The post includes analysis by Jeff Vinter and Mark Jones
Headline
RR Magazine Autumn 2021 – out soon
Sep 2021 – National Highways: “existential threat” to legacy rail structures
Aug 2021 – Highways England suspension of bridge infilling
August 2021 – RR Chairman, Mark Jones, in Limerick
Final Details for AGM on 2nd October 2021
Aug 2021 – Highways England acting like “cowboys and bullies” over bridge scheme
A fortnight after the announcement that the infilling programme would be ‘paused’ (i.e. not stopped), The HRE Group identifies more imminent infillings
UPDATED Sunday 1st August; Jonathan Dawson completes 10 day Charity bike ride to John O’Groats
Jul 2021 – Government pauses bridge infilling schemes
Encouraging news as the Government published a progress report, Gear Change: One Year On, which reviews efforts to encourage and facilitate safe walking and cycling.
July 2021 – Highways England’s infilling in the national news
It is being widely reported that Boris Johnson has intervened to halt the plans to fill in dozens of Victorian railway crossings with concrete
Jul 2021 – Free Tours of Wingfield Station (Derbyshire)
Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) are hosting a series of free tours of Wingfield Station where you can visit inside the station and learn about the restoration project.
Minister condemned over “embarrassing” bridge deceit
Press Release from HRE Group regarding Highways England’s infilling and demolition of historic railway structures
Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton lines. A member review of a new DVD from Dumpman Films
Jul 2021 – Parliamentary petition to stop the destruction of the Heritage Railway Estate
There is now a parliamentary petition to stop the destruction of the Heritage Railway Estate by Highways England which, if enough people sign, will result in a debate in parliament – so really could make a difference.
HRE Group featured on Jeremy Vine’s BBC show and in The Times…
The HRE Group has had great success gaining further publicity and raising awareness of the destruction/infilling activities of Highway England in the mainstream media this week.
Jun 2021 – Contract for new decking on Bennerley Viaduct signed
The Best Thing I ever did
Rachel, a member living in Lincolnshire, describes her experience of RR – and asks if there is more we can do?
10th Jun 2021 – Latest press release from HRE Group on the infilling of Great Musgrave bridge in Cumbria
**Updated 3rd Jun – May 2021 – Cumbrian railways unite against “destructive” bridge scheme
Article updated with council’s response to HRE intention to infill the bridge and a follow up letter from the HRE Group to the Chair of the Transport Committee
National Walking Month: TfW Blog
Transport for Wales (TfW) have published a blog of former rail routes. Our own Chris Parker is one of the guest contributors
RR Magazine Summer 2021 – out soon
May 2021 – Kingham to Bourton Recreational Trail
There is a group planning to establish the former Kingham to Bourton rail track as a recreational trail.
May 2021 – Lichfield to Brownhills Study
An interesting link that brings news of a possible development to the Lichfield – Brownhills mothballed line.
May 2021 – SW Articles (May Blossoms)
Jeff Vinter has written the fifth in his series of newsletters with a selection of articles originally issued to South Western Area members titled ‘My Blossoms’ which he is happy to share with all RR members
May 2021 – The HRE Group continuing to fight!
Goodmanham to Market Weighton new railway footpath
Apr 2021 – Sandsend and Kettleness Tunnels to reopen?
Whitby Gazette reports that Sustrans and the North York Moors National Park are looking at the feasibility of opening them up to walkers and cyclists.
Apr 2021 – Rock Fall, Elan Valley Railway (EVR) (Powys)
**Now with pictures. Access to the spectacular Devil’s Gulch, close to the Pen y Garreg Reservoir in the gorgeous Elan Valley, has been prohibited since November 2018 due to rockfall which made it impassable
Apr 2021 – MPs raise concerns over Highways England’s ‘assault’ on legacy rail structures
Apr 2021 – The Watercress Way seeks new Trustees
Mar 2021 – SW Articles (while in Lockdown)
Video – Abandoned Railways in the West Country
RR stalwart Jeff Vinter has kindly shared a video presentation of a talk that he gave to Tiverton U3A’s Railway Group on 26th February
Feb 2021 – Campaigners rally against railway heritage threat
RR Magazine Spring 2021 – out soon
The Sping 2021 edition of the Club Magazine – Railway Ramblings – is soon to be sent to members. Join Railway Ramblers now to receive your copy. Membership is just £10 per year!
Please help the HRE Group…
They are in need of UK-wide intelligence of proposed and planned cycle and walking paths around the country that might be threatened by the proposed HRE infilling and demolition.
Jan 2021 – SW Articles (while in Lockdown)
Jan 2021 – Railway Rights of Way
The Watercress Way Update and strategic Plan for 2021
Jan 2021 – HRE Group’s latest video
RPL land ownership and interactive map
Somerset Rail to Trail Project
The Rail to Trail project is a group committed to transforming disused railways into 21st century travel networks in Somerset
Dec 2020 – Protect our railway heritage
Dec 2020 – Rugby – Leamington / Long Itchington, Warwickshire
Dec 2020 – Keswick-Threlkeld Path Re-Open
RR Magazine Winter 2020/21 – Out Now
Smardale Gill Viaduct
The Viaduct stands 90ft above Scandal Beck in the Westmorland Dales in Cumbria. It has re-opened to walkers
October 2020 – Sandsend, North Yorkshire
Oct 2020 – Droxford, Hampshire
The fabulously restored Droxford Station on the Meon Valley line is advertised for sale for £1.6 million.
Oct 2020 – Lowdham, Nottinghamshire.
Consultation on proposed changes to the Highway Code affecting walkers
Have your say in the government consultation clarifying pedestrian and cyclist priority. The consultation closes on 27th October