That work whistle

Regular contributor, Rob Coles, was quite right in identifying yesterday’s Pic of the Day mystery object.

He writes: “Your Pic of the Day photo was of the Swindon Railway works hooters, you probably were visiting the Designer Outlet.  I visited when they still made locomotives.  I took the attached photo in Swindon works a  lifetime ago.”

Yes, the hooters remain on the roof of part of the town’s railway factory complex – now remodeled as the Great Western Designer Outlet Village.

It was sounded every day until the Works closed in March 1986 – to remind GWR employees and their Swindon families of the time. For over one hundred years the steam whistle called thousands of workmen to their labours.

Taken at Bathampton.

Meanwhile, Rob writes: “Seeing a steam locomotive passing through Bath yesterday (photo attached)  I was reminded to tell you that the steam hauled Belmond British Pullman will be stopping in Bath tomorrow, Wednesday, 12.14 and 16.53. 

With a fare of £614 per passenger, it is probably the most expensive train to come to Bath.  I wish the city would officially welcome the passengers with tourist info etc.  They might want to come again, a marketing opportunity missed.”

Hopefully, Bath BID’s ‘welcome ambassadors’ manage to say ‘hello’ to some of those getting off that luxury train.