Work on the signals installation has been temporarily postponed as the
priority has been to repair and repaint the signal box itself, but will resume
with a planned intensive programme from late January 2012. Meanwhile, the last
remaining part of the site to be landscaped, between Visitor Centre and the
canal, is being worked on to choke the weeds and provide a further attractive
seating and outside display area. Here’s the latest....
· Front of the signal box rotten timber sections repaired and, following
repaint, this side is completed.
· Side of the box (facing car park): extensive rotten timber to horizontal
timber section will need professional view on remedial works needed; upper part
of this side works continue.
· The remaining two sides are close to completion.
· Further improvements to the landscaping and the flowers and shrubs have
drawn favourable comments over the summer – huge efforts from Clive, Rod and
others.
· ‘New’ working distant signal (number 4): works completed and signal
operational.
· Signals number 5 and ‘new’ number 13: lattice posts and fittings – works in
progress.
· New compensator points mechanism operational as number 10.
· Mid-Hants Railway collected the meat wagon for restoration – we wish it a
happy new life at the MHR!
· ‘Lean-to’ constructed by our young volunteers, Jamie and George, under the
supervision of our Site Manager, Clive, in just 3 days – it provides a valuable
dry working and storage space.
· Dick has revamped the photo displays.
· Gavin Brooker, our Deputy Site Manager, is elected onto the Friends’
Committee
· Gavin working on remote control of the simulator – to enable single handed
demonstrations.
· Signal & Telecommunications (S&T) Working Party reconvenes under
leadership of Mike Walshaw. The group met in July and October to progress the
technical works, which is being taken forward in tandem with the outdoor signals
installation – the group meets again in February 2012.
· General planning permission has been granted for the adjacent site re
housing development; the Buildings Trust continues to liaise closely with the
Friends and with Hampshire County Council with the interests of the historic
signal box in mind.
· Romsey Arts Festival in July marked by weekend opening of the signal box;
we also participated in the Heritage Open Days Event in September; record
visitor numbers for 2011 (see latest edition of our newsletter The Signal).
· New revamped website! We hope you enjoy your visit but, even better, come
down to the signal box and visit the real thing....!!
