Would be interested to hear more about the Howdens story related in Geoff's interview. Howdens is a well served station around 1.5 miles north of the town it serves.
I’m sure I had Alex on my train in Scotland, definitely recognise him, it may have been when he was doing the Balmossie, Barry Links and Golf St stations!
Thanks @geofftech2 ! Great timing to see you there! I see 1 or 2 people have mentioned about another chat about my Station Challenge, I'll be game if you are!
Ahley Down Down Slow, Ashley Down Up Slow, Ashley Down Down Fast and Ashley Down Up Fast would be my guess. SIgnallers are gonna have a field day with this one.
Geoff, I love the fact that that you get invited to press events and turn up in fleece and jeans where everyone else is in suits. Good on you! Just goes to show how influential your channel has become.
As a resident of Ashley Down all my life it's amazing seeing something I've been waiting 5 or 6 years to happen come true. Hopefully in the future more services to wider destinations will be implemented, as well as higher frequency, cus at the moment while it's good and all it doesn't impact much in comparison to just simply taking a bus to Filton/Temple Meads.
@cakemartyr5794 theyre unreliable, but having a frequency of a bus every 6 minutes or so compared to hourly, on top of the fact that its cheaper, and can get you to a wider range of destinations within bristol as well as temple meads slightly beats it for me
Going to take my Dad who is 86 on the train From Nailsea to Ashley Down on Saturday. He remembers the old Station Ashley Hill. Thanks for this great video 🎉
It’s amazing to see this rail renaissance in Bristol. I lived there back in the 00s, even going to college in Ashley Down. I remember Filton Abbey Wood and Parkway only having 2 platforms, the Filton Bank only having 2 tracks, and local trains being pretty much non existent except some inconsistent services to Yate and rickety Wales and West Pacers to Cardiff. You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced an old Welsh Pacer at full tilt through the tunnel. Can’t wait for the Henbury Loop to reopen. I’ve got a great photo from years ago when I was working with the local S&T teams at “BAC Crossing”, which was a level crossing over the loop between Airbus/GKN and the Filton Runway. The photo I have is of a 747 taxiing across the railway. Definitely unique. Keep it up Bristol. My other home town.
Quick thank you to Geoff. Thanks for making and posting these videos. I enjoy watching them. Respect to Alex (and his long suffering wife Lauren) for doing all the stations. Paul.
The one good tidbit I’m surprised didn’t get mentioned is quite why it’s been delivered in advance of the Henbury stations (and Metrowest Phase 1!) - the Severn Tunnel blockades for major track renewals were delivered as single longer possessions, which massively reduced the services running along Filton Bank into Bristol thus meaning that the line was already shut. The design was brought forward to allow the construction to align with existing disruption - it’s another example of the railways getting something right and making the most of it.
Always makes me so happy when stuff like this happens. Completely disproves the widely believed theory that the railways ‘just want to disrupt people as much as possible’
Here's an idea for a new series. Visiting places where a new station or railway line will be opened before they start working on it. Then you can do before and after videos. For example, you could visit the Cowley Branch Line in Oxford, visit the two places where stations will be built (one next to a Tesco Superstore) and walk down the line (as the only freight trains leave BMW in the middle of the night) from one to the other, taking a look at the level crossings and the areas alongside the line and the places for new bridges. Then in 2 or 3 years time, come to the opening.
Thanks, Geoff. Brilliant content as ever. I've watched this with absolute glee. This station will open up the opportunity for people both near & far, to explore the best of Bristol.
Thank you Geoff, I was on Plt3 that morning waiting for my train and was wondering what the gaggle of lanyard's and the man in red was doing down near Plt1 even station staff were rushing past saying "got to look after the VIP's", And you've answered it in one, They were out on a jolly to open the station and yes I am very cynical when it comes to cake and patting yourself on the back ceremonies when not really needed, New station will be handy for the cricket ground 15 minute walk away. Great vlog.
I like all these new stations. With lots of money being pumped into the area, Pilning could do with an upgrade, getting station lighting, a platform 2 and of course having its footbridge being put in. Also the station reminds me of Dore and Totley near Sheffield. Fast lines and the slower line.
I went to Ashley Down today but encountered more than a Delay Shown.... Cancelled Train which was a right Ashley Downer LOL! But it in a nice area being honest. Great video Geoff
What impresses me the most is the commitment to make each station have step free access. I have problems in my lower back, and while most days walking and climbing stairs is not an issue, when I am in pain, those elevators are appreciated.
Thanks Geoff for posting up this video. I will visit Ashley Down as it's very close to the Gloucester Road - famed for it's various independent shops, cafes and charity shops!!
Hi Geoff, Mark here. Lovely to meet you briefly on Saturday. Great detailed video. I didn't know the bit about the special Sunday trains, and that those extra trains were on match days. I didn't see any signage towards the cricket and football grounds by the way. See you again one day at Filton North! Mark
Wonderful stuff, including the anagram and another All The Stations Completionist. Love the new doc style videos but pls keep doing the new and least used station videos too - love ‘em!
Excellent video as always Geoff, always love seeing new railway stations opening, can't wait to see the next few coming. But Ashley Down looks awesome 👌
Ashley Hill station ... I've spent many enjoyable times standing on the bridge as the steam engines went through the station. My brother, sister and I rushed up there after Sunday school ...which was held in a hut down the lane. Ashley Down was the area ...no idea what its called nowadays. 😊
Oh phew, you got to the press opening. Watching everyone else's vids, was worried that the first train might clash with parkrun (presumably why you appeared so little in their backgrounds). Ugh, priorities! XD
Was able to drop in a week after opening. Very impressed. Liked the use of red brick rather than wholesale grey steel such as was used at East Linton and Reston, for example. Plenty of passengers used it while I was there and a number of passers-by along the cycle path called in to have a look. I would say though that the waiting shelters, as at other new stations such as Inverness Airport, are minimal. For passengers heading south to Temple Meads, will this encourage them to loiter on the footbridge and run down the stairs as a train arrives? Maybe a solution is to add that immensly irritating "When on the stairs...." announcement they have at Swindon - it is even worse than "See it, Say it...." Not long ago I had the misfortune to have to wait at Swindon for 30 minutes and heard the announcement 104 times.
i was at Brunel Tech in the early eighties, which is now flats opposite the college and used to walk into Bristol. So this brings back lots of memories !
Geoff, when is someone going to call out that all these wonderful new stations have very little shelter, or even seating for punters? Yes, every new station is welcome, but advocates for rail travel need to start getting snarky on behalf of the poor bloody infantry.
What’s worse is that what shelter is provided is absolutely useless. They recently “upgraded” my local station and removed two traditional four sided, two entrance with a bench seat shelters, wind and rain proof and with a comfortable (ish!) seat. They replaced them with one “shelter” as seen in this film, open-fronted, eighteen inches deep on the sides and with an angled perch for a seat. What kind of weather this shelter is supposed to provide protection from I can only wonder, any rain with a bit of breeze and you’re going to get soaked. What kind of designer came up with that? More to the point who on earth decided it was fit for purpose?
Hi Geoff, Any chance you could do a video on the new Dore and Totley Station in Sheffield. Now 2 lines rather than one and pretty much the entire station is new... soooo is pretty much a new station😂
Observing from faraway Levin NZ,,,,I'm sure i'm not the only one who has noticed, on the timetable you were pleased to show us, that you can get a train to Fliton.... so one can Flit-on to Filton.
Fabulous. A station called Delays Shown. I look forward to GWR No. 200 , and talking of every station (in the UK) I’m just about to visit my No. 200 of stations in London in alphabetical order , next week and just so happens to be Euston .
My brother and I went to a primary school called Ashley Hill here on the lsle of Man and now he lives right next to this station in Bristol on another 'Ashley Hill' I remember walking his dog here, great to see the station open 😄
On the Sunday, I went to Ashley Down Station from Patchway Station. It’s a direct service. On Sundays, most services, there’s no changing required at Filton Abbeywood. Same for the return journey. And if you want (on Sundays) you can carry on to Cardiff Central from Ashley Down in 41mins with no change. Review the timetables to get the latest updates.
As someone who lives near one thing i can say my one issue with the station. That ramp up has yellow gravel on top which constantly gets stuck in my bikes mud guard. Very annoying
Knowing that GWR have 'pre-opening' opening days, my intention was to visit Ashley Down on the Friday to try and get an early ticket (IYKYK). However, I needed a ticket from Newbridge, but was delayed due to a bus replacement, so never got to AD until it was all done and dusted..... the question is, did you get a ticket Geoff???
The display at 9:00 says the train's destination is Bristol Temple Meads, and the next stop is Avonmouth. Geoff realises this is an error, as he says he's pretty sure the next stop is Ashley Down. The display could confuse some travellers on the train though, because it has to go through Temple Meads to get to Avonmouth!
as a bristolian i'm glad you mentioned the bike path. it's a fab bike path that let's you avoid a bunch of major roads, so it being closed has been pretty rubbish.
I've never actually counted all of the UK and Irish stations I've been to over the years. There's a lot that's new just in the 6.5 years since my last UK visit. Hoping to see some old and new stations beginning about 10 months from now.
At 4:50 you stated there 12 trains on a Sunday. But, there are 13 trains on a Sunday. Severn to Cardiff on the Northbound towards Filton Abbey Wood. And, six trains on the Southbound towards Bristol Temple Meads. From Ashley Down.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with my husband, Alex, about his Station Challenge! It made the moment even more special😊
Lauren, aaaah! there you are *hello* it was great to meet you both and what a moment !!! everything is calm now until the next new stations open ...
He's a lucky chap to have his other half encourage his hobby. Well done to both of you!
Would be interested to hear more about the Howdens story related in Geoff's interview. Howdens is a well served station around 1.5 miles north of the town it serves.
I’m sure I had Alex on my train in Scotland, definitely recognise him, it may have been when he was doing the Balmossie, Barry Links and Golf St stations!
Thanks @geofftech2 ! Great timing to see you there! I see 1 or 2 people have mentioned about another chat about my Station Challenge, I'll be game if you are!
So one track is called Ashley Down Down and the other Ashley Down Up? :)
Ha ha! Excellent 😅
So is the cycke path the Ashley Down under Down and Up?
Ahley Down Down Slow, Ashley Down Up Slow, Ashley Down Down Fast and Ashley Down Up Fast would be my guess. SIgnallers are gonna have a field day with this one.
Down down, deeper than down?
I'll accept your up vote and leave...😉
That could be quite confusing for any visiting Australians.!!!
Bucket list tick ✅
I’ve made it onto one of Geoff’s excellent videos!
Ha haa! Excellent. Good tick list! 😂
Geoff, I love the fact that that you get invited to press events and turn up in fleece and jeans where everyone else is in suits. Good on you! Just goes to show how influential your channel has become.
It's the way old school Labour MPs did it too. (Though back in the day it was a tweed jacket instead of a zippy fleece. But it's the same vibe!)
Geoff would look a bit silly without jeans😊
Hello Geoff, thank you for having a chat on the Saturday- it completely made my day! Will
You’re welcome! It was great to see the enthusiasts and chat to everyone! 😃
As a resident of Ashley Down all my life it's amazing seeing something I've been waiting 5 or 6 years to happen come true. Hopefully in the future more services to wider destinations will be implemented, as well as higher frequency, cus at the moment while it's good and all it doesn't impact much in comparison to just simply taking a bus to Filton/Temple Meads.
I'm local too, but I've found the 70 and 73 busses to be very unreliable.
@cakemartyr5794 theyre unreliable, but having a frequency of a bus every 6 minutes or so compared to hourly, on top of the fact that its cheaper, and can get you to a wider range of destinations within bristol as well as temple meads slightly beats it for me
Honestly the city needs a metro, could do wonders
@@louiitrainstell that to dan norris we are all begging
11:53 Spooner Row... is my nearest station! Congrats on visiting every station
Going to take my Dad who is 86 on the train From Nailsea to Ashley Down on Saturday. He remembers the old Station Ashley Hill. Thanks for this great video 🎉
It’s amazing to see this rail renaissance in Bristol. I lived there back in the 00s, even going to college in Ashley Down. I remember Filton Abbey Wood and Parkway only having 2 platforms, the Filton Bank only having 2 tracks, and local trains being pretty much non existent except some inconsistent services to Yate and rickety Wales and West Pacers to Cardiff. You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced an old Welsh Pacer at full tilt through the tunnel.
Can’t wait for the Henbury Loop to reopen. I’ve got a great photo from years ago when I was working with the local S&T teams at “BAC Crossing”, which was a level crossing over the loop between Airbus/GKN and the Filton Runway. The photo I have is of a 747 taxiing across the railway. Definitely unique.
Keep it up Bristol. My other home town.
Lovely to meet you on Saturday morning at Three Brooks and so glad you included my running buddy, Richard, in your video!
Hey Richard! Likewise, lovely to meet you all, and Rich was a blast! 😊😊 thank you all 👍
I'm so glad I featured in this video thanks Geoff.
Quick thank you to Geoff. Thanks for making and posting these videos. I enjoy watching them. Respect to Alex (and his long suffering wife Lauren) for doing all the stations. Paul.
A new station hasn't opened unless Geoff Marshall has turned up.
The one good tidbit I’m surprised didn’t get mentioned is quite why it’s been delivered in advance of the Henbury stations (and Metrowest Phase 1!) - the Severn Tunnel blockades for major track renewals were delivered as single longer possessions, which massively reduced the services running along Filton Bank into Bristol thus meaning that the line was already shut. The design was brought forward to allow the construction to align with existing disruption - it’s another example of the railways getting something right and making the most of it.
Always makes me so happy when stuff like this happens. Completely disproves the widely believed theory that the railways ‘just want to disrupt people as much as possible’
Here's an idea for a new series. Visiting places where a new station or railway line will be opened before they start working on it. Then you can do before and after videos. For example, you could visit the Cowley Branch Line in Oxford, visit the two places where stations will be built (one next to a Tesco Superstore) and walk down the line (as the only freight trains leave BMW in the middle of the night) from one to the other, taking a look at the level crossings and the areas alongside the line and the places for new bridges. Then in 2 or 3 years time, come to the opening.
He's done that for several stations now.
Always good to see another railway station added to the network.
Thanks, Geoff. Brilliant content as ever. I've watched this with absolute glee. This station will open up the opportunity for people both near & far, to explore the best of Bristol.
Hello Geoff, i had a great time at the open day at Ashley Down and it was nice meeting you
10:43 - how cool to celebrate another All The Stations completer!
How lovely that you were there when Alex finished his challenge 👏👏
And who knew that sometimes there will be a green binbag instead of a white one!😆
I cannot get over the coincidence of them being there at the same time!! So amazing
Thanks
Thank you Geoff, I was on Plt3 that morning waiting for my train and was wondering what the gaggle of lanyard's and the man in red was doing down near Plt1 even station staff were rushing past saying "got to look after the VIP's", And you've answered it in one, They were out on a jolly to open the station and yes I am very cynical when it comes to cake and patting yourself on the back ceremonies when not really needed, New station will be handy for the cricket ground 15 minute walk away. Great vlog.
I like all these new stations.
With lots of money being pumped into the area, Pilning could do with an upgrade, getting station lighting, a platform 2 and of course having its footbridge being put in. Also the station reminds me of Dore and Totley near Sheffield. Fast lines and the slower line.
It looks a lot like Dore & Totley, minus the Midland Railway pastiche.
The opening day was fantastic, great to see the opening ceremony in classic Geoff press event video format ❤
Amazing video at an amazing new station, well done Geoff! So pleased to feature in the Ashley Down chant at the end!
I went to Ashley Down today but encountered more than a Delay Shown.... Cancelled Train which was a right Ashley Downer LOL! But it in a nice area being honest. Great video Geoff
Nice to see the footbridge raised in case OLE ever comes to the line 🙌🏻
What impresses me the most is the commitment to make each station have step free access. I have problems in my lower back, and while most days walking and climbing stairs is not an issue, when I am in pain, those elevators are appreciated.
I like step free access stations as well, but I like the assisted travel guys who do a wonderful job even more
Thanks Geoff for posting up this video. I will visit Ashley Down as it's very close to the Gloucester Road - famed for it's various independent shops, cafes and charity shops!!
Hi Geoff, Mark here. Lovely to meet you briefly on Saturday. Great detailed video. I didn't know the bit about the special Sunday trains, and that those extra trains were on match days. I didn't see any signage towards the cricket and football grounds by the way. See you again one day at Filton North! Mark
Thanks Mark, yes! Felt like their should have been a poster advertising the extra services … 😮
Great meeting you Geoff!
I just hope that this new government doesn't cancel the new stations currently in the planning stage. That would be very short sighted. Thanks Geoff.
They already have. As a Sheffield resident they are getting rid of the proposals for the Barrow Hill line and Stockbridge line. :(
Nice work Geoff. Great to chat to you on Friday 👍
It was such fun to have a look around on Saturday morning. Ashley Down ✅
"Delay Shown" gets a like regardless of the rest of the video!
Wonderful stuff, including the anagram and another All The Stations Completionist. Love the new doc style videos but pls keep doing the new and least used station videos too - love ‘em!
Great video as always, good that you filmed later in the day, you couldn't move on the platform at 0730!
Excellent video as always Geoff, always love seeing new railway stations opening, can't wait to see the next few coming. But Ashley Down looks awesome 👌
Ashley Hill station ... I've spent many enjoyable times standing on the bridge as the steam engines went through the station. My brother, sister and I rushed up there after Sunday school ...which was held in a hut down the lane. Ashley Down was the area ...no idea what its called nowadays. 😊
Excellent video as always. Just happening to come across a momentous occasion as Alex’s achievement was a great addition to this vid
Oh phew, you got to the press opening. Watching everyone else's vids, was worried that the first train might clash with parkrun (presumably why you appeared so little in their backgrounds). Ugh, priorities! XD
Great vlog, thanks Geoff. I wish that they would make some shelters that actually sheltered you - these new ones look wholly inadequate :/
"Yeah the bin is here, just checking." 😂😂😂
And that is how you do a Station opening
Thanks Geoff allways good to see you
Was able to drop in a week after opening. Very impressed. Liked the use of red brick rather than wholesale grey steel such as was used at East Linton and Reston, for example. Plenty of passengers used it while I was there and a number of passers-by along the cycle path called in to have a look. I would say though that the waiting shelters, as at other new stations such as Inverness Airport, are minimal. For passengers heading south to Temple Meads, will this encourage them to loiter on the footbridge and run down the stairs as a train arrives? Maybe a solution is to add that immensly irritating "When on the stairs...." announcement they have at Swindon - it is even worse than "See it, Say it...." Not long ago I had the misfortune to have to wait at Swindon for 30 minutes and heard the announcement 104 times.
i was at Brunel Tech in the early eighties, which is now flats opposite the college and used to walk into Bristol. So this brings back lots of memories !
Great video, thanks for posting.
Very nice, i passed through there a few times between the 22nd and 28th of September when i was holiday staying in the area.
If he's up for it, I'd be willing to watch a video with Alex talking about getting off at every station
Love it, Geoff. Your enthusiasm and knowledge and sheer geekiness is inspiring. Keep on trucking - or even, training!
thank you mrmouse, that's incredibly kind !!
@@geofftech2 pleasure's mine. I mean every word.
Great video Geoff
It was lovely to meet you on the Saturday!
3:34 That was actually really funny.
Nice video Geoff.
Excellent! Love a new station.
Geoff, when is someone going to call out that all these wonderful new stations have very little shelter, or even seating for punters? Yes, every new station is welcome, but advocates for rail travel need to start getting snarky on behalf of the poor bloody infantry.
Shelterettes. They really do do feck all to shelter you!
What’s worse is that what shelter is provided is absolutely useless. They recently “upgraded” my local station and removed two traditional four sided, two entrance with a bench seat shelters, wind and rain proof and with a comfortable (ish!) seat.
They replaced them with one “shelter” as seen in this film, open-fronted, eighteen inches deep on the sides and with an angled perch for a seat. What kind of weather this shelter is supposed to provide protection from I can only wonder, any rain with a bit of breeze and you’re going to get soaked. What kind of designer came up with that? More to the point who on earth decided it was fit for purpose?
Really enjoyed that day amazing to meet you Geoff 😁
Great video and an excellent addition to the railway. It's not far from me. I hope one of the next built stations is at Bristol Airport
Hi Geoff,
Any chance you could do a video on the new Dore and Totley Station in Sheffield.
Now 2 lines rather than one and pretty much the entire station is new... soooo is pretty much a new station😂
Observing from faraway Levin NZ,,,,I'm sure i'm not the only one who has noticed, on the timetable you were pleased to show us, that you can get a train to Fliton.... so one can Flit-on to Filton.
That's a brilliant new station for Bristol.
Such a better vlog on this station opening, than was provided by another (unnamed) vlogger!
This is really nice, probably could stop here one day
Fabulous. A station called Delays Shown. I look forward to GWR No. 200 , and talking of every station (in the UK) I’m just about to visit my No. 200 of stations in London in alphabetical order , next week and just so happens to be Euston .
My brother and I went to a primary school called Ashley Hill here on the lsle of Man and now he lives right next to this station in Bristol on another 'Ashley Hill'
I remember walking his dog here, great to see the station open 😄
I had a feeling you'd be in my neck of the woods with this station opening 😊
Hello from the UK ❤️
Great entertainment. Thanks Geoff.
Were I still living in the house I grew up in, Ashley Down would be my new nearest station!
Nice one GEOFF look forward to Station 200 😉
Thank you for the video Geoff it was very interesting. ❤
I'm not really sure whether you should count those tiny little awnings with seats at 45° as "shelter". I wouldn't.
Northumberland Line next!
went there on the Saturday it opened, dont regret it at all
Correction at 4:55 - "Fliton" Abbey Wood
On the Sunday, I went to Ashley Down Station from Patchway Station. It’s a direct service. On Sundays, most services, there’s no changing required at Filton Abbeywood. Same for the return journey. And if you want (on Sundays) you can carry on to Cardiff Central from Ashley Down in 41mins with no change. Review the timetables to get the latest updates.
As someone who lives near one thing i can say my one issue with the station. That ramp up has yellow gravel on top which constantly gets stuck in my bikes mud guard. Very annoying
We need more schemes like this
That Bristol Rovers fan wouldn't have been so cheerful on his way home!
Knowing that GWR have 'pre-opening' opening days, my intention was to visit Ashley Down on the Friday to try and get an early ticket (IYKYK). However, I needed a ticket from Newbridge, but was delayed due to a bus replacement, so never got to AD until it was all done and dusted..... the question is, did you get a ticket Geoff???
Absolutely Incredible video Geoff woohoo 🥳❤
More uploads please. More secrets of the underground, overground wombling free ect..
man those GWR trains look nice
Looks like a great station
The display at 9:00 says the train's destination is Bristol Temple Meads, and the next stop is Avonmouth. Geoff realises this is an error, as he says he's pretty sure the next stop is Ashley Down. The display could confuse some travellers on the train though, because it has to go through Temple Meads to get to Avonmouth!
as a bristolian i'm glad you mentioned the bike path. it's a fab bike path that let's you avoid a bunch of major roads, so it being closed has been pretty rubbish.
gert lush bike path
nice stations indeed one nic pic im not fan off is the Horrid seating in the waiting area specially if you have to wait a hour for next train.
There is also north Filton and henbury
Not yet there isn’t
Very seeing you that day Geoff
Super Geoff. Your presentation style is excellent. Informative and entertaining
that's incredibly kind of you, thank you Craig.
I've never actually counted all of the UK and Irish stations I've been to over the years. There's a lot that's new just in the 6.5 years since my last UK visit. Hoping to see some old and new stations beginning about 10 months from now.
Good Show !!
I was there on Saturday you must of got to the station as I left rather good station
I wish the Staines West branch would reopen too.
I wonder how many stations that had been closed since 1964 have now been reopen?
Loved this Geoff, I was one of the designers and this video really celebrates the station, thanks
8:05 Will GWR still exist by the time Oak Hampton Interchange opens?
At 4:50 you stated there 12 trains on a Sunday. But, there are 13 trains on a Sunday. Severn to Cardiff on the Northbound towards Filton Abbey Wood. And, six trains on the Southbound towards Bristol Temple Meads. From Ashley Down.
Saw you filming it. You looked busy. Left you alone. My new local station.
And still no sign of much happening about the much needed portishead station. 😢
portishead / pill still confirmed to be happening :)
White rose, butetown and the Northumberland line are all due to open this year