Pop-up Shop

The Greenway is going very public!

After some superb publicity generated from a Facebook Live interview with Daniel Mumby which made it to almost everywhere including the top of the BBC Southwest pages, we are about to do our first public information event.

Some of you may know about the Pop-Up Shop in Fore Street, Wellington but for those that don't, this is run by Wellington Town Council who offer it to various causes for nothing other than the cost of the utilities.

We have it for the whole of next week, and will be there in person from Wednesday to Saturday. We have used the generous grant fomr Somerset Community Foundation to put together our materials, so why not come along and say hello.

High Sherrif's Coffee Morning

Rob Beckley is a supporter of the Greenway as well as a keen cyclist and member of the Wellingto Wheelers Cycling Club. Both he and his wife walked along the valley with us a few months ago. The High Sherrif is holding a coffee morning for any number of walking and cycling groups who are scheduled to congregate on the playing field at Blagdon Hill on 9th June ... at coffee time! Again, we will have a stall, so why not come along and support us.

Walk the Greenway

Yes, we are continuing our popular walks along the valley from Wellington to Taunton to look at possible routes the Greenway may take. e throughout the summer, so why not come and join us. The route is about 8.5 miles along footpaths over almost flat terrain. We have kept going throughout all the rain and rain of winter, and not heard anyone say they didn't enjoy it.

To sign up, go to the Events page on our website

New Brand

I am proud to announce that a collaboration with the media department at Richard Huish College has produced some outstanding work for us to use into the future. Our website and logo design had been a bit rushed, but now we have a new one. The students who are in their first year os study at Huish designed almost all the materials we are using in the Pop-Up shop -I'll send out some photos when we have it all set up, but here is our new logo

There is much more news on the back of the Wellington Station, but I will make that the subject of the next post.

Thank you as always

Grand Western Greenway Team

(Want to join us? Get in touch)

Taunton Town Council supports the Greenway

The Council had a full meeting on Monday, 9th April, the Council were asked to consider a proposal to support the Grand Western Greenway.

Councillors were told that the Grand Western Greenway Project aims to establish a greenway between Taunton Station and the proposed Wellington Station directly connecting the two towns linking with smaller communities along the route.

Councillors were asked, as the landowner, in co-operation with The Committee of the Frieze Hill Community Orchard Group and Turner’s Allotments, to support the necessary permissions required to upgrade the Right of Way (T33/12) running alongside Turner’s Allotments and the Community Orchard.

It was agreed to support this important active travel initiative. Councillors resolved to write a formal letter to the Grand Western Greenway Association affirming their support.

Deputy Leader of Taunton Town Council, Cllr Martin Straus said “Embracing sustainable active travel projects not only promotes healthier lifestyles but also fosters a stronger sense of community and environmental stewardship. Through initiatives that prioritise walking, cycling, and public transport, we’re paving the way for greener, more inclusive communities where everyone can thrive”

We are Walking the Greenway (again!)

Now the weather is clearing up a bit, we are back on the Greenway trail again. If you haven't done so already (and even if you have), why not join us on Saturday, 20th April to Walk as much of the Greenway starting from Wellington and finishing at Staplegrove Road in Raunton.

We’ll be following the proposed route of the Greenway from Wellington to Taunton, as far as footpaths allow. Get up close and personal and learn more about the plans.The terrain is flat and covers an overall distance of 8 miles, finishing at Staplegrove Road in Taunton. We’ll be meeting at the rear entrance of Pritex (Relyon) at 9:30 and finishing at roughly 2:30, with a break at Bradford Bridge - snacks essential!If you’re interested, follow the link to register and see more details

https://www.grandwesterngreenway.co.uk/event-details/walk-the-greenway-viii)

Progress in 2024

This year is going to be one in which we get down to real talking and, so far, it is going well.

It has always been our plan to build the path in phases starting at either end. I'm pleased to say the development at the Wellington end of the station and hundreds of houses offer great opportunities. Network Rail plan to have the station open by May 2026 at the latest, and part of that construction will be a haul-road on either side of the line. It looks likely that will remain in situ, which gives us a significant part of the phase 1 build at the western end.

At the eastern end, there is also industrial devekopment planned which offers similar opportunities. The new Taunton Town Council are hugely supportive of our ambitionbs and have already grant-aidid us with a small initial sum. We are hoping they will adopt a proposal through council to support us which paves the way for access along land they already manage on behalf of Somerset Council.

On behalf of our group, can I thank you for your continuing support, and can I also remind you we are conducting walks along the greenway (or as close as we can get to it) each month. The next is on 23rd March from Wellington to Taunton. it is about 8.5 miles of flat walking which might have had an opportunity to dry out over the next couple of weeks. Please join us if you can https://www.grandwesterngreenway.co.uk/events-1