Hello and a big warm welcome to our new blog!
On it, we are going to post regular news and photographs, updating everyone as to what we have been doing. Previous news items have been archived on the blog, if you want to see these, you may wish to scroll down to the bottom of the blog and select a year to view.
Feel free to use the buttons under each blog post to send the page to a friend, 'tweet' it on twitter, 'share' it on facebook or give it a '+1' on Google. You can now add comments or questions to each blog post.
Hopefully this blog will give a more detailed log of the work that we do.
Sunday, 18 August 2013
Saturday, 17 August 2013
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.
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.
Monday, 11 February 2013
Latest News
Romsey Signal Box will once again participate in a joint weekend event with
Romsey & District Railway Modellers’ Society – Saturday 2nd
March and Sunday 3rd March 2013 .
Their superb annual model railway exhibition will be held at Crosfield Hall, Broadwater Road, Romsey SO51 8GL – just a 10-15 minute stroll from the Signal Box! Opening times:
Romsey Signal Box will be open between 10am and 5pm on Saturday 2nd March and between 10am and 4pm Sunday 3rd March. The Model Exhibition will be open on Saturday 2nd March between 10.30am and 5pm, and on Sunday 3rd March between 10am and 4.30pm
Entry to the Signal Box, as always, will be FREE - donations welcome. Further news....
o Romsey Signal Box ‘20/30’ years Special Anniversary Event took place on
Saturday 13th October, 2pm-10pm: 20 years since we first opened to the public,
and 30 years since the signal box was closed. The event, attended by the
Mayor of Test Valley and the Romsey Town
Mayor, together with representatives of the Romsey & District
Buildings Preservation Trust, members of the Friends of Romsey Signal Box both
past and present, and public visitors, was highly enjoyable. Star of the show
was a fabulous cake in the form of the Signal Box!....a full write up and
pictures will follow in the next edition of our newsletter, The Signal....
o ...talking of which, sadly, Danny Scroggins, our editor of The Signal,
has had to resign due to other commitments. We’ve very grateful to Danny, who
has done a brilliant job in producing a lively and attractive newsletter.
Apologies that the next edition is somewhat delayed; we hope to issue it around
March/April. As usual, it will be available as a
download on this website .
o The relationship between the Friends (the volunteers) and the Buildings Trust (who own the Signal Box) was further cemented following an EGM held after the October Anniversary Event. The Friends’ Committee are now members of the Trust and Dick Hewett, who represents the Friends at Trust meetings, is now a Trustee....see further details in the next The Signal.
o Site improvements continue. Notably, the Visitor Centre has been creosoted – a great improvement in its appearance – and the doors will shortly be re-painted. The very last corner of the Signal Box site is now being landscaped, and stirling efforts continue to keep the site spruced up – big thanks to all our volunteers.
o Just a reminder that all 4 semaphore signals are working – including the 3 semaphores, distant, home and starter, that replicate the sequence of signals that train drivers once encountered on the approach to Romsey from Redbridge....come and visit us and you can work them all!! Spectacles have been fitted to all semaphores, and two now have working lamps. Two ground discs are working, one with a lamp. The colour light, points and compensator also continue in operation.
*** An apology ***
We regret that Romsey Signal Box had to be closed for the December 2012 Open Day (Sunday 2nd December) at short notice due to adverse weather conditions making the site unsafe. This very rarely happens; however, we are very sorry if any visitors made a special journey to see the Signal Box on that day.
Their superb annual model railway exhibition will be held at Crosfield Hall, Broadwater Road, Romsey SO51 8GL – just a 10-15 minute stroll from the Signal Box! Opening times:
Romsey Signal Box will be open between 10am and 5pm on Saturday 2nd March and between 10am and 4pm Sunday 3rd March. The Model Exhibition will be open on Saturday 2nd March between 10.30am and 5pm, and on Sunday 3rd March between 10am and 4.30pm
Entry to the Signal Box, as always, will be FREE - donations welcome. Further news....
o Romsey Signal Box ‘20/30’ years Special Anniversary Event took place on
Saturday 13th October, 2pm-10pm: 20 years since we first opened to the public,
and 30 years since the signal box was closed. The event, attended by the
Mayor of Test Valley and the Romsey Town
Mayor, together with representatives of the Romsey & District
Buildings Preservation Trust, members of the Friends of Romsey Signal Box both
past and present, and public visitors, was highly enjoyable. Star of the show
was a fabulous cake in the form of the Signal Box!....a full write up and
pictures will follow in the next edition of our newsletter, The Signal....
o ...talking of which, sadly, Danny Scroggins, our editor of The Signal,
has had to resign due to other commitments. We’ve very grateful to Danny, who
has done a brilliant job in producing a lively and attractive newsletter.
Apologies that the next edition is somewhat delayed; we hope to issue it around
March/April. As usual, it will be available as a
download on this website .o The relationship between the Friends (the volunteers) and the Buildings Trust (who own the Signal Box) was further cemented following an EGM held after the October Anniversary Event. The Friends’ Committee are now members of the Trust and Dick Hewett, who represents the Friends at Trust meetings, is now a Trustee....see further details in the next The Signal.
o Site improvements continue. Notably, the Visitor Centre has been creosoted – a great improvement in its appearance – and the doors will shortly be re-painted. The very last corner of the Signal Box site is now being landscaped, and stirling efforts continue to keep the site spruced up – big thanks to all our volunteers.
o Just a reminder that all 4 semaphore signals are working – including the 3 semaphores, distant, home and starter, that replicate the sequence of signals that train drivers once encountered on the approach to Romsey from Redbridge....come and visit us and you can work them all!! Spectacles have been fitted to all semaphores, and two now have working lamps. Two ground discs are working, one with a lamp. The colour light, points and compensator also continue in operation.
*** Important announcement
***
o Please note that development of the
neighbouring land, the former Primary School, is imminent. As a result, it may
be necessary to restrict public access to the signal box site for a period
during 2013-14. We will endeavour to keep information on the website as current
as possible. If in doubt, please email or phone before making a fruitless
journey.
*** An apology ***
We regret that Romsey Signal Box had to be closed for the December 2012 Open Day (Sunday 2nd December) at short notice due to adverse weather conditions making the site unsafe. This very rarely happens; however, we are very sorry if any visitors made a special journey to see the Signal Box on that day.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Latest News Posted
Reminder: Romsey Signal Box ‘20/30’ years Special Anniversary Event –
Saturday 13th October - all most cordially welcome....and its FREE!! (donations
welcome)
...30 years since the box was closed by British Rail on 18th October 1982;
...20 years since the box re-opened to the public by the Friends/Trust on 18th October 1992.
- The Signal Box will be open to the public from 2pm to 6pm(-ish).
- Between 3pm-4pm The Mayor of Test Valley and the Romsey Town Mayor, together with the Romsey & District Buildings Preservation Trust, will join the Friends of Romsey Signal Box and visitors in a special cake-cutting ceremony!! - to celebrate the resurrection and renaissance of this historic signal box as a working museum to be enjoyed by all. Unmissable, folks!!
- As the light fades, visitors will be able to see our new working signal lamps.
- The box will continue to be open for members after 6pm until 10pm with operation to a timetable; there will be an EGM of the Friends between 7-7.30pm to review a few matters re our strengthening relationship with the Trust; there will also be a barbeque in the evening.
Further news....
· The Friends held their AGM in August. Chairman, Peter Chatfield, paid tribute to the huge contribution made by Clive Millward, former Site Manager. The Friends’ Committee were re-elected with Gavin Brooker elected and welcomed as Site Manager.
· The Friends now have charitable status. Members are encouraged to complete Gift Aid forms if you haven’t already done so – Dick or Neil are happy to assist with this.
· The Signal Box again had a very successful Heritage Open Days Weekend event in September. Many thanks to all our visitors and volunteers for another enjoyable weekend.
· Exterior renovation of the box is now complete....but maintenance continues, as ever....
· Improvements continue on site, especially opposite the level crossing with further tidying, slab laying and the inevitable weed-choking! Electrics and lighting now fitted to the lean-to works area.
· Signals installation: All 4 semaphores are now connected to the box. No. 5 down branch home signal and no. 13 up branch advanced starting signal are close to completion; no. 3 down starting soon to be fitted-up (with no. 19 shunt ahead); no. 4 down branch distant already complete. Red/blue spectacles about to be installed for no’s 3, 5 and 13.
· Please see latest edition of our journal The Signal accessed via Downloads, also Gallery on the website, for more news and photos.
...30 years since the box was closed by British Rail on 18th October 1982;
...20 years since the box re-opened to the public by the Friends/Trust on 18th October 1992.
- The Signal Box will be open to the public from 2pm to 6pm(-ish).
- Between 3pm-4pm The Mayor of Test Valley and the Romsey Town Mayor, together with the Romsey & District Buildings Preservation Trust, will join the Friends of Romsey Signal Box and visitors in a special cake-cutting ceremony!! - to celebrate the resurrection and renaissance of this historic signal box as a working museum to be enjoyed by all. Unmissable, folks!!
- As the light fades, visitors will be able to see our new working signal lamps.
- The box will continue to be open for members after 6pm until 10pm with operation to a timetable; there will be an EGM of the Friends between 7-7.30pm to review a few matters re our strengthening relationship with the Trust; there will also be a barbeque in the evening.
Further news....
· The Friends held their AGM in August. Chairman, Peter Chatfield, paid tribute to the huge contribution made by Clive Millward, former Site Manager. The Friends’ Committee were re-elected with Gavin Brooker elected and welcomed as Site Manager.
· The Friends now have charitable status. Members are encouraged to complete Gift Aid forms if you haven’t already done so – Dick or Neil are happy to assist with this.
· The Signal Box again had a very successful Heritage Open Days Weekend event in September. Many thanks to all our visitors and volunteers for another enjoyable weekend.
· Exterior renovation of the box is now complete....but maintenance continues, as ever....
· Improvements continue on site, especially opposite the level crossing with further tidying, slab laying and the inevitable weed-choking! Electrics and lighting now fitted to the lean-to works area.
· Signals installation: All 4 semaphores are now connected to the box. No. 5 down branch home signal and no. 13 up branch advanced starting signal are close to completion; no. 3 down starting soon to be fitted-up (with no. 19 shunt ahead); no. 4 down branch distant already complete. Red/blue spectacles about to be installed for no’s 3, 5 and 13.
· Please see latest edition of our journal The Signal accessed via Downloads, also Gallery on the website, for more news and photos.
Latest News Posted
Headline news....
Clive Millward resigns as Site Manager. Clive has had a profound impact on the Project over the past 5-6 years – in particular, under his leadership the site has been transformed. There will be an article on Clive’s many achievements in the next The Signal.
Dick leads our application for charitable status. Discussions underway with the Romsey & District Buildings Preservation Trust to take this forward.
Romsey Signal Box will once again participate in Heritage Open Days Weekend. We will be open to the public on Saturday 8th (10-5) and Sunday 9th September 2012. Here’s hoping for an ‘Indian Summer’...
Romsey Signal Box ‘20/30’ years Special Anniversary Event –
open to the public - is on Saturday 13th October, 2pm-10pm:
20 years since we first opened to the public, and 30 years since the signal box
was closed. Unmissable, folks!! More details to follow in due course...
Further news....
· Exterior renovation of the signal box is tantalisingly close to final completion: the signal box, like most of us, could do with a few sunny days....The Trust kindly arranged professional replacement of key sections of rotten timber.
· Great progress is being made towards completion of the site landscaping –
big efforts from Clive, Dave, Rod, Gav, Jamie, and the site is currently looking
‘a picture’, no small thanks to Dave for keeping it looking good, and to Ken for
keeping the grass under control.
· Remote control simulator installed, thanks to Gav and Jamie – it has transformed demonstrations!
· Video screen and website updates now happening thanks to George.
· Cowley Bridge Junction, our demonstration miniature signal box, will be moved to Romsey later this year for final completion.
· Signals installation: number 5 ‘home’ signal now working, so 2 of the 3 signals on the ‘down branch’ are now operational. Number 13 up branch advanced starter is well under way; works have also commenced on number 3 down starter.
· Lamp fitted to number 4 distant – it looks great as the light fades!! Work in hand to fit lamps to the other signals; Barry has made replica lamp fittings.
· The Signal & Telcommunications (S&T) Working Party continues to
make great progress, but Mike Walshaw steps down as Lead for for about 18 months
due to his Swanage commitments; Steve Hailes acting as lead in the interim.
· Recent group visit by Friends of King Alfred Buses Group, hosted by Neil and George, with support from David and Marion, and Dave.
· We still await further news re development of the adjacent former infants school site....watch this space.
Clive Millward resigns as Site Manager. Clive has had a profound impact on the Project over the past 5-6 years – in particular, under his leadership the site has been transformed. There will be an article on Clive’s many achievements in the next The Signal.
Dick leads our application for charitable status. Discussions underway with the Romsey & District Buildings Preservation Trust to take this forward.
Romsey Signal Box will once again participate in Heritage Open Days Weekend. We will be open to the public on Saturday 8th (10-5) and Sunday 9th September 2012. Here’s hoping for an ‘Indian Summer’...
Romsey Signal Box ‘20/30’ years Special Anniversary Event –
open to the public - is on Saturday 13th October, 2pm-10pm:
20 years since we first opened to the public, and 30 years since the signal box
was closed. Unmissable, folks!! More details to follow in due course...Further news....
· Exterior renovation of the signal box is tantalisingly close to final completion: the signal box, like most of us, could do with a few sunny days....The Trust kindly arranged professional replacement of key sections of rotten timber.
· Great progress is being made towards completion of the site landscaping –
big efforts from Clive, Dave, Rod, Gav, Jamie, and the site is currently looking
‘a picture’, no small thanks to Dave for keeping it looking good, and to Ken for
keeping the grass under control.· Remote control simulator installed, thanks to Gav and Jamie – it has transformed demonstrations!
· Video screen and website updates now happening thanks to George.· Cowley Bridge Junction, our demonstration miniature signal box, will be moved to Romsey later this year for final completion.
· Signals installation: number 5 ‘home’ signal now working, so 2 of the 3 signals on the ‘down branch’ are now operational. Number 13 up branch advanced starter is well under way; works have also commenced on number 3 down starter.
· Lamp fitted to number 4 distant – it looks great as the light fades!! Work in hand to fit lamps to the other signals; Barry has made replica lamp fittings.
· The Signal & Telcommunications (S&T) Working Party continues to
make great progress, but Mike Walshaw steps down as Lead for for about 18 months
due to his Swanage commitments; Steve Hailes acting as lead in the interim.
· Recent group visit by Friends of King Alfred Buses Group, hosted by Neil and George, with support from David and Marion, and Dave.
· We still await further news re development of the adjacent former infants school site....watch this space.
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
'The Signal' Spring 2012 edition published
The latest copy of the magazine of the Friends of Romsey Signal Box has just
been published. Download a copy from our "Downloads" page.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Further progress on site and other news....
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....!!
· 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....!!
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