I used to take a trip to Severn Beach every Saturday on the train from Temple Meads station in the early 1970s. The photos really took me back. I appreciate you sharing these with the people.
It is truly amazing that this line still exists today, especially considering how much of the network was lost in the Beeching cuts and the modernisation plan before it. I remember as a teenager getting a bus down to Temple Meads just to ride on this train all the way out to Severn Beach. There was nothing to see when you got there, and this would probably have been in the very early 70s, but it was cheap and such a varying landscape to watch going by. Bristol hasn't yet got its trams back like other cities around the country, so this line that passes through some of the North Western suburbs of the city is a valuable asset in these days of increased public transport usage. It's a pity that Temple Meads is so far away from the true centre of the city.
I use this line a lot. All the station buildings looked wonderful back in the day. My local station (Stapleton Road) is just a mass of grey railings these days. But at least it's still there and functioning, and the trains are much more reliable since they've put in the extra tracks.
Severn Beach is liquid mud - not sand. Anyone who did not know what to expect was in for a disappointment. I used to watch the trains going along the Portway. There were usually more BR staff on the train (driver + guard) than passengers.
There was a natural shingle beach at one time. But erosion over the years it has virtually disappeared and as you say is now mainly mud. The number of passengers using the line has increased dramatically in the last few years.
@@historymandave4739 I lived near Sea Mills from 1976 to 1982. We made a few trips to Severn Beach. There were still a few seaside like attractions there at the time. But the beach was not one you would want to sunbathe on nor use for paddling. I must look at more of your TH-cam videos - I have fond memories of our years at Bristol and I was interested in its history.
I used to take a trip to Severn Beach every Saturday on the train from Temple Meads station in the early 1970s. The photos really took me back. I appreciate you sharing these with the people.
Thanks for the info!
It is truly amazing that this line still exists today, especially considering how much of the network was lost in the Beeching cuts and the modernisation plan before it. I remember as a teenager getting a bus down to Temple Meads just to ride on this train all the way out to Severn Beach. There was nothing to see when you got there, and this would probably have been in the very early 70s, but it was cheap and such a varying landscape to watch going by. Bristol hasn't yet got its trams back like other cities around the country, so this line that passes through some of the North Western suburbs of the city is a valuable asset in these days of increased public transport usage. It's a pity that Temple Meads is so far away from the true centre of the city.
They have improved the service in recent years. Regards Dave.
I like the 2nd picture of Shirehampton Station around when I was little.
Thanks. Regards Dave.
Nice to see the line have a new lease of life. The DMU's from Hull to the sea side at Hornsea stopped in '64 when I was a little lad.
The future looks bright. Regards Dave.
I used to go from there to Bristol around when Lindsay was born when I was 3 1/2 and about 10 months after.
Glad you enjoyed it. Regards Dave.
I use this line a lot. All the station buildings looked wonderful back in the day. My local station (Stapleton Road) is just a mass of grey railings these days.
But at least it's still there and functioning, and the trains are much more reliable since they've put in the extra tracks.
It is now a well used commuter line. Dave.
Severn Beach is liquid mud - not sand. Anyone who did not know what to expect was in for a disappointment. I used
to watch the trains going along the Portway. There were usually more BR staff on the train (driver + guard) than passengers.
There was a natural shingle beach at one time. But erosion over the years it has virtually disappeared and as you say is now mainly mud. The number of passengers using the line has increased dramatically in the last few years.
@@historymandave4739 I lived near Sea Mills from 1976 to 1982. We made a few trips to Severn Beach. There were still a few seaside like attractions there at the time. But the beach was not one you would want to sunbathe on nor use for paddling.
I must look at more of your TH-cam videos - I have fond memories of our years at Bristol and I was interested in its history.
@@v8pilot 1982 was about the time when everything closed down. Hope you enjoy the rest of my videos. Regards Dave.