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| • New curator for the Gauge Museum...
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The West Somerset Railway Association is pleased to announce that it has appointed Ian Coleby as the new curator at the Gauge Museum. Ian said, "I am honoured to be appointed as curator of the Gauge Museum. I have been interested in the history of the railway and the local community for many years and this appointment provides the the ideal opportunity to build on that. I look forward to building on the good work done in the museum in the past and developing it in the future." The Gauge Museum and visitor centre is based in the old goods shed at Bishops Lydeard Station. It houses a collection of historical railway artefacts and archive documentation connected with the history of railways in Somerset. The goods shed was built in 1862 and thus provides an ideal starting point and interpretation centre for the many visitors to the railway throughout the year.
31 May 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • First working party for GWR Toplight no 3639...
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Work is about to get underway on the restoration of ex-GWR Toplight Coach no 3639. Seven volunteers have expressed an interest in getting involved with the restoration of Toplight no 3639 and the first working party has been arranged for Saturday 5 July 2008, from 10.30am until 4.30pm. It is hoped that James Faulckner from the Swindon & Cricklade Railway will attend the first working party to talk to us on the way forward. James and his colleagues are making a fantastic job of restoring their own Toplight. If you would like to get involved with the restoration of Toplight no 3639 come along on 5 July or ring David Stockwell on 01275 877 979. No special skills are required, just keenness and the ability to see beyond the present state of the coach to the fantastic heritage coach that it will become.
30 May 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • Find out about volunteering on the Railway...
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Come and find out all about volunteering on the award-winning West Somerset Railway. The West Somerset Railway Association is holding the next New Volunteers Day on Sunday 8 June starting with registration and coffee at 10.45am for a 11am start at The Gauge Museum, Bishops Lydeard Station, just four miles from Taunton. Staring with an introduction and itinerary for the day, followed by a DVD viewing "Not just a railway". Next, the participants catch 12.40pm train to Minehead for a visit the loco shed and the signal box. A talk about safety on the railway follows before returning on the 4 o'clock train from Minehead back to Bishops Lydeard. More information about the New Volunteers Day can be obtained by ringing the West Somerset Railway Association Office on 01823 433856.
30 May 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • Cutting slip at Washford...
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The storms of recent days have caused minor disruption to services on the West Somerset Railway. A fallen tree at Churchlands on Monday 26 May held up services for an hour. And on Wednesday 28 May, part of the cutting side just west of Washford slipped and covered the tracks. Being unable to pass the blockage, the 2.05pm from Minehead was rescued and taken back to Blue Anchor. A train service was maintained at each end of the twenty mile line, with buses transferring passengers between the railheads at Blue Anchor and Williton, also calling at Washford and Watchet. An engineering possession on the blocked section allowed a rail-mounted digger and a works train to remove the slipped material. This very smart work by the Railway's Permanent Way Department allowed the 5.45pm from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard to leave on time. The whole exercise was dealt with in a professional manner, four buses were acquired at zero notice to ship stranded passengers, and the Operating
Superintendent wishes to thank all staff involved for the way the problem was handled.
28 May 2008 Updated 29 May 2008
Details from local correspondents and WSR Plc
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| • Travel in luxury to the Gateway of Exmoor...
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From Northampton to London Euston to Minehead by luxury Pullman train on the longest day, 21 June. Also calling at Milton Keynes and Watford Junction, and after the final pick up of passengers at Euston the train makes its way to Taunton where the Stobart Pullman transfers onto the West Somerset Railway and ever on westward to Minehead, the Gateway to Exmoor. On arrival, explore this charming seaside town, with its tree-lined avenues, plentiful shops, Victorian and Edwardian architecture and the ancient harbour all overlooked by the soaring, surrounding hills. Full details...
27 May 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Your legacy could really help the Railway...
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The West Somerset Railway has appointed a Legacy Officer. Legacies have become increasingly important to the West Somerset Railway in recent years. The day-to-day income from passenger fares covers the cost of running the trains, including normal maintenance and renewals but it does not generate enough income to invest in development projects. In recent years legacy income has helped finance locomotive restoration, the purchase and protection of heritage carriages and the installation of the turntable at Minehead. The new post will be filled by Roger Stobbs. Roger is recently retired from the Met Office and is already a volunteer on the West Somerset Railway as a Travelling Ticket Inspector. Full details
27 May 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Duchess of Sutherland to stop over...
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A big red engine will spend one night on the West Somerset line. LMS Coronation Pacific 4-6-2 no 46233 Duchess of Sutherland and support coach are scheduled to visit Bishops Lydeard for a one-night stopover on Sunday 1 June, travelling tender-first from Exeter Riverside Yard, and reversing at Taunton, arriving at Bishops Lydeard at 4.53pm. Next morning 2 June, coded 5Z33, the ensemble, again tender-first. will depart Bishops Lydeard at 9.55am bound for Crewe Heritage Centre (the loco will turn at Bristol). Many thanks to uksteam.info and WSR Plc for this news item.
25 May 2008
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondent
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| • Green travel policy for D6566...
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A classic 1960s diesel locomotive is being repainted in BR green livery. The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group report Crompton Class 33 no D6566 has moved into the shed at Williton on 17 May for the paint job to commence, taking the space vacated by Warship no D832 Onslaught which, following recent attention to the MD650 engine, made its way under its own power to the yard. The Class 14 no D9526 was to have enjoyed a repaint but time is now too short and its weathered two-tone green appearance will contrast with the pristine livery on visiting sister locomotive D9520. All bodes well for the Mixed Traffic Weekend on 13-15 June 2008.
24 May 2008
Details from DEPG
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| • Nuts, nuts, nuts...
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There are a lot of nuts on the West Somerset Railway. The WSR Association Permanent Way Gang have dealt with around 6000 nuts so far this year during the annual fishplate oiling exercise. Starting from Milepost 165¼ at Norton Fitzwarren, at alternate rail joints, the Gang loosen eight fishplate nuts, grease the bolts and re-tighten the assembly. This accounts for an average of 44 joints per mile. Working only at weekends, the Gang has now reached Washford at Milepost 182 with an estimated 352 nuts for each of the 16¾ miles. After ten working days so far, the Gang is pressing on towards Blue Anchor...
24 May 2008
Details from WSRA PW Gang
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| • Strongman contest comes to Minehead...
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Heavyweights from across the country will be converging on Minehead in June. The reason - to battle for the title of PartyPoker.com Britain's Strongest Man 2008. Last year's champion, Terry Hollands, who is returning to the popular seaside resort to defend his coveted title, said, "It's great to be coming back to Minehead as it's a fantastic venue. As well as lifting cars at the harbour and barrel loading on the beach, this year the organisers have set up the fantastic new challenge of pulling steam trains at West Somerset Railway's Minehead station. That really will be a test of strength!" The event, which is sponsored by PartyPoker.com and produced by IMG Media is supported by West Somerset Council. Contestants stay at Butlins' popular holiday centre on the seafront. The TV series will be broadcast on Five. Qualifying rounds lift off between 7-9 June. The finals will be held on 11 and 12 June. Muscles will be bulging as challengers lift cars and pull trains. The presentation ceremony to announce the winner of this year's Britain's Stongest Man will be held on the beach. More...
22 May 2008
Details from WSM website
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| • Mr Hurst presents to Taunton Group...
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The next meeting of the WSRA Taunton Group is scheduled to be on Monday 2 June 2008. At the usual time and venue - 7.45pm at the GWR Staff Association Snug Bar at Taunton Station) - the speaker will be Mr Ed Hurst, well-known (particularly to readers of Steam Railway magazine, to which he frequently contributes) as a very competent railway photographer. His title is to be "Steam in Medium Format". Medium format photography provides, of course, the opportunity for some high quality shots. This talk will be followed by a two month break, with the next meeting scheduled for Monday 1 September, when the speaker will be WSRA member Mr David Hartland, always an entertaining speaker, with the title "The Sparks Flew Upwards".
22 May 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • Green light for railway development...
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Local planners have given the green light for an ambitious heritage railway-related development at Bishops Lydeard on the West Somerset Railway which will provide much needed new visitor facilities on the twenty mile line. Taunton Deane Borough Council’s planning committee met on Wednesday 21 May and councillors voted to grant planning permission for the West Somerset Railway’s proposed Museum, Carriage Display building, other tourist facilities and associated developments adjacent to Bishops Lydeard station. Local councillors voted in favour of all aspects of the scheme. One councillor commented at the time that the scheme "ticked all the boxes". West Somerset Steam Railway Trust Project Director Robin White, said: "This is a great vote of confidence in the West Somerset Railway by Taunton Deane Borough Council and will help us provide some much needed, top class facilities at Bishops Lydeard." Full press release...
22 May 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • Additional Bank Holiday Weekend trains...
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The chance to travel on the Norton Fitzwarren section over the Bank Holiday Weekend. The 11.25am from Minehead Diesel Multiple Unit service after calling at Bishops Lydeard will leave again at 12.50pm and continue to Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 24, Sunday 25 and Monday 26 May. A reminder that passengers cannot leave the train at Norton Fitzwarren. Upon arrival back at Bishops Lydeard at 1.25pm the DMU will run to sidings for service before the next booked duty, the 3.15pm to Minehead. The good news is that standard day rover tickets will include this extra trip. Return tickets are also available, for example from Watchet to Norton Fitzwarren and back will cost £12.20 (adult), £10.40 (senior), £6.10 (child); and from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren and back will cost £5.40 (adult), £4.60 (senior), £2.70 (child).
21 May 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • A double-headed Rat run...
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A Double-Rat non-stop special at the Mixed Traffic Event. The Saturday of the Event will see a non-stop run using double-headed Class 25 locos - nos D7523 and D7512 - over the length of the line. The aim is to re-create the days of the Cambrian Coast Express. Meantime, Class 20 no 20110 will be making one round trip only between Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe at 7pm (to be confirmed) on the Friday evening. The loco will then be on static display for the rest of the weekend. Hymek no D7017 - the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group are sorry to report that D7017 will not now be ready for the Mixed Traffic Event. This comes at a great blow to the team. The loco will be ready shortly after the event. The engine work is still progressing with other work taking place too. Class 42 Warship no D832 Onslaught has now arrived courtesy of the Bury Hydraulic Group who are based on the East Lancashire Railway. The locomotive is now repaired and will be running. Class 14 no D9520 will come down from the Nene Valley Railway and Class 37 no D6737 from the South Devon Railway will also be attending. The Mixed Traffic Event is on 13, 14 and 15 June 2008.
20 May 2008
Details from DEPG
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| • Help needed urgently at Bishops Lydeard Station...
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Station staff needed urgently at Bishops Lydeard Station. The WSR Association reports an acute shortage of station staff due mainly to illness. Some days only one person is on duty - not really enough for a busy station like Bishops Lydeard. Therefore, if anyone would like to come along to Bishops Lydeard Station and help us out, you will be made very welcome and will receive a thorough training, if necessary. The days must urgently needing cover are Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. But, help on any other days would also be gratefully received. If anyone would like to help, please contact Ken Davidge. Station Master at Bishops Lydeard, on 01404 44021 or by email...
19 May 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • News about Dinmore Manor...
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Some good news about Dinmore Manor. The Dinmore Manor Fund website reports "With many thanks to all our new and existing supporters we now have the funding in place to commence with Dinmore Manor's overhaul with the aim to have the overhaul complete in time for the start of the 2012 running season. However, this is only stage one of our plan for the future so if you would wish to help us achieve our further aims please consider joining us! In mid summer Dinmore Manor is to be moved to the West Somerset Railway Association works at Williton so that the boiler can be removed from the frames for a full internal examination."
19 May 2008
Details from Dinmore Manor Fund website
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| • The Brunel Buffet is open for business...
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The Brunel Buffet opens for business. Following extensive refurbishment and a repaint into the WSR livery, former mainline MkIII Buffet Car no 10205 was kindly donated to the Railway in 2007 by Porterbrook Leasing. And now the coach forms the Brunel Buffet and is now situated on the seafront at Minehead adjacent to the buffer stops. The Brunel Buffet has reopened for business and will be open seven days a week, from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Morning coffee is followed by light lunches and afternoon tea in very pleasant surroundings whilst watching the engines at the end of their journey from Bishops Lydeard.
18 May 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Find out about volunteering on the Railway...
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Come and find out all about volunteering on the award-winning West Somerset Railway. The West Somerset Railway Association is holding the next New Volunteers Day on Sunday 8 June starting at 11am at Bishops Lydeard Station, just four miles from Taunton. Representatives from the various departments which run the West Somerset Railway will be on hand to explain the work involved in running the twenty mile heritage line to Minehead. The work includes jobs to suit all sorts of abilities and experience. For those who like exercise in the fresh air there are the work parties on the track and looking after the lineside vegetation, whilst people who enjoy meeting other people and helping them to enjoy their day out will be welcome as station staff or in the buffet cars on the trains. Jobs that are more traditionally thought of as "working on the railway" such as guards, signalmen, ticket inspectors, signalling engineers and locomotive crews are also recruiting new volunteers. After being welcomed and briefed at Bishops Lydeard the new volunteers will have an opportunity to see the West Somerset Railway at work for themselves, leaving Bishops Lydeard by the 12.40pm steam train and returning on the 2.15pm from Minehead. The day will end around 4pm at Bishops Lydeard. More information about the New Volunteers Day can be obtained by ringing the West Somerset Railway Association Office on 01823 433856.
18 May 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Hopes boosted for planning permission...
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Promising news for plans for the Heritage Carriages museum. The Bishops Lydeard Station Farm planning application - which includes the plans for a Railway Museum alongside the Station - gets favourable recommendations from the Planning Officer, as revealed in the papers submitted to the forthcoming meeting of the Planning Committee of Taunton Deane Borough Council. The recommended application, which includes housing and tourist facilities, will be considered to the meeting on 21 May.
15 May 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • A way forward for Williton Footbridge...
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A way forward for the Williton Footbridge perhaps. The ex-Trowbridge footbridge has occupied part of the forecourt at Williton Station for nearly twenty years. Now, moves are afoot to plan the way forward for the structure. hopefully culminating in its installation and the recreation of a long-lost feature of Williton Station. Following an inspection by David Redfern of engineers Fain Redfern who managed the recent turntable refurbishment, a professional report on the condition of the footbridge along with some budgetary figures for the necessary works has been prepared and will be considered at a meeting at Williton Station at 2.30pm on Sunday 18 May 2008. Those who want to see a Great Western Railway footbridge returned to use at Williton Station be sure to be at the meeting...
15 May 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • Jazz at the end of the Branch...
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A steam train ride through the Somerset countryside with a jazz band playing on arrival at Minehead Station. Tickets for this Special Train on Saturday 24 May include food (lamb roast or a vegetarian option) and the first drink from the platform bar. The Jazz Special train leaves Bishops Lydeard at 6.30pm getting to Minehead about an hour later. There is plenty of time to enjoy the music from the Tone Valley Jazz Band and the food. A wonderful way to start the Late Spring Bank Holiday weekend. More details...
14 May 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Heritage carriages working party...
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Sunday 11 May 2008 saw the first working party on the three coaches from Buckfastleigh which are to join the Heritage Carriages Project. Led by Clive Fairchild the working party included Clive's wife Kathy, Mike and Jennie Dunse and Ali Parsons. Collett coach no 4546 was the subject of the working party's attention. They securely stowed a number of loose body parts of the vehicle and carried out a general tidy up of this vehicle which is stored in a rather inaccessible area. Further work will involve installing timber bracing to stabilise the structure of this vehicle. Finally, all three vehicles, nos 3631, 3665 and 4546, at Buckfastleigh will require sheeting over to make them fit for the trip up the motorway to the WSR. If you would like to assist with the next working party, Clive can be contacted via info@wssrt.co.uk...
13 May 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • A thousand excursionists...
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Last weekend, 10-11 May, were two of the busiest days to date in 2008 for the West Somerset Railway. The Railway welcomed 1000 extra excursionists to Minehead Station and into the local economy of West Somerset. With the sun shining and its own steam trains also running with excellent loadings the Railway’s staff and volunteers had a busy build-up period and weekend which brought considerable benefits to other local businesses. Saturday 10 May was enlivened by the arrival of two excursion trains from the national main line network. Two Class 67 diesels worked a special from Altrincham on behalf of the Mid-Cheshire Rail Users Group who were making their second trip to the West Somerset whilst First Great Western ran an excursion from Westbury, Bath, Bristol and Weston-Super-Mare which was a charity fund raiser for the Railway Children charity whose work is based around helping orphaned and homeless children who live at railway stations in the developing world. First reports suggest that the special train, whose First Great Western staff worked for free, raised over £8,000. Next day, members of the Westland Vintage Motorcyclists again visited the Railway and travelled on the trains as part of their "Spirit of the Sixties" tour of Somerset.
13 May 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Buy WSR souvenirs and gifts online...
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Now you can order online from the Buffer Stop Shop. The Buffer Stop Shop is the retail outlet of the West Somerset Railway Plc and is based in Minehead. The Buffer Stop shop is able to provide a wide range of railway souvenirs and gifts including books, DVDs, leisure wear and other bespoke items. The Buffer Stop shop is located in the West Somerset Railway's seaside terminus at Minehead Station. And now, many items can be purchased from the Buffer Stop Shop's online service. Just go to the Shop webpage on the official website.
11 May 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • The Family Fun Weekend...
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News of a new fun event on the West Somerset Railway. It's the first "Family Fun Weekend" on 5-6 July - a new summer event with plenty to see and do on or near the West Somerset Railway. Entertainments on the platforms at Williton on the Sunday and both days at Minehead. Some trucks might be storing up some trouble at Washford for a little green engine. Free trips on a heritage bus between Dunster Station and Dunster Village and Dunster Castle. Book your tickets in advance you will be able to save money and enter a Treasure Hunt. Look out for things to see at each station along the line. Full Details...
9 May 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • No Hymek for Mixed Traffic event but...
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It has been announced that Hymek no D7017 will not run during the Mixed Traffic Weekend in June. The rebuild of the Maybach MD870 engine destined for D7017 continues to move forward. But problems with the two turbochargers mean the engine will not ready in time to pressure test it out of the locomotive and then, assuming a successful test, install it in the locomotive so D7017 could be used in the forthcoming Mixed Traffic Weekend. However, during the event, the Maybach MD870 engine and the locomotive will be displayed for inspection by visitors at Williton. Meantime, efforts are under way to source a big mainline diesel to visit and haul trains during the event...
8 May 2008
Details from local correspondents
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| • Finishing touches to the turntable...
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The turntable is looking good and will shortly be connected to Bay Siding One. However, before it can be used for turning engines, a good deal of work remains to be done. This work includes centring the turntable laterally to make sure it will balance properly; adjustment of the table height; adjustment of the turntable bolts; bolting down the outlet road castings; completion of brickwork; fencing. Some of this work will require input from the specialist contractor Steelway. This is the first turntable the Railway have installed, and it needs to be right!
8 May 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Twenty five Jags visit the line...
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Twenty five French-registered Jaguar cars lined up in the Bishops Lydeard Station car park was sure to turn some heads. On Thursday May 8 2008, as part of their six-day "Rallye en Grande-Bretagne", a group of French Jaguar car owners brought their machines to the line and then made a return journey between Bishops Lydeard and Williton. Whilst at Williton, they were due for a guided tour of the facilities of the West Somerset Restoration's workshops which undertake a wide variety of engineering work on vintage machinery and also includes cars in its work portfolio.
8 May 2008
Details from local correspondents
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| • Two excursion trains in one day...
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Staff at the West Somerset Railway are looking forward to the arrival of two excursion trains on Saturday 10 May. The first to arrive is a High Speed Train from Westbury which is being run by First Great Western to raise funds for the Railway Children charity - full details. The HST is followed on to the Minehead Branch by a thirteen-coach special from Altrincham, powered by two Class 67 diesel locomotives. With the normal steam services also using the line, it is sure to be a very busy day for railway staff. And of course busy for the seaside resort of Minehead which will benefit from the influx of hundreds of rail-borne visitors.
7 May 2008
Details from local correspondents
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| • Refurbished waiting room complete...
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At long last the up waiting room at Crowcombe Heathfield Station is almost complete, just a few coats of paint to finish. The Station Team write: "The room has been restored, as far as we can tell, to the 1861 condition, with certain modern updates. Starting at the top, a complete new ceiling has been installed, as the original lath and plaster one fell down. The opportunity was taken to install modern concealed light on each side of the room to illuminate to sales tables. A centre light, complete with plaster centre rose, will have a replica oil lamp, very generously donated. The station only had oil lamps up to 1977. Moving down the walls, all the old panelling was removed, as it was rotten with damp owing to lack of damp course. A damp proof membrane was installed, complete with new hand made panels. When the old rotten floor was removed, it revelled no foundations, just earth. New sleeper walls, damp proof course, joists and tongue & groove boards were laid.. We now have the best waiting room in the West, to match the kitchen we did last year. Both are being reopened by Lady Gass, HM Lord Lieutenant of Somerset and Great, Great Granddaughter of Sir Peregrine Acland, who found the WSR in 1856, during the Mid Summer Madness event on Friday 20 June".
6 May 2008
Details from Crowcombe Heathfield Station Team
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| • Cutting back on cutting back...
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With the nesting season in full swing the work of the Cutting Back Team is somewhat curtailed. However there is always something that needs doing so on the weekend of 9-10 May the Team will attend to some urgent maintenance tasks. The ditch near Norton Bridge alongside the Fishing Pond (a former "borrow pit" which was excavated to provide material for the nearby roadway embankments) and the Halse Water behind Norton Manor Camp are both blocked with trees and branches and need clearing. In addition the accommodation crossing at Norton has to be cleared ready for the Steam Rally in August. The Team will be based on the stone site at Norton Fitzwarren for the weekend - free parking for all. Old and new members welcome. See you there...
3 May 2008
Details from WSRA
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