The Bristol Railway Archive

Agreed - a very good turnout. I think there were about 10 of us. Best suggestion all night was to have the music turned down. It was Credence Clearwater Revival if anyone was actually listening. I sure wouldn't want to be in the licenced trade at the moment. When I left at 2140 there was only one other customer in. I think between us we spent more than enough to cover the electricity bill.

Despite my decades of railway experience, I felt somewhat overwhelmed by the knowledge and recollections of the 'older hands'. What a shame if all this was to be lost over the years demonstrating just how important archives such as this one are.

I was astonished at the volume of printed material which was thrown onto the table. I got the impression that our friends from up North are going home with their objectives well and truly met.

Early days yet but I reckon this will become a regular event.

A great choice of venue - it was good to have met all you you.

mow wrote:A great choice of venue - it was good to have met all you you.

Seconded

And I must apologise yet again - not only did I say to mow that I "imagined a much older man" but also, when I got home, I realised I was thinking of somebody else anyway!

No offence, in any case I'm not going to admit my age to anyone. Even though all the sportsman of my generation have retired - a long time ago.

oh Nuts after all the hype on here I ........................Forgot

[quote="the green mile"]Agreed - a very good turnout. I think there were about 10 of us. Best suggestion all night was to have the music turned down. It was Credence Clearwater Revival if anyone was actually listening. I sure wouldn't want to be in the licenced trade at the moment. When I left at 2140 there was only one other customer in. I think between us we spent more than enough to cover the electricity bill.

Despite my decades of railway experience, I felt somewhat overwhelmed by the knowledge and recollections of the 'older hands'. What a shame if all this was to be lost over the years demonstrating just how important archives such as this one are..............."

What a cracking evening- thank you all for coming and for making us northerners so welcome. Norton and I went home with a much better understanding of the area in which our loco worked and indeed an impression of what a jewel Bristol was in the crown of the Midland and LMS.

Best wishes, Ralph

worthvalleyfitter wrote: What a cracking evening- thank you all for coming and for making us northerners so welcome. Norton and I went home with a much better understanding of the area in which our loco worked and indeed an impression of what a jewel Bristol was in the crown of the Midland and LMS.

Best wishes, Ralph

I'm glad you had a good time. It was very nice to meet you.

Have you seen this photo, by the way?
http://bristol-rail.co.uk/wiki/File:Barton_Road25.jpg
It's roughly where the Ibis hotel now stands and the building behind the cement wagons is a part of the former Avonside works.

And you can explore changes in Bristol in the past two centuries with the rather wonderful Know Your Place website http://maps.bristol.gov.uk/knowyourplace/

As migjht have mentioned to one or two of you, I was planning to spend today changing oil pressure switches on D1010 at Williton. Pleased to report job all done, loco tested on both engines and subject to loaded test runs, she's a runner for our dieselgala mid June )

"It's roughly where the Ibis hotel now stands and the building behind the cement wagons is a part of the former Avonside works".

Andy, I had instant recall when I saw the picture of this very distinctive building. Probably walked past it a thousand times but I'm hard pushed to locate exactly where it stood. Happy memories of those 03's. Once had to resort to visiting local chandleries to buy spare parts off the shelf rather than wait for the BR stores system to come up with the goods. They did suffer the odd gearbox malfunction when shunting across Avon Street resulting in considerable traffic chaos, usually in the afternoon rush hour.

Jules, I now have some dates to start training in Crowcombe Box on the WSR. Watch this space!

[I'm glad you had a good time. It was very nice to meet you.

Have you seen this photo, by the way?
http://bristol-rail.co.uk/wiki/File:Barton_Road25.jpg
It's roughly where the Ibis hotel now stands and the building behind the cement wagons is a part of the former Avonside works.

And you can explore changes in Bristol in the past two centuries with the rather wonderful Know Your Place website http://maps.bristol.gov.uk/knowyourplace/[/quote]

Thanks for that Andy- It's only the background in the picture that makes the location recognisable.

I did wonder late into that night whether I could hear the ghost of the 03 shunting wagons but when I turned over I could tell it was Norton (not in the same bed I must hasten to add!!!!!!) who was rendering a very passable impression.

All the best

Ralph

Green Mile - Good luck in your new career at Crowcombe! If you are on duty mid June during our diesel gala weekend let me know I'll probably be inside D1010.

There's always a cup of tea at Williton MPD if we are there, so come say hello again. You'll probably recognize a few faces!

Many thanks Jules. Unfortunately, I will be working SX initially (That's Monday to Friday only for the uninitiated) so galas will have to wait until I pass out.

Finally cleared out my locker at work today and handed in all my keys etc. so feeling a bit 'empty' this evening. The train service from Bristol to Weston was the absolute pits today following some vandalism to signalling overnight and not helped by a bus colliding with one of the rail replacement coaches on the forecourt at WSM.

Yesterday was a cracking day as part of my farewell tour of FGW. Went for a little stroll from Stroud to Kemble up over Sapperton tunnels accompanied by 9 HST drivers. Called in for a little liquid refreshment at the Crown in Frampton Mansell as one does on these occasions. Thoroughly recommended!

Unfortunately, I will be working SX initially

That's OK. The diesel gala (or "Mixed Traction Weekend" as the steam boys insist we call it!) starts on the Friday, so we'll still be able to come sit and smoke you out of your new box with a pair of stinky Maybachs!

Finally cleared out my locker at work today and handed in all my keys etc. so feeling a bit 'empty' this evening.

I'm sure the WSR will keep you plenty busy Seriously though, good luck and huge congratulations on a long career successfully completed!

Does anybody fancy the idea of another pub meeting in the near future?

I am now the proud possessor of a Senior Railcard and I want to get my money's worth out of it

I'm up for it. Is everyone on holiday at the moment?

Any ideas for a central theme to act as a main focus of discussion?