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.

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.