The traditional format of the WSRA's traditional annual Steam Fayre & Vintage Vehicle Rally - based on farmland very near to Bishops Lydeard Station - has had to be amended this year because of uncertainty caused by the outbreak of Foot & Mouth. "The Alternative Rally" will feature displays of vintage and classic vehicles at stations throughout the length of the line, together with many other attractions. There will be a very full programme of activities throughout the weekend, so come along and discover exactly what is on offer…

In addition to the main passenger services (as advertised), the unique ex-Port Talbot Railway 0-6-0ST No 813 will also be visiting the WSR for this weekend only, working shuttle services between Norton Fitzwarren-Bishops Lydeard-Crowcombe Heathfield. This will be a special opportunity to travel behind this engine (owned by the 813 Preservation Fund), which was returned to steam last year and is normally based on the Severn Valley Railway.

A regular free classic bus service will run between Taunton Castle Green Car Park, Taunton Railway Station and Bishops Lydeard Station, commencing at 9.30am each day. In addition to the train service, another classic bus service will be in operation from Bishops Lydeard serving exhibit stations to Washford.

• Bishops Lydeard
  • The new "Gauge Museum" - featuring many historic artefacts, with GWR 2-6-2T No 4561 on display - will be formally opened on the Saturday. Steam, vintage buses and coaches will be on display. The Taunton Model Railway Group's base will also be open.
• Crowcombe Heathfield
  • The feature film "The Land Girls" will be shown during the weekend, part of which was filmed at the station (starring Nos 4561 and 7760). There will also be a Steam Miniature Railway giving rides, trade stands and other film-related exhibits - plus the station's own small museum and trackwork display will be open.
• Williton
  • A selection of vintage steam rollers will be on display, plus a number of trade stands. (For safety reasons the D&EPG and WSRA engineering sheds will NOT be open for inspection on this occasion).
• Watchet
  • Traders, Model Boaters, The Town and Boat Museums, Commercial Vehicles, Military Vehicles, Emergency Services Vehicles, cars and other exhibits have all been invited to put on displays around the station and new marina areas.
• Washford
  • The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust's base will be open as usual, providing an opportunity to see at first hand their collection of historic items of rolling stock. Peckett 0-4-0ST No 1788 "Mike Palmer" (ex-"Kilmersdon") will perform shunting demonstrations around the yard, whilst progress on the overhaul of GWR 2-6-2T No 5542 - expected to return to steam later this year - can be viewed.
• Blue Anchor
  • The station museum will be open.
• Minehead
  • The station area and adjacent car park will have displays of motorcycles, tractors, miniature steam and stationary engines.

An extensive timetable of train services will be provided - with the WSR's Green Timetable in operation on the Saturday and the Gold Timetable on the Sunday. For full details click here.

Outline departures from Bishops Lydeard and Minehead are as follows:-

Saturday 4 August
Departures from Bishops Lydeard: 9.40am (diesel), 10.25am (steam), 12.25pm (steam), 2.10pm (steam), 4.05pm (steam).
Additional departures from Williton (to Minehead): 12.05pm (diesel), 3.45pm (diesel).
Departures from Minehead: 10.15am (steam), 11.10am* (diesel), 12.15pm (steam), 2.00pm (steam), 2.50pm* (diesel), 3.55pm (steam), 5.30pm (diesel)
* runs to Williton.

Sunday 5 August
Departures from Bishops Lydeard: 9.40am (diesel), 10.25am (steam), 11.30am (steam), 12.25pm (steam), 1.05pm (diesel), 2.10pm (steam), 4.05pm (steam).
Additional departure from Williton (to Minehead): 3.45pm (steam)
Departures from Minehead: 10.15am (steam), 11.10am (diesel), 12.15pm (steam), 2.00pm (steam), 2.50pm* (steam), 3.55pm (steam), 4.45pm (steam), 5.30pm (diesel).
* runs to Williton.

In addition, a special dining train - "The Severn Coast Express" - will run on the Saturday evening, departing from Bishops Lydeard at 7.00pm steam hauled. A full four course dinner will be served on the outward journey as the train makes its leisurely way from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. The train has its own bar, with service directly to your table. Dinner will cost £28 per person and Advance booking is stongly recommended. Non-dining tickets are also available - price £9.00 for adults, and £4.50 for children. The return journey will depart from Minehead at 8.45pm. Bookings should be sent - with remittance (made payable to 'WSRA') and a SAE please - to: WSRA (SCE), The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3BX.

Programmes for the event will be on sale (priced £2.50) from Friday 3 August at Bishops Lydeard Station.