Our first open day of 2013 - What a day! John Penny explains...

Words by J. Penny

The first open day of 2013 fell on the 1st April,
however the final passenger figures for the day were far from a
joke.  We all arrived wondering if anyone would be mad enough to join us for a
day which was a most awful cold one - quite possibly ever - for a GLR open day. 
However, from 446 last year to
663 this, this represents about a 50% increase in numbers, whilst the
seat capacity for the day had shrunk by 25% thanks to the 20 minute service presented by the longer ride which takes in the new line.  (With trains passing at
Pinesway junction a 15 minute service was formerly the norm)  We were all delighted, and whilst we were a little pressed insofar as there were just enough to go
round staff-wise due to sudden other commitments for a few regular volunteers, the slightly less intensive service did give us a chance
for the personal needs break after each trip.  Particular thanks to our long
distance signalmen Ted White (with 140 mile round trip) and John Stratton (on his way back to London from the previous day working Williton box on the West Somerset).  This freed up our regular signalmen to do Guard duty and also great to have Sam Alford qualify on this day as Guard as well.  Many congratulations to you Sam!

Thanks to the 'Last of the Summer Wine' crew, (generally C.J., Gary, Keith and Ian) the work on replacing the windows at Pinesway was far enough advanced to (temporarily) replace the rotted 'Up'
side front window although the temporary middle portion is a large blanked out piece of board.  Needs must...!

All in all a fantastic day despite
the appalling cold, and a big 'Well Done and THANKYOU' to
everyone involved in making the day a
success!

Dave, CJ and Ian (l-r) start to install the new windows at Pinesway Junction signal box. Photo by J. Penny.