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| • The Hestercombe Specials ...
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This year the West Somerset Railway is embarking on an exciting new venture with another local attraction. On Wednesdays from 4 July and going on to 12 September a through ticket from all Stations on the West Somerset Railway to Hestercombe Gardens near Taunton will be available. The ticket includes travel on the West Somerset Railway, the connecting bus service and entry to the Gardens. The connecting bus picks up from Bishops Lydeard Station at 11.35am or 11.50am depending on the train timetable on the day, and leaves Hestercombe House at 3.15pm for the short run back to Bishops Lydeard Station in good time for the train back along the branch. There are also Hestercombe Specials on three Sundays on 15 July (Taunton Garrison Day), on 16 September (Autumn Country Fayre) and on 7 October (Cheese and Chutney Day). More...
30 June 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Daffodil Specials ...
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Fundraising took place on the Daffodil Special on the evening of 5 May. Everyone enjoyed a Fish and Chip supper and a glass of wine. Two trains ran, one from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back, and one from Minehead to Williton and back. Raffles and a stall made the evening more fun. The proceeds were divided between two charities, Macmillan Nurses and Marie Curie who will receive the cheques on Monday 9 July at 2pm at Minehead Station. The buffet staff also donated their tips through the year to the final total. There is no doubting the immense comfort these two charities bring to those in need as we at www.wsr.org.uk have recently witnessed. Well done everyone...
30 June 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • The Eighth Somerset CAMRA Real Ale Festival ...
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The weekend of 15 and 16 September 2007 will see the annual Somerset CAMRA Real Ale Festival, held in partnership with the West Somerset Railway. Incredibly, this highly successful event is now in its eighth year! Somerset CAMRA say: "Last year’s increased beer choice was such a success we are increasing the order again. We plan to offer up to 100 real ales and several ciders, many of them from our award winning local breweries such as Butcombe, Cotleigh, Cottage, Exmoor, Glastonbury and RCH. In addition to these, there will be a wide selection of ales from all around the UK, showcasing the incredible wide range of tastes and beer styles produced by our ever-expanding army of micro breweries. We plan to have a locally brewed festival special beer and at least one cask conditioned lager. We will have a supply of local ciders, some perry and wine. Buffet cars on most trains will also stock some beer." There is even a through train from Nottingham right to the event. More about the event...
27 June 2007
Details from Somerset CAMRA
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| • Regular trains on and off the Branch ...
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Through trains to Bristol for holidaymakers and local residents will run from Minehead from Friday 20 July. For the first time since the branch line between Taunton and Minehead was closed as part of the "Beeching Cuts" in January 1971 regular public service trains will be running from Minehead to Taunton and Bristol on selected dates through the peak summer weeks. The trains are the outcome of several months of planning between the West Somerset Railway, Butlins, Mainline Rail and Victa Westlink Rail, the last named will provide the train services, and it all required complex negotiations with Network Rail and the Office of the Rail Regulator. The outcome is that services will run on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays between Friday 20 July and Monday 27 August. The trains will leave Minehead at 11.10 calling at all West Somerset Railway stations and then Taunton at 12.55pm and then non-stop to Bristol Temple Meads, arriving at 1.46pm. The return will depart from Temple Meads at 2.06pm and will stop at Taunton at 2.42pm and then all WSR stations to Minehead, where arrival is at 4.25pm. Full details...
26 June 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Development may help the Railway ...
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The West Somerset Railway is poised to offer its support for a renewed application by local developer Gadd Homes to build houses, a pub and other facilities on the Station Farm site at Bishops Lydeard. The Railway’s support follows the decision to drop the community shop seen by local residents as a threat to facilities in Bishops Lydeard village. It also includes more tourist-related facilities including a café for the railway, cycle hire, a micro brewery and units available for local innovative businesses. The housing includes a significant number of affordable homes available only to local residents, the crucial difference this time is that the development is now to be part of a larger scheme which includes provision for a museum and carriage shed for the West Somerset Railway. Paul Conibeare, West Somerset Railway General Manager said "The overall scheme will be of significant benefit to the Railway, one of Somerset's major tourist attractions. It will allow us to expand the museum facilities at Bishops Lydeard and provide a site for our Heritage Carriage Project which will restore two trains of carriages from the 1920's and 30's for use on the line". Mr Conibeare concluded: "Our outline planning application for the museum and carriage shed will be submitted in the next few weeks. It uses part of the Station Farm site previously proposed for development and partly land further south. If that part is granted planning permission, the overall scheme has our full support. As soon as our proposals have been developed in more detail we will be arranging local consultation to explain our plans."
25 June 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Stogumber Waiting Room to be rebuilt...
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Work has started on a major restoration project at Stogumber Station. Despite valiant efforts by a good number of volunteers to preserve the Waiting Room that stands opposite the main Station Building, the wooden-framed structure remains in poor condition. It was much neglected in the years before closure and during the first few years following re-opening and now it will be totally dismantled. A new brick base will be built and on top of this the main structure will be rebuilt using as much of the old material as possible. The work is expected to take many months.
24 June 2007
Details from WSRA
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| • All systems go for Minehead turntable...
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It is all systems go for the Minehead turntable project. Shareholders of the WSR Plc were advised atthe recent AGM that Regional Development funding has been guaranteed and all external funding is now in place. The completion date is end of March 2008 and is considered quite achievable. The 55ft turntable from Pwlhelli - brought to Minehead in the 1970s - will be extended to 65ft - a routine GWR practice for which plans still exist. An alternative plan, utilising a turntable currently at the former Swindon Works has been shelved due to outstanding issues and the need to press on with the project. A recent appeal for financial donations for the project has seen promising results -further donations are always welcome.
24 June 2007
Details from local correspondents
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| • The proposed Bristol service back on the menu...
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On, off and now back on again - the proposed summer service from Minehead to Bristol is back on the menu. The news was broken to shareholders attending the recent WSR Plc Annual General Meeting and according to reliable sources, is to start on 23 July, three days a week - Friday, Saturday, Monday. The service will be provided by Victa Westlink Rail. More details here when we get them...
24 June 2007
Details from local correspondents
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| • Heritage Carriages news...
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The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust committee recently approved the acquisition of two further coaches. The latest Trust electronic newsletter explains "The coaches are firstly a Collett Brake Third from the Bodmin Railway and secondly a toplight no 3665 now standing at Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway. We have been incredibly lucky that the owners have kindly donated both these vehicles at nil cost to the Trust. Although both the coaches are in poor condition, they will be valuable additions to the growing fleet. No 3665 can stay at Buckfastleigh for the time being as the space it occupies is not required until the new South Devon shed project starts. However, the Bodmin coach will need to be moved fairly quickly to a new home. Several sites away from the WSR are currently being considered for this.".
23 June 2007
Details from WSSRT
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| • News of three excursions...
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Hertfordshire Railtours are planning not one, not two but three excursions over the West Somerset Railway. The first is a trip on 26 August 2007 from Minehead to Weymouth - also calling at Blue Anchor, Watchet, Williton, Bishops Lydeard and Taunton, thence via Castle Cary to the Dorset seaside town. Next is an incoming special from Nottingham, Long Eaton, Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth and Birmingham New Street for the CAMRA Real Ale Event held on the platform at Minehead Station on 15 September 2007. And the third, on 29 September 2007, is a excursion to London and Canterbury, with passengers having a choice of either destination. Calling at Minehead, Blue Anchor, Watchet, Williton, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads, the train heads for the capital and then on to the cathedral city of Canterbury. For more details, go to the Special Trains page...
23 June 2007
Details from Hertfordshire Railtours
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| • Taking care when viewing the trains...
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Visitors are reminded that much care is needed when viewing the trains from bridges over the Railway as the locations bring visitors and passing traffic into very close proximity. At the same time, the parking of cars, even for a short time, in dangerous spots around the overbridges can also create additional hazards for motor traffic and pedestrians alike and the Railway urge drivers to use the designated parking places at all times. Motorists too need to exercise great care when passing over such bridges which often have a blind summit and reduction of speed can significantly reduce the risks to everyone in the vicinity
23 June 2007
Details from WSRA
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| • Message for lineside photographers...
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A minority of photographers are creating problems for neighbours. A number of farmers have reported fences being broken down or damaged by people climbing over them with the result that livestock has been getting out onto the track and into other areas where the animals should not be. Sadly this has also led to some animals being killed or injured. The results of fence damage require the Permanent Way Department dropping planned tasks and making good the damage and to have to use diplomatic skills with justifiably upset landowners. We are getting particularly bad problems in and around the Roebuck area on the Stogumber side of Crowcombe Heathfield. The farmers are content to see photographers on their land so long as access is via paths or track and the gates to the fields (climb over gates or styles if you wish but please don’t leave any gates open). It is appreciated that nearly all lineside photographers are responsible individuals who cause no more difficulty in the countryside than the ramblers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the British countryside. However if everyone thinks before they act we can all continue that enjoyment and the Railway’s workers can get on with building on the existing success of the WSR.
22 June 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Ticket Register comes home...
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A relic dating from the very opening of the WSR in 1862 is coming home. The West Somerset Railway Association has bought the Bishop's Lydeard Station Ticket Register [sic] dating from 1862. This priceless piece of WSR history came up for auction at Charterhouse Auctions of Sherborne. It was in use at Bishops Lydeard from a few days before the station opened in 1862 until about 1956. It was kept by one of the last station masters and put up for sale by his daughter. Bishops Lydeard station opened on 31March 1862 and the first pages record the ticket stock issued to the station on 28 March 1862. It includes First, Second and Third Class tickets! That must have been a frenetic few days. A first reading shows that the records were meticulously kept for about the first three years and then the register fell out of use, being resurrected briefly in the 1890's. The register fell once again into the slumber characteristic of accounts at small way-side stations before being used regularly from about 1928 to 1956. No doubt it will have some secrets to reveal when it can be fully studied..
21 June 2007
Details from our Sherborne correspondent
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| • Heritage Carriages Project event postponed...
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The Launch event for the Heritage Carriages Project announced in the WSRA Journal for 23-34 June 2007 has been postponed. The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust report "The Project continues to make rapid advances on all fronts and when the Journal went to press it was expected that all major parts of the project would be in place. Negotiatons are, however, continuing with external bodies and partners in a couple of areas and it has been felt best to complete those negotiations before going 'public'. The present intention is to stage a proper launch event with full razz-ma-tazz at or around the time of the Spring Gala Event in 2008. Meanwhile the step-wise progress we are making will continue to be announced by the usual channels...."
21 June 2007
Details from WSSRT
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| • Mixed Traffic Weekend is a great success...
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The recent Mixed Traffic Weekend was a great success. Following months of careful planning by the Railway's Special Events Planning Team, the three day event held on 15-17 June, brought together motive power typical of the 1960s when steam traction was being replaced relentlessly by diesel locomotives. Visiting "Warship", "Hymek" and "Teddy Bear" diesel-hydraulics brought a distinct Western Region air to the event, further enhanced by the home-based Western Campaigner and a through train the Westward Ho! from London headed throughout by another "Western" no D1015. The weekend also saw newcomer Class 47 no D1661 North Star hauling WSR passenger trains for the first time. A cast which created much interest and resulting in an increase of passengers carried of over 40% compared with the 2005 Diesel Weekend. For pictures from the Mixed Traffic Weekend click here. Make a note of the date of the next Mixed Traffic Weekend - Friday-Sunday 13-15 June 2008...
19 June 2007
Details from SEPT
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| • King shines triangle at Norton...
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The metals of the Norton Triangle were graced by a King on Sunday 17 June. The celebrated ex-GWR King Class 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I stopped at Norton Bridge after travelling down from London and used the new Allerford Junction to gain access to the rails leading to the Norton Triangle. Around a quarter of a mile of the triangle has been laid - more than enough to stable the unique water carrier wagon that is now used by the King to reduce the number of stops to replenish the water tanks during main line excursions. With other WSR sidings fit to bursting with visiting stock used during the Mixed Traffic Weekend, it seems the Triangle has already proved its worth. In accessing the Triangle, it would seem King Edward I - owned by the 6024 Preservation Society Ltd
- has written another piece of history by becoming the first steam locomotive to grace the Triangle rails.
17 June 2007
Details from 6024 Preservation Society Ltd
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| • How close can you get...
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If you have ever wanted to live close to a top heritage railway then here is an opportunity of a lifetime. The Bishops Lydeard Station Master's House - still sporting Bristol & Exeter Railway bargeboards - has become vacant and is available to let for six or twelve months. Although dating from the opening of the line in 1862 the property has, of course, been modernised. For full details, contact David Pattemore at West View, Minehead Road, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3BS.
16 June 2007
Details from West Somerset Restoration
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| • Exciting plans for Dinmore Manor and Friends...
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Exciting plans accompany a new fundraising appeal by the Dinmore Manor Fund. The folks behind the Fund - who own BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7820 Dinmore Manor and GWR 2-8-0 no 3850 both of which have underpinned the steam fleet on the West Somerset for many years - have just launched a new fundraising appeal to help get Dinmore Manor back in steam as soon as possible. Also to secure the purchase and overhaul of a third engine and a building to store the locomotives in whilst not in use. The "New Horizons Appeal" is hoped will secure the long term future of the Fund and the locomotives. A supporting group called "Dinmore Manor (2007) Fund" has been set up for new members to join. Full details can be found at www.dinmoremanorfund.co.uk...
15 June 2007
Details from Dinmore Manor (2007) Fund
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| • Recycled aggregate now available from the WSR...
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The West Somerset Railway is now able to supply environmentally sourced and sustainable recycled aggregates. In association with John Luffman Trading, the West Somerset Railway Association has achieved Certification for a number of common product grades and is making this available to the West Somerset/Devon and South West market as a good local source of environmentally produced aggregate. The aggregate produced to WRAP guidelines is certified free of contamination and has been cleared by the Environment Agency for use on the local flood plain and thus in a water course where required. Quality assured recycled aggregates are free of aggregate tax levy and are increasingly sought to increase the sustainable content of new build projects. The lower economic cost and good public relations value of using recycled products is becoming increasingly attractive over the penalties associated with freshly quarried stocks.
Full details...
14 June 2007
Details from WSRA
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| • Diesel runnings...
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Hopes of seeing the visiting Class 47 no 47832 in use on the West Somerset Railway on Thursday 14 June have been dashed due to the locomotive being air-braked only. WSR coaching stock is vacuum-braked. However the DMU diagram will still be worked by main line engines and the 11.35am is planned to depart from Bishops Lydeard behind diesel-hydraulics Warship Class no D832 and Hymek no D7076. At Minehead one of these locomotives will be detached and the other loco will then take out the 2.50pm to Williton. At Williton it will be joined by Class 25 no D7523 for the journey to Minehead departing from Williton at 3.50pm. On arrival at Minehead the diesel-hydraulic will come off to be in position for its first duties of the Mixed Traffic Weekend and no D7523 will take the 5.30pm out of Minehead for the run to Bishops Lydeard where it is due at 6.31pm. Sixty miles with three engines and all for a Rover ticket at our normal price of £13. And if you are at the Minehead end you can even take in the steam engine on the 10.15am departure...
12 June 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • A new railway for Somerset...
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A new railway is being laid in Somerset. The West Somerset Railway Association has embarked on a two week programme of track laying at the Norton Triangle Project site - the target is to lay around 300 metres of track along the new western chord. Although mechanical assistance is available, much of the work requires good old fashioned manpower, mostly consisting of volunteers from the Association. As with so many tasks on the Railway, many hands make light work, so an appeal has gone out to Association members for more hands-on help - the more the merrier.
12 June 2007
Details from WSRA
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| • Return of the Boat Train...
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Just like the old days, a train from London brings passengers for a sea-going paddle steamer. Class 47 no 47853 headed the Merrymaker special, arranged by Hertfordshire Rail Tours. A good number of visitors enjoyed a fantastic afternoon cruise from Minehead Harbour on board the paddle steamer The Waverley, built on the River Clyde in 1947 and the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. Just another great example showing the worth and attraction of the West Somerset Railway to the tourism and local business...
9 June 2007
Details from local correspondent
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| • Reuniting old friends in Birmingham...
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Old friends are reunited in Birmingham. WSR stalwarts, Ray Lee, Trevor Barnett, Nick Jones and John Wood went to Birmingham Railway Museum to see Bagnall 0-6-0ST Victor on 9 June 2007 - the 28th anniversary of the Gala re-opening to Bishops Lydeard, in which Victor was supposed to have played a major part. The four aforementioned were actively involved in that great day and events leading up to it. In the event, Victor failed with a burst tube, and the day's timetable was put into disarray. Nick Jones, (WSR Operating Superintendent at the time) gained permission from the Railway Inspectorate to use Hymek no D7017, which was ruled-out of normal use by its axle weight. So the good folks of the D&EPG saved the day. But later in the weekend, D7017 also failed, and was rescued by Vulcan, in the skilled hands of Harry and Ray Lee.
Victor, now privately owned, is at present in pieces, pending decisions about the best way to take forward an extensive overhaul.
9 June 2007
Details from local correspondent
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| • Triangle brings award to WSRA...
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Now the WSR Norton Triangle Project picks up an award. At the Institution of Civil Engineers Annual Award Ceremony at Bristol on the evening of Friday 8 June, the West Somerset Railway and its partners at the Norton Triangle site, John Luffman Trading were awarded a Certificate of Merit jointly with the Network Rail High Output Team. The award recognised the exceptional engineering and co-operation across several organisations that has combined to produce two successful projects with a high degree of innovation and environmental sensitivity - the WSRA Triangle at Norton Fitzwarren and Network Rail's Fairwater Yard. The award dinner was attended by representatives from the WSRA and Network Rail. The WSRA Project Manager for the Norton Project, David Holmes, would like to thank all who have helped with the WSRA portion of the scheme and consider the award is recognition of the efforts put in by everyone to make this project the success it has become.
9 June 2007
Details from WSRA
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| • The King is coming back...
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One of the former Great Western Railway express locomotives is due to spend a few days on the West Somerset Railway. Due to arrive late on 17 June, GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I, will remain at Bishops Lydeard until 7 July, save one special working when the King will head a special "Quantock Belle" dining train, chartered by the loco's owners, the 6024 6024 Preservation Society, on 24 June. The Society is also reported to be holding its AGM at a nearby village hall. No 6024 is something of a regular visitor to the West Somerset Railway and this visit is a good example of mutual benefit to all parties.
6 June 2007
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondent
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| • Be Bright and Breezy in July...
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From Minehead to Brighton and back in one day and steam hauled for the most part. A steam hauled journey from Bristol to the famous resort of Brighton behind BR Standard 2-6-0 no 76069. The train - the "Bright'n Breezy" - starts out diesel-hauled from Minehead at 6.30am, and on arrival at Bristol Temple Meads, the steam locomotive takes over, and heads for Bath Spa, Westbury, Salisbury, Romsey and along the South Coast to Brighton. A break of three hours in the Sussex resort before being steam hauled as far as Salisbury and then diesel hauled back to Minehead via Bristol. More...
6 June 2007
Details from Past-Time Rail and WSR Plc
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| • No Minehead-Bristol service this summer...
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The proposed Minehead-Bristol service has had to be shelved. The WSR Plc Chair, Chris Austin, writing in the WSR Plc's OnLine publication, explains, "We have been working hard with a number of other organisations to make the case for starting a through Minehead to Bristol service from the end of June, running two or three days a week. Good progress has been made in planning the service, but I am afraid it has not been possible to make it stack up financially, and we are not going to be able to run the train this summer. All the parties involved, Network Rail, Victa Westlink Rail, and the WSR worked hard to cut the costs, but running main line trains is an expensive business, and it is clear that the service would have lost money, at least for the first year or two. We did ask Somerset County Council for support to close the gap between costs and income, but at this late stage, that proved not to be possible, at lease for this year. The basic idea remains a good one, however, and I am determined to look again at this over the coming months, to see if there is a better way of doing it for next year, and one which could be profitable.".
6 June 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Improved bus links...
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A bus to meet every West Somerset Railway train at Bishops Lydeard Station. The new number 50 "Steamlink" bus service is offered by local operators, Cooks Coaches and is supported by Somerset County Council. The new shuttle service - and more buses on First's route 28 - now provide the best ever bus service between Taunton and the WSR, calling at Taunton Railway Station, Castleway in the town centre and Silk Mill Park and Ride, and of course, Bishops Lydeard Railway Station. Also, for a large part of the day, First Avon and Somerset's route 28 now runs every thirty minutes, calling at Bishops Lydeard Station, but please note combined bus and rail tickets will not now be sold on First buses, and WSR tickets to/from Taunton will not be accepted by First on services 28 and 28A. For "Steamlink" bus times, please click here...
6 June 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Brush to visit...
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A Brush to visit the WSR. Subject to final confirmation, Class 47 no 47832 – which is now owned by Victa Westlink Rail – will be paying a visit to the WSR in mid-June. The locomotive - which is currently being repainted in VWR’s new livery of grey and black at Barrow Hill -is expected to arrive on the WSR light engine from Long Marston before making its debut on 14 June when it is scheduled to work the 60-mile DMU diagram on the day prior to the Mixed Traffic Weekend. During the Mixed Traffic Weekend the loco will be on display in the bay platform at Bishops Lydeard, when subject to staff being available - it is hoped visitors will be able to "cab it".
The WSR are very grateful to Victa Westlink Rail for offering us the locomotive and for facilitating this visit...
6 June 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Promoting the WSR at the Bath and West Show...
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For the first time the WSR manned a publicity stand at the Bath and West Show. For the four days between 30 May and 2 June, the enterprise succeeded in reaching new business for the Railway - the main WSR folks involved were Martyn Snell, Justin Kerr-Peterson, Sam Minter and John Simms, aided and abetted on different days by Paul Conibeare, Don Bishop, Kim Jordan and Company Chairman Chris Austin. It turned out to be a very busy four days with lots of new contacts being made, although as the Showground is on the doorstep of the East Somerset Railway the large WSR map proved very useful. Over 3500 vouchers offered visitors £1 off the cost of fares were given out and some have already been used...
6 June 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Coming down and going up...
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Cables going down and ballast going up. Western Power Distribution today completed the replacement of the overhead 33kv power cable at the WSR Association's Norton Fitzwarren worksite with an underground line right on schedule. The underground cable which was installed several weeks ago was connected and the existing overhead dismantled on Tuesday 5 June, which required considerable resources and co-ordination to ensure this major trunk line could be taken out of service and re-connected with minimum disruption to electricity supplies. The removal of the overhead cable will allow the completion of the ballast on the western chord and brings the prospect of track laying one step closer. The ever growing pile of ballast delivered by Network Rail's HOBC train has been considerably swollen in the last two weeks by several record deliveries each over 900 tonnes. The stocks which dwindled during a recent HOBC outage have now been replenished ensuring enough ballast to cover the fast emerging embankments and also to realise some useful revenue from any excess.
5 June 2007
Details from WSRA
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| • Possible Minehead-Bristol service this summer...
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A possible rail service is being aimed at Butlins holidaymakers. According to unofficial sources, rail operator Victa Westlink has applied to the Office of the Rail Regulator for an open access agreement to cover a service from Minehead to Bristol and back on Mondays and Fridays from 29 June to 10 September inclusive, also on Saturdays from 14 July to 8 September inclusive. The return fare is reported to be £21.95. Rolling stock will be in the form of two Class 31 locomotives and a rake of six coaches. It is reported that the start of the service is still subject to agreement of the Somerset CountyCouncil following change of control of the council at the last election, and may possibly be deferred. We await official confirmation...
4 June 2007
Details from local correspondent
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| • Well, somebody has to do it...
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Rain does not stop the volunteers on the West Somerset Railway. Despite heavy rain and strong winds, the Signal & Telegraph and the Permanent Way Gangs joined forces on Sunday 27 May 2007. A crank, in a rodding run, was found to be attached to a pair of rotten sleepers, during routine maintenance a few days earlier. The rotten sleepers where swiftly removed by the PW gang and replaced by brand new sleepers, specially shaped to take the crank mounting plate. The crank and associated rodding were reconnected, adjusted and tested before the end of the day. This was of course undertaken during a full timetable of service trains...
4 June 2007
Details from local correspondent
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| • Stone recycling at Norton...
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Recycling the stones in Somerset. The unique Norton Triangle Project brings 100,000 plus tons of fill materials required for the scheme as used ballast which comes free-of-charge for re-cycling to the West Somerset Railway Association - a registered charity which is developing the site - via a partnership scheme with Network Rail. The WSRA is busy recycling surplus ballast and infill which it is now selling locally as a commercial product. It also confidently expects to supply this re-cycled stone by rail to new construction projects in West Somerset. As an incentive to encourage developers to 'go green', the WSRA is also offering a draw prize of a luxury four-star dining train trip on the West Somerset Railway, plus a special pass to travel on a steam locomotive footplate, for bulk aggregate orders. Full press release...
4 June 2007
Details from WSRA
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| • Mixed Traffic Loco Rosters...
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Good news for those waiting for the Working Timetables for the Mixed Traffic Weekend. The full Working Timetables have now been released for the forthcoming Mixed Traffic Weekend which runs from 15 to 17 June 2007. Details of the rosters for the diesel locomotives are included - this should please both diesel fans and photographers alike. To download the Working Timetables, please visit the Mixed Traffic Weekend page...
4 June 2007
Details from SEPT
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