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Passenger totals are up
Up to the end of May, the West Somerset Railway carried more passengers than last year. Aided by generally good weather over the two Bank Holiday Weekends the Railway had a successful May and at the end of the month the total passenger figure had reached 61,604 as against 54,798 at the same stage in 2008. With the Tornado effect in early June - estimated by some observers to have at least doubled the expected passenger numbers - and the successful Mixed Traffic Weekend, the upward trend should be maintained. Very encouraging, although there's a long way to go, of course. The next event likely to bring out the crowds is the Days Out with Thomas weekend on 4-5 July.
26 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Changes afoot on the permanent way
The West Somerset Railway permanent way gets several mentions in the latest in-house newsletter, Online. The Railway have commissioned an independent inspection report on the Railway's permanent way from Phil Kirkland, Civil Engineer to Tyne and Wear Metro. Phil's report will be delivered soon. Also, the Plc Board have agreed to bring the management of the Railway's infrastructure back in-house, with the employent of a civil engineering manager, supported by an independent consulting engineer as required. The changeover will likely happen in April 2010. And, the Board have agreed to the use of modern, affordable flat-bottomed rail in remote areas, releasing the more historically accurate bullhead rail for public and prominent areas of the Railway. Bullhead rail is becoming more difficult to obtain.
25 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Bill and Ben and Thomas arrive soon
Three small locos - great favourites of children everywhere - will soon arrive at Minehead for a special weekend of fun in early July. Courtesy of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, Bagnall 0-4-0STs nos 2572 and 3058, better known as Bill and Ben will appear with a rather famous blue tank engine played by Hunslet 0-6-0T no 686 The Lady Armaghdale, from the Severn Valley Railway, at the Days Out with Thomas event on the West Somerset Railway on 4-5 July 2009. The twins should arrive on 1 July, and Thomas the day before.
24 June 2009
Details from local correspondents and WSR Plc
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Old Steamer
Old Steamer has been specially created by Cotleigh Brewery to celebrate the Steam Heritage of the West Somerset Railway. Cotleigh describe their creation as having "a bright golden coloured beer." and being "Smooth and malty with a background of honey flavour offering a refreshing and citrus smooth finish." The ingredients are "Pale and Crystal malts; Goldings, Challenger and Styrian hops." Old Steamer is the result of a partnership between the WSR and Cotleigh Brewery. Enjoy and help the Railway at the same time.
24 June 2009
Details from Cotleigh Brewery
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New timings for First Bus Service 28
Visitors planning to use the bus from Taunton to the West Somerset Railway at Bishops Lydeard may wish to note some changes to the bus times. With effect from 12 July the timings of First Bus number 28 services between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard will be changed. Departures from Taunton are at 5.35 m (not Saturdays), 6.15am and then at 5 and 35 minutes past the hour until the evening services start at 5pm. All services departing between 9.05am and 4.05pm are due to travel via Bishops Lydeard Railway Station, setting down there at 6 and 36 minutes past the hour. Starting at 11.56am the departures from Bishops Lydeard station towards Taunton will be at 26 and 56 minutes past the hour until 6.56pm. For more information please contact First on 01823 272033.
24 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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News from the Heritage Carriages Project
The Heritage Carriages Project is firmly moving forward. The Project Team have accepted the initial quote of Colin Worrall at Crewe to begin work on GWR BCK no 6705, and Walt Denning has agreed to act as the Trust's project manager at Crewe. There are four coaches stood in the yard at Williton and one in the Swindon shed. A further vehicle stands at Williton and two more in Minehead yard. Help is required to help speed the work at Crewe, the Project Team are looking for a small team of volunteers who will be able to undertake unskilled or semi-skilled work on No 6705. Also, the Project Team will have a publicity stand at the WSR Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally at Norton Fitzwarren on 1-2 August, and volunteers to help man the stand would be very welcome. Lots more news about the Heritage Carriages Project at the website of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust...
22 June 2009
Details from WSSRT
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An fundraising afternoon on the West Somerset Railway
Enjoy an afternoon on the Minehead Branch and help raise funds for a local hospice. St Margaret's Somerset Hospice are organising a trip on the West Somerset Railway on 27 June 2009, leaving on the 2.25pm steam train from Bishops Lydeard Station. Tickets are available from the Fundraising Office on 01935 709485. All in support of St Margaret's Somerset Hospice. Further details....
22 June 2009
Details from local correspondent
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Summer diesel running dates
The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group have announced the dates of diesel haulage of trains on the West Somerset Railway for the summer. Recently returned to traffic Hymek no D7017 will work on 11, 25 July and 1, 8 August; Crompton no D6566 hauls trains on 15, 29 August; whilst on 22 August, it is the turn of Warship no D832 Onslaught. See the timetables for the actual train diagrams. Class 14 no D9526 works a relief train during the CAMRA Beer Festival on 12-13 September. D9526 and D7017 will also appear at the Somerset in Autumn event on 24-25 October. For more about the West Somerset Railway diesel fleet, see the DEPG website.
21 June 2009
Details from DEPG
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The return of Thomas to West Somerset
After a break of a year the famous little blue tank engine is back on the West Somerset Railway this year for the weekend of 4-5 July 2009. If you haven't been before this is how it works. Thomas gives rides in and out of Minehead Station whilst his bigger friends including Gordon, Henry and Daisy the Diesel Railcar run the trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. When Thomas needs to take some water his place may be taken by Ben or Bill who will be otherwise occupied with "Troublesome Trucks" while Sir Topham Hatt tries to keep all in order. Professor Popcorn will perform his magical music show three times on each day, there will be games and competitions and outside the station two vintage buses, rather like Bertie or Bulgy will offer rides around the town. Mrs. Kyndley is very proud of her new café by the turntable and the Buffer Stop Shop has plenty of tempting things on sale. More details...
17 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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News about the Autumn Steam Gala
For 2009, the Autumn Steam Gala has a Great Western Railway theme. Lots of examples of the GWR's famous state-of-the-art locomotives will be massed in West Somerset. Nos 5043, 5322, 5542, 7760, 6024, 6695, 6960, 7802 or 7812, 7903, 9466 have been requested to attend the event on 1-4 October, to join GWR representatives from the home fleet - 4160, 5553, 3850 and 9351. As ever, there will be an intensive timetable including a local train service and shunting demonstrations at Washford and Minehead. Please note the locomotive line-up will be finalised and published during July 2009.
Updated: 22 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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The Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally 2009
Preparations are well advanced for the Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally at the WSRA Norton Fields on 1 and 2 August 2009. This year, the Rally will have a large steam section featuring full size and miniature traction engines and, possibly, a steam boat for the first time. Vintage cars, motorcycles, fire engines, military and commercial vehicles will be on show, all sections being well supported. Stationary engines will line the approach to the main arena areas. Vintage railway wagons will provide a backdrop to the fields and it is hoped that modern traction will be on view for the first time. The Pump Trolley Experience will be available on one leg of the triangle. The heritage buses will be running from and from Taunton Station, and this year the new Norton Halt will host a DMU shuttle service to and from Bishops Lydeard Station. The 9.25am train from Minehead will be a through train to Norton. Further details...
17 June 2009
Details from WSRA
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Helping the Heroes
Somerset folks make a magnificent contribution to help the heroes. During a wonderful evening last Thursday spent behind the celebrity steam locomotive no 60163 Tornado, the 1st Dunster Scouts with a little help from a group of Marines of 40 Commando collected £931.50 towards the Help for Heroes charity. GB Rail Freight, a great supporter of the charity, is planning to bring a passenger charter onto the WSR on 11 July 2009. It is planned that this amount will be made up to at least £1000 and presented to Help for Heroes when the GB Rail Freight charter arrives. The Railway express their thanks to everyone that contributed on the night especially the A1 Trust, John Cronin SEPT Chairman and those WSR volunteers and staff that gave up their time to make the evening possible.
15 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Oliver Cromwell arrives on the West Somerset
No 70013 arrived, running tender first from Bristol, on the Minehead Branch. BR Class 7 4-6-2 no 70013 Oliver Cromwell will be stabled on the West Somerset Railway for a couple of weeks and is expected to be on static display at Minehead for the duration of its stay. As we understand at present, the locomotive will not be used on service trains on the line.
15 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondents
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An MBE for Iris Horn of Stogumber Station
Iris Horn, Station Master of Stogumber Station on the West Somerset Railway, has been awarded the MBE. The award, as described in the Queen's Birthday Honours, published today, is for "voluntary service to the Rail Industry in Somerset". Iris moved to Stogumber over fifty years ago, with her railwayman husband Harry. When the Minehead Branch was taken over as a heritage railway, the Horns continued to look after the tiny station, and when Harry passed on a few years ago, Iris carried on the work. A very worthy award to a truly lovely and hard working lady. Congratulations, Iris.
13 June 2009
Details from local correspondents
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Oliver Cromwell comes to West Somerset
Another legendary steam locomotive is due to arrive at the West Somerset. On the evening of Sunday 14 June 2009, BR Class 7 4-6-2 no 70013 Oliver Cromwell will run from Bristol Barton Hill to Bishops Lydeard on the WSR. No 70013 is due at Norton Fitzwarren just before 7pm. We understand the locomotive will stay on the WSR for a couple of weeks and may be used on service trains on the Minehead Branch, possibly replacing Tornado which leaves the line on Thursday 18 June at the head of the returning "Cathedrals Express" to London Victoria.
12 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondents
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Celebrating 30 years of trains at Crowcombe Heathfield
It was thirty years ago, on 9 June 1979, that regular trains once again called at Crowcombe Station on the West Somerset Railway. To celebrate, the Team at the Station, now called Crowcombe Heathfield, held a small ceremony on 9 June 2009 at the award winning station. A banner across the tracks was broken, as planned, by the first down train of the day. And the first passenger of the day, about to catch the Minehead train, was surprised to be awarded with a small token of appreciation by Lad Porter Ted Cubitt. Five of the original team posed for photographs on one of the restored platform seats, no doubt reflecting how much the late Margaret Harris, whose warm welcome did so much to create the friendly atmosphere at Crowcombe Heathfield Station, would have enjoyed this day.
9 June 2009
Details from local correspondent
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More on the Volunteer of the Year Awards
This year has marked the 25th Anniversary of Volunteering and has been chosen as the Year of the Volunteer. The Somerset District Councils have been running a competition to find the Best Adult, Youth and Group of Volunteers in their Districts. The WSRA entered nominations for the Adult and Youth section in the Taunton Deane District and the Group nomination in the West Somerset District. And the Railway had two winners for the railway. On Monday 1 June, Walter Harris and Mike Hodge collected the Group winners certificates on behalf of all station staff at Crowcombe Heathfield. This ceremony took place at the Volunteer Centre in Friday Street Minehead. On Friday 5 June at the Old Municipal Offices in Taunton, WSR Youth Volunteer Jacob Fuller was presented with a certificate and shield as the winner of Taunton Deane's Youth Section. More on WSRA website.
8 June 2009
Details from WSRA
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The Samaritans Steam Special on 24 July
Enjoy a trip on the West Somerset Railway and support the Samaritans at the same time. On their national awareness day, 24 July, the Taunton Samaritans will be taking to the rails. Supporters and sponsors are being invited to join the return trip from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead for £20 per person. Guests will be entertained by a tabletop magician, a tea talk and tasting from D J Miles and Co of Minehead, strawberries and cream and a prize draw. All proceeds go towards supporting the volunteer-manned Taunton branch. For tickets send a cheque for Samaritans Taunton and Somerset, to 24/7, Samaritans, 16 Wood Street, Taunton TA1 1UN or call 01823 289456.
8 June 2009
Details from local correspondent and Somerset County Gazette
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Book launch and signing at Minehead on 13 June
Author Robin Jones will be at Minehead Station on 13 June signing copies of his new book. The subject of the book is the celebrity steam locomotive Tornado. Find Robin on the A1 Trust stand. Priced £7.99, officially endorsed by the A1 Trust, in 132 full colour pages the book gives a history of UK railway preservation, the East Coast Main Line, Peppercorn's A1s, the end of steam everywhere across the world and the complete story of the Tornado project right up to the Top Gear run to Edinburgh. The next Heritage Railway magazine is due out in a few days, and on the front cover is Tornado heading to the West Somerset.
Updated 6 June 2009
Details from Robin Jones
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Volunteer of the Year Award for Crowcombe Heathfield
The work of the volunteers at Crowcombe Heathfield have been recognised in the shape of an award. The first week in June is National Volunteers Week and to celebrate the wonderful contribution that volunteers make to their communities, Engage (The West Somerset Voluntary Sector Development Agency) will be announcing West Somerset's very first Volunteer of the Year on Friday 5 June. Nominated for an award by a mystery shopper, Crowcombe Heathfield Station volunteers have been presented with a certificate which is now proudly displayed in the waiting room.
Updated 6 June 2009
Details from WSRA
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It was thirty years ago
On 9 June 1979, the West Somerset Railway was extended from Stogumber to Crowcombe Heathfield and Bishops Lydeard. There will be a small celebration at Crowcombe Heathfield on 9 June 2009, and Hymek no D7017 - being the only item of motive power that worked on 9 June 1979 still on the Railway- will be hauling the Heritage Goods Set from Minehead (depart 11am) to Bishops Lydeard and return, departing from Bishops Lydeard at 1pm.
Updated 3 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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The Quantock Belle and Tornado
On Saturday, 6 June the Quantock Belle First Class Dining Train will be making a special evening trip to Minehead and back. The motive power is none other than Tornado. This special train is in honour of the Railway Founders and the 30th Anniversary of the first through trains from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. There are a few tickets left for this event that are now on offer for £22.50 per person. Smart dress is essential. If you are interested, please contact Susan Kaufman, 01823 431311, manager@wsra.org.uk as soon as possible.
1 June 2009
Details from WSRA
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