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

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE 

I would personally like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a great new year. Here's hoping that 2023 is good to us all.

Just a few cafe updates for you...

• The Buffer Stop cafe has been a big success this year, despite constant juggling with what and how much to offer for sale. A big thank you to all who support it, both public and volunteers. I've even been known to buy some beans on toast for my own lunch!
• The bacon rolls were a success and so a small "George Foreman" grill has been purchased for the cafe kitchen.
• I do occasionally bake a gluten free sponge. I have to be honest and say that they rarely sell well, which is a shame because they are very good, even if I do say so myself. These sponges cost a little more to produce and are therefor not financially viable. I will still bake one from time to time. I also need to look into what other gluten free things I can offer that have a reasonable shelf life.
• I mentioned before that the prices will have to be reviewed. I hope to study this before the January open day and produce the new price lists. This is not an easy task because obviously we need to make a profit, but conversely we want to give all our customers good value for money.

I hope everyone has a great festive period and new year.

See you in 2023.

Dave