Should this sign read "Beware Of Volunteers"?

Only Joking!

First and foremost I do hope everyone has had a lovely festive season and that 2025 will be good to you all. Are you like me and really find it hard to believe that it is 2025 already? It seems the older I get the faster time passes.

Now, this time of year things are pretty quiet at the signal box. The season kicks off again on Saturday the 18th January with the first open day. Things do happen in the background whilst we are closed to the public however.

Various repairs, servicing and maintenance will be going on in preparation for the year ahead. I was there this morning to carry out one or two jobs. One of these was to service and lubricate the garden railway rolling stock.

I also took the opportunity to have a practice operating Cowley Bridge. I didn't appear to crash anything and so hopefully I am getting the hang of it by now!

If anyone has anything to report or perhaps would like to post a photograph or two do get in touch. I'm sure there will be more articles and information posted here in due course.

Best wishes to everyone.

Dave

 

 A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

🚂

A big thank you to everyone who supported us over the last year. Whether you were a visitor, a working volunteer or an "armchair" member your contribution is very much appreciated.

We couldn't survive without you!

We all wish you the very best for Christmas and a happy and healthy 2025.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF

THE DISCOVERY CENTRE 

Dick with Audrey Gebbie.

You should all be aware by now that many people have been working very hard on the new Discovery Centre (Education building) at the signal box. Saturday the 14th September 2024 was the date for the official opening. Several dignitaries were in attendance.

I think it is safe to say that Audrey Gebbie was very proud to have the Discovery Centre dedicated to her. It was Audrey who, after all, was the instigator in saving the signal box for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

Group photo of all in attendance at the opening.

Another great achievement by our hard working volunteers at Romsey Signal Box Working Museum.

As with any museum there are always things to do and things that perhaps can be improved upon, but we have come a very long way from our humble beginnings.

WELL DONE EVERYONE! ALL YOUR HARD WORK IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!

Dave

COWLEY BRIDGE MODEL

 For those who didn't know, we have a very detailed model of Cowley Bridge junction. It stands just in front of our scale lever frame, which is operated on open days.

The illumination for the model failed recently and so new lighting has been installed.

Hayden and James working Cowley bridge.

I personally have been having some training on Cowley Bridge. This was provided by Colin Varney, who very generously gave up two days to guide me through the intricacies of this lever frame. I'm sure there were many other hours taken up with planning the training sessions. I would like to thank Colin for his very much appreciated help.

I have since returned to "have a go" on my own on two or three occasions when we were closed to the public. I was very pleased and have to say that something must have sunk into the old brainbox!

Cowley Bridge can be quite involved and at times there are trains running all over the place, but it is quite rewarding, although concentration is required at times, especially when you are still a novice.

More practice required I think!

Dave Trewern

 NEW SLEEPERS BEING INSTALLED...

Work on installing the FPL (Facing point lock) progresses.

Ballast was moved out of the way and the rails lifted clear of the rotten sleepers.

Old sleepers removed and new ones installed.

Progress is definitely being made and it's no mean feat. Rails and sleepers are extremely heavy objects, and all this work is being carried out manually.

Well done team!

A NEW BOOK WRITTEN BY COLIN VARNEY

Colin is a valued member of the Friends of Romsey Signal Box. He is regularly there on open days and working days. He spent several decades as a signalman and is therefore full of useful knowledge.

Colin has published this book which promises to be an excellent read. It is 285 pages long and no doubt packed with interesting facts and stories. He has also very kindly donated many copies to the signal box. The profit from these books goes directly towards the signal box funds.

My British Rail Life normally sells for £13.99 but is a bargain at just £10.00 at the signal box.

The queue of volunteers for a signed copy at the open day on 2nd June.

If you would like a copy please ask on your next visit, or contact us on info@romseysignalbox.org.uk.

If you would like it signed I am sure this could be arranged. 

Your support is always greatly appreciated.

DISCOVERY CENTRE DEDICATED TO AUDREY GEBBIE

Dick showing Audrey the temporary new sign.

For those who perhaps are not aware Audrey Gebbie was the headmistress of the school on what is now the housing estate adjacent to the museum. It is thanks to her that the signal box was saved all those years ago. The discovery centre, being our main education building is the obvious place to dedicate to this lovely lady. 

 

Audrey showing Colin and Chris how it's done in the signal box.