved in the inquiry to agree evidence in advance. Mr Prentice said he was now confident that the FAI would not go beyond four weeks in duration.
Sheriff Lesley Johnston noted the previous estimate of about eight weeks had been further reduced. She expressed gratitude that discussions had halved the potential timescale.
The sheriff said dates for the inquiry would be reserved, starting the week of 26 January. This would run through to 13 February, followed by further dates on 23-27 February.
Work will continue on a location for the inquiry, which the sheriff said was likely to be a mix of in-person and remote.
A further preliminary hearing has been set for 24 September.
(BBC news item continues)
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [364845/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 16:08, 28th August 2025 | |
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06 will be reinstated.
It will be starting late from Westbury and is expected to be 25 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06 will be reinstated.
It will be starting late from Westbury and is expected to be 25 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Or perhaps we won't bother after all
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [364844/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 15:56, 28th August 2025 | |
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06 will be reinstated.
It will be starting late from Westbury and is expected to be 25 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06 will be reinstated.
It will be starting late from Westbury and is expected to be 25 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [364843/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 14:33, 28th August 2025 | |
Thursday August 28
11:52 London Paddington to Hereford due 14:44 will be terminated at Great Malvern.
It has been delayed between Oxford and Evesham and is now 31 minutes late.
This is due to a speed restriction over defective track.
Last Updated:28/08/2025 14:09
Charlbury +11, Ascott +20, Moreton +29.It has been delayed between Oxford and Evesham and is now 31 minutes late.
This is due to a speed restriction over defective track.
Last Updated:28/08/2025 14:09
14:53 London Paddington to Worcester Foregate Street due 17:04 will be terminated at Worcester Shrub Hill.
It has been delayed between London Paddington and Reading and is now 17 minutes late.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:28/08/2025 16:42
It has been delayed between London Paddington and Reading and is now 17 minutes late.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:28/08/2025 16:42
15:18 Hereford to London Paddington due 18:29 will be started from Great Malvern.
This is due to a speed restriction over defective track.
Last Updated:28/08/2025 14:09
This is due to a speed restriction over defective track.
Last Updated:28/08/2025 14:09
17:26 Worcester Foregate Street to London Paddington due 19:52 will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:28/08/2025 16:42
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:28/08/2025 16:42
| Bath Spa - Bristol Temple Meads Oct 27-30 replacement buses only In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [364842/30643/10] Posted by matth1j at 14:20, 28th August 2025 | |
Early warning: https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/planned-engineering
| Re: Heart of Wessex Day Ranger - 2025 update, anyone In "Fare's Fair" [364841/30641/4] Posted by ChrisB at 14:08, 28th August 2025 | |
Try this? and navigate to "Southwest England" in the drop down menu on the left.
Just done so ... clicked through for more info and got taken to the National Rail data I originally quoted ;-)
I thought you asked -
2. "How to buy" - "The Heart of Wessex Day Ranger can be bought at most staffed stations across the whole of Britain or via Great Western Railway Telesales on 0345 7000 125." OK - can it also be bought online,
| Re: Heart of Wessex Day Ranger - 2025 update, anyone In "Fare's Fair" [364840/30641/4] Posted by rogerw at 14:06, 28th August 2025 | |
That site has not been updated. The concessions listed on the national rail site appear to be for trains where an off peak day return is valid and it may be that applies universally but I can't guarantee that. if that is the case it would be valid on the 0909 from Melksham. I have only ever used the ticket on a Saturday.
| Re: Heart of Wessex Day Ranger - 2025 update, anyone In "Fare's Fair" [364839/30641/4] Posted by bobm at 13:10, 28th August 2025 | |
While not official, I find this site quite useful.
http://www.railrover.org/pages/heart-of-wessex-day-ranger.html
| Re: Heart of Wessex Day Ranger - 2025 update, anyone In "Fare's Fair" [364838/30641/4] Posted by grahame at 13:04, 28th August 2025 | |
Try this? and navigate to "Southwest England" in the drop down menu on the left.
Just done so ... clicked through for more info and got taken to the National Rail data I originally quoted ;-)
| Re: 16th August 2025 - Buses to Imber In "Buses and other ways to travel" [364837/29807/5] Posted by Clan Line at 12:57, 28th August 2025 | |
LONG time since I last saw one of these !!
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [364836/27919/47] Posted by Clan Line at 12:52, 28th August 2025 Already liked by PrestburyRoad, bradshaw, Oxonhutch, Chris from Nailsea | |
34046 "Braunton" waits at Temple Meads to take charge of our Saphos excursion to Shrewsbury. (27th Aug)
| Re: Responsible travel - the countries that are "doing better" than the UK In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [364835/30639/52] Posted by Bob_Blakey at 12:52, 28th August 2025 | |
My answer: No - I'm on holiday. It's up to them
It is no part of my responsibilities to tell the authorities of other sovereign nations how to run their country.
On our forthcoming trip around part of Europe all travel will be by rail save for the return from Italy to the UK which will involve a flight - because the Milan > Paris sleeper that we would have used was suspended in 2020 and subsequently withdrawn.
Support local businesses? It would be difficult not to since some degree of sleeping and eating will almost certainly be required!
| Re: Heart of Wessex Day Ranger - 2025 update, anyone In "Fare's Fair" [364834/30641/4] Posted by ChrisB at 12:50, 28th August 2025 | |
Try this? and navigate to "Southwest England" in the drop down menu on the left.
| Heart of Wessex Day Ranger - 2025 update, anyone In "Fare's Fair" [364833/30641/4] Posted by grahame at 12:42, 28th August 2025 | |
Has anyone used / got recent experience of the Heart of Wessex Day Ranger? (here)
I am looking to take a Weymouth trip as I come back into more general circulation and this seems like a logical day ticket. However -
1. The online data says "not valid before 09:40" even though it gives a number of easements from 07:01 onwards so my first southbound service from Melksham would be the 11:31 giving a 14:26 arrival in Weymouth - more an afternoon ranger than a day ranger.
2. "How to buy" - "The Heart of Wessex Day Ranger can be bought at most staffed stations across the whole of Britain or via Great Western Railway Telesales on 0345 7000 125." OK - can it also be bought online, from ticket machines at unstaffed stations, or from the train manager?
| Re: Paddle Steamer Waverley - merged posts In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [364832/19566/47] Posted by ChrisB at 12:26, 28th August 2025 | |
And some incorrect journalism yet again....
She was passing by the coats as part of one of her trips around town country’s coastline.
| Re: Paddle Steamer Waverley - merged posts In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [364831/19566/47] Posted by grahame at 12:22, 28th August 2025 | |
See the Bridlington Echo where a scrambled silly O'Clock trip was made on the Yorkshire Belle to see and photograph Waverley. "Anyone who wants, come to the quayside at 04:00" on my Facebook feed yesterday!
Some more nice pics ...
| Re: Access to Nailsea & Backwell station In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [364830/30638/21] Posted by Phantom at 11:23, 28th August 2025 | |
My home town:
North Somerset Council introduced charging fees at the station car park, a few years ago.
Now, however, they don't seem to be sure whether they actually own any of the land - from the BBC
North Somerset Council introduced charging fees at the station car park, a few years ago.
Now, however, they don't seem to be sure whether they actually own any of the land - from the BBC
That could get very awkward of found they don't own the land
| Re: Responsible travel - the countries that are "doing better" than the UK In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [364829/30639/52] Posted by Surrey 455 at 10:16, 28th August 2025 | |
It's been many years since I holidayed outside of the EU, so it's not something I really think about.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [364827/29726/18] Posted by matth1j at 09:11, 28th August 2025 | |
It's clear from the responses that GWR are aware of the issues and want us to know that. It's clear that they have given some thought to how that might be fixed and indeed have done some analysis / background work as to how that would/could be done.
I'm sure you're right. However, I gave Gemini (Google's ChatGPT) a one line request for a train company's response to a customer dissatisfied with the train service and it came up with something pretty similar, and no less convincing, in a few seconds. I believe 'Ellie' is a real person, but I suspect she's worried about her job prospects.If anyone's interested, this is my request:
Can you write a letter that might be sent by a train company apologizing to a customer for poor service - late and/or cancelled trains etc?
and the response:[Train Company Logo/Headed Paper]
27 August 2025
[Customer Name]
[Customer Address]
Subject: An apology for the recent disruption to your journey
Dear [Customer Name],
Please accept our sincerest apologies for the significant disruption and poor service you have recently experienced on our network. We have received your feedback and we acknowledge that the standard of our service has fallen well short of what you, and all our customers, have the right to expect.
We understand how frustrating and inconvenient late and cancelled trains are. Whether you were commuting to work, travelling for leisure, or trying to make an important appointment, we know that the unreliability of our service has had a real and negative impact on your plans. For this, we are truly sorry.
The primary causes for this recent period of poor performance have been a combination of urgent, unscheduled track maintenance required by Network Rail and higher-than-usual levels of staff sickness. While these issues present a major challenge, it is our responsibility to manage them and deliver the service we promised, and in this instance, we have failed.
Please be assured that we are taking urgent steps to restore a reliable service. We are working with Network Rail to better schedule engineering works and have implemented a new staff rostering system to provide better cover during periods of absence.
Words alone are not enough to make up for the inconvenience caused. As a tangible gesture of our apology for the service you have received, we would like to offer you [e.g., £50 in rail vouchers / a full refund for your last ticket purchase / two complimentary First Class upgrade vouchers]. To claim this, please visit our website at [Website Address] and use the unique reference code [Reference Number].
We are committed to winning back your trust. We value you as a customer and hope to have the opportunity to provide you with the punctual and reliable journey you expect and deserve in the very near future.
Yours sincerely,
Anya Sharma
Anya Sharma
Head of Customer Relations
[Train Company]
27 August 2025
[Customer Name]
[Customer Address]
Subject: An apology for the recent disruption to your journey
Dear [Customer Name],
Please accept our sincerest apologies for the significant disruption and poor service you have recently experienced on our network. We have received your feedback and we acknowledge that the standard of our service has fallen well short of what you, and all our customers, have the right to expect.
We understand how frustrating and inconvenient late and cancelled trains are. Whether you were commuting to work, travelling for leisure, or trying to make an important appointment, we know that the unreliability of our service has had a real and negative impact on your plans. For this, we are truly sorry.
The primary causes for this recent period of poor performance have been a combination of urgent, unscheduled track maintenance required by Network Rail and higher-than-usual levels of staff sickness. While these issues present a major challenge, it is our responsibility to manage them and deliver the service we promised, and in this instance, we have failed.
Please be assured that we are taking urgent steps to restore a reliable service. We are working with Network Rail to better schedule engineering works and have implemented a new staff rostering system to provide better cover during periods of absence.
Words alone are not enough to make up for the inconvenience caused. As a tangible gesture of our apology for the service you have received, we would like to offer you [e.g., £50 in rail vouchers / a full refund for your last ticket purchase / two complimentary First Class upgrade vouchers]. To claim this, please visit our website at [Website Address] and use the unique reference code [Reference Number].
We are committed to winning back your trust. We value you as a customer and hope to have the opportunity to provide you with the punctual and reliable journey you expect and deserve in the very near future.
Yours sincerely,
Anya Sharma
Anya Sharma
Head of Customer Relations
[Train Company]
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [364826/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 07:57, 28th August 2025 | |
The words of a silly film playing in the background on the TV the other night - the butler is asked "why do royal responses always say 'His majesty is delighted' when clearly he is not?" And the response - "we always use the same tone and wording to avoid there being any hint of favouritism".
There is a lot to be said for standard cut-and-paste text as a base for responses. They allow the same or similar questions to be addressed dozens of times, and efficiently (and I have often used them and they have rolled into an FAQ). They also allow for marketing and influencing words to be propagated in an official capacity and give an impression of something that's not totally the case.
With tongue in cheek, I read some of the GWR responses, and what other members here are saying about them "defending the indefensible". It's clear from the responses that GWR are aware of the issues and want us to know that. It's clear that they have given some thought to how that might be fixed and indeed have done some analysis / background work as to how that would/could be done. And they want us to know these good things. However, I see no timeline and method to getting things effectively fixed - perhaps I have missed something?
| Re: Responsible travel - the countries that are "doing better" than the UK In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [364825/30639/52] Posted by TaplowGreen at 07:48, 28th August 2025 | |
Ironically if you were to consider LGBTQI/Women's rights as a "dealbreaking" criteria that would rule out visiting virtually all of the Middle East with the exception of.........................Israel.
| Responsible travel - the countries that are "doing better" than the UK In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [364824/30639/52] Posted by grahame at 07:17, 28th August 2025 | |
https://www.holidayextras.com/travel-news/have-a-good-trip.html
Travel sustainably. Leave only footprints. Support local businesses in the country you visit.
But make sure those local businesses are kind to their animals and pay a living wage to their employees. Try not to support oppressive regimes, and before you go check the country's record on press freedoms, LGBTQI+ rights, the rights of women and sustainability…
It's a lot to remember. Choosing to travel well is hard, and a holiday shouldn't be a chore. But for many of us, it's worth a little extra effort to travel responsibly.
But make sure those local businesses are kind to their animals and pay a living wage to their employees. Try not to support oppressive regimes, and before you go check the country's record on press freedoms, LGBTQI+ rights, the rights of women and sustainability…
It's a lot to remember. Choosing to travel well is hard, and a holiday shouldn't be a chore. But for many of us, it's worth a little extra effort to travel responsibly.
The UK came in 17th in the Holiday Extra Good Trip Index ...
| Re: Heritage railways and how they connect with the larger infrastructure In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [364823/30616/28] Posted by grahame at 06:51, 28th August 2025 | |
Thank you for this thought-provoking answer. It's always difficult making international comparisons. What you say does surprise me: do German local authorities really have cash available to subsidise steam railways? Are EU funds really directed to areas that look - from Graham's photos - to be extremely well-off?
Maybe UK heritage railways have subsidies that aren't available in Germany? I'm thinking of the zero-VAT in UK, whereas VAT is levied on train fares in Germany.
Maybe UK heritage railways have subsidies that aren't available in Germany? I'm thinking of the zero-VAT in UK, whereas VAT is levied on train fares in Germany.
The Molli, The Rugen and Zittau railways, and the Harz, are all in former East Germany and perhaps that's no co-incidence. Former, really impressive buildings on the coast or in the mountains which perhaps were holiday homes / retreats or state camps for children and teenagers as they grew and were educated into good citizens became or had become run down and there was / has been considerable investment in bringing them up to date. There remains, if you look "around the back", decayed / un-restored / un-redeveloped parts, and goodness only knows how many people actually own their own homes. I would suggest that there is still a substantial local holiday / day trip / vacation traffic to the seaside and mountains, and that many of these parts of Germany have sectors in which the car never became the 99% way of getting around as it has in most of the UK. Paradoxically, I found myself feeling the absence of cars and the presence of walking, cycling and buses earlier this year in Lambeth, and again much nice looking restored old property.
| Re: Heritage railways and how they connect with the larger infrastructure In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [364822/30616/28] Posted by Trowres at 00:28, 28th August 2025 | |
There are places where this co-operation has led to fruitful interactions to the mutual benefit of the national and heritage railways. The Spa Valley Railway with their parallel running into Eridge and the Chinnor and Princes Risborough with their brand new Chinnor Independent Line parallel to NR's Thame Branch Siding.
I think a few others have through ticketing arrangements as well.
I think a few others have through ticketing arrangements as well.
Through ticketing arrangements are hard to find...
So far, I've found the following:
South Devon Railway - from many GWR stations (no railcard discounts)
Cholsey and Wallingford - from GWR Thames Valley stations
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway - from some stations served by Northern (including railcard discounts).
There are some that formerly had through ticketing arrangements. Ones that I've used or seen:
Bodmin & Wenford
Ffestiniog Railway
Severn Valley Railway
Swanage Railway (to Corfe Castle)
Any others?
| Re: What would you gamble on. Horses, Cards, lottery, getting home at night? In "Smoke and Mirrors" [364821/30628/3] Posted by broadgage at 23:06, 27th August 2025 Already liked by Surrey 455 | |
I have previously gambled on relatively rare events, such as snow at Christmas, or election results.
I have now given up any/all gambling. I now consider gambling to be a social evil and feel that I should practice what I preach.
If I was in charge, I would prohibit ALL advertising of gambling.
I would also use the planning system to prohibit any increase in bookmakers shops and other premises in which gambling is available.
I would also return to the old policy whereby bookmakers premises had to be made uninviting, this included only permitting ONE TV screen, of limited size, hard flooring only without carpets, no upholstered furniture, and no food or drink other than tap water to be available.
I have now given up any/all gambling. I now consider gambling to be a social evil and feel that I should practice what I preach.
If I was in charge, I would prohibit ALL advertising of gambling.
I would also use the planning system to prohibit any increase in bookmakers shops and other premises in which gambling is available.
I would also return to the old policy whereby bookmakers premises had to be made uninviting, this included only permitting ONE TV screen, of limited size, hard flooring only without carpets, no upholstered furniture, and no food or drink other than tap water to be available.
Thankyou Mr Cromwell
I am not proposing that betting should be banned. Instead I favour a ban on advertising or promoting gambling/betting. And also I propose that no increase in the number of betting and gambling premises be allowed.
I would limit slot machines in public houses to a maximum payout of £10*, and increase the excise duty payable on such machines. *never to be increased, not even in line with inflation, in order that with inflation, that the payouts would become less attractive.
