News Archive 2008

December

15/12/08 - NXEA restaurant services

National Express East Anglia announced that the current restaurant service will remain on some services until it is withdrawn entirely in February whilst the new service is being trialled. This follows feedback from customers.

November

27/11/08 - First class 60 to Ipswich Griffin Wharf

60085 worked the regular sand train to Watford. This was the first recorded visit of a class 60 to the branch.

19/11/08 - NXEA job cuts and the end of restaurant services

National Express East Anglia announced more than 300 job cuts today, including the closure of their Norwich based call centre. Also to go are the highly regarded restaurant services, which are due to cease from 19th December.

17/11/08 - Ipswich Griffin Wharf new flow

A second daily container flow began running from Ipswich Grifin Wharf to Birch Coppice.

06/11/08 - Claydon station and Snoasis

Government approval has been granted for the winter sports resort at Great Blakenham, part of which includes the construction of a new railway station at Claydon. The original station, seen to the right, closed in the 1960's. The station building survived well into the 1980's after closure, albeit in a dilapidated state, although has since been demolished. Some sidings, formerly used by the now demolished Blue Circle Cement factory remain but are disconnected from the main line.

For more photos click on the photo opposite

04/11/08 - Ipswich Lower Yard

Contractors have begun the task of track lifting in the Lower Yard. The first track to go was the siding adjacent the road entrance from Stoke Bridge and also the former dock line on the railway side of the gate. Other work has included pavement demolition and vegetation removal. It is understood that only part of the yard is to be cleared adjacent the former B & Q car park, so it too can be used for car parking in the short term.

For more photos click on the photo opposite

October

22/10/08 - Visit of HMS Quorn
Hunt Class Minehunter HMS Quorn visited ipswich for 3 days having arrived on 19/10/08. The ship is due to be deployed in the Arabian Gulf in December
Source: Evening Star website

16/10/08 - Bulk Carrier in the Wet Dock
The unusual sight of a commercial vessel being loaded in the Wet Dock at Orwell Quay greeted passers by at lunchtime today. 'Fulmer London' was loaded with an unknown foodstuff loaded onto the ship by a portable conveyor. Most commercial traffic at the Wet Dock today consists of timber ships unloading at Anglo Norden.

07/10/08 - Ipswich Lower Yard
Outline scheme details of a development encompassing Ipswich Lower Yard and the derelict B & Q adjacent to it were published. The proposed development comprises a Tesco supermarket, other retail and residential units.
Source: Evening Star 07/10/08.

01/10/08 - Website relaunch
We are pleased to announce the relaunch of our website, which will build upon the solid foundation laid by the previous Webmaster. You will find all the information contained on the old site on similarly titled pages, as well as some new features. If you would like to give us feedback regarding the website please contact the Webmaster.

September

24/09/08 - Stowmarket distribution park
A Notice of Application for Planning Permission appeared in the EADT of today, for a development comprising buildings and hardstandings for storage, distribution and general industrial uses. The development includes associated rail sidings.
Source: EADT 24/09/08.

09/09/08 - 70013 Oliver Cromwell tour
70013 Oliver Cromwell returned to the region working a much anticipated Liverpool Street to Norwich charter. By all accounts the trip was first rate and well worth the wait.

09/09/08 - Beccles loop
It was announced that Network rail had completed a £25000 feasibility study into the reinstatement of the loop, the outcome of which was conclusion that it would benefit passengers. The estimated cost of the project is £5m, too low for national funding, although Network rail is in discussion with stakeholders in order to explore funding options.
Source: EADT 09/09/08