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| • The 2008 WSRA Draw is a great success...
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The lucky winners of the West Somerset Railway Association 2008 Draw were recently announced. The draw took place at 1pm on 15 November at Bishops Lydeard Station. The top prize of £1,000 went to a gentleman from Sidmouth; a lady from Rochdale won the £500 second prize; the third prize of £200 went to a Taunton resident; and a couple from Clevedon won the £100 fourth prize. No less than twenty others won prizes of £50 each. The Draw raised £18,000 for the Norton Fitzwarren Development Fund. The WSR Association would like to thank everyone who took part. A full list of winners is available on the WSRA website.
29 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • WSRA Taunton Group Christmas Quiz...
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A reminder that the next meeting of the West Somerset Railway Association Taunton Group will be held on Monday 1 December. This will be the annual Christmas Quiz. As last year, this will be an informal affair, with audience participation, rather than the more formal competition formerly held, and will is sure to be a social occasion, with the aid of the nearby bar. As in the past, Walter Harris, Station Master at Crowcombe Heathfield, had kindly put together the Quiz from slides in his possession. The Quizmaster will probably again be Martin Southwood, who has kindly agreed to help. As usual, the meeting will be held in the Snug Bar of the GWRSA building at the north east corner of Taunton Station, starting at 7.45pm hours. As usual, non-members are also welcome to attend.
28 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • Four million passengers...
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Another important milestone approaches for the West Somerset Railway. One of the passengers who travels on the Railway's Santa Special trains on 6 December will be making history as the four millionth traveller on the twenty mile long heritage railway since it re-opened at Easter 1976. "We expect the historic traveller to be a passenger on our 10.10am Santa Special train between Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe Heathfield on the 6th", said WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare who will be Bishops Lydeard Station to welcome them. "From the time we re-opened it took until 1989 to reach one million passengers, we passed two million in 1997 and the three millionth travelled in 2003. We hope that it will not be too long until we reach the 5 million."
25 November 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Steam Trust announces two events in 2009...
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The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust have announced two public events in 2009. First, all interested folks are cordially invited to an update on the Heritage Carriages Project to be held at the Ruishton Inn, Ruishton near Taunton on 31 January 2009 starting at 6.30pm. Then on Saturday 28 March 2009 - the second Saturday of the Spring Steam Gala - the Trust are hosting a film night at Crowcombe Village Hall in aid of the Heritage Carriages Project, showing the classic film The Train with Burt Lancaster. Made in 1964 with full co-operation of French Railways, the film shows the theft of France's art treasures being foiled by French Railwaymen, led by Burt Lancaster. It includes unforgettable sequences including a train being driven through an air raid and a real train crash including several SNCF locomotives. Further information on both events can be found at the Trust's website.
24 November 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • King Edward I for Winter Steam Festival...
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GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 will appear at the Winter Steam Festival in late December. "King Edward I" will arrive on the West Somerset Railway in the late afternoon of 22 December. No 6024 will be stabled at Williton over the festive period and will then join five other steam locomotives - nos 88, 9351, 6695, 3850 and 34046 - for the two-day Winter Steam Festival on 28-29 December 2008. Paul Conibeare the Railway’s General Manager said "To ride behind two wonderful engines during our Winter Steam Festival will be a marvellous bonus for travellers blowing away any Christmas excesses before the New Year arrives."
24 November 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Working on the Barnstaple formation...
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The West Somerset Railway Association report work in progress to level the Allerford length of the old Barnstaple branch prior to ballasting. The works have revealed the original formation was widened on the Up side using locomotive ash - probably from Taunton shed. This is more likely to have occurred during the installation of a second track in the 1930s. The formation rises sharply as it approaches the remains of the bridge over Allerford Lane and the formation is being lowered slightly to reduce the slope - the extra material being re-used to widen the trackbed to accommodate the ten foot requirement between tracks on what will eventually become a siding and a headshunt.
21 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • Another chance to drive Braunton...
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Due to the popularity of the Yuletide Special Steam Engineman courses, which are now full, it has been decided to run another course on Friday 12 December 2008 from Minehead. There will be four people per course and it will feature both driving and firing with two full round trips from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard (or vice-versa) hauling empty coaches with one pair driving and firing while the other pair assist the Guard. A meal will be available and is included in the price of £450 per person. This course is only suitable for those people that have completed WSR Steam Engineman Stage One to Stage Three because of the complexities of the locomotive. Ring 01643 704996 or email the Railway to secure a place.
19 November 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Sponsored Walk is a great success...
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The West Somerset Railway Sponsored Walk was a great success. With 73 walkers pre-registered and those signing up on the day brought the total to over 120 participants enjoying the ten mile walk along the trackbed from Williton to Minehead on 16 November 2008, much to the organisers delight! The weather, whilst not sunny was mainly dry with only fleeting showers and everyone completed the walk safely with no injuries reported. St John Ambulance, Minehead Division put in a strong and very visible presence under the guiding hand of the Railway's Medical Officer Dr Tony Bray. Organiser Mike Webber said "Many thanks to all the Station Staff, Signalmen, the DMU crew and the Caterers who gave up their day to make the walk a success. Also thank you to those Marshalls, Sweepers and Medical Crew who ensured a safe and enjoyable walk. "
19 November 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • Another heritage carriage arrives...
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Another vehicle has arrived at Williton for the Heritage Carriages Project. Ex-GWR Collett CK no 5929 made the trip to Somerset from Leeds where a team of West Somerset Steam Railway Trust volunteers had spent some months preparing the carriage for removal. This task was made even more difficult due to the carriage once being cut in half, including the solebars. No 5929, now in one piece again, was inspected recently by the WSR Chief Mechanical Engineer, Andy Forster, who advised that a permanent repair of the underframe should not present problems. Pictures of No 5969 - and an Project Update - can be seen at the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust website. Meantime, the Trust are concentrating on GWR Toplight no 3639 with working parties booked for 29 November, 6 December and 20 December, all at the Swindon Shed, Williton from 10.30am to 4.30pm. New hands are especially welcome.
18 November 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • News from Bishops Lydeard Station...
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The RAMS are not moving just yet but the Taunton Model Railway Group will be moving on. Due to a revised financial programme the BG van used as a paint shop by the Restoration and Maintenance Squad (RAMS) at Bishops Lydeard Station will not be refurbished by the WSR Plc in 2009 and can therefore continue its present role. The planned installation of containers as a replacement paint shop will not now take place. Meantime, the WSR Association wish to make better use of the area between the Goods Shed and the Station Building which is currently occupied by the Taunton Model Railway Group housed in an ex-Nissen hut. The present licence for the Group runs out in August 2009 and the Group had been promised at least 12 months notice by the WSR Plc. The Taunton Model Railway Group have now been given notice to leave on 31 December 2009, which is a 14 month period of notice and a 4 month extension on the present licence. The WSRA Committee will be developing proposals during 2009 to ensure that this site makes a significant contribution to the Railway and the Association from the start of the 2010 season.
14 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • An extra Christmas Quantock Belle...
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Just right for those wanting a leisurely lunch after Christmas. On 30 December 2008, the West Somerset Railway Association are offering an extra special Quantock Belle luxury dining train. For just £34 per person, the steam-hauled special will leave Bishops Lydeard around lunch time. En route to Minehead, a three course Roast Beef Lunch will be served at the table. And on the return trip, mince pies! Ring 01823 433856 for reservations...
Updated 18 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • Drive a Bulleid Pacific on the WSR...
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Drive the superbly-restored West Country steam engine on the Minehead Branch. On the 15, 16 and 17 December 2008 there is a special opportunity to drive "West Country" class locomotive no 34046 Braunton for a round trip with a rake of coaches. There will be four people per course and it will feature both driving and firing with two full round trips from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard (or vice-versa) hauling empty coaches with one pair driving and firing while the other pair assist the Guard. A meal will be available and is included in the price of £450 per person. This course is only suitable for those people that have completed WSR Steam Engineman Stage One to Stage Three because of the complexities of the locomotive. Ring 01643 704996 or email the Railway to secure a place.
13 November 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • The Sponsored Walk attracts lots of walkers...
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Over 70 people have now registered for the Sponsored Walk and with others turning up on the day it is possible over 100 will do the walk on 16 November. Registrations have now closed - but - it's not too late for those want to just turn - just check the full Walk details by checking the links on the Sponsored Walk 2008 page. Walkers can choose to give all the sponsorship to the WSSRT or to split it between the Heritage Carriages Project and the Hospice. Sponsorship forms and lots for information can be found at the Sponsored Walk 2008 page. More about the Heritage Carriages Project can be found here...
13 November 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • Busy on the tracks...
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Much autumn and winter track work is planned on the West Somerset Railway. The Railway's Civil Engineering Department have recently brought in specialist welding contractors to repair the pointwork at Washford and elsewhere. The work is to national network quality standards and as a result these components are now as good as new in terms of integrity, lifespan and ride quality. Meantime, at the occupation crossing just to the east of River Avill Overflow Bridge, ballast was fully dug out, the life expired sleepers in the level crossing section removed and replaced and the track lifted and re-ballasted to its correct top level. This has improved the ride in this vicinity. A major task will be started soon - the relaying of a stretch of trackwork in the cutting near Helwell Bay, requiring a major excavation of the contaminated ballast and renewal with fresh ballast, with associated track lifting and re-packing. In the longer term the drainage within the cutting will require improvement.
11 November 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • A TV repeat for the Simon Calder WSR visit...
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The Simon Calder programme screened a few weeks back on local BBC channel is to be repeated. As one of a series, BBC4 are planning to repeat the programme at 8.30pm on 27 November. It will have a slightly different name in the schedule, "Beeching's Tracks". The series starts on Thursday 13 November with the BBC East programme, presented by Nick Crane of Coast fame. After visiting Portishead, Simon’s journey continues by bicycle along the Strawberry Line between Yatton and Cheddar. Then he crosses the Somerset Levels to Taunton. Although the tracks remain in place, there are no longer any rail services from Taunton out to the seaside resort of Minehead.
8 November 2008
Details from BBC via local correspondents
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| • A day for new volunteers at Minehead...
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The West Somerset Railway is holding an Open Day on Sunday 23 November for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to help with the running of Minehead Railway Station. Any potential volunteers will be welcome to come along between 10.30am and 3.30pm. Minehead Station Master Alan Scott explained what the work of the station entails. "Minehead is the headquarters of the West Somerset Railway and as such the offices are open from 9 to 5 on 363 days of the year. This means that we need volunteers who can answer questions, either by telephone or to personal callers, take bookings for Special Trains such as our Santa Specials, deal with lost property, help assemble and send out mail shots and generally to work towards continuing making the West Somerset Railway a successful part of the local economy." Alan continued: "We also have volunteer maintenance parties on a couple of days a week who look after the station itself and its surroundings and that means we also have volunteer opportunities for painting, woodwork,metalwork, gardening or just generally helping to keep what is a large area looking clean and tidy. We’re looking forward to welcoming potential new recruits to our ranks and will be happy to answer questions on the day. And if anyone would like to combine seeing what we do at the station with a spot of Christmas Shopping our Buffer Stop Shop will be open."
8 November 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Cutting back this weekend...
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The Cutting Back Gang will be out again on 8 and 9 November. If you like fresh air and good company with a little physical work thrown in for good measure perhaps a day or two with the WSR's Cutting Back Gang is for you this weekend. Continuing the work between Black Monkey Bridge and Horse Parks Crossing, the Gang will welcome new and previous members. Those Gang members from the southern end of the line should meet at the WSRA's Brunel House at 8.50am to collect the equipment for transport to the work site before meeting up with members from the Minehead end of the line. A splendid time is guaranteed for all...
7 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • Still time to join the Sponsored Walk...
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If you fancy a walk in the fresh air, some stunning coastal scenery and a bit of local railway heritage, then the WSR Sponsored Walk is for you. More than 60 people have already signed up for the Sponsored Walk along the West Somerset Railway from Williton to Minehead on Sunday 16 November taking the rare opportunity to walk, safely, along the tracks of the Railway. Walkers can pre-register and get all the Walk details. Meantime, those who simply want to turn up on the day should make themselves fully aware of the full Walk details by checking the links on the Sponsored Walk 2008 page. Each of the Stations en route will be manned by marshalls and helpers with tea and coffee also available. Those who complete the Walk will receive a smart Certificate. And a Hornby locomotive awaits the walker who raises the most money! The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust are pleased to be running this walk in conjunction with St Margarets Somerset Hospice. Walkers can choose to give all the sponsorship to the WSSRT or to split it between the Heritage Carriages Project and the Hospice. Sponsorship forms and lots for information can be found at the Sponsored Walk 2008 page. More about the Heritage Carriages Project can be found here...
6 November 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • WSR pictures needed for 2010 calendar...
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High-quality images of scenes on the West Somerset Railway are being sought for the 2010 calendar. Colin Howard, Manager of the Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead Station is currently compiling material for the calendar. The publication is a very popular sales item and photographers are sure to get a warm glow knowing their picture or pictures will adorn the walls of homes and offices around the globe. If you can help, please contact Colin by email.
5 November 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • WSR Association Treasurer...
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The WSR Association are looking for a Treasurer. Have you the time to spare and looking for a fresh challenge - if so, the Association are looking for a qualified accountant (chartered or certified) to join the Board and to take responsibility for the financial affairs of the Association. The WSRA is entering an exciting period of change and development over the next five years and someone with drive and enthusiasm will help deliver this agenda. Interested? Want to talk about it before going any further? Then call Robin White WSRA Chairman on 07710 336807. For more details including job description please email the WSRA Company Secretary Penny Gardiner Closing date is Friday 19 December 2008.
5 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • Is the WSR in your Will...
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Remember to include the WSR in your Will so that thousands more people will be able to experience the joy of heritage railways. A legacy or gift of any size would be most welcome and, as both the WSRA and WSSRT are registered charities, it may prevent your estate from paying inheritance tax. Better your money goes to the WSR rather than the Treasury! Whilst the day-to-day income from fares, shops and catering covers the normal running and maintenance of trains, it does not generate enough to invest in projects such as expansion, education, restoration, conservation. A leaflet is available from the WSR Legacy Officer who is also happy to discuss matters confidentially and answer any queries you may have. More on the WSRA website...
5 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • New designs for 2009 Blue Anchor supplies ...
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The limited edition of the 2009 Blue Anchor Mugs run to 252 items only. The 2009 Mugs show Braunton arriving at Blue Anchor Station and may well become collectors items again. The five designs for 2009 Fridge Magnets show SDJR no 88; Braunton, Prairies nos 4160 and 5553 and Wadebridge at Blue Anchor Station. And new for 2009 - Environmentally Friendly Shopping Bags. The cotton bags show Braunton at Blue Anchor Station and can be used again and again to help the carbon footprint of the Railway. All these items will be available to purchase at the Winter Steam Festival. Make sure you purchase early as stocks are limited...
4 November 2008
Details from Blue Anchor Station
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| • Dick Wood heads for South Devon...
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WSR Steam Driver Dick Wood is to be the new General Manager at the award-winning South Devon Railway. In a change of career, volunteer worker and Devon PR business owner Dick Wood will take over the reins when popular, long-serving general manager Richard Elliott retires next April. New General Manager Dick Wood (52) has been a volunteer and supporter of the SDR since 1971 and serves as a fireman on the line. After working across the UK and the South West region in a number of senior PR and marketing positions for both central and local government organisations, Dick Wood has run his own successful PR business since 1998 serving a number of businesses and tourism clients. In addition to his railway experience on the SDR, Dick Wood is a steam train driver and long-serving volunteer on the West Somerset Railway. [We understand Dick will be back to the WSR from time to time. Commenting to this website, Dick added "I certainly won’t forget the WSR and have every intention of remaining as a driver and helping in other ways if I can."]
2 November 2008
Details from the South Devon Railway
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