A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

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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.

COWLEY BRIDGE IS ON THE MOVE... 

Haydon and James working Cowley Bridge on an open day.

Our "mobile" Cowley Bridge junction exhibit has not been out for a long time, but is now about to have a weekend away at Southampton Solent Sky museum. The date is the 8th and 9th June, which coincides with the Southampton Tram Society open weekend at the same museum.

Do come along. The museum itself is a hidden gem with plenty to see, and the weekend has the added bonuses of Cowley Bridge and the trams. Well worth a visit!

More Interesting Objects... 

This is a short section of third rail.

Pick-ups on the train run along this rail to collect the 750v DC electricity to power the train. There are gaps in these third rails at various places, such as level crossings. The train having several pick-ups ensures there is always one or more in contact with the rail.

Obviously this rail is purely for demonstration and is not connected to anything.

With the rail carrying 750v DC it would not be a good idea to get near or touch it.

Dave

SOME INTERESTING OBJECTS ON THE MUSEUM SITE...

For those who don't know, this is a railway boundry marker. 

Boundry markers like this one were used to clearly identify the limits of railway land and to mark them out from adjacent property. They were often used where installing hedges or fencing was difficult, where there was a risk of encroachment by other land owners, or where there had been a dispute over land ownership. They also marked out one railway company's territory from another's, for instance to make it clear who was responsible for maintaining a particular stretch of line.

This sign is fixed to the side gate.

Okay, own up! Who can remember signs like this. I certainly can, and it's even in pounds, shillings and pence. For the younger ones among us there were 20 shillings in a pound and so the penalty was £2. This would have been more significant in the days when these signs were produced. These days it's almost loose change.

Watch out for more interesting items soon.

Dave

SPRING IS ON THE WAY

 

The spring bulbs are starting to flower and make a nice show.

This always brightens up the site and gives us hope for the spring and summer seasons.

Fingers crossed for a fantastic year at Romsey Signal Box!

 OPEN WEEKEND

We were open on both days of this weekend, the 2nd and 3rd of March, to coincide with the model railway exhibition at Crossfield Hall in Romsey.

We had plenty of visitors. Haydon and James were busy operating Cowley Bridge.

The Discovery Centre proved very popular and was well managed by our volunteers.

Our younger visitors had great fun pulling the levers in the signal box. This always proves to be a must.

A SUBTLE CHANGE

The more observant of you will have noticed this change. The name on the icon link to get here from the main web site has changed from "NEWS" TO "BLOG" .

This now better reflects what this area is about. Although any news items will always take priority, more snippets of useful or interesting information will also be included.

OK. The latest news is that the signal box museum is open on both days of this weekend, the 2nd and 3rd of March. This coincides with the model railway exhibition taking place in Crossfield hall, just a short walk away. A great day out can be had by visiting both.

Dave

ORNITHOLOGY IN AND AROUND THE MUSEUM 

One of our volunteers, who is also the membership secretary is interested in bird watching. He often gives us an update as to what's around.

A little earlier this month a male bullfinch was spotted along the canal path. No particularly rare birds have been spotted. Another of our volunteers has provided a bird feeder, which is proving very popular. It is attracting lots of finches, mainly house sparrows with the occasional chaffinch. Feeding house sparrows is important as their estimated population has dropped by 60-70% since the mid 1970s.

Just a stones throw away is Fishlake Meadows where many birds are seen. Earlier this month a bittern was seen booming over the meadow on several days.

We do have a very tame robin on the signal box site. It has been known for him to come right into the cafe to scrounge some crumbs whilst we are eating lunch. He often sits on one of the fences watching our activities.

JUST A QUICKIE! 

If anyone has any news items or anything people may be interested in then please do send it in to me at datrewern@gmail.com. I can't guarantee when or if it will be published but any donations will be gratefully received.

Dave

NEWS ODDS AND ENDS...

 Just a few snippets of information this time.

Our old sack trucks were looking the worse for wear with rotting timber and rusting metalwork.

Nursling Mens' Shed very kindly repaired the timber and the trucks have now been fully restored. They look splendid in their new paint. Young Noah has also done a great job in adding the "Romsey No 2" lettering.

Our thanks go to all involved in the restoration.

The garden is being prepared for the spring and summer.

Various flower beds have been cleared and readied for planting.

The blossom by the shed shows that spring is not too far away (he says hopefully).

2024 OPEN DAYS BEGIN... 

   This years open days are about to begin. Do come along and support us if you can.

I previously mentioned that exciting things are happening this year. When you visit please have a look around to see what has changed or is due to and chat to us to find out more.

Everyone knows that times are hard at the moment, especially with this current cold spell. The signal box site is "all electric" and therefor very expensive to heat in the winter. The entry fee is extremely reasonable and so if you can possibly spare a few extra coppers please consider throwing them in the donation bucket. It is very much appreciated.

We hope everyone enjoys the signal box site during 2024.

Very best wishes.