The entire day's service on Monday now showing as cancelled on Journeycheck.

Si King, Siddy Holloway and Damion Burrows explore the extraordinary stations that take us beyond catching a train to the hidden worlds where heritage, technology and community converge

Taormina?

2 and 5.  Dawlish.

That's interesting... when I got stranded at Westbury last year I was told that a policy decision had been made to only use Bath Taxis for replacement rail services. It often used to be the case that the station staff would call local (mainly Westbury or Trowbridge) taxi companies for runs to Melksham (and beyond), but apparently Bath Taxis were the only company they were now allowed to book. Which meant a muchlonger wait for us passengers stuck at Westbury.

Sounds like that ruling has been rescinded now if Chippenham staff can use local services. Or maybe it's unique to Westbury?

Another taxi arrived, this time a local Chippenham one ordered by the GWR central team, and after checking that it was after 17:50, us three passengers got in and we were taken to Melksham - arrival 18:14 at the station.

Travel warnings as snow and ice predicted in Devon and Cornwall


A snowy scene near Liskeard in Cornwall

A yellow warning for ice and snow is in place across Devon and Cornwall, and is scheduled to last until Tuesday.

The Met Office warned of scattered sleet and snow showers, and icy patches which may cause some travel disruption on Sunday, Monday and into Tuesday morning. Another school is closed because of a heating failure.

The ice, sleet and snow warnings start at 12:00 GMT on Sunday and run continuously until 11:00 on Tuesday.

Some roads and rail journeys are likely to be affected and there is an increased risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

People are also advised there are also likely to be some icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.

Devon County Council said gritters were out across the county, external and would be out again early on Monday.

Cornwall Council urged people to travel carefully and allow extra time for their journeys.

St Luke's Church of England School in Exeter is closed on Monday because of a heating failure, and Ashwater Primary School and Halwill Primary School in Beaworthy are opening at 10:00 GMT to give time to travel due to the icy conditions forecast.

Details of school closures are published on this Devon County Council page.

Four Plymouth churches have opened their doors to the homeless due to the drop in temperatures.

Project 58:7, launched by Path and charity Transforming Plymouth Together, sees the city centre churches transformed into warm shelters until March. The scheme, funded by the Rank Foundation, offers hot drinks, clean bedding and specialist support.

Victoria Allen, Path chief executive, said: "We see every day the fear, exhaustion and worsening health that comes from trying to survive on the streets. Project 58:7 is a compassionate and practical response, giving people not only a safe night's sleep but the chance to stabilise, feel valued, and begin moving forward."

Yes, but no ...

You may have noticed that I've been rather more active there recently.

Simply because, while adding details of dates and events to my paper A4 desk diary and wall calendar (both of which were very welcome Christmas presents!), I noted that our forum's facility there is rather woefully underused.

That's another of the things I'll be working on: please do feel encouraged to add anything relevant there, for the benefit of all our members and guests.

Mother and daughter named as sea tragedy victims


Grace Keeling and Sarah Keeling went into the sea off the East Yorkshire coast on Friday with passer-by Mark Ratcliffe

A man who died trying to save two people from the sea in East Yorkshire on Friday was attempting to rescue a mother and her teenage daughter, Humberside police said.

Officers said 67-year-old Mark Ratcliffe entered the water at Withernsea to try and save 45-year-old Sarah Keeling and 15-year-old Grace Keeling.

In a tribute, Mr Ratcliffe's family said he was "a true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others".

Police said the bodies of Sarah Keeling and Mark Ratcliffe were recovered on Friday evening, and officers were still searching to locate Grace.

Mr Ratcliffe's family said: "So many lives are now shattered that you're gone. You were loved by so many people, and we will all miss you forever. A loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandad anybody could ever wish for. Sleep tight, we love you, we miss you."

Mr Ratcliffe's son, in a Facebook post, thanked the RNLI, HM coastguards and the emergency services who had done "all they could" and worked tirelessly and relentlessly in awful weather conditions. "Bye Dad, I miss you and I will never forget the true hero and role model you were," he wrote.

Police said both families were being supported by specially trained officers.

(BBC article continues)

Is anyone else possibly tempted?

Bath Seven Crescents
Everyone is aware of Bath’s Royal Crescent, but what about the other six?  The 7th day of the New Year we will walk all seven!
The vast majority of this urban walk will be paved, no stiles, no heavy boots, no gaiters required.
Two ascents / descents with views over the city. Bring a snack and drink for one stop. Refreshments etc available in city centre.

Decode Your Body’s Signals

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Hone your hydration habits

Your body is up to 75% water. Make sure it’s getting enough.

Dekoda uses science now available for the first time at home to analyze your urine. It evaluates hydration levels and alerts you to changes in real time.

Immunity, digestion, and nutrient absorption start in your gut. Protect it.

Dekoda’s advanced sensors analyze your waste. It passively tracks the frequency, consistency, and shape, then decodes that data into practical insights you can use to create habits for a healthy gut.

From The BBC