Severn Valley Railway Arley Station Ramble

[@atlasduff4628]

A great video covering one of my favourite stations on the line, plus the icing on the cake, a cameo by Western Courier!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

We aim to please. Ron

[@petersmith5574]

Ron, the times I have stayed in my seat and passed through Arley (and others) whilst on the Severn Valley so thanks for showing us what lies behind the scenes. What a delightful station. I really must alight the next time!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

You won't regret it Peter. Take care. Ron

[@orkneyancestor2059]

Thank you for the nostalgia. Arley station was used in the first episode of "The Box of Delights", with an enjoyable, recurring Christmassy tune.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks for the info, I'll see if it is on the web. Ron

[@railwaychristina3192]

The most beautiful landscape, plus a railway. Who could ask for more?❤

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Christina, lovely to hear from you. What more could you ask for indeed. Take care. Ron

[@Steve-gy3bx]

Used to go there regularly when I lived in the Birmingham area. Bridgnorth station is well worth a visit with its engine sheds. Also don’t know if it still in operation but Bridgnorth cliff railway from the high town to the low town is well worth looking at. Another great vid Ron. 👏👏👏

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Steve, I'm working my way to Bridgenorth, one station at a time. Ron

[@philippankhurst6680]

An absolutely splendid study of a second favourite SVR station of mine, for me surpassed only by Hampton Loade. Your eye for architectural detail is remarkable, as is your admiration for long gone skills. Heritage railways do more than most to keep many of those skills alive, but many photographers fail to notice their efforts. Thankfully you are not one of the many. Made my day...

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Phil, there are quite a number of commentators on this channel who appreciate the skill of our forefathers. Magnificent structures built with (by todays standards) primitive equipment. Glad you enjoyed it, I don't think we have ever made anyone's day before. Take care. Ron

[@petepaine5331]

Morning Ron. A lovely Video. I don't think you could have a better day . The colours ,the light and the subject along with your skills made everything look wonderful. I could have stayed there all day ! Pete

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Pete, it is as you say, a nice place to spend some time. Lovely. Ron

[@marilynbalderstone696]

Hi Ron. Another lovely Friday morning vlog. What a fantastic little rural station with a few passengers waiting. I hope the mine at Arley doesn't cause any problems for them. I knew there were mines around Highley but didn’t know about Arley. There is no trace now that there was anything like that going on apart from extra sidings at Highley and wonder how big they were. It’s inspired me to want to go down there tomorrow but on looking at the timetable it would be a diesel to Bridgnorth and back. Sniff. Not sure if I’ll make it that far and it depends on the weather, trains running to Kidderminster, number of changes, when I get up and how energetic I feel so its a lot of ifs. Anyway thank you again. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Marilyn, lovely to hear from you. I was told by one of the drivers that the line had a speed restriction from the start due to the number of mines in the area. If you decide on a visit, have a safe journey. Ron

[@michaelpilling9659]

Hello Ron - greetings from Poland. A wonderful video. Back on the railways again. A superb explore of Arley Station. I can imagine back in the day, how quiet this station must have been. A small countryside stop with only local trains stopping, quite a walk up hill and across the village from Arley. Lots of love and care has gone into renovating and maintaining this station - thanks indeed to all the volunteers.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Michael, hope we find you well. The station harks back to the golden age of train travel. Nice to just sit and watch the world go by. Go gently. Ron

[@donniblanco5239]

I Love Arley when its peaceful and Sunny like this, and the View of the Station from the Bridge is “💷The Money Shot💷” - Taw Valley, Slip-Sliding Away there and that Wisteria is a picture 🖼️ Good to be Out an about again Ron & May the Sun keep shining on us, One and All…👍🏻

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Donni, I couldn't agree more, lovely to be out and about. Take care. Ron

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

What a wonderful day, Ron. How I envied you on that beautiful station in the sunshine. Lots of artifacts on the platforms. Those milk churns with the wider base had gone out of use by the time I began my working life on dairy farms, but they must have wasted a lot of space on the bed of the milk lorry. They would have been very heavy when full. I think they held 16 or 17 gallons, compared with more modern, straight sided ones, which held 10 gallons. It's easy to why they were changed, for their space saving qualities . A great day out . I really enjoyed it.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Lionel, yes it was a nice day out. Interesting info about the churns, I guess the wider base was for stability? Take care of you both. Ron

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Arley and its picturesque riverside setting wouldn't be complete without its railway station, which I think you capture beautifully. I wonder how many passenger's alight here, or any of the other stations, and take the opportunity to wander awhile and take in the sights and sounds - and silences - of a rural railway and its surroundings. As your video shows, they would be well-rewarded. All very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

You are a gentleman Malcolm. Thank you. Ron

[@charlespaterson9714]

Arley Station certainly deserved to win that First Class Award at 15:19.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Charles, the whole railway is like that. Often featured in films. Take care. Ron

[@michaelmiller641]

Lovely video Ron! And a lovely location! A bit anachronistic a BR rebuilt bulleid Pacific in SR wartime black! Whoops ! but a beautiful loco none the less!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Well spotted Michael, I guess they had a reason for doing it, they usually do. Take care. Ron

[@davidberlanny3308]

Afternoon Ron, What a lovely station Arley is and a very nice walk up to it too. Just as well that lady got to the ducks first I'm sure there wouldnt have been enough cheese and pickle sandwiches to go round!! Now I know where my Uncle Hopps case got to on that trip to Fishguard ........ (8:25)😁😁 I was thinking that this station was similar to one on Simons's layout, I can see its already given him some new ideas. Taw Valley looked splendid with the Bulleid numbering system too. A great day out and you had the weather too. Suns too hot to go out walking in the afternoon, for a few days we have this strange situation of looking up the snow high up whilst sweltering at over 30° down here. Have a great weekend!!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I'm very protective with my cheese and pickle sandwiches David, they had no chance. Loved your uncle Hopps. It has nearly stopped raining here. Enjoy yourself. Ron

[@colin125gwr]

brilliant

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thank you Colin, Ron

[@abandonedrailwaya2470]

Back in business, Ron! What a wonderful explore of the beautiful Arley station, just as it would have looked, back in the day. A thoroughly enjoyable adventure, and not a drop of rain! Let’s hope the weather is finally going to settle down and we have more sunshine and blue skies. Happy exploring. Ron.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

They do keep it in wonderful condition Ron. Nice to visit. Filming weather next week, go careful. Ron

[@westcountrywanderings]

Oh, Ron - one of my top 5 villages in the whole of the wider Westcountry area that I cover. I really love Arley, and this section of the River Severn - I remember filming here at Arley in early January when it was -5 deg C, from the top of that bridge! It is a beautiful station here and a real credit to the volunteers that look after it - the gardens are rather lovely too. Some great bird song too, as well as the sound of steam - perfect! Thank you for taking me back to the wonderful SVR, and the gorgeous Arley, Ron. Hope you have great week! Take care, Paul

[@westcountrywanderings]

PS - I think this is one of your very best videos - so atmospheric.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Paul, we are so lucky to live where we do. Ron

[@westcountrywanderings]

@@ParkinsonsWalks That's so true! Hope you have a great and relaxing Sunday Ron.

[@robridgway8574]

What A wonderful walk with spectacular views in and around Arley, the river Severn and the Severn Valley Railway. Very familiar with this part of our Beautiful countryside. Arley Station was the centrepiece in the BBC series "Oh Doctor Beeching". Renamed Hatley, the series followed the escapades of the station staff under the threat of the Beeching cuts in 1963. Starring many members of the Hi-de-hi series cast, with additional support from Stephen Lewis (Blakey in On the Buses)and others. Starring Steam locomotive number 46521, an Ivatt class 2MT was named "BLOSSOM" during the series, one of the name plates as we saw is on display in the Arley waiting room. Did you sample the Tea room on the opposite side of the River, or the Arboretum a little further up the hill? Both well worth a visit. Thank you for a superb video, look forward to more around the Severn Valley Railway.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Rob, what a wonderful informative post, thank you. I just about made the station and back, because of my Parkinson's I didn't have the energy for anymore. Perhaps next time. Ron

[@JimNicholls]

"Passengers are not allowed to cross the railway except by means of the bridge" said the sign. "Bugger that", said Ron, and crossed the track anyway (we didn't see that happen, but I'm fairly sure it did!) A very pleasant spot, Ron, and well worth the visit. That railway is terrific.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Wouldn't dream of such a thing Jim - well not if anyone was looking. Keep flying. Ron

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

I can't thank you enough for videos like this Ron. So many ideas from real life to choose from. A passing loop, a bridge over right next to the station and the paths down to the platforms. Plus what is on the platforms. It's the sort of thing I need to replicate on my next layout. All the things I forgot to do because I didn't know how to do them. Cheers. Simon

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

You know I only go out filming to keep you happy Simon!! You will enjoy Highley, don't finalize the plans just yet. ,Ron

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Highley? Right, google earth here I come. I will have a preview so I know what is coming. Just one thing, how did you find the sunshine? Thanks again. Simon

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@ngaugeonashelf4417 Finding sunshine was easy, just waited until you were at work. Ron

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

@@ParkinsonsWalks Isn't that the truth!

[@barryc1968]

Thanks Ron another great video, it maybe an interesting fact to know that not only did Brunel design and build the GWR but even the cuttings, bridges and stations were designed by him. I am lucky to have a book with all of his designs. Brunel owned a house in Devon which is now the Orestone Manor Hotel a very nice hotel. He collaborated on the steam engines and the early attempts at engines were not always successful. He was an amazing Engineer but also a successful businessman any book on Brunel would be a welcome gift to a railway enthusiast. P.S. I noticed you did not walk much in this video perhaps next time you will make up for it?

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Barry, he certainly was a one off. I'm afraid my Parkinson's is restricting my walking these days, that was about my limit, Not given up yet though. Ron

[@davidberlanny3308]

Couldn't agree more Barry. He was born in Portsmouth the son of a French immigrant who was also a renowned engineer who was responsible for the block mills in Portsmouth Dockyard, one of the first signs of the industrial revolution where specially automated machines took over from the craftsman. Father and son both worked on the Rotherhide tunnel opened in 1842.

[@barryc1968]

@@davidberlanny3308thanks I never knew that, very interesting from humble beginnings to greatness.

[@757trev]

Good evening Ron and thank you for today's film. Despite living in Worcester for 10 years, I only visited the Severn Valley Railway a couple of times and wish I had taken advantage of the opportunity to go more often when living so close. I do remember on one trip breaking the journey at Arley to wander down to the pub for lunch which, as I remember, was very good. I just wish I could fathom why, whenever you leave a pub, the return journey is always uphill? Thank you for the shots of the superb Taw Valley. Seeing one of our lovely Southern Region Bullied West Country Pacifics relegated to GWR metals is hard to swallow. Still, they obviously can't find anything decent from the GWR classes so they've had to turn to us to get the best 😆 Maybe we ought to lend them a Schools class as well and then they would see what real power is all about! Situated between Northwood Halt (long gone) and Highley, Arley station was built in 1862 with upgrade work continuing throughout the 19th century. A signal box was installed in 1883 and an additional platform erected to serve 6 coach trains. Passenger traffic ceased in 1963 with goods finally succumbing in 1969 after the line through it became disused. This was not the end of course as, following the acquisition of part of the line between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth by the Severn Valley heritage railway, the station was restored to the beautiful condition we see today. Interestingly, just to the south of Arley, the line crosses the River Severn via the Victoria Bridge. This was constructed by Henry Bridgeman (appropriate surname), the resident engineer to the railway, on 24th November 1859. At the time, with a span of 200 feet, it was the largest cast iron arch in the united kingdom. Well that's it for this week Ron, I'll sit back and wait for the flak to come in re Southern Railway vs GWR. Have a great week and best wishes to you, Pauline and all of the PW family - even those who are GWR stalwarts 😅. Regards Trev.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I wish to state that the views of the commenters are not necessarily those of the channel owner - sorry to throw you under the bus Trev, but it is every man for themselves when the mud starts flying. Besides which you will now disappear into the great outdoors, as is your want, and leave me holding the baby as it were. - Have a great time. Ron

[@davidberlanny3308]

If it's power they need Trev, then I'm quite happy to lend them my Duchess (not Nuria), that is the Duchess of Athol, rescued from the scrapyard. They will of course need to lay a third rail .......... and provide a 12 volt supply .....

[@jamesweekes6726]

Hi Ron, I'm just back from 4 days with the rowers at our final regatta for the season. I saved your video until I could have half a beer while watching it. It's 12:30 p.m. now and I took the day off work so that's okay, right? It's nice to see you out and about, and what a beautiful place to spend the day. Speaking of work on the gardens...any chance of a video including how to trim a hedge? I just attempted mine and it looks worse than when I started...much worse, actually. Enjoy the weather Ron, thanks for. the visit. James

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi James, good to hear from you, what makes you think I know how to trim hedges? I just wave the electric hedge trimmer about in the vicinity of the overgrowth. Seems to work. Don't let me hold you up, I suspect you have some OVM walking to do. You didn't think you could just relax did you? Ron