Supporters of railways plan party at pub

A GROUP campaigning for better suburban railways in Bristol is holding a celebration event this weekend.

Friends Of Suburban Bristol Railways has organised an afternoon for supporters this Sunday.

It is due to take place between noon and 3pm at The Barley Mow pub in Barton Road, The Dings. It will be an annual celebration of passenger increases on the Severn Beach branch line, which has seen a 20 per cent rise in the number of people using services in the last year. The route, which runs from Temple Meads via Clifton Down and Avonmouth, has also been promised more seats and newer trains by First Great Western.

People attending the event this weekend will be able to pick up a copy of the line’s new timetable, the FOSBEER guide to the pubs along Bristol's suburban railways, buy the FOSBR 2011 DVD and meet members of FOSBR.

Before lunch there will be a series of two-minute “rail pledges” from councillors, trade unionists and other groups in support of freight and affordable, 30-minute, cross city passenger rail services. Folk singer Julie Dawn will perform. For more on the Friends group, go to