A Week Of Variety Day 3

Many Changes At Ashey (mini blog)

Why was there a loop at Ashey? From memory, the frequency of trains between Ryde, Newport and Cowes was never more than hourly, so it would appear that the passing loop at Havenstreet would be more than enough operationally.

Perhaps, as above, the main purpose was to allow goods trains from the quarry to reverse and set off towards Newport. The above picture shows a freight wagon in the loop!

There was also a siding for Shide quarry on the lines from Ventnor and Sandown as below with wagons awaiting onward conveyance from Shide station.

Most of these old on-line pictures are undated, but Ashey station became unused for staff in 1953 and would have declined in upkeep thereafter. From a well-kempt ...

... but ill-used stop, decline was inevitable. In its later years, the property was boarded up and looked very sad.

In private hands, the building had a renaissance and began to regain its quality and character.

The former up (to Newport) platform with hut was more than adequate for the few passengers that might choose to board or alight.

And that is how things were in Heritage Railway days.

A garden was developed on the site of the down platform whilst the minimalist set-up opposite was much improved.

Even the hut looks welcoming!"

There is now an information display adjacent ...

... and, were there anywhere much to go, it would make a pleasant stop for walkers and curious visitors alike. 

What it really needs is a reawakening of the property into railway use, at least cosmetically.

And, with growing anticipation, that may happen soon.

This headline explains:-

Exciting times for remote and passenger-poor Ashey!

How about laying a bit of the old quarry siding and parking a few wagonloads of chalk thereupon?

Snippet

Thanks to on-line advice, fbb can now re-charge Mr Tubbles (his employer, the cat) ...

... at his local Waitrose.

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 The Easter Jigsaw 

Frit!

The compelling thing about he Resurrection Appearances in the various Bible accounts is that they lack any expectancy. The followers of Jesus, having fled the crucifixion, were simply not expecting a risen Lord, despite the fact that he told them he would rise THREE times.

So when the women reported an empty tomb ...

Then Peter and John went to the tomb. The two of them were running ...

... but John ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. 

He bent over and saw the linen cloths, but he did not go in. Behind him came Simon Peter, and he went straight into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there and the cloth which had been around Jesus' head. It was not lying with the linen cloths but was rolled up by itself. Then John, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed. (They still did not understand the scripture which said that he must rise from death.) Then the disciples went back home.

Still no elation - just unease and confusion.

But that would change!

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 Next 747 blog : Thurs 24th April