Ran out of cash at Winchester - Episode 6 - DN&SR

[@IOWPCV]

How they built cuttings has always interested me. Cuttings & embankments, in between Brookwood cemetery (Surrey) and through deepcut,out towards farnborough are an engineering feat in themselves. Another great episode !

[@PeatCowman]

I've lived in the area between Didcot & Newbury for nearly 40 years and never knew about Churn Station before! I must have past it riding along the Ridgeway 100's of times. Amazing. Since you filmed this the section between Hamptead Norreys and Pinewood Halt has been converted to a 'greenway' and is always busy with families and joggers/cyclists. The aspiration to to make (as close to) a full off-the-road cycle route between Newbury & Didcot one day. Cheers. Enjoying the videos alot.

[@tonybowker2430]

Many years ago I lived and worked at Harwell and my wife and I explored the little used lines south of Didcot thru Upton and south towards Newbury. That would have been in the late 1950’s. Later we lived in Faringdon and the explored the area south of town towards the White Horse and south towards Swindon.

[@PodgyAsthmatic]

As you know Sir, I'm a mooohasive DNSJR fan, this is outstanding!! Fantastic to see close ups of some of the stations I've not managed to get too yet. One day I'll get over and pay some more visits.

[@pwhitewick]

Definitely do that. Plenty to see still. 👍👍

[@TheSkiathosLover]

As usual - brilliant - I love the way you and your wife are so passionate about this

[@katywalker8322]

Worthy Down was surveyed in August 1917 as a surveyed for the Royal Flying Corps . October 1917 2 sidings were laid on the site along with a platform for special trains to Winchester. It became a recognised halt on the 1st Aoril 1918 (the day the RFC became the RAF)

[@dominicshelmerdine5426]

I really enjoyed this husband and wife team narration of the old DNSR. I remember the old platforms at Hampstead Norris railway station as the station itself had already gone by 1975. A real pity the DNSR is no longer around.

[@daveabbott]

I was based at Worthy Down for training and when on guard duty we had to go onto the old station and check it for intruders, this back in the 70's in darker times and there was a building or 2 still standing. Interesting!

[@nilo70]

I am 68 and have asthma so bit worried ( I still was working as an X-Ray technologist until sent home recently) but thanks to you both you brighten my days while this all is going on .Cheers from California!

[@ivorwhitecar]

You live and learn Paul and Rebecca. I often stay at Norton Park hotel at Sutton Scotney when working trains out of Micheldever Oil Sidings and never knew there was a line and station there. I wil have to have a wander around next time I am down there. Many thanks for these videos, they are always informative and interesting.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Peter. Not a great deal at Sutton Scotney sadly. Just a new small housing development. Worth a wonder down to Worthy Down though if you get the time.

[@michaelpilling9659]

Very interesting. Super video. Great history.

[@radioman1170]

Love the opening! Great stuff as ever :-)

[@peteh7646]

You got a shot of the covid express ! Runs from Northolt to Severnside for burning at the Energy Recovery centre. Its a lovely aroma on a hot summers day shunting that.

[@alanwhite1458]

Paul, it's not Hampstead Norris, it's Hampstead Norreys!! I lived in Hermitage at the time you shot this film.

[@tonystack7375]

Great information ,you guys another brilliant vid.

[@gordonhogg6955]

Absolutely love the videos. Keep them coming for 2020 👍👍👍👍

[@pwhitewick]

Certainly intend to Gordon. 👍👍

[@andrewlong6438]

Interesting video. It was another Victorian line which struggled to make money from the start. It’s claim to fame was during WW2 when it was doubled when it became a key supply route in run up to D Day. A large part of trackbed has been obliterated by A34 bypass so any plans to reopen it on the original trackbed have been lost.

[@peterbradburn9115]

Another great video

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Peter. 👍👍

[@HenrysAdventures]

Another great video! There's a model of the old Winchester Chesil Station at Milestones Museum in Basingstoke.

[@pwhitewick]

Oh right. I've been there a number of times but I've not seen that!

[@HenrysAdventures]

@@pwhitewick I last visited quite a few years ago so many it's not there anymore.

[@pwhitewick]

@Alexander Challis often the case. I think it's council storage at the moment.

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Interesting video as always. The weather looked "invigorating" whilst you were filming. Just to make you envious (lol) , as I type this comment at 20.55, it's currently +33.1C.

[@pwhitewick]

Ha.... The Australian Winter!... We are having a reasonable mild winter so far. It's just very..... Grey!

[@Uncleplugly]

In his book Firing days. Reminisces of a Great Western Fireman, Harold Gasson writes quite extensively about his time based at Didcot & his love of this line. Published by Oxford Press 1973.

[@johnmehaffey9953]

On our stretch of still used line from Belfast to whitehead I can count 6 abandoned halts, on a 15 mile stretch of railway I can see the reason for a couple of them but not all 6 and there could be more they are the ones I know of in my lifetime

[@thomasmann9216]

Rebecca is so cute!

[@terryengland5772]

With a bit of forethought this line could have made a great freight liner route for container traffic from Southampton dock's into London ,releasing traffic for passenger trains on the main line

[@pwhitewick]

Absolutely Terry.

[@TheOriginal_BigMac]

Burbage's bakery? I used to buy bread from there in the 80s! Christ I'm old 😂

[@DogLostPRTeam]

Love it, but would be good if you mentioned the ones you didn't visit and why. The ones that are houses aren't boring !

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Nik. We do tend to fly past some of the private houses. Always feels a tad invasive stood filming out side someone's house. But you are right no harm in spending some a little time discussing.

[@saltleywsc]

Great series both .....When are you doing the IOW? And give us a smile when you are pointing at stations you look so grumpy ,perhaps something to do with the weather !........looking forward to the next adventure...mervyn.

[@pwhitewick]

Haha... Thanks Mervyn. Yes definitely blame the weather! Glad you are enjoying, lots planned for the spring and summer.

[@saltleywsc]

@@pwhitewick superb can't wait !

[@michaelhampton9493]

I did my first trainspotting at Winchester Chesil station. Then along came Beeching

[@pwhitewick]

....and what a great spot that would have been. Closed pre beeching though wasn't it?

[@michaelhampton9493]

@@pwhitewick To be honest i'm not sure. He hurried things along i think

[@nickhughes1107]

Interesting I walked this entire line from Burghclere to Winchester back in the early 1980's they were just building the Winchester A34/A30 upgrade then and we must have been the last to walk the old line (right through the building works) as it now obliterates part of it. Then you could walk right through Burghclere and Highclere stations which were private houses, not sure from this whether you still can.

[@pwhitewick]

Unfortunately you can't walk through either now. Would have loved to have walked part of the old route that the A34 now sits on.

[@nickhughes1107]

@@pwhitewick yes and that cutting wasn't flooded (though it was heading that way) then, nor the other one filled in! If you want a really obvious but nice one to do then the Scarborough/Whitby line is not only well preserved but one of the most mourned... A serious ambition would be the Great Central which HS2 is really rebuilding. There is no way on Gods earth you are going to do them all Dr Beeching saw to that, but a nice idea and might work if you got people all over the country to contribute - though perhaps the comedic is more your intent than an actual railway chronicle?

[@pwhitewick]

@@nickhughes1107 cheers. You raise some interesting points. Especially as next weekends video is a video on the "Statistics of disused stations". On our list is 6500. You will be surprised many of those closed before 1963. We have not set ourselves a date to get this done by and as you suggest it's a challenge close to impossible.... But we are having fun trying! Contributions from others as time goes on may well be a thing! Watch this space. 👍

[@nickhughes1107]

@@pwhitewick not really surprised but Dr B was certainly the axe-man, though a fair few followed after him, now they just run one train a week (eg Brigg) to avoid closing them... Also a lot of mines closed in the 80's and the rail lines with them plus ancillary stations, you'd also have a lot of closed stations on still open lines which knocks the numbers up and are just a case of bagging rather than a great day out! Nottingham Victoria would be interesting as you'd have to get into a Nottingham Trent building to really see it. Totally appreciate the idea of doing it for fun, I don't think non-video people realise how much work goes on, planning, scripting, shooting, voice over and editing. Plus your Basil and Polly routines would I guess have a fair few outtakes! We divide the work so I do the stills, script, planning and voice over but you seem to have a more mixed approach - not sure if that takes more or less time... Will look forward to your next productions, if one way or another videos could be done of all closed stations , it would be one helluva worthwhile archive.

[@andrewlong6438]

The DNSR is a good example of a railway which was closed before Beeching. Line south of Newbury closed to passengers in 1960 if I recall and north of Newbury it went in 1962. Upton Station is reached by a road called Beeching Close which is amusing because the line had already closed before Beeching’s report was produced. But hey ho - why let the facts get in the way of people’s prejudices!

[@railway31]

Hi Paul and Rebecca. I stumbled on your channel while looking for videos on the DN&SR I'm thinking of building another exhibition layout and a friend recommend looking at the DN&SR for inspiration. I'm not sure whether to model a station that existed or go for one on the extension that never got built. I found a website detailing the route of the extension but there are no plans. Were there any track plans ever drawn up of the extension? I noticed you included track plans of the disused stations you visited are these readily available to obtain copies of? Hoping you can help. Kind Regards Darren

[@Sim0nTrains]

Brilliant, love the video, just wondering where did you get those track plans from during the video, they were really interesting to look at?

[@RichardFelstead1949]

I liked thode track plans as well.

[@pwhitewick]

They are basically photos from the book we were using. Credit in the description I think... 👍😁

[@Sim0nTrains]

Yes they in the link, just checked, I think I was enjoying those plans so much that I was blinded to check the description myself 😂😂

[@bishwatntl]

I'd always thought it was Hampstead Norris, but apparently that was the name of the RAF station nearby and the village is called Hampstead Norreys.

[@pwhitewick]

Ah that would explain it... A bit. So the station was definitely called "Norris" though... Right?

[@bishwatntl]

@@pwhitewick It seems that way. I found this photo of the station (date unknown) www.revolvy.com/page/Hampstead-Norris-railway-station

[@skin150263]

@@pwhitewick I think it's slightly more complicated than than this. I have four one inch maps of the area dating from 1919 (Cassini reproduction), 1940, 1961 and 1974. The 1974 map of course is 1:50000 but the first series was a photo enlargement of the one inch map. All these refer to the village as Hampstead Norris. The 1919 map clearly predates the RAF Station and the 1940 map was printed without the RAF Station also. This suggests that the RAF station did not originally have a name that was different from the vilage. The 1974 map, although calling the village Hampstead Norris, refers to the civil parish as Hampstead Norreys. The railway station was definitely called Hampstead Norris. I can remember seeing signposts to Hampstead Norris until at least the mid 1970s.

[@12crepello]

The village has been spelt both ways over the years but the railway plumped for "Norris"

[@PeteCswampy]

if you ever get North I can help with pics and info on Southport to Preston Line. I grew up next one of the crossings.

[@cargy930]

Blimey, not only do you know your way around a MKIII Cortina (avid Bramble-follower here), but you're into the iron horses too! If only I could subscribe twice more, to show my appreciation!

[@PeteCswampy]

thanks yes i spent some time tracing southport preston line, got some good pics and info @@cargy930

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Pete, much of that line remain? With regards any old remnants?

[@PeteCswampy]

BRIDGE SUPPORTS OVER RIVER DOUGLAS, PLATFORMS AT BANKS STATION, MORE RIVER SUPPORTS AT CROSSENS, BRIDGES, SIDINGS, VARIOUS STRUCTURES ALONG THE WAY

[@bobly]

Worthy Down Halt opened in 1918 and closed in 1960

[@MrBook123456]

well made

[@davekirwin]

Slightly confused about King's Worthy - I always assumed, cross referencing maps and whatnot that the A34 was built on top of it - is that not correct, or are you at the bottom of the embankment that leads up to KW and the A34? My notes have it down as being off Springvale Road.

[@pwhitewick]

David Kirwin yes, we were at the bottom of the embankment next to the A34. It's the clip where I fall off the tree branch!

[@davekirwin]

@@pwhitewick Ha, ha! It is where I think it is then! Nice video Paul, good work both of you.

[@MrTarmonbarry]

I am curious . Where did they find 410,000 tons of whatever to fill in that cutting i wonder

[@peterbrown7092]

You missed the Station Master’s house at Winchester Chesil which someone is currently seeking to demolish and redevelop.

[@pwhitewick]

Yes we've just heard about that actually.

[@EandEFC]

I walked the line the other way to you are all the old railways sign's still on Whitchurch Railway station? Also is the old signal box at Highclare still there?

[@pwhitewick]

Yes, if you stretch your neck upwards you can see the owners of the station have lots up! Highclere, we didn't get a chance to look at the box this time, but there was the rather squared concrete one there last time.

[@bobly]

King's Worthy opened in 1909 and closed in 1960

[@daystatesniper01]

Not a lot left of the line which is sad to see,a friend lives in the old station area of Compton on this line

[@pwhitewick]

Indeed very little to see.

[@suzyqualcast6269]

34 being the magic number. Aren't the RGJackets near here ?

[@damieneverett7053]

Burbidges made me hungry,🥖🍔🥪🥟🍰🧁🥧🥐🍞

[@pwhitewick]

The great man himself will be joining us in a few weeks! Watch this space.

[@bobly]

Pinewood Halt opened in 1933 and closed in 1962

[@peachesandlily]

Are the disused stations for sale? I guess I’m really asking if people can, and do, live in them? Seems like it would be really interesting.

[@pwhitewick]

Quite a few that we see pop up for sale. Two recently but they don't come cheap. Wotton yesterday was for sale in Buckinghamshire at £895,000!!

[@cargy930]

@@pwhitewick ...And to think that, at one time, BR couldn't give them away!

[@Roblilley999]

I love the "really real" look of confusement/despair of whats to come. You both (and kidlets) have been doing... don't mention Michael portillo without mentioning Victoria Coren-mitchell's emphasising (That's probably not the right word) of him

[@pwhitewick]

Proper acting right??

[@Roblilley999]

Very proper acting yes, the newcomers category in the transport vlog awards is definitely yours

[@furryanimal8776]

Have you done Newport to Blaenavon?My doctors surgery is on the site of Cwmbran Victoria Street.

[@pwhitewick]

Not as yet, but South Wales is rapidly becoming our favourite place

[@Mr80sliveon]

Who's walking around behind you on that last Station platform.. Was it yur Freya..?

[@pwhitewick]

Could be either Freya or Abi

[@ioeffgwincein]

Maybe Tarrant more than Portello...?

[@pwhitewick]

Which works for me to be fair. 😁

[@suzyqualcast6269]

North up the Down line, North.

[@ersy100]

This could be an excellent channel but for the music being too loud making it hard to hear what is being said. Also the captions are not displayed for long enough to be able to read properly.

[@pwhitewick]

Hey Ersy. Yup agreed. Keep persisting because we've made a lot of changes more recently. We are relatively new to editing so learning lots as we go.

[@bobly]

Upton and Blewbury opened in 1882 and closed in 1962

[@bobly]

Winchester Chesil opened in 1885 and closed in 1961

[@bobly]

Hampstead Norris opened in 1882 and closed in 1962

[@bobly]

Sutton Scotney opened in 1885 and closed in 1960

[@ajuk1]

Can you imagine their first date, "What's your fetish?", "Railways...".

[@pwhitewick]

Hobby..... you mean Hobby, right!

[@ajuk1]

@@pwhitewick We never know what goes on in those tunnels.

[@andreabeck4409]

Whats a counter point? Thank yoooooou! ( or maybe even a catch point?)

[@pwhitewick]

.....oops did we say counter!?.... Yes we definitely meant 'catch'. 😬

[@andreabeck4409]

Could be my hearing. I'm not getting any younger!

[@pwhitewick]

@@andreabeck4409 I definitely know the feeling!

[@bobly]

Highclere opened in 1885 and closed in 1960

[@bobly]

Barton Stacey opened in 1939 and closed in 1940

[@chrisobrien3377]

shame they couldn't show the section from the present fleet meadow in didcot to upton via old bridge just off green close didcot then onto raised embankment past hagbourne

[@pwhitewick]

Lack of time I am afraid.

[@chrisobrien3377]

@@pwhitewick sorry you couldn't ..lovely walk along embankment to upton , panoramic views to the east of the chiltern hills must have fantastic on a train

[@bobly]

Hermitage opened in 1882 and closed in 1962

[@bobly]

Churn opened in 1888 and closed in 1962

[@bobly]

Compton opened in 1882 and closed in 1962

[@bobly]

Woodhay opened in 1885 not 1882

[@randybissonnette2361]

What is a holt exactly?

[@pwhitewick]

Hey Randy. So basically a Halt is a stop that is an unmanned and often very small station. Sometimes request stops for example.

[@robinhayhurst5943]

Ran out of cash??? Do I need to up my patreon subscription?

[@MrLargePig]

A bit of amateur theatre in your backgrounds?

[@pwhitewick]

Just the tiniest of sprinkles

[@TIMMEH19991]

Ran out of cash? did I miss something?

[@pwhitewick]

Sorry we didn't really explain what the title meant. Have a click of the suggested video early on in this video which explains how the company DNSR ran out of funds at Winchester. 👍

[@sandyrogerson4511]

'UK' ? Garbage. Going to northern Ireland are you ?

[@pwhitewick]

Hey Sandy. How are you? Erm.... yes. That's definitely on the cards when we can travel safely.

[@sandyrogerson4511]

@@pwhitewick Ok.

[@bobly]

Whitchurch Town opened in 1885 and closed 1963

[@bobly]

Burghclere opened in 1885 and closed in 1960

[@bobly]

Woodhay opened in 1882 and closed in 1962

[@bobly]

Litchfield opened in 1885 and closed in 1960