restoration of parts of the signal box lever frame to reflect equipment that would have been

used – and now is again used - for mechanical signals and points. Congratulations to the project

team (Adrian and Derek)!

August. As well as some important business – including approval of our new ‘constitution’, and

the election of your committee (again, see Dick below) – we hope members will be able to stay

for a ‘social’ with refreshments (possibly a barbeque, to be confirmed….).

the signal box site. Jamie now continues as project manager for the Education Centre, and we

look forward to opening this exciting new interactive centre in 2023.

It's good to see a group visit to another signal box! As Malcolm Moore writes, members recently

enjoyed a visit to the signalling centre that sounded the death knell for Romsey in 1982! With

the march of history, of course, much of the technology of the Eastleigh panel is now, like

Romsey’s, obsolete. Fortunately, we have Swindon Panel Society at Didcot Railway Centre

preserving this type of equipment which, like mechanical signalling, is also of historic (and

educational) interest. Further visits to Eastleigh are planned.

Once again, thanks to everyone for your invaluable support that makes Romsey Signal Box what

it is today – an historic building and thriving working museum preserving our railway signalling

and related railway heritage. Hope to see you at the AGM….

Best wishes, Peter.

The Friends committee met on 27

repairs are needed to the brickwork. Windows, potential leaks through the roof, and the general

appearance of the box are also on the list. This will be a major task, for which we will need to

use professional contractors. Fortunately we can afford to make the investment, and will make

every effort to plan a schedule of works which will give the signal box many years of service with

the minimum of subsequent major works.

Significant work has been undertaken on Policies and Procedures in recent months, and most of

On Monday 8

signage, with a view to enhancing the visitor experience. Their first meeting established the

overall objectives and some key principles to follow, and identified the different types of signage

required on the site. Balancing sufficient signage with a determination not to swamp the site

with it will be a particular challenge which will inevitably require the use of other forms of

making information available to visitors, either through modern or conventional technologies.

We are reviewing the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, with the assistance of Byron

Horne who is being trained in the area for another organisation. One change is that with our

increasing contact with our younger members, we now believe we qualify to undertake

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and Dick will begin asking those

anniversary of the closure, and the 30

anniversary of the re-opening, of the box on Saturday

October with a social for members at the end of the Open Day, probably with a Barbecue.

More of that in due course – but do put the date in your diaries.

The other key factor is that it is the Trust who own the signal box and its site, without which the

Friends have no real purpose. Separation of the Friends into another organisation would leave

us reliant on the Trust to permit us access to the building and its site, something which cannot be

guaranteed. In contrast, by being an integral part of the Trust we have direct control of the box

and the site as part of the owning organisation.

public is a key benefit, helping to fulfil one of their charitable purposes, which is to increase

awareness of preserved buildings through education in the broadest sense. The signal box is the

only building which the Trust can consistently use to fulfil this aim, and the Friends as part of the

Friends of Romsey Signal Box. This more accurately describes what the document actually does.

Since we sent the draft version to members in June, several other comments were received from

members and Trustees which have been incorporated, including expansion of personal pronouns

to he/she/they and equivalents, as now advised by the Law Society. Some simplification of

references has also been included, and the opening sub-section completely re-worded to align it

The Trustees of the Trust will confirm their approval of this new document prior to our AGM on

August. The document being sent with the AGM papers will be tabled at our AGM for

* Colin’s quick estimate is 115 levers of which 70% would be signals. That’s a lot - and only panel

one!

to the membership records.

Not much of note for bird activity, as it has

been so hot recently, apart from the house

sparrows dust bathing in Alan's new lawn.

The canal water is looking a lot cleaner

now that the creation of meanders

upstream has stopped. A few trout have

been seen downstream of the footbridge

Romsey our choice to move to. We were then living in

Harrow but I grew up on Stonegate station in Sussex, on the

Tunbridge Wells to Hastings line, where my father had

worked since 1944. Living on the station meant that the

happy hours were spent there over the years. It also meant

being involved with every aspect of station life from booking office to goods shed – who needed

a train set when you had the real thing on your doorstep!

Wednesdays and on open days.

I spent most of my working life in the public library service in Harrow and before retiring was

know but watch with interest as the work progresses. On Open Days I enjoy being on the gate

welcoming people to the site and have also been trained to operate the panel in the locking

I would suggest that it is a unique place to get involved in. It is a very friendly and welcoming

group – the willingness to share knowledge and stories is brilliant, there is always laughter but

also serious thoughts on how the place can contribute to the development of young people or

help people to understand their heritage. Open Days also provide opportunities to hear other

I enjoy gardening and exploring the local area. I am a trustee of Amaudo UK, a charity

supporting a mental health project in Nigeria where my daughter and son-in-law worked for