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Great Western Coffee Shop
Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Re: The Cheddar Valley Lost Railway - the 'Strawberry Line' from Yatton to Cheddar and beyond
In "Railway History and related topics" [378897/444/55]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:35, 30th August 2026
 
With thanks for your post, CyclingSid, I have moved and merged it here, into this definitive topic about 'The Strawberry Line'.

CfN. 

Re: Weymouth line cancellations
In "Heart of Wessex" [378896/32074/19]
Posted by grahame at 14:32, 30th August 2026
 
Also a lot of people still work Monday to Friday - it's not good in 2026 if for one of their two days off a week, public transport doesn't function / isn't timetabled.

I do wonder why people don't rather want to go to the seaside on Saturday or (Bank Holiday) MOnday? Services are always poorer on a Sunday

In my (very local to Melksham, but very deep) experience, people want to go on whichever weekend day(s) they can - with a direct train or good connection and reasonable times with reliable trains and at a sensible price.  The railway industry has dumbed down their capacity to Weymouth on Saturdays over the years of this century, and has actually added a train or two during the day on Sundays.   Looking back further, services are now much better on Sundays than they were, and much more localised to the south west than they used to be on Saturdays.

"Build it and they will come" ... put a reliable, useable day trip in on Sundays, and Saturdays in winter, from Melksham and on days it's not peeing down with rain in the morning, you'll have a goodly passenger load

Germany: British woman killed in stabbing at railway station - 30 Aug 2026
In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [378895/32432/52]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:17, 30th August 2026
 
From the BBC:

British woman killed in stabbing at German railway station

A British woman has died after being stabbed at a railway station in southern Germany in the early hours of Sunday morning, police have said.

The 31-year-old woman was attacked at the station in Rosenheim, Bavaria, shortly before 01:00 local time (00:00BST). She was taken to hospital where she died as a result of "severe" injuries, the Bavarian Police said in a statement.

Officers arrested a 27-year-old German man at the scene immediately after the incident. The background and motive for the attack is under investigation, the statement added.

Police have asked anyone who may have witnessed "an argument or physical altercation" at the station late on Saturday or early on Sunday to contact them.

The suspect, from the Fürstenfeldbruck district, will be brought before magistrates later on Sunday, according to German news agency DPA.

It is not known if the two knew each other or what the woman was doing in Bavaria, DPA also reported.

Rosenheim is one of the largest cities in Upper Bavaria and is a busy rail hub for passengers travelling to Austrian cities including Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck.

The Rosenheimer Herbstfest - an event similar to the Oktoberfest beer festival - is currently taking place in the area.


Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026
In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [378894/31359/18]
Posted by grahame at 14:00, 30th August 2026
 
And no options suggested as to how to make the journey!

It's Sunday so the x34 WILL call at Chippenham Station, but won't as far as Trowbridge Station, terminating behind Sainsburys instead.  Passenger who would have gone THROUGH Melksham can change at Bath Spa at no extra cost; issues on the train towards Weymouth that they might get to Westbury after it has left.

Here's GWR's offering from Swindon - benchmark if they ran the train like wot they are contracted to - is £23.50



I can understand and forgive a later start, changes, and a journey that requires changes.   But to suggest that the fare is 370% if you want to arrive at a sensible time is - err - not "customer considerate' to me.   I know how those prices are reached, and would personally have found a way to make the journey at a lower legal price if I had to, but this come s across as pretty tacky to people struggling with the fare system, web site  and ticket machines as it is.

Former railway line named Britain's favourite path
In "Railway History and related topics" [378893/444/55]
Posted by CyclingSid at 13:56, 30th August 2026
 
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgyl2mpnjjo

The Strawberry Line path which runs through Somerset, was crowned this year's winner by walking charity The Ramblers following a month-long public vote.

Re: Weymouth line cancellations
In "Heart of Wessex" [378892/32074/19]
Posted by Mark A at 13:29, 30th August 2026
Already liked by TaplowGreen
 
Also a lot of people still work Monday to Friday - it's not good in 2026 if for one of their two days off a week, public transport doesn't function / isn't timetabled.

Re: Weymouth line cancellations
In "Heart of Wessex" [378891/32074/19]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 13:23, 30th August 2026
Already liked by Mark A
 
I do wonder why people don't rather want to go to the seaside on Saturday or (Bank Holiday) MOnday? Services are always poorer on a Sunday

I suspect that those who have to work or have other commitments on Saturdays and have no choice but to go on Sunday wonder why services are always poorer on a Sunday, but anyway, as you were.

Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026
In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [378890/31359/18]
Posted by bobm at 12:51, 30th August 2026
 
10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 12:57

10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 12:57 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham and Swindon.
This is due to a fault on a train.

13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:45

13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:45 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a fault on a train.

According to Real Time Trains the unit which came up from Weymouth then hitched a ride to Bristol Temple Meads with a Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central service.

Re: Railways but no trains - 1 of 3
In "The Lighter Side" [378889/32425/30]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:43, 30th August 2026
 
Yes, Bath Spa was my second choice, when Swindon was ruled out.

Re: Weymouth line cancellations
In "Heart of Wessex" [378888/32074/19]
Posted by ChrisB at 12:29, 30th August 2026
 
I do wonder why people don't rather want to go to the seaside on Saturday or (Bank Holiday) MOnday? Services are always poorer on a Sunday

Re: Railways but no trains - 1 of 3
In "The Lighter Side" [378887/32425/30]
Posted by bradshaw at 12:25, 30th August 2026
 
GWR posters on the wall, possibly Bath Spa.

Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026
In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [378886/31359/18]
Posted by grahame at 12:01, 30th August 2026
 
Noting it says "due to a fault on A train" not "this train".

Further Information

If you require further information please speak to our staff at the station or on the train, use the Customer Help Point, message us on X @GWRHelp or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950.

If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:30/08/2026 11:32

And no options suggested as to how to make the journey!

It's Sunday so the x34 WILL call at Chippenham Station, but won't as far as Trowbridge Station, terminating behind Sainsburys instead.  Passenger who would have gone THROUGH Melksham can change at Bath Spa at no extra cost; issues on the train towards Weymouth that they might get to Westbury after it has left.

Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026
In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [378885/31359/18]
Posted by grahame at 11:52, 30th August 2026
 
10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 12:57

10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 12:57 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham and Swindon.
This is due to a fault on a train.

13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:45

13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:45 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a fault on a train.

Re: Railways but no trains - 1 of 3
In "The Lighter Side" [378884/32425/30]
Posted by grahame at 11:50, 30th August 2026
 
13.  Surbiton station, UK. 

Nope - not an easy one, but with so many members claiming roots in the place, I thought it would be identified quite quickly!

Re: Railways but no trains - 1 of 3
In "The Lighter Side" [378883/32425/30]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:44, 30th August 2026
 
13.  Surbiton station, UK. 

Re: Death of teenager on track between Weymouth and Dorchester, 23 March 2023
In "Heart of Wessex" [378882/27309/19]
Posted by grahame at 10:46, 30th August 2026
 
Memorial in Radipole Park.  Paused for reflection and thought.


Re: Railways but no trains - 1 of 3
In "The Lighter Side" [378881/32425/30]
Posted by bradshaw at 10:00, 30th August 2026
 
1, agreed with Stuving, Saltash station’s Trackside Cafe with the First Cornwall bus times on the screen

Re: Railways but no trains - 1 of 3
In "The Lighter Side" [378880/32425/30]
Posted by stuving at 08:28, 30th August 2026
 
1. appears to be at Saltash.

Re: For sale - Eggesford Station Building
In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [378879/32414/24]
Posted by grahame at 08:12, 30th August 2026
 
Also for sale - Venns Cross Station building https://www.stags.co.uk/properties/21987319/sales

On the Somerset / Devon border

Re: Weymouth line cancellations
In "Heart of Wessex" [378878/32074/19]
Posted by John D at 08:04, 30th August 2026
 
And GWR have started today with 09:08 Bristol-Weymouth cancelled

The next direct train from my station Bradford on Avon is 18:22
just a 9 hour gap !

There is no trains today from north of Westbury that will get you to Weymouth before midday, hopeless for anyone doing a day trip

Re: Railways but no trains - 1 of 3
In "The Lighter Side" [378877/32425/30]
Posted by grahame at 08:02, 30th August 2026
 
Correct so far:

0 Paddington - stuving
2 Prague hlavní nádraží  - DR7835
3 Arbroath - broooklea
4 Italy (somewhere!) - eightonedee
5 York - Chris from Nailsea
6 Marlow - Mark A
7 Usti nad Labem - Chris from Nailsea
8 King's Cross - eightonedee
10 Ebbw Vale - stuving
11 Brighton - TonyN
14 Prague hlavní nádraží  - DR7835

Which leaves these (can anyone be more specific about number 4?), several of which are in the GW area.

1.


4. Italy (somewhere!) - eightonedee


9.


12.


13.

[otd] 30th August 1906 and 1909 - Fishguard Harbour Station
In "Shorter journeys in South and West Wales" [378876/32430/23]
Posted by grahame at 07:45, 30th August 2026
 
The not-so-long but still complex history of Fishguard Harbour - on Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishguard_Harbour_railway_station

On 30 August 1906, Fishguard Harbour station was officially opened when the Waterford and Cork ferry services were transferred from Neyland. Three years later, the first Cunard liner to call at Fishguard was the RMS Mauretania on 30 August 1909

With Fishguard, I get a feeling of a still-latent giant of a prospect for environmentally friendly international travel.  Issues to be sorted out along the way, but in a parallel universe and with political will, it just could be done, perhaps.

Re: Weymouth line cancellations
In "Heart of Wessex" [378875/32074/19]
Posted by grahame at 07:19, 30th August 2026
 
09:08 Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth due 11:26

09:08 Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth due 11:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.

Oops. Next train to Weymouth arrives there at 13:45 - real killer for day out.   There is an earlier one - 09:00 from Westbury getting to Weymouth at 10:29 which sounds feasible as an alternative until you ask the question "will intending passengers find out about that in time" and "will those from north of Westbury have a suitable connection".

Journeyheck is not offering any alternatives / suggestions



Burscough, Lancashire - man dies after train hits van on crossing - 29 Aug 2026
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [378874/32429/51]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:50, 29th August 2026
 
From the BBC:

Man dies after train hits van on crossing


British Transport Police said a man who was travelling in a van died in the incident

A man has died after a train hit a van on a railway line.

The incident happened on a crossing in Burscough, West Lancashire, just after 15:00 BST.

British Transport Police (BTP) said a man who was in the van died at the scene, and two passengers on the Wigan Wallgate-Southport train suffered minor injuries.

A BTP spokesman said: "Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened."


A large emergency services presence is on the scene close to the railway line in Burscough

A large emergency services operation was launched, with police, fire and ambulance vehicles on the scene and in nearby farmland.

Passengers could be seen being helped down from the train by emergency services teams.

Operator Northern said there would be "major disruption", with "all lines blocked" by an "incident between Wigan Wallgate and Southport".


Re: 29th August and 5th September 2026 - day trips Melksham to Weymouth
In "Diary - what's happening when?" [378873/32419/34]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:32, 29th August 2026
Already liked by Mark A
 
Now in Westbury ... after a wait outside, I would presume for a platform.

Ah, yes: they could do well with another platform at Westbury. 


Re: Derailment, Wickford,14th August 2026
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [378872/32365/51]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:35, 29th August 2026
 
That reminds me of my days having to commute into Bristol on a Wessex Trains 143 ... 


Re: Railways but no trains - 1 of 3
In "The Lighter Side" [378871/32425/30]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:31, 29th August 2026
 
7.  Again, from the Czech Republic - Usti nad Labem.  One of our Coffee Shop forum members lives there. 

Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts)
In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [378870/10737/21]
Posted by johnneyw at 18:28, 29th August 2026
Already liked by IndustryInsider
 
Indeed.  The hoardings have now been replaced with temporary barriers and a big poster saying the same thing.

Huzzah!  I shall have a proper look at it when I get back to Bristol.... hopefully tomorrow.

Re: Railways but no trains - 1 of 3
In "The Lighter Side" [378869/32425/30]
Posted by grahame at 18:06, 29th August 2026
Already liked by Mark A
 
The cafe at RSPB Radipole, the SWRAC is the South West Regional Assessment Centre and they run the cafe there.
They are a Specialist College & Alternative Education Provider in Dorset supporting SEN for young people aged 16-25.

https://swrac.co.uk/

Spot on.  A spot for a quiet tea or some other beverage just a short distance from the station.  A bit dull and windy when I was there (the weather, though the description may apply to me too, I suppose) but never the less some gulls, some ducks, and even the flash of a kingfisher.  And a row of cormorants which are pretty standard for the spot!

Re: Railways but no trains - 1 of 3
In "The Lighter Side" [378868/32425/30]
Posted by grahame at 18:01, 29th August 2026
 
2. Also the Czech Republic. The less aesthetically notable present day main entrance hall at Praha hlavní nádraží /Prague Main Station?

Yes indeed. The "whole" is very impressive with the historic station building sitting beside the platform tracks opening onto Platform 1, with the main road outside, and the modern station below the road - on several layers - amd opening out into a park that provides pedestrian flow around a square and into streets down towards the city.

 
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