The Rotary Club is a charity that raises money for good causes, runs projects for local charities, works with young people and helps with emergency aid.

They are always looking for more members.  If you would like to find out more, you can download the leaflet here or contact them via their website.

Christmas Disruption

During December please check your weekend and Christmas journeys as, due to engineering works, there are significant changes from the printed timetables. Please see https://www.gwr.com/travel-updates/planned-engineering/christmas2017 or use the journey planner on www.gwr.com

January Timetables

Please find attached the new January timetables. Paper copies will be available from The Stores  and The Post Office, both in Great Bedwyn.

Of particular note is:

1. The new 0629 weekday service direct to Paddington (this is a service from Bristol).
2. The 0756 weekday service is now direct to Reading (all stops).
3. The new 1906 return from Paddington (which is off-peak).
4. The new 2007 weekday Reading to Bedwyn service.
5. Trains that used to depart Paddington at XX18 now depart XX06.

There are other minor changes so please check.

Season Ticket Renewal

With fares set to rise in January do consider whether it’s worth you renewing your season ticket early, or even for a longer period.

The Future

From December 2018 we should be on the new hybrid trains. These will run on electric between Paddington and Newbury and seamlessly switch to diesel for the Newbury to Bedwyn stretch. The last obstacle to be overcome is the extension of our turn back siding. However, we remain in close discussion with GWR and NR on this and it does all look positive at the moment. After eight years of uncertainty, and much campaigning, it does feel as if we are almost there with this one.

Undoubtedly there will be some timetable changes. It would help us if you could let us know what your ideal commuter arrival time into and out of Paddington would be. This will allow us to press the case for timetable tweaks. Please also comment if you use other stations – Paddington is the most significant simply because that covers the majority of use from Bedwyn Station. Please also pass this request onto other rail users that we might not have on our email list.

Contact – Steve Smith – steve@meip.co.uk

This is a community project to build a ‘Bee’ Road between Marlborough and Pewsey – 7 miles of pollinator friendly forage and habitat, joining communities and supporting the bees to re-establish their populations.

Find out more at www.facebook.com/TheBeeRoad