WAR specialise in the sale at auction of ceramics, glassware, jewellery, clocks & watches, collectables, textiles and rugs, silver, metal ware, paintings & fine art, furniture and outside effects.WAR specialise in the sale at auction of ceramics, glassware, jewellery, clocks & watches, collectables, textiles and rugs, silver, metal ware, paintings & fine art, furniture and outside effects.
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Dr Simon Opher MP on improving accessibility at Stroud train station

By Dr Simon Opher MP

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Dr Simon Opher MP
Dr Simon Opher MP

This week rail fares were frozen for the first time in 30 years.

This is really welcome news, saving commuters on the busiest routes £300 per year. Without this action rail fares would have increased by 5.8% on Monday.

I’m looking forward to our railways being back in public hands. With the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), we can expect journeys that are more reliable and better value for money. GBR will be accountable to us; the passengers and taxpayers, not shareholders. We will prioritise innovation, meaning that we are constantly reinvesting in our infrastructure, not paying those at  the top the rewards of other people’s hard work.

In Stroud, accessibility is a big problem. Without a lift at Stroud railway station, it’s very difficult for many passengers to cross the bridge to reach the other platform. For people with mobility challenges, parents with prams, or travellers with heavy luggage, this can make using the station extremely challenging.

Calls for assistance have increased significantly. Between April and December 2024, recorded assistance requests at Stroud station rose by 26%, highlighting just how urgently improvements are needed.

I recently met with Lord Hendy (Minister for Rail) about this issue, and I am working closely with Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud District Council and local businesses to commit funds up front to secure funding in the future. If we want a thriving High Street, we must make it easier for people to visit. Improving accessibility at our station is a vital part of making Stroud welcoming to everyone.

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Pictures: classics galore at the Little Vintage Show

May has come around once again, and as ever, the Little Vintage show was held at Dursley Road, Cambridge, writes Ian Thomas. We thought that this year there was a good turnout and the weather was perfect on Saturday with sunshine and 21c warmth. Sunday was dry but colder with a keen easterly breeze, but the sun came out later and all was good. All exhibition sections were well represented. The local touch, with Lister stationary engines, plus a Lister mounted onto a bike. Plenty of classic cars and many Gloucestershire registered as well. The commercial section was represented well with local hauliers including Ken Faithfull who operated from Rangeworthy, and a more modern era Listers truck. The classic car section saw not only British, but vehicles from the USA and France. Classic Austins including A30 and A35s were also on show. Tractors were well represented once again, with Massey Ferguson, Fordson and Nuffield on show. Ian used to drive a Nuffield in the late 1960s and early 1970s for George Wilcox at his farm in Dursley - what a memory! Catering was in good supply and the ever-popular 1940s Vintage Tea Room tent set up, which Jill and Ian, and on Sunday Rich and Terry sampled. The Vale of Berkeley Railway had a stall and Peter Watts and Mike Cook from (ex) Pathfinder were selling the silverware. Many friends that we knew from the past and present took up many hours just chatting (like you do), including Martin with his 2.8-litre Ford Capri, Paul Shepard and friends with their motorcycles, and Mike Smith and his very nicely restored Morris Ten Four just to name a few. On Sunday Rich photographed some of the best in class and show receiving their awards in front of the main refreshment area. As ever, many thanks to the organisers and the Stroud Vintage Traction and Engine Club plus all others for all their effort and hard work in putting on a well staged very enjoyable excellent show.