Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Storing petrol In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374619/22213/51] Posted by Mark A at 10:03, 30th April 2026 |      |
Thread from @bartgonnissen.bsky.social in which he talks through fuel for ships and current issues.
https://bsky.app/profile/bartgonnissen.bsky.social/post/3mkp7aqdfpt2q
It links his other thread which is cat photo heavy, but not for a good reason, as he's flagging the issue of "Cat fines" which hopefully do not come the way of retail diesel supplies.
https://bsky.app/profile/bartgonnissen.bsky.social/post/3m6orddzjrc2a
Mark
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2026 In "London to the Cotswolds" [374618/31371/14] Posted by charles_uk at 09:58, 30th April 2026 | |
The first off-peak up service of the day - the 08:18 Worcester Shrub Hill to London Paddington - has been short-formed a few times over the last few weeks. Today JourneyCheck is reporting:
Facilities on the 08:18 Worcester Shrub Hill to London Paddington due 10:26.
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 9. Service full and standing from Oxford. First class is declassified. There are no reservations on this service.
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 9. Service full and standing from Oxford. First class is declassified. There are no reservations on this service.
Earlier the busy 06:43 Worcester Shrub Hill to London Paddington train was another short-form. The 11:52 Paddington to Hereford service and return run are also planned to be short-forms, as is the 18:57 Paddington to Great Malvern train.
| Re: Storing petrol In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374617/22213/51] Posted by Oxonhutch at 09:50, 30th April 2026 Already liked by grahame | |
Missing off Graham's diagram is tax. I suspect HMG is quietly making a killing at the pump, as well as the corporation and windfall taxes on BP et al.
| Re: Storing petrol In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374616/22213/51] Posted by Mark A at 09:45, 30th April 2026 Already liked by PrestburyRoad | |
Still finding this price comparison map site useful. Diesel vs petrol has opened up quite a gap, I'm led to believe that this is because electric vehicles has softened the demand for petrol.
Mark
https://fuelmap.co.uk/
| Re: Mousehole, Cornwall: a bus route change (for the worse) In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374615/31600/5] Posted by GBM at 09:25, 30th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
'… and seeing how the residents feel after a while”
I can save RF some time there. They'll continue to be reduced or ex-users of the bus services and will have poorer life opportunities as a result. Some may become 'Disgruntled voters'. Good that the MD of Go-Ahead has met with residents and is moved to investigate suitable vehicles for the route. I hope he comes up with something. Difficult to imagine that they wouldn't be useful elsewhere too - nearest to Mousehole I'm thinking of the 16 Penzance to St Ives via... lanes... that used to use an Optare** too.
Mark
** Apologies if it wasn't and I'm simply calling all small buses 'Optares'...
Yes, Optare's, and similar (Darts, etc).I can save RF some time there. They'll continue to be reduced or ex-users of the bus services and will have poorer life opportunities as a result. Some may become 'Disgruntled voters'. Good that the MD of Go-Ahead has met with residents and is moved to investigate suitable vehicles for the route. I hope he comes up with something. Difficult to imagine that they wouldn't be useful elsewhere too - nearest to Mousehole I'm thinking of the 16 Penzance to St Ives via... lanes... that used to use an Optare** too.
Mark
** Apologies if it wasn't and I'm simply calling all small buses 'Optares'...
Bigger Optare than that used in Mousehole mind. More tail swing/overhang in the bigger Optares.
| Re: Storing petrol In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374614/22213/51] Posted by grahame at 09:11, 30th April 2026 | |
The crude oil price has now reached $125 ! No significant shortages as yet.
If this carries on, I perceive some risk of shortages, of transport fuel and also of natural gas.
If this carries on, I perceive some risk of shortages, of transport fuel and also of natural gas.
I notice that BP have made bumper profits ... have to wonder where the extra income goes.
A barrel of oil is 159 litres. So at £1.85 / litre (diesel at the place up the road) you are looking at £294 ( = almost $400) per barrel - that's 3.5 times price at the pump that it costs on the world market. Put the other way round, the world price is still only 50p per litre, marked up in Melksham to £1.85 ...
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [374613/10737/21] Posted by Western Pathfinder at 07:39, 30th April 2026 | |
The low spring sunshine should light that up nicely,say early May ?..
| Re: Storing petrol In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374612/22213/51] Posted by broadgage at 05:30, 30th April 2026 | |
The crude oil price has now reached $125 ! No significant shortages as yet.
If this carries on, I perceive some risk of shortages, of transport fuel and also of natural gas.
| Re: Your pint could come with a surprising health benefit ... In "The Lighter Side" [374611/31925/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 02:32, 30th April 2026 Already liked by broadgage | |
7 pints per day will provide all the B6 needed. This is excellent news
Don't tell broadgage.
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine and Rev Wilbert Awdry - ongoing discussion In "The Lighter Side" [374610/16895/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 00:53, 30th April 2026 | |
Please do post an update here in June!
| Re: 'Battery Bill': UK's first electric quarry loco named by pupil In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374609/31953/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:52, 29th April 2026 | |
Hmm.
While I obviously commend Cillian Gallagher on his success, I'm not sure this isn't taking things a bit too far:
From the BBC:
Minimum age to be a train driver lowered to 18
Eighteen-year-olds will be allowed to drive trains after the minimum age was lowered from 20 in a bid to tackle driver shortages.
(BBC article continues)
Eighteen-year-olds will be allowed to drive trains after the minimum age was lowered from 20 in a bid to tackle driver shortages.
(BBC article continues)
He's a five-year-old!
| Re: 'Battery Bill': UK's first electric quarry loco named by pupil In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374607/31953/51] Posted by Oxonhutch at 22:23, 29th April 2026 | |
Glad to see that the original spoon and notch handles have been retained. Always nice to make an 08 go and stop. At least the start-up faff is now obviated. I wonder if the loco still has old corks capping the coupling-rod oil reservoirs and a large BSW? spanner to undo the underside nut to let the rainwater out of the same?
08s are still steam engines below the waist
| Re: Why some trains will not be stopping at Banbury In "Cross Country services" [374606/31951/43] Posted by Oxonhutch at 22:12, 29th April 2026 Already liked by 1st fan, GBM | |
Can it be anything to do with Banbury being a ticket split station with enormous price differentials? Pity if your train didn't stop, Sir...
| BLB Solicitors, based in Trowbridge, ceases trading from midday on 30 April 2026 In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [374605/31956/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:55, 29th April 2026 | |
As it has happened so suddenly, I'm posting here for information, in case any of their clients are not aware of this development.
From the BBC:
Clients left 'stunned' as solicitors cease trading
Clients say they have been left "stunned" after a solicitors firm announced its sudden closure after the sale of the business fell through at short notice.
BLB Solicitors, based in Trowbridge in Wiltshire, confirmed in a letter sent to some clients that it will cease trading from midday on Thursday after being placed into administration.
...
BLB Solicitors has offices in Bath, Bristol, Bradford-on-Avon, Swindon, Almondsbury and Trowbridge, and employs more than 40 lawyers across its six locations.
A letter sent by the firm to clients on Tuesday read: "We would strongly recommend that you instruct another firm of solicitors to continue to act on your behalf."
(BBC article continues)
Clients say they have been left "stunned" after a solicitors firm announced its sudden closure after the sale of the business fell through at short notice.
BLB Solicitors, based in Trowbridge in Wiltshire, confirmed in a letter sent to some clients that it will cease trading from midday on Thursday after being placed into administration.
...
BLB Solicitors has offices in Bath, Bristol, Bradford-on-Avon, Swindon, Almondsbury and Trowbridge, and employs more than 40 lawyers across its six locations.
A letter sent by the firm to clients on Tuesday read: "We would strongly recommend that you instruct another firm of solicitors to continue to act on your behalf."
(BBC article continues)
| Re: East - West Rail update (Oxford to Bedford) - ongoing discussion In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [374604/1219/28] Posted by ChrisB at 21:16, 29th April 2026 | |
Brand-new battery-electric multiple units will eventually operate on EWR, with an order for a new fleet expected soon.
So the wires should allow the batteries to power the non-electrified parts?
| Urgent repairs needed to Cambridge railway station pub In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374603/31955/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:56, 29th April 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Urgent repairs needed to city railway station pub
Greater Anglia has applied for permission to the roof of the former ticket office, which is now a pub at the Cambridge station - Image © Getty Images
"Urgent repairs" were needed to ensure the future of a city railway station's pub, a train operator said.
Greater Anglia has applied for permission to Greater Cambridge Shared Planning to make changes to the roof of the former ticket office, which is now a pub at the Cambridge station. It said work would include replacing flashing, slates and improving drainage.
The work was necessary, it said, because of widespread defects in the roof and water damage affecting the toilets and other internal areas of the building.
The Old Ticket Office is part of the original 1845 Cambridge railway complex and was converted into a pub in 2018.
In its application to the partnership between Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council, Greater Anglia said: "As a matter of urgency, Greater Anglia are looking to address any progressive damage such as timber decay and mould to the existing structure."
It stressed the importance of the structure, saying: "Cambridge Station is a prominent building with extensive sightlines from the Station Square and beyond. Failure of the roof materials is resulting in water ingress that is impacting on the existing building structure and operation of the Old Ticket Office public house."
The application stated that the scheme "is to refurbish a section of station roof located to the north of the main station building, over the public house". It added: "The pub is in daily use by the tenant, and they will continue to require access during the duration of the works."
A Greater Anglia spokesperson told the BBC: "We have submitted for listed building consent to carry out essential repairs to the Old Ticket Office pub at Cambridge railway station. These works will address areas of deterioration and are being progressed as a priority to protect the building and support the tenant. Subject to listed building consent, we expect work to begin later this year and take around three months to complete. The pub will remain open during this time and we do not expect any impact on customers using the station."
Greater Anglia has applied for permission to the roof of the former ticket office, which is now a pub at the Cambridge station - Image © Getty Images
"Urgent repairs" were needed to ensure the future of a city railway station's pub, a train operator said.
Greater Anglia has applied for permission to Greater Cambridge Shared Planning to make changes to the roof of the former ticket office, which is now a pub at the Cambridge station. It said work would include replacing flashing, slates and improving drainage.
The work was necessary, it said, because of widespread defects in the roof and water damage affecting the toilets and other internal areas of the building.
The Old Ticket Office is part of the original 1845 Cambridge railway complex and was converted into a pub in 2018.
In its application to the partnership between Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council, Greater Anglia said: "As a matter of urgency, Greater Anglia are looking to address any progressive damage such as timber decay and mould to the existing structure."
It stressed the importance of the structure, saying: "Cambridge Station is a prominent building with extensive sightlines from the Station Square and beyond. Failure of the roof materials is resulting in water ingress that is impacting on the existing building structure and operation of the Old Ticket Office public house."
The application stated that the scheme "is to refurbish a section of station roof located to the north of the main station building, over the public house". It added: "The pub is in daily use by the tenant, and they will continue to require access during the duration of the works."
A Greater Anglia spokesperson told the BBC: "We have submitted for listed building consent to carry out essential repairs to the Old Ticket Office pub at Cambridge railway station. These works will address areas of deterioration and are being progressed as a priority to protect the building and support the tenant. Subject to listed building consent, we expect work to begin later this year and take around three months to complete. The pub will remain open during this time and we do not expect any impact on customers using the station."
| Re: GWR website limited to one journey (single or return) per transaction In "Fare's Fair" [374602/31948/4] Posted by Surrey 455 at 19:27, 29th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
I have also noticed that you have to re-enter a username/password each time you use it. The login screen is not mobile friendly and probably doesn't meet accessibility guidelines.
GWR also appear to have removed the option to pay via Google Pay/Wallet.
GWR also appear to have removed the option to pay via Google Pay/Wallet.
The same thing has happened to the SWR app. It's annoying having to log in every time. Google Pay also disappeared but I notice today that it seems to have come back.
I might permanently switch to the Trainsplit app which I use from time to time because I cannot see any way of selecting a via / avoid option on the SWR app. Being able to avoid Clapham Junction on journeys to Sussex makes the fare a lot cheaper for me.
| Re: Gritting lorries, their names and their drivers In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374601/31129/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:15, 29th April 2026 | |
I have commented previously on the rather apposite relevance of her name, on another topic, at https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=31355.msg370394#msg370394
CfN.
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine and the Rev W Awdry - ongoing discussion In "The Lighter Side" [374600/16895/30] Posted by PhilWakely at 18:13, 29th April 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, GBM | |
Big kid that I am, I went to Swanage to meet Christopher Awdry and I also have a VIP ticket to the Hammersmith Apollo to hear both Christopher and Pete Waterman
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [374599/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 17:47, 29th April 2026 | |
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to congestion.
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to congestion.
| Re: Gritting lorries, their names and their drivers In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374598/31129/51] Posted by bobm at 17:45, 29th April 2026 | |
Looking back. I am surprised no one commented on the name of the reporter in post number 8 in this thread.
Mary McCool
BBC Scotland
BBC Scotland
| Re: GWR website limited to one journey (single or return) per transaction In "Fare's Fair" [374597/31948/4] Posted by Clan Line at 15:44, 29th April 2026 | |
I discovered last weekend that the SWR website has been subjected to the same 'improvement'.
This is the same update, presumably, that killed off Mixing Deck on the GWR and SWR websites. I am starting to get the distinct impression that they don't want people to travel by train anymore.
| Re: Why some trains will not be stopping at Banbury In "Cross Country services" [374596/31951/43] Posted by John D at 15:36, 29th April 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby, IndustryInsider, Mark A, 1st fan | |
And the 'perfect' commuter train that reaches Oxford at 08:39 from Leamington would be a particularly useful service from Banbury, but it will sail through at 08:20!
Hmmmm......Very few offices/workplaces can be reached from the station in 20mins....pushing it. It can take 5mins to get off the platform & out of the station to Park End Street. Most would stick with the arrival at 0815 as they do now.
Those that start after 0900 or are on flexi-time might avail themselves however.
Hmmmm, well I remember it used to be fairly popular, and flexi-time working has on course increased since Covid. And it would take a bit of pressure of what is, I agree, the actual 'perfect' commuter train half an hour before.
Homeworking has increased considerably since COVID too, which may have changed commuter patterns.
Apparently it peaked after covid pandemic, and is in decline as more companies want everyone back in the office, or back in for at least 4 days per week.
The latest stats I can find are just 4% of job vacancies allow fully remote working, and just 13% allow hybrid (mixed home and office) with flexible working now being restricted to flexing start and finish times. Details on this are hard to get because most companies do not include maximum variation duration in job adverts, but data elsewhere seems to suggest 30mins or 1 hour max variation to office hours is common (and to fit in with nursery or transport requirements).
My own hunch is that some people waiting to travel off peak will not be able to because staying later at end of day would conflict with things like collecting children from nurseries /childminders by closing time etc.
Without wanting to go off topic, seems the railway operating Mon-Fri, Sat, Sun timetables, should now really be changed to Mon-Thur, Fri-Sat, Sun on many commuter routes, with 4 day peak extras.
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [374595/10737/21] Posted by Mark A at 15:14, 29th April 2026 Already liked by JohnM | |
Thanks for this, peeped through it on Saturday and was amazed at the provision (amazed in a good way) but didn't take a photo.
Mark
| Re: Mousehole, Cornwall: a bus route change (for the worse) In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374594/31600/5] Posted by Mark A at 15:01, 29th April 2026 | |
'… and seeing how the residents feel after a while”
I can save RF some time there. They'll continue to be reduced or ex-users of the bus services and will have poorer life opportunities as a result. Some may become 'Disgruntled voters'. Good that the MD of Go-Ahead has met with residents and is moved to investigate suitable vehicles for the route. I hope he comes up with something. Difficult to imagine that they wouldn't be useful elsewhere too - nearest to Mousehole I'm thinking of the 16 Penzance to St Ives via... lanes... that used to use an Optare** too.
Mark
** Apologies if it wasn't and I'm simply calling all small buses 'Optares'...
| Re: Why some trains will not be stopping at Banbury In "Cross Country services" [374593/31951/43] Posted by IndustryInsider at 14:42, 29th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Homeworking has increased considerably since COVID too, which may have changed commuter patterns.
Watching everyone pile off the 08:14 arrival from Banbury in the morning would suggest to me that on that particular route it is still very much appropriate to provide a service a 30 minute interval service.
It uses up all, and often a little more, of its 2 minute dwell time in the station, as evidenced today: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:C72466/2026-04-29/detailed#allox_id=0
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [374592/10737/21] Posted by JohnM at 14:35, 29th April 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
Apologies if this has already been posted - it's the view through the little viewing window at the far end of the subway (under platforms 13/15), on Monday:
(how do I resize it?)
I have added "width=800" to the img tag - grahame
| Re: GWR website limited to one journey (single or return) per transaction In "Fare's Fair" [374591/31948/4] Posted by JohnM at 14:30, 29th April 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby, TaplowGreen | |
I'm still using the Uber phone app for my regular commuting journeys - tap 1 to go into the 'trains' section, tap 2 to 'rebook' the last trip, tap 3 to 'confirm and pay' (with a 3% discount and no fees). Remarkably easy.
| Re: East - West Rail update (Oxford to Bedford) - ongoing discussion In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [374590/1219/28] Posted by Witham Bobby at 14:26, 29th April 2026 Already liked by Richard Fairhurst, JohnM | |
https://www.railmagazine.com/news/east-west-rail-set-be-electrified-east-of-bletchley
So they'll be able to not run electric trains as well as not running diesel trains. Far more efficient
