Latest News

A lot of work has been carried out since the last update.

Towards the end of February, we finished landscaping the last part of the site by removing the weeds that dominated the area by the canal and laying turf to improve the look of the site. The turf has taken well, and has improved the overall feel of the picnic area. As well as this, slabs were also put down to provide an area for another picnic bench, as well as providing a suitable path. Dave has been working to cement in the gaps between the slabs around the site to stop weeds coming up in between them.

In March, we held a joint event with the Romsey and District Model Railway society, where we opened for both days of the weekend in conjunction with their exhibition. We had a table at the exhibition where we signposted visitors to the box. It was a very popular event, and there is a short write up in the Spring 2013 issue of ‘The Signal’.

On the 7th of July we held our Annual General Meeting after the usual open day, with a barbecue for members before hand. There were lots of insightful comments made to do with the future of the Signal Box and the prospective temporary closure. The minutes of the meeting will be published in the next edition of ‘The Signal’.

Recent work includes repainting of the exterior of the visitor centre, and this has entered its final phase for the time being. Again, Keith and Dave have worked to repaint it to hopefully give it some protection against the weather. The side door and ramp have been fully restored and painted and look a lot better for it!

Also to mention is that Keith has started rubbing down and repainting the side of the Signal box, as this suffers from the weather worse than the other sides and will need regular attention to keep it free of rot and to make sure it doesn’t let the rest of the site down!

Visitors who have been to the site several times may have noticed that a short while ago out Meat container was removed, as it had lived its useful life with us and now more secure (and less damp!) storage was required. Instead of scrapping the container, it was donated to the Mid-Hants railway. Not sure that they would have said yes if they had known the condition beforehand! It has now been expertly restored, and should be running at their Autumn Gala at the end of October.

So, what next? We have several projects lined up for the coming months, including finishing cementing the gaps within the paving slabs, installing a rather substantial water butt to collect rain water to water the garden with, and finishing the rod work for the facing point lock we hope to have in due course.

As usual, all of the work that happens on the site would not be possible without the help of volunteers. If you have any spare time (or know of anyone that does…!), whether an hour or so every now and again to tend the garden or cut the grass, or something a little more involved, then please get in contact or pop along at an open day to see what you think of us! We do have an unlimited supply of tea…

It is no secret that during 2014 we will have to close to the public for a period of approximately 18 months whilst development to the neighbouring site occurs. Private group visits will still be possible by prior appointment, and needless to say work will continue during the closure so when we reopen the site should be up together. As and when we know, we will pass on any information on the website and in the newsletter.