The 21st Anniversary Gala on June 10-11 will be a balance between looking back at the past - and in particular reflecting on the events of June 9-10 1979, when regular train services recommenced from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard - and a celebration of the West Somerset Railway as it is today, one of Britain's leading and most successful heritage steam railways. The event will build-on the WSR's already highly successful programme of special events, including the immensely popular Spring and Autumn Steam Galas.
An intensive timetable will be in operation over the weekend, featuring at least seven public services in each direction on both days, plus a number of short workings and charters. The majority of train workings will be steam hauled, though heritage diesel traction will also be used on some trains. The timetable is based on the one used on Sunday June 9 1979 during the 'Reopening Gala', with a few minor modifications to suit current circumstances and a number of additional workings. The first train of the day will feature No 6412 working from Crowcombe Heathfield to Bishops Lydeard and, on arrival, will break a ceremonial tape placed across the line.
At least five steam engines will be in action over the 21st Anniversary Gala. Two of them, probably No 45337 and a 'Manor' Class 4-6-0, will be in action on service trains (each working an 80-mile diagram on both days), whilst No 6412 - which has been based on the line since 1976, following purchase by the West Somerset Railway Association - will work one round trip. In addition, two members from the WSR's fleet of diesel hydraulics - 'Hymek' No D7017 and a 'Western' (probably No D1023 Western Fusilier) - together with the Class 115 dmu can also be seen in action on passenger trains over the Gala. No D7017 played an important role at the June 1979 Gala. The two GWR pannier tanks, Nos 1369 and 6412, will be 'pottering around' the station at Bishops Lydeard all weekend, in addition to giving brake van rides on the Norton Fitzwarren section.
In addition to seeing plenty of action on the railway itself, visitors will also be able to view a host of events, displays and demonstrations at Bishops Lydeard station. A number of railway exhibits will be on static display - including GWR 2-6-2T No 4561 - and 275 Railway Squadron will also be in attendance. Additional displays will be provided in the station Visitor Centre (the former goods shed), the Taunton Model Railway Group's collection of layouts will be open, and there will be a small display of vintage transport and a collection of trade stands in the lower car park. Visitors will also be able to enjoy rides on both a heritage bus and a horse-and-dray. Actor Bill Pertwee, of Dad's Army fame, and a long-time supporter of the Railway, will be in attendance at the 21st Anniversary Gala.
Admission to the site at Bishops Lydeard will be by a special commemorative ticket, priced at £2 (adult), £1 (child) and £5 (family). This entitles the purchaser to a steam-hauled brake van ride, a comprehensive souvenir programme, a heritage bus ride and the chance to view everything that will be on offer at Bishops Lydeard. Normal train fares will be in operation on the WSR itself, and special one and two-day rover tickets will be available on the day.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to view a whole range of extra displays and attractions at most other stations along the WSR, including the chance to see aspects of the Railway that are not normally accessible to the general public. At Crowcombe Heathfield, the station will be 'dressed-up' with bunting as it was back in June 1979, and there will be both a working 'O' gauge tinplate railway and a 'OO' gauge layout. At Williton, a number of locomotives and stock will be on display, and it is anticipated that conducted tours of the yard and shed areas will be available to enable visitors to have a look behind the scenes and view the restoration of the SR Bulleid 'West County' 4-6-2 engine, No 34046 Braunton. The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust will open their headquarters at Washford station, where the museum and site will be open and the Peckett 0-4-0ST No 1788 Kilmersdon will be in steam. Blue Anchor Railway Museum will also be open on both days whilst, at Dunster, the Railway's Edmondson ticket machine will be available for inspection, and a photographic display at Minehead. Rover tickets represent by far the best way of trying to see everything on offer!
Leaflets promoting the event are now available from Minehead Station, whilst regular updates about the 21st Anniversary Gala will appear on the official Railway website
Copies of the working timetable for the Gala will be available from ten days before the event, priced £2.00 + SAE.
The above is taken verbatum from a joint WSR/WSRA press release dated 10 May 2000
This page is not from the official West Somerset Railway web site