FoSBR members rode the train to Severn Beach on Saturday 3rd July. This seemed a good date for a trip as the Bristol Rail Regeneration project goes into full swing from Saturday 10th July with impact on both inter-city and local timetables – do check your journey before you travel.
At Severn Beach we were greeted by Peter Tyzack and his fellow Pilning & Severn Beach parish councillor Heather Rickards. Our train was running a little late so there was just time to say hello. Most of us stayed on the train to return to Shirehampton. Some stayed for a picnic in Severn Beach.
The Shirehampton contingent had a nice lunch at the Lamplighters, with a lively discussion around public transport in Bristol. The Matthew trundled past at high tide.
Alderman Peter Tyzack says hello at Severn Beach station Lunch at The Lamps
Return to Severn Beach
For our next event, we plan to spend a little longer in lovely Severn Beach. Peter has invited FoSBR members to return on Saturday 4th September when there is a Family Day and Craft Fayre at Severn Beach Village Hall. We will circulate details of the event closer to the time.
The major blockades for the Bristol Regeneration project should be complete by Friday 3rd September, so trains will be running from Bristol Temple Meads on the Saturday.
Peter Tyzack pointed out that our trip almost coincided with the 99th birthday of Severn Beach station. Peter is planning a celebration in summer 2022 for the big station 100! He is liaising with GWR and would like FoSBR to be involved.
Other improvements
Although there was no sign of construction at Portway Park and Ride station site, we are reliably informed that works are starting this month with services due to call from January 2022. It is an exciting time for rail in Bristol, with the new half-hourly MetroWest suburban service between Avonmouth and Bristol Temple Meads due to start this December 2021, and improvements to the timetable to Westbury from May 2022.
FoSBR will celebrate these improvements along the way!
Thanks to Alderman Peter Tyzack for meeting us, Councillor Guy Poultney (Cotham) for bringing his family on the train trip with us and everyone else who attended.
The Matthew Tina Biggs collects some mud for her hydrogen research at University of Swansea
