Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Re: Darwin Award Hopeful? In "Media about railways, and other means of transport" [362160/30287/49] Posted by broadgage at 23:53, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
As they were presumably still capable of breeding, not eligible for a Darwin award.
To be eligible for a Darwin award, a person must be unable to pass on their obviously defective genes. This may be achieved by death, or less commonly by destroying or removing the breeding equipment.
Possibly an honourable mention instead.
One of my favourite Darwin awards was an American whose car radio ceased to function due to a blown fuse, they used a live rifle round as a substitute. In time the passage of current fired the round, which removed or destroyed the breeding parts.
Re: Coldstream Guards making their way to Berwick from Kings Cross train station In "Media about railways, and other means of transport" [362159/30340/49] Posted by broadgage at 23:37, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I am a bit surprised that troops were allowed to carry rifles at a major station, and on the train.
I appreciate that HM forces presumably have an exemption that permits the carrying of weapons in public, but am surprised that it was done in peacetime.
Re: HMS Bristol: Last Falklands warship given send-off by veterans - 11 June 2025 In "Introductions and chat" [362158/30348/1] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:54, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Thanks for those thoughts, Bob.
My now wife was a Merchant Navy officer on the QE2 when it was requisitioned as a troopship for the Falkland Islands dispute.
The vicar who officiated at our subsequent wedding in Salcombe was the Army Chaplain who buried Colonel H Jones VC, OBE.
Chris.

Re: HMS Bristol: Last Falklands warship given send-off by veterans - 11 June 2025 In "Introductions and chat" [362156/30348/1] Posted by bobm at 21:38, 11th June 2025 Already liked by eightonedee | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Falklands seems so long ago but provided some of the most vivid memories of my journalistic career.
Seeing the Canberra sailing home up Southampton Water one Sunday morning surrounded by fire tugs.
Interviewing, at her invitation, the widow of Colonel H Jones
Working late into the night the evening the Sheffield went down.
Of course for others the memories are still painful now, both physically and emotionally.
My thoughts also go to the family of a friend of mine who died hours before the ceasefire.
None of them should be forgotten.
HMS Bristol: Last Falklands warship given send-off by veterans - 11 June 2025 In "Introductions and chat" [362155/30348/1] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:59, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
From the BBC:

Veterans and members of the public have turned out to give a final farewell to a former Royal Navy flagship that played a "vital role" in the Falklands conflict.
HMS Bristol was towed out of Portsmouth Harbour on Wednesday, almost five years after it was decommissioned.
The warship, which was the last ship serving from the Falklands War, is being taken to a Turkish scrapyard.
Chris Howe, from the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982, said the vessel had a "remarkable and unique legacy".
The Type 82 destroyer was commissioned in March 1973 but having been designed to defend a class of aircraft carriers which was never built, it was the only warship of its class to enter service.
The vessel led a group of two destroyers, five frigates and an RFA supply ship providing reinforcements in the Falklands, and later joined the carrier battle task group as an air defence destroyer. In 1987 it became a training ship before an explosion in its boiler led to it being used as a harbour training vessel - until it was decommissioned in October 2020, after almost 48 years of service.
Members of the public and veterans congregated on Old Portsmouth's Round Tower to wave off HMS Bristol, which was visually rust-stained, as it left the Hampshire naval base.
"As HMS Bristol embarks on its final voyage to the scrapyard in Turkey, we pause to reflect on its remarkable and unique legacy," Mr Howe said. "For many veterans, Bristol was more than a vessel - it was a home, a place of camaraderie, and a symbol of resilience. Its departure marks the end of an era, but its contributions to our history and the memories of those who served aboard will endure. We honour all who sailed in her and bid HMS Bristol a respectful farewell."
Re: Portishead Line reopening for passengers - ongoing discussion In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [362154/231/28] Posted by chuffed at 20:50, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Portishead Railway remains in limbo after no mention in spending review
The Chancellor announced funding for rail schemes in the North, the East and West Midlands, and Wales — but the Portishead and Bristol railway was not mentioned
Rachel Reeves’s spending review has passed without a mention of money for the Portishead Railway.
The Chancellor went on a round Britain trip announcing railway schemes in her statement to the House of Commons this afternoon — but one place she did not visit was Portishead. Plans are in the works to reopen the railway between Bristol and the town in 2027 but it needs millions of pounds of funding from the government.
In her statement, Rachel Reeves announced funding for rail schemes in the North, the East and West Midlands, and Wales. She said: “I said we wanted growth in all regions of Britain and I meant it.”
But there was no announcement on whether the funding for the Portishead Railway had made it through the spending review. The West of England Combined Authority is however set to receive £752m of transport funding this parliament under as part of £15.6bn of transport investment across the country announced by the government last week.
£200m of that money will be spent on developing a mass transit to connect Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, and North Somerset. The rest of the funding will cover improving buses, some road improvements, and £150m on rail improvements including increasing the frequency of suburban services.
But that is understood to be a separate funding stream to the funding for the Portishead Railway. Asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Service last week if she was still confident that the Portishead Railway plans were looking positive, West of England Metro Mayor Helen Godwin said: “Absolutely.”
The project will see new stations built in Portishead and Pill and the line, which closed to passengers in 1964, connecting the town and village to Bristol Temple Meads once again. The line as far as Pill has already been restored — although work would need to be carried out on this stretch of the line to make the track suitable for passenger trains and not just freight.
Hmm. 
While I do fully support that 'commitment' to invest substantially in the railway infrastructure in South Wales, it's not all guaranteed.
Rachel Reeves has proposed spending that budget until 2030. However, Parliaments are limited to five years - so, 5 years on from 4 July 2024, her Government could be out of office by 4 July 2029 (or possibly earlier, depending on developments).
Just saying.

While I do fully support that 'commitment' to invest substantially in the railway infrastructure in South Wales, it's not all guaranteed.
Rachel Reeves has proposed spending that budget until 2030. However, Parliaments are limited to five years - so, 5 years on from 4 July 2024, her Government could be out of office by 4 July 2029 (or possibly earlier, depending on developments).
Just saying.

Best to get the contracts signed and as much spent by 2029 then.
The second is along the former branch line from Kemble to Cirencester. Designs are being taken forward in two stages, one from Kemble to a new estate on the edge of Cirencester, the other from there into the town centre.
Interesting indeed - what does this do for very light rail proposals from Kemble to Cirencester?I don't think so.
I am a great fan of the historic Kemble to Cirencester Line, but we have to be practical. That line was, probably, never really financially viable as a railway, and particularly towards the Cirencester end, the trackbed has been chopped and changed.
However, I can see the possibilities for a 'green way' cycle and footpath. Several overbridges would have to be replaced, and a load of vegetation would have to be pruned - but that could be done.
CfN.

Re: Bus fare cap - ongoing issue, merged posts In "Buses and other ways to travel" [362151/26638/5] Posted by ChrisB at 18:57, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Relates to BCR figures not solely determining whether any project would get built....
Re: Six new stations between Cardiff and Severn Tunnel - proposal In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [362150/24287/28] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:31, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Hmm.

While I do fully support that 'commitment' to invest substantially in the railway infrastructure in South Wales, it's not all guaranteed.
Rachel Reeves has proposed spending that budget until 2030. However, Parliaments are limited to five years - so, 5 years on from 4 July 2024, her Government could be out of office by 4 July 2029 (or possibly earlier, depending on developments).
Just saying.

Re: Rail trail proposals in Gloucestershire In "Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them" [362149/30345/50] Posted by johnneyw at 18:30, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Two interesting current proposals for cycle routes/greenways on former GWR lines in Gloucestershire.
[snip]
The second is along the former branch line from Kemble to Cirencester. Designs are being taken forward in two stages, one from Kemble to a new estate on the edge of Cirencester, the other from there into the town centre.
[snip]
The second is along the former branch line from Kemble to Cirencester. Designs are being taken forward in two stages, one from Kemble to a new estate on the edge of Cirencester, the other from there into the town centre.
Interesting indeed - what does this do for very light rail proposals from Kemble to Cirencester?
Is there room for both if the VLR is a single track shuttle service or with a passing loop?
Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [362148/29650/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 18:12, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Delays to services between Twyford and Maidenhead
Due to a safety inspection of the track between Twyford and Maidenhead trains have to run at reduced speed on the line towards London Paddington.
Train services running through these stations may be delayed by up to 10 minutes. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
A small section of the railway line between Reading and London Paddington is closed whilst Network Rail carry out a safety inspection. GWR can still run trains safely, as other tracks are available for use, but this will lead to some congestion and slower running as trains make their way through.
Re: Rail trail proposals in Gloucestershire In "Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them" [362147/30345/50] Posted by grahame at 18:08, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Two interesting current proposals for cycle routes/greenways on former GWR lines in Gloucestershire.
[snip]
The second is along the former branch line from Kemble to Cirencester. Designs are being taken forward in two stages, one from Kemble to a new estate on the edge of Cirencester, the other from there into the town centre.
[snip]
The second is along the former branch line from Kemble to Cirencester. Designs are being taken forward in two stages, one from Kemble to a new estate on the edge of Cirencester, the other from there into the town centre.
Interesting indeed - what does this do for very light rail proposals from Kemble to Cirencester?
Re: Six new stations between Cardiff and Severn Tunnel - proposal In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [362146/24287/28] Posted by grahame at 18:05, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c14kdvzdjlgo
Chancellor Rachel Reeves used her spending review on Wednesday to announce £445m over 10 years for new rail projects in north and south Wales.
The Treasury has backed plans for five new stations in Cardiff, Newport and Monmouthshire, as well as upgrades in north Wales, with £348m to be spent between 2026 and 2030.
It follows years of complaints of underinvestment in the Welsh railway network.
The Treasury has backed plans for five new stations in Cardiff, Newport and Monmouthshire, as well as upgrades in north Wales, with £348m to be spent between 2026 and 2030.
It follows years of complaints of underinvestment in the Welsh railway network.
Re: Daredevils to 'fly' over Bristol harbour in new contest - Sunday 15 June 2025 In "The Lighter Side" [362145/30347/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:20, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I found it rather amuzing that the harbour masters and Sea Cadets have entered.

Re: Daredevils to 'fly' over Bristol harbour in new contest - Sunday 15 June 2025 In "The Lighter Side" [362144/30347/30] Posted by PrestburyRoad at 16:58, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I wonder which has the higher casualty rate: this or the Coppers Hill Cheese-rolling?
Re: Uber brings forward trialling driverless taxis in UK - June 2025 In "Buses and other ways to travel" [362143/30343/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:50, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Wouldn't all of that information have to be made available 'online' as part of their driverless taxicab offering?

Re: Uber brings forward trialling driverless taxis in UK - June 2025 In "Buses and other ways to travel" [362142/30343/5] Posted by GBM at 16:46, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Not sure I would use one. Who is the responsible driver/person if the car malfunctions/crashes (perhaps owing to the fault of the other side too)? Who handles any claims etc?
..........Please provide you insurer details....... Talking vehicles?Think its because soldiers many years ago were based at Berwick,
due to events happening they re located to Coldstream and were part of Oliver Cromwells army.
Who then marched on London to remove the King.
How times have changed.
If any thing is in correct,please advise.
due to events happening they re located to Coldstream and were part of Oliver Cromwells army.
Who then marched on London to remove the King.
How times have changed.
If any thing is in correct,please advise.
Well, sort of, though they were if anything on the other side at this time ... though the politics of this period is insanely complicated.
As an amateur historian, I'd agree with you on that one.

CfN.

Re: Melksham (Wiltshire) and Nailsea (North Somerset) - a comparison In "Introductions and chat" [362140/30336/1] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:35, 11th June 2025 Already liked by matth1j, grahame | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I'm an amateur historian and architecture fan: I found the many various Georgian buildings in Melksham fascinating, together with their local history. Particularly the story of the chap who threw heated copper coins out of the window, during the infamous Melksham riot of 1865:
The Bear was the scene of election riots in 1865. A gentleman throwing heated coins from a first floor window provoked the members of the crowd, who burnt their hands when picking up the coins. The military dispersed the crowd and the inciter made his escape on horseback, later falling off on the Shaw Road.
Chris from Melksham.

Re: Coldstream Guards making their way to Berwick from Kings Cross train station In "Media about railways, and other means of transport" [362139/30340/49] Posted by stuving at 16:26, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Think its because soldiers many years ago were based at Berwick,
due to events happening they re located to Coldstream and were part of Oliver Cromwells army.
Who then marched on London to remove the King.
How times have changed.
If any thing is in correct,please advise.
due to events happening they re located to Coldstream and were part of Oliver Cromwells army.
Who then marched on London to remove the King.
How times have changed.
If any thing is in correct,please advise.
Well, sort of, though they were if anything on the other side at this time. General Monck was commander in chief of Parliament's armies in Scotland during the period after Oliver Cromwell's death. Richard Cromwell was unable to exert any authority over the army commanders in London, who were acting on conflicting groups to determine the future of Parliament and the country. meanwhile, outside London most people were just fed up with all this puritan stuff and the politicking.
Monck had been in command of what became the Coldstreams at the start in Berwick, and now picked them for his march to London to sort out the mess down there. His other armies, including the garrison of Edinburgh, he left with his second in command, Thomas Morgan. Presumably the Coldstreams were keeping the peace in the borders. Monck had been in contact with Charles Stuart in his exile, and was manoeuvring to get a settlement agreed before he had to confront anyone in London. Which is much how it happened, though the politics of this period is insanely complicated.
Re: Bus fare cap - ongoing issue, merged posts In "Buses and other ways to travel" [362138/26638/5] Posted by grahame at 16:19, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
According to The Mirror, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves will be announcing that the bus fare cap, currently at £3 for a single journey, will remain in place until March 2027.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/bus-users-protected-price-hikes-35368949
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/bus-users-protected-price-hikes-35368949
Update / confirmed and includes other announements - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyr170qm19o
Transport, energy and environment
£15.6bn allocated between 2027 and 2031 for transport projects in English city regions outside London
Additional £11.5bn committed towards the cost of building the Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk, which will also require private investment
£3 cap on single bus fares in England extended until March 2027
Rules used by Treasury officials to assess proposed infrastructure projects to be updated
£15.6bn allocated between 2027 and 2031 for transport projects in English city regions outside London
Additional £11.5bn committed towards the cost of building the Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk, which will also require private investment
£3 cap on single bus fares in England extended until March 2027
Rules used by Treasury officials to assess proposed infrastructure projects to be updated
Is that "Rules to be updated" a bit woolly but potentially a biggie?
Re: Melksham (Wiltshire) and Nailsea (North Somerset) - a comparison In "Introductions and chat" [362137/30336/1] Posted by matth1j at 16:17, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
... and Melksham has ... a host of other attractions.
Not sure which definition of 'host' you're using 
Seriously - which ones caught your eye?
Daredevils to 'fly' over Bristol harbour in new contest - Sunday 15 June 2025 In "The Lighter Side" [362136/30347/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:16, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
From the BBC:

Daredevils are set to "fly" as far as possible across a city's harbourside during a new event.
Bristol is hosting its first Birdman competition on Sunday. The contest involves participants creating home-made machines or costumes to help them travel the furthest, before landing in the water.
Birdman events have been staged across the world for 50 years.
Charley Peak-Payne, who is part of team from All-Aboard Watersports, has built a bird for the race. He said: 'We are expecting [it] to break as soon as it hits the water. It's a one-hit wonder - the test run is the final run. It will either work, or it won't'."
Participants must propel themselves off a 4.5-metre-high (14ft) platform into the harbour, with the aid of a flying contraption that must be made from recycled materials.
All the profit raised will go towards the Grassroots Communities programme of work. The charity aims to support young people in local communities by providing them with access to education, employment opportunities and mentoring.
Twelve teams - including businesses and charities to harbour masters and Sea Cadets - have entered.
The contest is running between 10:00 BST to12:00 at Bristol Harbour, between The Cottage Inn and Bristol Marina.
Edinburgh Airport fined after man, 81, dies following fall from lift - Nov 2023 In "Buses and other ways to travel" [362135/30346/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:57, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
From the BBC:

Edinburgh Airport has been fined £80,000 after a man died following a fall from a lift designed to help passengers with disabilities leave a plane.
James Young, 81, was travelling home from a holiday on the Greek island of Rhodes with his wife when he fell about 5ft while being transported on an airport ambulift.
Mr Young was said to have landed "on his hands and knees" and was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment following the fall on 28 November 2023.
Edinburgh Airport said it accepted the decision of the court and offered "sincere condolences" to Mr Young's family.
He suffered a punctured lung, spine fractures and a fractured pelvis as well as a flail chest, where multiple broken ribs cause the chest wall to become unstable and interfere with breathing.
Mr Young, from Edinburgh, suffered a heart attack two days later and clinicians concluded "the totality of his injuries and medical condition were not survivable". He died on 7 December 2023.
Edinburgh Airport Ltd, a private limited company, was prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at a hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday.
Sheriff Fiona Sharp said the "isolated incident" had been "a tragic accident" and noted the ambulift had previously been inspected twice by a third party with no defects found. Sheriff Sharp said this was the first time the company had faced prosecution and she had been persuaded that "the culpability is low". The fine was reduced from £120,000 due to an early guilty plea.
A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: "We again offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr Young following the tragic accident at Edinburgh Airport in November 2023. We have cooperated fully with the police and regulatory authorities throughout their investigations and we accept the decision of the court. The safety of our team and passengers continues to be a fundamental priority for the business."
From the BBC:
Coldstream Guards mark 375th anniversary

To mark the 375th anniversary of the regiment's formation, the Coldstream Guards boarded a train in London and travelled back to its birthplace in Berwick-upon-Tweed, where crowds lined the streets to welcome the guardsmen home.
In full ceremonial dress, the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army paraded through the border town with the Band of the Coldstream Guards.



The regiment was formed in Berwick in 1650, but in 1660 marched down to London to help restore the monarchy, dissolve Parliament and bring Charles II back to the throne.
Back then, the journey took five weeks. Tuesday's trip, by contrast, took just a few hours - with the guards back in London by evening.


Following the parade, the guardsmen attended a Service of Thanksgiving at Berwick Parish Church.
The soldiers were joined by the Colonel of the Regiment, Lieutenant General Sir James Bucknall, and the Mayor of Berwick at the Guildhall for an inspection and civic reception.
Formed in 1650 during the English Civil War, the regiment has served in every major conflict since and earned 113 battle honours and 13 Victoria Crosses.
After returning to London, the regiment will be presented with new Colours at Windsor Castle before taking centre stage at Trooping the Colour on 14 June, where they will troop the new flags for the King's official birthday.




To mark the 375th anniversary of the regiment's formation, the Coldstream Guards boarded a train in London and travelled back to its birthplace in Berwick-upon-Tweed, where crowds lined the streets to welcome the guardsmen home.
In full ceremonial dress, the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army paraded through the border town with the Band of the Coldstream Guards.



The regiment was formed in Berwick in 1650, but in 1660 marched down to London to help restore the monarchy, dissolve Parliament and bring Charles II back to the throne.
Back then, the journey took five weeks. Tuesday's trip, by contrast, took just a few hours - with the guards back in London by evening.


Following the parade, the guardsmen attended a Service of Thanksgiving at Berwick Parish Church.
The soldiers were joined by the Colonel of the Regiment, Lieutenant General Sir James Bucknall, and the Mayor of Berwick at the Guildhall for an inspection and civic reception.
Formed in 1650 during the English Civil War, the regiment has served in every major conflict since and earned 113 battle honours and 13 Victoria Crosses.
After returning to London, the regiment will be presented with new Colours at Windsor Castle before taking centre stage at Trooping the Colour on 14 June, where they will troop the new flags for the King's official birthday.



Re: Coldstream Guards making their way to Berwick from Kings Cross train station In "Media about railways, and other means of transport" [362133/30340/49] Posted by Clan Line at 13:59, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
How times have changed.
Indeed...............it took them five weeks to get to London in 1660, by train it took them three and a half hours !
The regiment was originally formed in 1650 as part of Cromwell's New Model Army. They did all that walking, some 10 years later, to support the (peaceful) restoration of the monarchy - after Cromwell abdicated.
Re: Uber brings forward trialling driverless taxis in UK - June 2025 In "Buses and other ways to travel" [362132/30343/5] Posted by ChrisB at 12:31, 11th June 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Not sure I would use one. Who is the responsible driver/person if the car malfunctions/crashes (perhaps owing to the fault of the other side too)? Who handles any claims etc?
Two interesting current proposals for cycle routes/greenways on former GWR lines in Gloucestershire.
The first is for a greenway from Kingham to Bourton-on-the-Water along the former Banbury & Cheltenham Direct Railway. Sustrans has done a series of studies and there's a very brief summary here: https://www.cotswold.gov.uk/media/jsqoexxc/sustrans-kingham-to-bourton-on-the-water-greenway-design-summary.pdf
The second is along the former branch line from Kemble to Cirencester. Designs are being taken forward in two stages, one from Kemble to a new estate on the edge of Cirencester, the other from there into the town centre. Both have received funding for design work: https://meetings.cotswold.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=10855
Still some way off construction but interesting projects nonetheless.