WARMLEY SIGNAL BOX
We are a small but enthusiastic voluntary group, first established in 2009. Our aim is to preserve and protect Warmley’s Grade II-Listed Midland Railway Signal Box for future generations to enjoy. This is the only remaining and intact Midland Railway Signal Box in South Gloucestershire. Not only that, it is the only Signal Box (MR) to be preserved in its (more or less) original condition, in its original context and original site (next to the station and road crossing it was built to serve) anywhere south of Nottingham.
We believe that makes it unique, and, therefore, very special. Our volunteers open the Signal Box every Saturday between 2 and 4 pm. They are all very knowledgeable and demonstrate how the levers and the Signal Arm worked when the Box was fully operational. We are extremely grateful for our visitors and the kind donations they make as we do not charge an entrance fee.
Our group also maintains the Community Garden and borders alongside the Railway Path. Along with the Waiting Room Café across the road, the site of the original Warmley Station has become a popular recreational hub and meeting place.
Our volunteers are always on the lookout for railway memorabilia, and in particular, authentic items that may have originally been at the Warmley Box. Many items were removed when the site was derelict. If anyone has any old photographs showing how it looked inside pre 1968, we would be very interested to see them, and make copies if possible. Last week, two of our volunteers drove to Lowdham, near Nottingham to collect an original settle which would have been utilised by the Signalmen for their belongings, and for rest periods.
Unfortunately, the Signal Box was broken into and vandalised on two separate occasions a few years ago. As a result of this, we have had no option but to invest in further security measures and insurance cover for protection. This has significantly increased our running costs.
In addition, essential maintenance work is required following a survey carried out by South Glod Council. We hope funding will be made available for: replacement guttering, timber repairs and woodworm treatment. There are significant repairs and replacement timbers required to the ground floor, and some replacement window sills.
We have previously relied mainly upon support from South Gloucestershire Council via Grant applications. However, due to the current economic situation, this funding support has been reduced, and, we are therefore, asking for support from our local community through sponsorship.
Our group holds at least two community fund-raising events each year as well as opening the Signal Box most Saturday afternoons. This year, we hosted a free community event Saturday May 10 (VE Day 80 celebration) and we are planning the next one on Saturday September 20 (National Trust Heritage Open Day event).
If you are interested in joining our group, donating raffle prizes, or, helping through sponsorship or fundraising, please get in touch.
Ros Pyle (secretary) Rosdawnpyle@sky.com or Hugh Evans (chair) Hughevans@sky.com
BRISTOL U3A
DO you enjoy a good sing-along?
There are two East & North-East Bristol u3a groups that might be right up your street – Ukulele for Fun in Fishponds and Singing for Pleasure in Downend.
The ukulele group meets fortnightly, on Friday afternoons. The emphasis is on relaxed fun and all abilities are welcome, including complete beginners.
Ukulele is one of the most accessible instruments to learn and, with a bit of enthusiasm, you can quickly play songs and join in. Bring your own ukulele, or there are spares available for new members to try.
Singing for Pleasure meets monthly, also on Friday afternoons, but does not clash with ukulele meetings. This group is for anyone who likes to sing for fun. This is not a choir, and everyone is welcome, regardless of singing ability. The songs are varied, mostly of yesteryear, and words and accompaniment are provided.
If you are interested in trying either group, please email me at learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org.uk.
You can meet existing Bristol u3a members and find out more about u3a by coming along to an informal social.
This month you’ll find us at the Market Café and Lounge in Kingswood (which has stairs) on September 9 from 2pm, the White Lion in Frenchay (which has a ramp to the rear entrance) on September 15 from 2.30pm and the Crafty Egg in Fishponds (which also has a ramp) on September 24, from 2pm.
Bristol u3a (you in your Third Age) is for anyone with some free time for themselves.
There’s no lower age limit, but most members are in their 50s upwards.
Everything we do is by volunteer members, and there are no paid teachers.
Once you’re a member, you can join as many interest groups as you like, anywhere in Bristol. Search for “Bristol u3a find a group” online to view the whole list
Lindsay Gough
WALKING NETBALL
A lot of people have not heard of it but they have Walking Football! It’s open to anyone who’s active but not able to run, jump or keep up with younger women. You might be a new beginner or played when you were in school.
Initial six week block starts Monday September 1, 6-7pm, at Brunel Fitness Centre, Speedwell Rd, Speedwell, Bristol BS15 1N. Free car park.
It’s free to try out. Benefits include meeting others and having support of a group; getting fit and feeling better; health improvements; and the chance to learn some skills and play a game.
There will also be the occasional evening social. People can come along any week to try Walking Netball. Contact Cressida on 07808 581739 for further information.
STAPLE HILL WI
IN August we had our summer outing to Oakham Treasures: a real step back in time.
It’s a wonderful Aladdin’s Cave of all sorts of things accumulated over the years, from toys and kitchen equipment to post boxes, to name just a few.
There were many cries of ‘do you remember when this or that was around?’
There is so much to see, and so much nostalgia.
We are back to our normal meetings in September, with our usual coffee mornings, walks, lunch club and book clubs.
We look forward at our normal monthly meeting to a talk about “Time on the Farm and Rapeseed Oil.” The bright yellow fields are such a colourful sight, and it will be interesting to find out how this translates into the bottles and jars in our kitchen cupboards.
We are busy planning a varied programme for next year.
Our meeting is held on the third Tuesday evening of the month at 7.30pm, at Christ Church Parish Hall in North Street, Downend. There is plenty of parking.
We are a lively, happy group of all ages, so come and join us for a friendly chat over tea and cake.
If you want to know more about us please visit our website at staplehillwi@weebly.com.
We look forward to seeing you.
Maureen Wood