Forest of Dean Newnham Railway Station Site

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Morning Ron, Another excellent video from Ron's Incredible Production Company. I thought the information that the lady provided was absolutely fascinating. The station at Newnham was at one time known as Newnham Junction even though there was no railway Junction, it was called so due to the fact that the GWR operated Motor Services to Cinderford and Drybrook districts. So popular was this service that the station platforms were extended and a Bay put in during the remodelling (in the late 1910's) for trains to Cinderford at which point the Motor Services were discontinued. The station on expansion contained a very ornate goods shed and cattle pens on the Down Side which were connected to Both Up and Down lines by facing connections these were all controlled by a Signal Box just to the North of the Up Platform. Trains from Cinderford went into the Up Platform where there passengers got out, the train then went forward before setting back onto the Down Main travelling via the Down Platform before setting back into the Bay, trains to Cinderford starting from the Bay Platform. The Branch trains were formed of an Engine and an Auto Coach (up to 2 of them) so the train could be driven from either dependent on which was at the front so removing the need for a turntable.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Brilliant Andrew, up to your usual standard I think. Thanks once again. Ron

[@andrewmerriman7133]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Hi Ron, I have looked into the reason why the 232 yard long Newnham Tunnel was built rather than a cutting as mentioned by the OVM, I have posted her a reply which you may be interested in, hope I have rescued you! Andrew.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@andrewmerriman7133 I knew we could depend on you Andrew, many thanks. Ron

[@jamesweekes6726]

Ron, another delightful walk. It makes me realize how much I need an England "recharge" if only Covid would leave us alone! Your videos are the next best thing though, like walking with a friend. Take care...off for my booster shot.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi James, I was poorly after my booster shot, only for 24 hours though. Hope you survive! Ron

[@johnsparkes8963]

Wonderful content Ron, what a star that elderly Lady. Newham is one of those places that most drive through and not stop to look around. Thank you for sharing Ron take care and best wishes.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi John she was a wonderful old lady, and I forgot to get her name, my bad. Keep smiling. Ron

[@mikepenny3169]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Her name is Prim Hall and she is indeed a splendid lady. She used to serve us in our long lost bakers shop.

[@adamohara3108]

@@mikepenny3169 I knew I recognised her! 👍

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@mikepenny3169 Mike what an absolute star you are, I'll make sure she gets a mention. Thanks so much for posting. Ron

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Marvellous video of one of my favourite small towns in Gloucestershire. The view from the churchyard over the Severn is magnifent. What a pity it is no longer served by trains - so vividley recalled in your video by one of Newnham's older residents, when it was connected to the rest of the Dean Forest network. Newnham to Cinderford: what a delightful journey that must have been!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

You are right Malcolm it is packed with history and worth a visit. Nice helpful residents too. Ron

[@ste.h9825]

Once again another hidden gem.Plus the memories & thoughts of a long time resident.Thanks Ron.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

She was a star wasn't she. Over 90 and going strong. Ron

[@Steve-gy3bx]

Another great video Ron. What a wonderful lady giving you some history about Newnham I love her accent I could listen to her all day. We’ll done Ron. Steve Jesic

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Steve, I think she was brilliant, over 90 and still with it, wonderful. Ron

[@BordersBeeching]

Another great video, Ron. All the best for the holiday season. And thanks for your hard work this year.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thank you and seasons greetings to you as well. Ron

[@paulwhitney7092]

Hi Ron, a lovely video. I was born and raised in Newnham and actually lived next door to the lady in the video. She was a character even then! In those days the banks were all kept clean and the grass mowed and as kids it was our playground. My dad worked on the railway down at Bullo and we often used to walk through the tunnel to get to is shack next to the signal box. Occasionally we had to shelter in the safety side panels when the train came down the lines. our parent used to go mad but we still did it! good memories

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

What some fabulous memories Paul, I'll highlight them in a future vlog if that's OK. Ron

[@paulwhitney7092]

@@ParkinsonsWalks OK

[@JimNicholls]

An interesting spot, Ron. I have a friend who lives not too far from there, in Bream, in the Forest of Dean, but I've never had the chance to visit the area, sadly.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Perhaps next time you are over Jim, lovely place to visit, plenty of walking and cycling routes among the tall pines. Take care. Ron

[@michaelpilling531]

Good Morning Ron. Hope you and Pauline are fit and well. That was a lovely video. Thank you for taking me around Newnham. A real mixture of buildings showing the towns wealth and prosperity in days gone by. Snow here in Poland has melted. Balmy temperatures of around +5. Tropical compared to the past few weeks. Stay safe please and looking forward to seeing you again on Christmas Eve.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I trust you are not out in shorts and a t-shirt Michael. Is it that near to Christmas eve already? How time fly's. Keep smiling. Ron & Pauline

[@michaelpilling531]

No shorts and tee shirt

[@derekp2674]

Thanks Ron, that was all very interesting. Like many others, I have often driven through there on the way back from the Forest, but never stopped to look around.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Glad you enjoyed it Derek, worth a visit. Ron

[@notyhbynorthwest]

Ah yes, I remember Newnham. Lovely town with some really elegant houses, but just awful traffic on the High Street. But some delightful walks in and around the town, which of course you discovered. I hope you had a pleasant and safe Christmas and will have the same for the New Year. Thanks for all the highly enjoyable videos, good humor and the excellent brief narratives and observations (a rare skill). Take care, Ron....all the very best to you and yours, Ian

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Ian you are very kind, thank you, hope you have a cheerful and healthy New Year. Ron

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Very interesting Ron. The elderly lady you met had some wonderful memories , didn’t she. Looked like quite a substantial station, when it was in use. I can never understand why they close perfectly good stations and then build houses all around the area. Those newcomers would probably appreciate a railway station close by. Nice pictures of the Severn also. Great camera work! The old house with it’s various types of stone work too. I wasn’t aware they turned clinker into building blocks. But why not?

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Lionel, that is a very good point you make, how they shut stations, build houses on the site, then find they have a transport problem. They need some joined up thinking. Ron

[@mikepenny3169]

They are made in the 18th century from slag as a result of smelting to produce brass and copper. These blocks can be found up and down the river Severn and its linked waterways.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@mikepenny3169 Thanks Mike, I'll always be looking out for them now. Ron

[@westcountrywanderings]

I enjoyed this immensely 🤗. As others have said, your interview (something I could never do) with the older resident was both enlightening and heartening. I could feel the history coming alive as she spoke about the single carriage to Cinderford. Yes, the ferry to Arlingham was financially beneficial to Newham. I am currently reading a book about The Severn (in readiness for my next year's Severn Way walk) and it says that at one time you could walk across the river there with a guide (!) - indeed the Romans did just that. However, constant shifting of the sands (including New Grounds at Slimbridge where the WWT reserve us now) meant that walking across was not possible. It also mean that the ferry crossing became Increasingly dangerous too, and was finally abandoned. Great detective work as always. I also like the side by side maps at the start - really useful and gave both context and clarity. Top work!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Paul, re the old lady interview, if you asked me to do one, I couldn't do it either, but somehow that one just fell in to place. Looking forward to your Severn Way walk already, fascinating history. Ron

[@westcountrywanderings]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Yes, it was lovely how the interview naturally fell into place. I guess I was thinking about my autism, and how difficult I find it talking to people face to face, especially people I don't know very well. However, talking to a camera doesn't seem to pose a problem for me. Yes, I have started planning the logistics of the Severn Way trip - I'll do the Wales section first by staying up there, then the rest as day trips from home. Thanks again Ron.

[@adamohara3108]

@@ParkinsonsWalks hi Paul, hope you don't mind me adding to the conversation. Re the old foot crossing, if you dine on the riverfront at the White Hart (St opening of video) at low ish tide, and particularly when it's incoming I believe you can just about see the ridge where one could cross on foot 👍

[@adamohara3108]

Great video, lovely to see the hometown! 👍

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Glad you enjoyed it Adam. We all miss you! Ron

[@petersmith5574]

I had lunch In the white Hart just a couple of weeks ago. Just think , I wasted so much time filling my face when I could have been discovering those gems you have just shown me. Mind you, their pie was to die for. Seriously than ks for 12 months of fascinating walks. Take care and stay safe

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks Peter, you are very kind. I must try that pie next time I'm down that way. Ron

[@adriennenash8]

A good video. Brought back memories of a lovely day out. Newnham is a very interesting town. We did a circular walk around there starting from near The Forest Museum, down to the Severn, joining the road before the church. Stopping off at The Railway Inn is recommended. We didn't explore the town and riverside, which looked interesting from the path as we approached. I can't remember if the path went away or we followed another route.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks for the post Adrienne, glad to have brought back some memories for you. Ron

[@jjskn93]

I'v seen blocks like that at Llanelli in Wales. They mad out of slag, left over from smelting. Always wondered if they could hold up to much.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Amazing how well they have lasted, they were recycling years ago, and we think it's new. Ron

[@jjskn93]

@@ParkinsonsWalks haha true that. It looks like that building may have been completely recycled from an old forge. Would explain the hodge podge of materials used on one wall.

[@adamohara3108]

I grew up in Newnham, we were always told those blocks were left overs from glass smelting? Used to be a glass/bottle factory down church road somewhere? 🤔

[@jjskn93]

@@adamohara3108 wouldn't surprise me if you could get it that way. They make float glass by floating silica (sand) onto a pool of molten tin or lead, so it's no stretch that they'd get slag from that.

[@thehairygolfer]

Morning Ron, delightful as ever. When that Lady mentioned a 'Car' I wonder if she meant the GWR Diesel Railcar? I don't know if they operated around this area or not. I do have a couple in my collection. Err model collection, not quite full size! The chocolate and cream and raspberry and cream. Or is it cranberry? I'm never too sure of railway paint names??

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Simon, Before the lady was born the GWR operated a motor service, a coach, to Cinderford and Drybrook districts. that lasted until just before 1920. From research it appears that an Auto Coach (Up to 2) and an engine were used on the Cinderford Service (If you look at my comment I have detailed this). On 23rd September 1950 a BR (Ex GWR) Diesel Railcar No W7 ran to Cinderford but that was via Serridge Junction on a REC Rail tour. The colour of your model railcar is Blood and Custard I suspect. Hope that helps to answer your question, if not, feel free to get back to me and I will try and help further. Stay Safe, Andrew.

[@thehairygolfer]

@@andrewmerriman7133 Andrew. Thank you so much for your detailed reply. It was only this summer I learned about the auto coach and how it works. And the speed limits in each direction and why it was used. Simply lack of turn tables or the cost of providing turn tables. I found it quite facinating and was useful for the model I'm making to resolve a branch line problem. I'm not a fan of diesel, they just look like square boxes on wheels to me, but i do have a soft spot for the railcar with it's aerodynamic design. Cheers. I'll go read your full reply. Simon

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Simon, will we get to see your model collection at some time? They make very popular KZbin films. Ron

[@thehairygolfer]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Not yet Ron. I'll start the channel in about 12 months time. I'm still collecting information from other channels and making decisions. I'm very much in the learning phase. Perhaps you could do one of your walks round it!

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Simon, I forgot to say that before the GWR Diesel Railcar there was a GWR Steam Railcar, this had an engine built into one end of a standard coach with the one bogie fitted with full valve gear (Similar to Walschaerts) to drive the coach which could be driven from either end. Andrew.

[@sumacmacarthur3380]

Hi Ron. I put down my manky old snowman toy long enough to focus on your video...well almost, I felt the need to pull out some more of the stuffing about two minutes in. Next job, getting the squeaker out! Anyway, thanks for taking us on the walk...did we ever work out why the tunnel and not a cutting? Have a good week Ron. Sumac

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi, you managed 2 minutes, well done. No to the tunnel query, if Andrew does't rescue us we are lost. Still smiling at your video appearance, you played the part beautifully. James had the easy job, all he had to do was point the camera. Enjoy the remains of the snowman. Ron

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Hi Sumac, The answer to your query, as far as I can make out, is that a cutting was not used as it would, due to the composition of the land, be prone to collapsing onto the track. I believe the fact that it was on a curve would exacerbate the problem of a collapse. The only other option would be a tunnel which by design would act as a brace for the sides. It was fairly close to Newnham that the first Severn Tunnel was attempted in the early 1800's but that also collapsed due to the high sand content of the ground so I am lead to believe.

[@sumacmacarthur3380]

Hi Andrew. That makes a lot of sense. Perhaps there's a document in an archive somewhere that says the same thing! Thanks very much for taking the time to answer my question. I hope all is well with you in Wales. I always think of Dylan Thomas's "A Child's Christmas in Wales" at this time of year...James watches a video version on the TV and I like it too!@@andrewmerriman7133

[@andrewmerriman7133]

@@sumacmacarthur3380 Hi Sumac, Thank you for your message, in case I do not message you and James before Christmas, I hope you both have a very Happy Christmas and a New Year with plenty of treats. If Father Christmas should bring you any toys try and look after them and don't pull them apart like you have to your once lovely Snowman. Best Wishes, Andrew.

[@sumacmacarthur3380]

@@andrewmerriman7133 Thank you so much Andrew. James had his last class today until the new year so more time for belly rubs etc (for me ,that is!). A Happy Christmas Andrew! Your friend, Sumac.

[@Sharron-Idol]

I did some research on Newnham Station and discovered that the station first closed on 5 May 1941. - But it wasn't finished. - After a short break it reopened on 7 October 1946; so it appears that it was both useful and needed. However after that it appeared in Beeching's sights, and despite the Tories being ousted in 1964 due to Labour's promise to save the railways, it turned out that, much like most things that the Labour Party say ; that was just a lie in order to get elected: The station's final closure came two months later on 2 November 1964.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks for your trouble Sharron, always nice to hear from you. Ron