SPRING IS IN THE AIR 

Our open day on Saturday the 18th April...

The spring flowers are putting on a good show and giving the site a bit of colour.

We even had some butterflies visit today, as you will see in the next photo. It was noted that they sneaked in without paying!

We had very good weather and welcomed 61 visitors.

This included many younger people, many of whom were very interested in the signal box and all the other areas.

Thank you to everyone who came today, and at all other times. We receive some lovely comments which makes it all worthwhile.

Dave

EASTLEIGH U3A VISIT 

Today, the 24th March 2026, saw a group visit by 15 members of the Eastleigh U3A.

Group visits by any U3A people are always very enjoyable. They are usually pretty informal affairs with plenty of chatting and tea/coffee drinking.

Today we split the group into three. One group to the signal box, another to the discovery centre and the others to Cowley Bridge. The groups were changed around so that everyone had time to see everything. The visitors seemed to enjoy the visit.

If you know of a group (not necessarily U3A) who would like to visit us please do ask them to get in touch as we would be pleased to host a visit.

Dave

UPDATING POWER SUPPLIES IN THE LOCKING ROOM...

 These old power supplies / chargers had definitely see better days.

I was given the task of updating them as they were to supply new electronic circuits amongst other things. The old units only produced a very crude 12vDC supply, which was no good at all for electronic work.

After surveying the situation I decided to upgrade them in such a way that they still looked original and authentic. The old electrics were disconnected and the new power supplies installed inside the original casing and connected to the original output terminals. These new supplies are regulated 12vDC with overload protection etc. which is much more suitable for electronic use.

The end result was very pleasing as the outward appearance looked original but the 12v supply had been updated. I installed suitable labels on each supply, calling the left hand one PS1 and the right hand PS2 (PS for Power Supply).

Right. Now on to the next task...

Dave. Feb 2026

FIRST OPEN DAY OF 2026

Saturday the 17th January saw our first open day of the year. About 35 visitors came along, all of whom seemed to enjoy the experience.

 The Romsey And District Railway Modellers Society came along with a layout and stand.

Bramble Lock layout is small enough to transport but is also very interesting. Fun is had by the children (and adults) trying to locate various items. Bramble Lock is modelled in "N" gauge, which is ideal for this sort of display.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY...

7TH AND 8TH MARCH IS THEIR EXHIBITION IN CROSSFIELD HALL IN ROMSEY.

There will be plenty of layouts to see, items to buy and on-site refreshments. always a very enjoyable visit.

OUR LAST OPEN DAY OF THE YEAR 

Sunday the 7th December was the last open day of 2025.

It was a wet and miserable day weather wise.

We only welcomed 17 visitors, many of whom very kindly gift-aided. Gift-aiding your entry really does help towards our funds and is much appreciated.

The people who did come seemed to enjoy their visit, despite the very inclement weather. We even had a new membership application. Thank you.

Romsey Signal Box Working Museum would like to thank everyone for their support throughout this year.

We wish everyone a very good Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Here's to another successful year in 2026!

THE SIGNAL BOX AT ROMSEY SHOW

Well, not literally!

On Saturday the 13th September we took our display.

We also took one of the interactive displays from the Discovery Centre and the Cowley Bridge Trainer.

 

Aaron and Noah operating Cowley Bridge trainer.

Another view, with John talking to a visitor on the far left.

We were just inside the model railway marquee.

It proved to be a very worth-while exercise as the marquee welcomed more than 2000 visitors throughout the day.

A lot of interest was taken in our stand and we gave out lots of leaflets. John and myself talked to many people, including younger visitors, whose interest perked up when told it was "hands on" and they would be encouraged to pull the levers and operate the signals and points in the real signal box.

I feel confident that we will get some visitors at the box as a result of our efforts.

Myself (Dave), Aaron and Noah took turns at operating Cowley Bridge. Quite a bit of interest was shown with several people asking about it.

There was quite a lot of sunshine throughout the day but also some heavy showers. At one point the marquee was full of people sheltering from a downpour.

A good day, but quite long and tiring!

Dave

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ETC... 

On Saturday the 16th August we held our Annual General Meeting after the open day. This was followed by the usual "bun fight", an American supper.

No doubt a report of the AGM will appear elsewhere in due course.

What is worth reporting is the list of achievements at the box between last years AGM and this one.

It's quite an impressive list and highlights the work that goes on behind the scenes...

• Opening of the Audrey Gebbie Discovery Centre by Audrey in Sept 24: a special day indeed.
• New signage strategically placed around the site. These new signs are very clear and impressive. worth studying next time you are on site.
• New leaflets and trail guide for visitors.
• Sleepers changed and track ballast topped up.
• Facing point lock installed. Thanks to Bob Howes of Watercress Line for the components.
• Associated detection on the point installed and linked to relocated ground signal.
• Another loco (LSWR M7) purchased for the signalling demonstration railway in the discovery centre and further developments being planned.
• A programme of schools visits has started, co-ordinated by Hampshire Country Council education department, mainly for Special Educational Needs. Overall a positive experience, and a real breakthrough.
• Group visits have been organised for Scouts, Cubs and Brownies, and other groups such as U3Aand the Southampton Transport Heritage Trust. A group visit by pupils from Totton college was run by Noah and Hayden who both attend there.
• The long discussed clear out of the shed and lean-to released lots of surplus equipment which was donated to Swanage, Shillingstone and the Watercress Line. In return items for new displays have been acquired.
• Annie has joined Clarabelle on the garden railway (another coach, for those who don’t remember the Awdry railway stories).
• Cowley Bridge Junction has been handed over by Alan Johnston and Andy Wright is looking after it. We also now have the training unit for CBJ. Transporting the full Cowley Bridge Jn installation is difficult and causes faults, and so the training unit will be used for Romsey Show.
• Work has started on a new computerised simulator for Romsey SB.
• We had official visits by the local MP ( Caroline Nokes) and three Mayors (Romsey Town Mayors from 2024 and 2025, and the 2024 Mayor of Test Valley).
• Signalling appreciation courses have been held by Colin Varney for members and will be offered to the public.
• Visits were made to St Albans signal box plus the Gartell Light Railway and Shillingstone. Further visits are proposed. These are by minibus which is kindly organised and driven by Dick.

PHEW!

There was a great deal of other work carried out throughout the year by various volunteers, for which we are extremely grateful.

All this means the signal box site is becoming a very professional, well structured and organised attraction. We regularly receive high praise from the visiting public, which is very rewarding.

Dave