MHR Spring Gala 12-14th February 2016

Might depend on the terms of the agreement with the railway. It isn't unheard of for control over such matters to be ceded to the railway when a long term agreement is in place.

 

Swanage have full control and say over where 31806,31874 and 31625 go and run. That said, we keep the owner informed of course.

 

Looking at the Spring gala advert in this months Steam Railway magazine 92212 won't be in steam for this event. Just over four weeks to go.

 

92212 will probably be on standby duty then just in case 34007 decides to throw a hissy fit

 

I'm looking forward to the Q class. Does anyone know a cheap car park near Alton station?

 

Yes, Ropley.

 

Can you not park up in Station Rd Medstead any more then, i know its ben a few years, but i always found Medstead easy to park, Ropley tends to get busy, and in Feb, i should imagine the farmers field may be a bit boggy. if you look i'm sure there cheaper car parks further afield for instance, how much does SWT charge to park at Bentley, or farnham week ends? then theres a good train service to get you to Alton.

 

Why not park in Alresford, lots of parking around the town?

 

It's not yellow lines, but there are more houses there now. I wouldn't really suggest parking there for a gala.
The field in Ropley is the recommended parking. The attendants are pretty good at parking people. You'll be directed along the chipping roadway up the hill above the parking, so that you only have to drive slowly down to a parking space, and it's then downwards to get out.

As @Hurricane says, there is also the big carpark at Alresford which is pretty cheap weekdays and iirc free at weekends.

 

If you get to Alresford early you can park right by the station, if not an early bird then Perins School has a car park. There are also lots of other places to park around the town.

 

Thanks but the reason I asked was that MHR website says the field at Ropley will not be in use, http://www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php/21/spring-steam-gala/
I think I will head for Alresford.

 

Hmm, I hadn't noticed that.
A question for the boss then re the car park, a large number of staff start at Ropley and we'll need somewhere to park.

 

I wonder how many extra cars arrive at the railway for the spring gala over a normal weekend.

 

From many years of experience the car park next to the station at Alresford gets full by 930 and there is very limited parking in the town whatever any body else says. Ropley is essential but it can get very muddy

 

Don't forget the car park at Perrins!

 

I hadn't forgotten that but that also gets full early. Not available on the Friday

 

Victoria Road is close to the station £3.20 for 9 hours - I think it might be free on Sunday, but not sure
Fri and Sat Alresford station car park and Perins both tend to fill rapidly

 

Sounds like the Rly will have to update the parking options on the gala page, so as folks aren't put off from attending.

Glad I'm not platform staff at Alresford!!

 

Just noticed this about 'no parking' at Ropley! As noted, suggest this could create serious problems since in my experience as a member, the vast majority of visitors to galas start from Ropley. Without the field, the parking there is very restricted and the alternatives of Alresford and Medstead will struggle to cope. I'm sure Alresford is free on Sundays and I think Alton charges every day.
I'm not sure why this is the case - could be the local farmer is not 'interested' this time?

 

Wrong!

I believe the reason is that the owner of the land has deemed that it will be too wet to use & I doubt the AA & RAC etc would enjoy being parked outside to drag vehicles out of the mud every five minutes - sensible decision IMO to close the field.

I for one have been caught out & it isn't funny having to be dragged out - though I was lucky & got dragged out by the PWay as they turned up to bolster things - too late for me though!

So a sensible if inconvenient decision has been reached.