MERRY CHRISTMAS 

I would personally like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and carefree 2024.

Thanks go to everyone who supports the Romsey Signal Box Working Museum, whether a member, a visitor or any other type of supporter. It is much appreciated!

There are exciting times ahead. Work on restoring the signal box is due to begin in the early part of 2024 and the discovery centre is looking really good and is rapidly becoming a fantastic educational tool.  I think 2024 will be an important year for the museum. Watch this space, as they say!

Very best wishes to you all.

Dave Trewern (Blog editor)

DISCOVERY CENTRE PHOTOS 

As you can see from these photos the Discovery Centre continues to develop.

More information and photos to follow as things progress further.

We are now closed to the public for the Christmas and new year period. Work will still carry on in the background during this time.

Dave

 

DISCOVERY CENTRE UPDATE...

 After months of hard work, our Discovery Centre informally opened on November 5th. We had two sunny days with a diverse range of visitors. On the open day, we had 36 visitors of all ages, and the next day, a small group of retired people.

Our track circuit display and model railway were a big hit. Some visitors watched our 'Mini History of Railway Signalling' video, while others used interactive computer displays.

The informal opening provided valuable feedback for improvement. Volunteers will focus on enhancing the model railway, adding more interactive exhibits, and expanding signage.

Thanks to all volunteers and friends for their contributions and dedication to this unique learning experience.

Thanks to Malcolm Moore for the above.

MEMORABLE DAY 

On Sunday the 5th November our discovery centre will be open to the public for the first time.

A great deal of work has been carried out in this building for many months by a dedicated team of volunteers. The public can now come in and try the interactive items and hopefully give us feed-back.

Good luck and I'm sure everyone will join me in thanking all those involved.

SIGNAL BOX SPECIAL VISITS 

Throughout the year we hold special visits by groups such as U3A, Scouts, Cubs and anyone else that is interested in a group visit. These can range from small groups up to about 30 or so. Normally a visit will include tea or coffee, sometimes biscuits or even a full cream tea, depending what is requested.

Photographs by permission

The above photos were taken on the 17th October 2023 when we had a visit by the HSBC Pensioners group. This was a tea, coffee and biscuits visit.

Group visits require just a few of us volunteers to assist. They are always very enjoyable and friendly and, if time permits, some very interesting chats and a lot of banter takes place. We usually get some very positive feedback from these visits which is very rewarding.

If you know of anyone who would be interested please ask them to get in touch - it's a great way to spend a couple of hours or so.

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS WEEKEND 

(16TH & 17TH SEPTEMBER 2023)

We didn't have quite as many visitors as usual this year but it was still worthwhile opening. Saturday there were the normal demonstrations in the signal box, and Sunday we were running a full timetable. We enjoyed good weather on Saturday but Sunday we had some heavy rain in the middle part of the day.

The Buffer Stop cafe proved popular. I had baked three cakes and 16 sausage rolls and everything was sold by the end of Sunday.

Here are two of our visitors enjoying watching Edward pulling his coaches and trucks around the garden railway.

Visitors in the signal box are helping to operate the signal levers.

All photographs by permission.

THE WEDNESDAY GANG CONTINUES...

 

On Wednesday the 16th August there were no less than 15 - yes, 15 - volunteers working at the signal box.

That's me (Dave) behind young Charlie in the top photo.

Here it's Dick behind Charlie, with me taking the photo.

It's really good to see so many people coming to help on Wednesdays. It means that various things progress quite quickly. One problem is that we now need to "fire up" the water urn instead of using the kettle in order to water the troops.

Well Done Lads! A huge Thank You To Everyone.

A QUICK UPDATE 

On Wednesday the 21st June The Buffer Stop cafe was inspected by a Test Valley Borough Council hygiene inspector.

I am pleased to report that there were no issues whatsoever and we have retained the highest hygiene level of 5.

I do tend to be very insistent on keeping the cafe and kitchen very clean and tidy, but hopefully for a very good reason. Well, I seem to be doing something right! Anyway, great news and thank you to everyone who helps with my "quest".

Keep and eye out for more news soon.

Dave

MAY UPDATE...

Well, time has flown again and it's time to give a quick update.

Firstly, we are still getting many people coming on site for the Buffer Stop cafe only.

 Last open day we had some lovely people in from a local residential home. They enjoyed their drinks and a good natter, and promised to return in the future.

Elsewhere, work is progressing on the installation of the facing point lock.

I believe we are trying to source a new sleeper before the project can be completed. It will be a great addition once finished.

Dave

Education Building Work Progressing

Work inside the education building is rapidly progressing.

 The track circuit interactive display is all but complete and looks great.

The high level railway track is also taking shape.

The second room is also progressing with new shelving being installed.

At this rate the building will soon be ready for opening!

Discussions are taking place about standardized signage throughout the site. This should give us an even more professional look. This includes The Buffer Stop cafe, where the menus and other signs could certainly do with an upgrade. I, as the main cafe organiser, will be very pleased to see these.

More news soon hopefully.

Dave

Apologies for the long gap between the updates...

My excuse is that I have a new computer and was unable to log in to the blog. This has now been resolved and so it should be all systems go again. Technology eh!

• Fitting out of the education building is now taking shape and so watch this space, and the newsletters.
• Things are beginning to move regarding the major works and restoration of the signal box itself. Various surveys etc. are happening and so hopefully the start of work is to be sooner rather than later.
• The cafe is still proving to be popular. I have tried various menu items over time with some encouraging results. The open day yesterday (5th February) proved to be well worthwhile with over 40 visitors, some just for The Buffer Stop cafe. I had toasted sandwiches on the menu and sold out. The Test Valley mayor and his wife visited the site and they came into the cafe for refreshments, which included a piece of my coffee and walnut cake

More updates soon.

Dave