Mid Hants Railway Autumn Gala featuring 'Bahamas'

Those looking for coach M just look for the one with bars on all windows and door, and warning hazchem signs, as there could be an outbreak of WIBN during the day. and enthusiasticitus , which is highly contagious .

 

I'm socially distanced from you all then, in coach N (seat 35). I was also surprised that there wasn't a clear list of instructions (as shown on the website) included with the ticket. However, the website does say that wristbands will be issued on the day, so hopefully everyone will have the riot act read to them at the same time . As I said before, I'll do the first trip behind Bahamas, then see how the weather and my fellow passengers behave. It'll only take one instance of finding someone else in my seat (or witnessing others having that problem) to make me get out of there and go home. I'm hoping the weather allows the field at Ropley to be used for parking - it will make things more flexible in terms of what to do / how long to stay etc. Fingers crossed it'll be a great day and I'll still be there riding behind 506 on the last "green" train of the day.

 

Parking information:

• Ropley Station - We have FREE car parking in a large field next to Ropley station. Postcode SO24 0BL. Disabled drop-off available, then park in the field.
• Alresford Station - Pay and Display. £1.50 for the whole day or free Sundays and Bank Holidays. Disabled parking available.
• Alton Station - Pay and Display. £9.30 all day Monday-Friday, £3.50 all day Saturday-Sunday.
• Medstead & Four Marks Station -There will be no parking available.

(From the Website)

 

I suspect if instruction were sent out with the tickets a lot of people would not bother reading them or if they did forgotten them by the time of the gala.
Wrist bands are a good idea since it will be easier to check than tickets. When I was on the DSR last month - tickets were checked both ways ( the trains you were booked on were on the ticket) , and I did not have any issues with social distancing . I suspect the challenge will be at the stations in particular Ropley , rather than on the train. While I intend to park at Ropley, anyone with concerns should park at Alresford since there will only be one train in the station at a time. While on holiday for a week in Devon/Dorset last month when the track and trace app was introduced I did not have any issues with social distancing and felt safe in all attractions and pubs/cafe visited - only the National Trust seem to have lost the plot - no plate with a cream tea!.

 

I guess the first test will be to see how many people who are due to get orange wristbands turn up at Alresford at 09:00, only to be told they can't travel until 10:30! (or people with blue wristbands from Alton, who can't travel until 11:00). As my "like a stuck record" posts give away, I'm still very unconvinced as to how this is going to work in practice. I trust fellow enthusiasts, but not the significant proportion of "general public" who will also be in attendance.

 

the only way it can work is to be told, sorry your train isn't until 10.30, and you can't enter the platform until 10.10 or to post notices outside and to erect barriers to funnel people into their respective queues similar to how the Santa trains are controlled.

 

I guess by this time next week we will all know, assuming restrictions are not introduced that may impact on it.
I too would like to think steam enthusiasts may be responsible folks, but a look at some other rail forums shows quite a few who go with the "just say your exempt" if you do not want to wear a mask. It may not also be the passengers that are the biggest risk to the local population, but those on the line side.

 

I have a ticket for Saturday (and for 34053 on the Spa Valley on Sunday) but, as a resident of Greater Manchester, and if the media are to be believed, I suspect that Boris is going to tell me tomorrow that I can’t travel "darn sarf". As I live alone, have been working from home since March, wear a face mask when I should and maintain social distancing wherever possible, I'd like to think that I am unlikely to be a carrier, but I have no intention of arguing that means the rules, should they come into force, don't apply to me - there's been far to much of that, which is almost certainly why we are where we are. Disappointing, but I don't have advance rail tickets booked, I can cancel my hotel booking and I'm happy for the MHR and SVR to keep my money, so it's no huge loss and I hope that those who are able to attend have a great weekend.

 

The numbers of people have been very carefully controlled. There will be less than 30% of the numbers the railway normally accommodates on a gala day on any of the days. The numbers booked for the gala are less than the daily numbers travelling on the railway in August.

Carriages can only be entered through the middle doors making it easier to observe whether people are joining the right train or not.

There is no entry without a ticket. There are no "site" or "platform" tickets.

Your seat is your seat. You do not get to change seats.

Ropley is the best place to park and to start from. It is also the best place at which to take a break from riding on the train if you want to do so. It will be very obvious which train you should catch.

"Ordinary" visitors who make up 90% of those visiting the railway, have not given us a moment's trouble with regards to compliance with the rules.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

 

Hopefully I'll receive my tickets today, so I can start planning my day. Looking forward to this.

 

Yes when went in September everyone behaved themselves. Its not the ordinary folk I am concerned about but a certain element of the gricing fraternity. Any problems in our coach and we will report it asap and take an early bath.

 

Tickets arrived, Coach F on the "orange" set for Saturday

 

Yes, but... Parking at Alresford is rather limited and the station car park is also the main town car park and tends to be full from mid-morning until mid-afternoon. As @21B says, Ropley is the best place for car-borne visitors to start from.

 

Why is parking so dear at Alton, close on parking charges in Brighton.

 

Ask South Western Railway - it's their car park, whereas the one at Alresford is run by the council.

 

There are alternatives, Perrins if the school is closed or just down the main road from there a car park on right going away from the town which I have always found space in. 10 minutes walk if that.

 

I guess it based on the philosophy that if you can afford to commute then you can afford the car parking as well.

 

Just to say 34058 Sir Frederick Pile sale stand will be at Ropley over the gala. I’ll be there on Sunday helping out on the sales stand.

 

Is 45596 there yet?

 

Yes