Jonboy [Jonathan] Walton

Home - This data is updated daily.

Greetings from 'down-under'.

@@@@@@@@@ GENERAL COMMENT @@@@@@@@@

"Hero Melia - Harp Player"

When Celtic Bards and musicians wandered the Celtic lands of Alba, Breton, Cymru, Ellan Vannin, Erin and Kernow - [modern day Scotland, Brittany, Wales, Isle of Man, Ireland and Cornwall] attending the Festivals of Beltine [also known as Betaine or Cetsamain], Imbolg, Laughnasa, Samhain, Tuatha de Danann, Eisteddfods where music and poetry dominated by the Druids. It is refreshing to hear this wonderful young Welsh harpist perform her own and traditional music accompanying herself on the harp. Language used is Welsh, with a little English. Takes me back to childhood to an aunt who spoke Gaelic, Welsh - who had a beautiful voice and was a marvellous sage. Remember the stories of Fionn mac Cumhal, Tir na Og, Tara Festivals, Brigit, Owen GlynDwr, Llywelyn the Great, Dafydd ap Gwilym, Hwyal Dda etc., Good to see that tradition being maintained. Others who have similar skills are Enya, Clannard etc. Enjoy the experience from a very talented young lady.
This link to a modern bard - in green - "Hero Melia - Harp Player" - puts it all in perspective. The site, is Hero's not mine - am appreciative for permssion to publish and promoting it. Enjoy a Celtic and uniquely Welsh experience.

[Info. published by kind permission of Alice Douglas 26DECEMBER.2012; comments by VK4CY]

@@@@@@@@@ MARITIME NEWS @@@@@@@@@

"MAYFLOWER" - some interesting 'new facts'.

Harwich Mayflower Project to build life-size replica, so shouts the headline of the BBC News Essex clip. Some interesting facts have been reinforced stating whilst the vessel sailed from Plymouth [final UK port], she in fact, originated in the port of Harwich, Essex as did many of her 'pasengers'.
The attached BBC link - in green - is provided - "MAYFLOWER". which is interesting in itself plus the replica vessel should be completed and ready to sail for 'New England' in 2016.

[Info. BBC Essex News clip with embedded video link 30APRIL.2013; comments by VK4CY]

"HMS BELFAST" - celebrates 75 years since her launch.

Currently moored in the Pool of London on the east side of the famous Tower Bridge is a majestic lady,"HMS Belfast" celebrates her 75th anniversary of her launch 17th March 1938 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The attached BBC News clip - in green - has a commentary including the Pathe News reel of the occasion. "HMS BELFAST" ; GB2RN is the current Amateur Radio Callsign of the HMS Belfast (London) Group RNARS - [Royal Naval Amateur Radio Society] and one of several naval vessels' whose communications area has been restored. Usually an up-to-date Amateur Radio installation has been established within the comms. area for additional interest. If you are visiting London, do make the effort to visit this marvellous floating Museum with its brilliant WW2 wartime service record. Of course, if you are a Radio Amateur and have had maritime experience why not join RNARS and even get the opportunity to operate from "Belfast"!.
An addition link is provided regarding information on the RNARS - RNARS. - 73 de VK4CY ex. RNARS 1580.

[Info. BBC News with embedded video clip - 15MARCH.2013; RNARS Link; comments by VK4CY]

LAURA DEKKER onboard her yacht "GUPPY"

Laura and "Guppy" at approx. 3:00PM local time - 21st January 2012 [Sint Maarten time] - entered port to become the 'youngest' solo "round-the-world" sailor.

In her blog during her momenteous voyage, Laura mentioned that her greatest achievements to date have been:

[a] being nominated for the 'Conny Van Rietschoten' Award.
         [b] becoming the 'youngest' person to circumnavigate the globe.
   [c] travelled 'almost 43,000NM' since her adventures started.

Thanks for the letting me be part of your journey Laura - marvellous experience - Keep safe and Happydaze from an 'ancient mariner'. Au revoir.

For a comprehensive overview of Laura, her boat, future plans etc., click onto her official webpage - [appreciate the 'translater section' into English too!] - in green Laura Dekker and "Guppy" .

[Info. Laura Dekker; comments by VK4CY]

@@@@@@@@@ STEAM PRESERVATION NEWS @@@@@@@@@

"World's oldest railway tunnel 'found' in Derbyshire"

"Archaeologists find 'world's oldest railway tunnel' in Derbyshire" The tunnel lies on the route of the Butterley Gangroad, a horse-operated railway built by 1793 to link the Cromford Canal with limestone quarries at Crich.
Published 01MAY.2013 on the BBC News [UK] link (in green) - 1793 Railway tunnel - any future developments will be published as they surface.

[Info. BBC News clip 01MAY.2013; comments by VK4CY]

"Elsecar coalfield heritage railway poised to expand"

"The Elsecar Heritage Railway (in South Yorkshire" plans to build a heritage railway line through the coalfields where the 1984 miners' strike began have taken "a major step forward", enthusiasts say. Funds have been raised to construct a level crossing allowing the Elsecar Heritage Railway (EHR) in South Yorkshire to be doubled in length.

In a regional news clip dated 19APRIL. 2013, the BBC South Yorkshire have the following link - in green - to this story; EHR . Further news updates will be provided as and when available.

[Info. BBC News clip; comments by VK4CY]

"Flying Scotsman" restoration delayed still further!

The restoration of the Flying Scotsman is unlikely to be completed before 2015, the National Railway Museum (NRM)(UK) has confirmed.
The attached BBC Regional News clip - in green- Flying Scotsman - further delays published 11 MARCH.2013, provides some answers but it still begs the question "Why?" after so long.
Further information can be found at the National Railway Museum site - National Railway Museum - which seems also to be very vague about the outcome. Oh dear!
[Info. BBC News clip; NRM [UK] Link provided; comments by VK4CY]

Puffing Billy's 200th anniversary to be celebrated

As in the past, history is constantly being 're-written'. As a small boy during the war years [1939-45], we were taught that the steam locomotive was 'invented' by the Stevensons. Interestingly some 70 years later in 2013, re-written history now states the facts that Cornishman Richard Tevethick had done this in 1801 but, because of political and personal intrigue, this was 'buried'. So what's new you ask?.
Some of the 'facts' as to the development of Trevithick's work was being utilised in NorthEastern UK. The attached BBC Regional News clip - in green- Celebrating 200 years of "Puffing Billy" published 11 FEBRUARY 2013, celebrates a locomotive during trials 200 years ago.
Further information can be found at the Beamish Museum site - Beamish Museum - which makes interesting reading.
[Info. BBC News clip; Beamish Museum link; comments by VK4CY]

A STEAM LOCOMOTIVE RETURNS TO THE LONDON UNDERGROUND

A Steam train has run on the London Underground; the attached BBC News link with embedded video clip - in green- STEAM returns to the Underground published 17 DECEMBER 2012, shows the locomotive during trials by London Underground staff. It is in preparation for the 150th anniverary of the first train to run on the then infant London Underground. The locomotive and all the carriages have recently been restored for the event to a very high standard. Fascinating stuff. Additional news will be published as/when it comes to hand.

Today - The London Underground Railway System is 150 years old Check the attached gallery link provided by the Brisbane Courier Mail to mark the occasion - in green- 150 years of the London Underground. : For your information, check the Bluebell Railway site as they have four [4] restored Metropolitan Railway Coaches on loan to LT [London Transport] to mark the occasion.

Victorian era steam locomotive and coaches transit the London Underground. Refer to BBC news clip dated 13JANUARY.2013 via the link - in green Heritage locomotive and coaches - all part of the LT 150 year celebration.

[Info. BBC News & embedded video clip; Pictures through the London Transport Museum and BBC; Gallery Link provided by the "Brisbane Courier Mail"; Additional BBC News clip; comments by VK4CY]

THE WORKSHOP RAIL MUSEUM - IPSWICH, Queensland, Australia

The Workshops Rail Museum located at North Street, Ipswich some 40 minutes drive from Brisbane or 70 minutes drive from the Gold Coast; serviced by train services from Brisbane's Central & Roma Street stations and a bus transfer from Ipswich Station to the Workshop Museum - it is a 'gem' of a museum. It opens daily at 09:30 local until 17:00 local except for Good Friday, Anzac Day and Christmas Day. Their web site link - click on the Green section - The Workshops Museum - which is also posted on my "Links" page. Their website also includes contact telephone numbers, Facebook and Twitter data.
Discover a historic site that remains Australia's oldest Railway Workshops still in use. Incidently, to join the various workshop 'tours' ensure you are wearing enclosed footware. Prices are reasonable. Refreshments are available from the onsite cafe. Staff extremely courteous and helpful in all departments. Great models, scientific models/demonstrations, marvellous areas of kids (all ages too). Even better, if you get the opportunity to visit especially if you are from Queensland, Australia believe you me, a wonderfully railway museum awaits you. Enjoy the experience as there is something for everyone male, female, kids of all ages 1 to 101. Highly recommended. Hope the pictures taken can be posted as they include QRs magnificent "Garratt" built in Manchester, UK - Yum.
[Info. The Workshops Rail Museum; comments by VK4CY]

DIDCOT RAILWAY CENTRE [81E]

The Great Western Society is located on what was part of the Great Western Railway - BR shed code # 81E and one of the remaining GWR sheds in existance. The site includes a broad gauge running line, signalling, locomotive(s) etc., all beautifully restored, plus operational mainline steam locomotives plus coaches/wagons from the GWR past - last time I visited [1991] stayed in the area for 72 hours.

To see these and other features visit their website on a regular basis - click on the Green section - Didcot Railway Centre ; Even better, if you are in the UK - visit the Centre.

[Info. Didcot Railway Centre; comments by VK4CY]

BLUEBELL RAILWAY [75H]

The Bluebell Railway [BR] have lots of exciting events planned for 2013 where huge progress is being made at an amazing rate!. For all their latest news check the 'green' link - Bluebell Railway - what's new blog - [updated 23MAY.2013]

Currently, 'clean up work' on the Northern Extension continues including small adjustments to infrastructure, the East Grinstead water tower now has the tank fitted, the piping, sumps, water crane etc. have yet to be fitted so completion [my 'guesstimate'], would be by end of June. A myriad of lesser jobs, projects, signalling, PW features eg Holden Summit sign, drains (geo-textile adjustments), culvets, passing loops, access areas covered with either clay and/or gravel including 'proper freight trains' too; Sheffield Park Platform #1 canopy is rapidly drawing to completion too - looks great; don't forget the current permanent way maintenance, locomotive maintenance & restoration work [good to see "Beachy Head" # 32424 driving wheels have arrived, Cylinders ready for fitting so a running chassis is not far away; Even better, work on the new Standard 2MT # 84030]; the 'new' 09 diesel shunter in Bluebell colours [I think it would look better than the Class 33]; coach and wagon maintenance/restoration work, plus the day-to-day running of the railway.

IF you can assist in any way: Gift-Aid, Volunteer, Become a Member - I have & appreciate all the associated 'bumph' received recently. YOUR efforts made will be very much appreciated by all concerned. Thanks in advance.

Even better, if you get the opportunity to visit, especially if you are from the UK believe you me, a wonderful main line connected preserved railway awaits you plus look what is projected for you now and into the future.

Enjoy the experience and have a pint for me at the "Bessemer Arms" Hotel at Sheffield Park; you will not be disappointed.

[Info. Bluebell Railway; Bluebell Railway NL; comments by VK4CY]

GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE RAILWAY [85E] - GWr

The Gloucestershire, Warwickshire Railway [GWr] have lots of exciting events planned for 2013.

All their latest news is via the 'green' link - Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway (GWr) - [Updated 25MAY.2013] - "The GWR is celebrating"; Two New Patrons for the Railway; 'Dinmore Manor' for the GWSR; Visit Broadway Station by bus this weekend; Cotswold Steam Celebration Locomotive Allocations Announced; Cheltenham College meet Cheltenham; Gala Footplate Rides are Selling Fast; Cheltenham arrives; Lucky April Passenger Feedback Form Prize Draw Winner; Rory Bremner's Great British Views' on the GWR; We won the War! Exclusive pictures!; Feldbahn to the fore on the narrow gauge at Toddington; Revised timetable for Cotswold Steam Celebration; Gloucestershire Morris Men come to Toddington; Dakota flies in for Wartime weekend; A decade since that Royal Train to the opening of Cheltenham Racecourse station; Your chance to enjoy a steam footplate ride or freight train brake van ride through the Cotswold countryside!; Lucky March Passenger Feedback Form Prize Draw Winner; Sidney celebrates his century on the GWR; Toddington Station Heritage Trail; Latest P&O Progress Report; Classic railway poster art style for Cotswold Steam Celebration; Easter Eggspress Success!; Shock EU ruling to ban on train catering?; Easter eggs, Easter Bunny, Easter steam!; Marketing the GWSR for the year ahead; A 'dead cert' for Cheltenham Races; And they're off! Race trains from Toddington once more; 2013 season gets under way; The 09.45 from Chetenham: an historic journey; 'Five minutes with ... Colin Fewell, commercial director'; DMU services resume this weekend; Would you go through a haunted tunnel on a brake van?; 'Mutual Improvement' 1919 to 2013';

[Info. GWr Railway; comments by VK4CY]

GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY [15D] - GCR

This is the ONLY preserved main line railway in the UK where steam and diesel heritage traction can pass at realistic speeds. All run by volunteers yet again, plus they are hoping to link up with their Northern neighbours so that an inter-City link can be forged again utilising heritage traction.

They are currently attempting to 'bridge the gap' BUT if/when it occurs, several huge factors will come into play. The recent announcement that the Leicester North area [see BBC News clip below] is to benefit by becoming an active outpost for the NRM will assist in the long-term-goal of linking Leicester with Nottingham. Take a look at the following YouTube video clip which explains it fully [in GREEN] GCR Promotional video. ; Heritage traction will be able to provide inter city travel between Nottingham and Leicester. There is a link from the Northern section to Network Rail [ex. British Rail] which will allow access to both lines if/when the 'gap' is completed - that would remove trucks/heavy lorries from the local road network to transport to anywhere in either UK and/or Continent.

It will also assist the local economies is providing income from a link to a mineral site Mountsorrel Extension - Mountsorrel Extension - [Updated 07MAY.2013]. - "Steam Trains on the Montsorrel Railway" - ; Steam Trains to Run on the Mountsorrel Railway this Weekend!; Recognition for Mountsorrel Railway "Young Volunteer of the Year"; Further Ballast laying - (with embedded YouTube video link); Bridge Clearance Test Trains (with embedded YouTube video link); First Trackbed Tour of 2013 - Wildlife Warriors Make Archaeological Discovery; We've Done It! - Mountsorrel Railway Reaches the End Of the Line; Congratulations to all of the volunteers'; Wow -you have got there before the Bluebell Railway!! Congratulations (a) on the "Nunckley Nature Trail"; (b) on 300 feet [90m] of new track and (c) a further two Awards plus the Diamond Jubilee Award with details with pictures plus an embedded YouTube run over the line etc. Well done all round.

Ironically one of the features which the original planner of the Great Central Railway had envisaged in the the late 1890's - UK to Continent via a tunnel. Mr Watkins was like Brunel, someone who thought outside the square.

Can you help in any way? :-
if you can assist via the myriad of ways: Gift-Aid, Volunteer, Become a Member, your efforts made will be very much appreciated by all concerned - this especially applies to the Mountsorrel Extension.

Further, if you would like more information - check their NEW link [big improvement] - in green - GCR Home Page. - Better still visit them - especially when their Galas are occuring. They are huge events with great appeal on both systems.

Interesting BBC News clip spotted earlier today - 09DECEMBER.2012 - in green - NRM outpost at North Leicester. - Can only hope this will spur others to look at the 'bridging the gap' issue too. Well done GCR.
[Info. Great Central Railway; BBC News clip; comments by VK4CY]

RHEILFFORDD TALYLLYN [TALYLLYN RAILWAY] - TR

Rheilffordd Talyllyn/Talyllyn Railway the Welsh railway that was the acorn that has become the mountain of Steam Preservation world-wide is having financial problems.

Full details of the BBC Wales article are via the link provided - Talyllyn Railway - posted 03JANUARY.2013

Thomas the Tank engine's creator, the Reverend W Awdry, joined the volunteers in 1952 and a lot of the small locomotives became characters in the famous Thomas the Tank engine series of childrens books which sadly was taken over by an American firm.

Can you help them? . Become a member. Visit especially if you live in the UK/Europe. A good friend Robert Campbell & wife from Whangarei NZ recently advised they were in Towyn - "having a ball" was their comment. Contact them via Talyllyn Railway - you will not be disappointed.

[Info. BBC Wales news data; ZL1RSC comment; Comments by VK4CY]

RHEILFFORDD FFESTINIOG [FESTINIOG RAILWAY] - FR

Rheilffordd Ffestiniog/Festiniog Railway have decided to restore a steam locomotive that was declared incapable of "pulling the skin off a rice pudding" by the then Railway Giants Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Robert Stephenson some 149 years ago.

Full details of the BBC article are via the link provided - Ffestiniog Railway - posted 10NOVEMBER.2012

An interesting BBC news clip was spotted earlier today - 1892 Met.Railway "Jubilee" coach restored by the Ffestinog & Welsh Highland Railway Teams - interesting article.

Alan Peglar of "Flying Scotsman" fame was instrumental in ensuring the Ffestiniog Railway of today is worth a visit. This beautiful part of Northern Wales is breathtaking ironically especially in the wet which assists in making it so unique. Yet again you will NOT be disappointed as there is scenery here in Cmyru that has no comparision with in rest of the British Isles.

[Info. BBC North Wales clip (x2); Comments by VK4CY]

RHEILFFORDD LLANGOLLEN [LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY] - LR

Rheilffordd Llangollen/Llangollen Railway have been busy over the Winter months and recommend you check out their Web site for full details.

Latest News – "CORWEN EXTENSION PROGRESS MAY 2013" : Vulcan Works Austerity Loco No.72; New sponsor for Llangollen Railways Real Ale Train; Llangollen Railway in the media; Llangollen Railway plans to reopen in time for Easter; Carrog – Corwen extension - Progress report March 2013; "Taff Vale Tank Restoration"

View their web site via the link provided - Llangollen Railway - [UPDATED 17MAY.2013] - For your information; check this item as it has a couple of delightful video links.

Can you help in any way? :-
if you can, am sure they would welcome any aid with open arms plus and even better, if you can visit them it will be worthwhile enjoying the beautiful Dee Valley area of North Western Wales. Yet again you will NOT be disappointed.

[Info. LLangollen Railway; Comments by VK4CY]

SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY - SVR

One of the Senior preserved railways in the UK which was once part of the mighty "Great Western Railway"; The SVR are celebrating their 150th Anniversary ; view the attached BBC link with the HRH Duke of Gloucester [also a railway enthuaist and whom the locomotive #71000 "Duke of Gloucester" is named after] officiating; Severn Valley 150th Anniversary

Remember the area well as a young radio Operator visiting maritime friends at Kidderminster - never realising that some 52 years later, it would be still operating with steam still being supreme motive power.

View their web site via the link provided - Severn Valley Railway - even better if you can visit them it will be worthwhile, you'll be made very welcome and, you will NOT be disappointed either.

Last year [2012], the SVR floated its shares on the Stock Exchange. This was mentioned on a BBC news clip. Interestingly, in the "Heritage Railway" Magazine # 171 dated 20DECEMBER.2012, the attached article covers that event. Refer attached link - in green - "Severn Valley Railway share offer steams past £1 million mark" Published: 12:39PM Dec 20th, 2012 - Future details will be published as/when they occur.

[Info. Severn Valley Railway; "Heritage Railway" Magazine news clip 20DECEMBER.2012; BBC News clip [14MAY.2012]; comments by VK4CY]

SWINDON & CRICKLADE RAILWAY - SCR

The only standard gauge railway in Wiltshire which is close to the headquarters of what was once the mighty "Great Western Railway" at Swindon; The SCR are celebrating an extension to their railway. View the attached BBC link of this event in spite of the inclement weather which has persisted throughout the Summer period - Swindon & Cricklade extension

Having lived in Salisbury - thereby qualifying as a "moonraker" - good to see this small group finally expanding. Remember visiting Swindon prior to its closure as a steam centre and seeing the dispair and bewilderment of the faces of all staff that their 'way of life' was to be sacrificed on the altar of expediency by Westminsters' faceless men. So this 'phoenix' - the Swindon & Cricklade Railway - is rising out of the ashes to become a player in the ever expanding steam railway experience.

View their web site via the link provided - Swindon & Cricklade Railway - even better if you can visit them it will be worthwhile, you'll be made very welcome and, yet again at the expense of repeating myself, you will NOT be disappointed.

[Info. Swindon & Cricklade Railway; BBC News clip 25AUGUST.2012; comments by VK4CY]

@@@@@@@@@ PLANES TV NEWS @@@@@@@@@

"PLANES TV"

Aircraft are another of my hobbies and pursuits. Personally I enjoy UK stuff BUT, check out the attached link to Planes TV founded by Iain Campbell 24 years ago. This embraces all aspects of aviation - world wide.

If YOU would like to receive the Planes TV video clips regularly, click on the link in 'green' - and tell Iain that Jonboyradio sent you and/or where you found the link - it's FREE - latest details from "Planes TV" is the "16 Spitfires Battle of Britain £5.99 DVD of the Week" offer - Planes TV - [Updated 21MAY.2013]

A third Lancaster bomber Just Jane could be flying by the end of 2013 according to the attached BBC story. This is an 'update' on a previous posting regarding the same aircraft. - Lancaster "Just Jane" , Very interesting.

The attached link from BBC Cymru [Wales] regarding early flight and a replica to be tested to prove it could fly. Christopher Carlyon: Pontycymmer's unsung aviation pioneer - enjoy. If successful, further details will be posted.

Located on the BBC webpage this morning is the Virgin SS2 firing its jets and going Supersonice for a few seconds - refer to the attached BBC news link - Virgin SS2 posted 29APRIL.2013

[Info. Planes TV; BBC news clip[x3]; comments by VK4CY]

@@@@@@@@@ THE RAILWAY CHANNEL - YouTube TV NEWS @@@@@@@@@

@@@@ "THE RAILWAY CHANNEL" @@@@

Along with Amateur Radio another of my hobbies and pursuits are steam railways. Personally I enjoy UK stuff BUT, check out the attached link to Railway World founded by Mark Found. Recently Mark has re-established his original concept and it is now renamed 'The Railway Channel". This embraces all aspects of railways through YouTube - world wide [Argentina, Australia, Austria, China, Cuba, Germany, Indonesia, NZ, Poland, South Africa, UK, USA, etc.,] including model and minature plus live steam on 5", 7-1/4" gauge stuff - again world wide coverage.

Click on the link in 'green' - it's FREE too though your clips, support etc. are welcome, The Railway Channel. and enjoy the trip.

[Info. The Railway Channel; comments by VK4CY]

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Diolch am eich cymorth gwefan. Llwyddiant frwy Benderfyniad.

    Enjoy this website and please be aware it is constantly being updated.

73s 'n Happydaze de Jon VK4CY - Updated 26 MAY 2013