The next programme of FoSCL guided walks (January to June 2011) has been finalised and printed.  Copies of the leaflet are being distributed to stations, tourist information offices, libraries and other outlets that publicise FoSCL activities.  In addition the full programme is available as  a searchable list on the web site where it is also possible to download and print a copy.

For enquiries about any guided walks please email [email protected]

On 9th December John Johnson, FoSCL committee member, married Tracey Rawson.  For the full story see the Settle-Carlisle website news item.  FoSCL has commissioned a commemorative plaque which will be installed in Armathwaite signal box, now lovingly maintained by the newly-weds after FoSCL volunteers restored it in the early 1990s. 

See a photo of the plaque below; also three very fine pictures of the happy couple by Mark Rand.

Network Rail is building a nationwide Railway Communications System, see www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/6386.aspx for full details. 

They will be holding a 'drop-in' session on Thursday 2nd December between 3pm and 7pm at the Station Inn, Ribblehead.  Members of the NwR project team will be there to answer questions about their plan for the Settle-Carlisle Line in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Same place as last time, namely Kirkby Stephen West station.  This time a Focus DIY artic was comprehensively scalped.  The bridge seems to have emerged unscathed.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Griffiths, ImageRail.

Carlisle Station Manager Stuart Davison and three of his colleagues are planning to spend the night of 30th October in the Undercroft beneath Carlisle Station in order to raise money for charity.  To sponsor them, or just to learn more about the spooky goings-on in the station, see The Undercroft web site.

The Department for Transport is seeking responses currently to its consultation document called Reforming Rail Franchising.  See the DfT web site for details and to download a copy of the document.

FoSCL is producing an official response which will be ready by 30th September. The submission of the final version to the DfT will by 15th October to meet their deadline.

An Argos van hit the bridge at Kirkby Stephen West station on 26th August.  Below is an eye witness account from David Singleton, FoSCL's Guided Walks Coordinator.

We have received an update from Network Rail on planned infrastructure work at two stations on the S&C..

There has been a record turnout so far this year for the archaeology summer tour programme of the Ribblehead Viaduct and Blea Moor Tunnel area, run by the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line.  Everyone is welcome on these free walks, and they provide a fascinating insight into how the engineers and navvies won their hard-fought battle against the elements to build the rail line at this bleak and dramatic location.