We also have a  Winter Lecture Programme

Saturday 23 May 2026
Visit to Shipton Mill

Our first visit of the summer season will take us to Shipton Mill near Tetbury.

Details
Numbers are very limited and the arrangements will be sent out to Members by email.

Sunday 28 June 2026
Afternoon walk: Alney Island and Over Canal Basin
Roadworks at Over:  We have confirmation from National Highways that the underpass on the A40 will be open on 28 June and so we are pleased to confirm the details published in the GSIA June Newsletter. NB if travelling to Gloucester on the A40 there may be a slight delay at Over.

This will be a gentle walk of about 3½ miles, led by Ray Wilson, to look at the surviving industrial archaeological features in this fascinating area, so close to the city, but relatively unknown.  We will start by following the line of the GWR’s broad gauge Docks branch out to its junction with the main line.  Here we will go up onto Thomas Telford’s Over bridge which for nearly 150 years carried the main road to Ross. The bridge suffered from subsidence immediately it was completed as can still be seen today. Here we get a good view of the historic railway bridge carrying the main line to Chepstow. 

Using the little known underpass we can access the Over basin of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal which lies on the other side of the busy A40 road. This has been the main focus of restoration work carried out by the Canal Trust and there is plenty of interest to see here.

Returning to Alney Island, we will follow the western arm of the Severn to Lower Parting (an excellent spot to see the Severn Bore) and then pass by Llanthony weir, lock and restored cottages. Next we will visit the site of Castle Meads Power Station which was built during WWII and see the wharf on the Severn where coal for the station was unloaded from barges. Nearby is the unusual swing railway bridge over the Severn designed by Brunel but which has long been out of use. Finally we will return to the car park following the river past the site of the Royal Agricultural Show of 1909. 

Details: Please meet from 1.45 pm for a prompt start at 2.00 pm at Alney Island Nature Reserve Car Park (Gloucester) at SO82361899. map  The car park can only be reached by travelling north west out of Gloucester on the A417 dual carriageway leading towards the A40. At the large Westgate circulatory loop, continue past the petrol station, over the bridge and then in a short distance, just before the traffic lights turn left into the car park through the restricted entrance (low height and a tight turn!). Please wear stout footwear.  

All Welcome.  Any queries to Ray Wilson [01453 860595,  ray.wilson@coaley.net]  

Sunday 26 July 2026
Afternoon Walk in the Brockworth Area

Whilst little physical evidence now exists, Brockworth was home to a World War I Royal Flying Corps
Aerodrome, whose buildings later formed the nucleus of the Gloster Aircraft Company factory. There
was rapid expansion by Hawker Siddeley in the run up and during World War II. In the late 1950’s and
early 1960’s production was transferred to other parts of the country.
This walk led by Chas Townley will take in part of recently established Coopers Edge Heritage Trail as well as seeing the last
remaining aviation factory – now the home of Invista – who are sadly closing in September.
The route will cover 3 miles across fairly flat terrain using mainly surfaced footpaths, however, part of
the route will follow a disused road which can be uneven in places.

Details: Meeting Point – Pineholt Village Hall Bird Road, GL3 3SN after 1.45 for 2pm start. Map
Bird Road is a turning south off Hucclecote Road,. Carry on to the far end (0.4 miles)’
Parking: Village Hall Car Park – please use spaces closest to the road as it is shared with Pineholt Bowls
Club, who have a match on this afternoon. There is also plenty of parking available on Bird Road.