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The Tenth Real Ale Festival at Minehead
The weekend of 12 and 13 September 2009 are the dates of the annual Somerset CAMRA Real Ale Festival at Minehead Station, held in partnership with the West Somerset Railway. Incredibly, this highly successful event is now ten years old! Somerset CAMRA say "We will offer up to 100 real ales, several ciders and perry. Somerset breweries will be very well represented, as usual. In addition to these, there will be a wide selection of ales from all around England, Wales and Scotland. They will showcase the incredibly wide range of tastes and styles produced by the UK's multitude of breweries. We plan to have locally brewed festival specials, fruit beers and cask conditioned lager. Most train buffets will stock bottled beer, notably Cotleigh 'Old Steamer', brewed especially for the WSR. We will also have wine available." For full details, please see the Real Ale Festival page.
27 July 2009
Details from Somerset Campaign for Real Ale
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Two more 2-8-0s for Dinmore Manor Locomotive Limited
Dinmore Manor Locomotive Limited, based on the West Somerset Railway, has just added two more GWR 2-8-0s to its fleet. The group has recently bought Churchward 28XX no 2874 and '2884' class no 3845 following a successful appeal for funds from within its own membership. This is in line with the groups forward thinking plan, launched two years ago as the "New Horizons Project", which envisaged owning at least three engines in the future so that two can be kept permanently in operation, whilst the others are under restoration or overhaul. Currently, the group's existing 2-8-0 no 3850 is in service on the WSR whilst their flagship engine, 4-6-0 no 7820 Dinmore Manor is under overhaul at West Somerset Restoration, Williton. On completion of this overhaul, the group propose to repair one of the boilers from either of the newly acquired engines and will use this to replace the existing boiler on No 3850 upon the expiry of its boiler certificate. At the same time the remainder of the engine will be given intermediate repairs, as required, to obtain maximum life from the frame components. Subsequently, No 3850's old boiler will be repaired and used on the frames of one of the two new 2-8-0s to create a third working engine. Restoration of the fourth loco will be a longer term project, the timing of which will depend on the availability of funds. Dinmore Manor Locomotive Limited now owns four Great Western designed locomotives and three tenders and expects to be able to adopt sustainable future overhaul plans based on the traditional Swindon practice of swapping boilers and tenders between engines as required. If you would like to know more about Dinmore Manor Locomotive Limited, or wish to get involved, please visit their website at www.dinmoremanor.co.uk.
24 July 2009
Details from Dinmore Manor Locomotive Limited
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Minehead Branch featured on new underground-style map
The West Somerset Railway is featured on a London Tube-style map. The map has been created detailing major tourist attractions in Somerset. More than 100 museums, stately homes, castles, gardens, archaeological sites and railways feature on seven lines. See the Visit Somerset website for the map and downloadable guides. The WSR dominates the "Quantock and Coast Line" guide. There is even a Mini-Film on YouTube which features just three of the attractions within reach of the Railway.
21 July 2009
Details from BBC website and Visit Somerset
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Temporary paid vacancy for leaflet distribution
Funding has been released to employ a temporary member of staff within the Commercial Department during the month of August. The member of staff will be employed to visit holiday sites throughout the Somerset and West/North Devon area ensuring that the sites have the chance to make WSR timetables available, whether for the first time or by way of a top up of existing supplies. The person employed will need the use of a vehicle to get around the area. Anyone interested should contact Martyn Snell, Commercial Manager, on 01643 700383 or via email at martyn.com@wsrail.net for further details.
21 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Vintage bus link to Dunster Shows
The West Somerset Railway will once again be operating a vintage bus link between Dunster Station and Dunster Steep for the Dunster Country Fair on Wednesday 29 July and for the Dunster Show on 21 August. The bus will meet trains at Dunster Station and travel on it will be free for WSR ticket holders. The bus will be from the Heritage Fleet of Quantock Motor Services and, combined with the West Somerset's train will give a taste of historic travel in addition to the pleasures of the Fair and the Show. They will also offer a useful link for those visiting the village and castle. "We have been running the bus link for the two shows for a number of years now,"said West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare, "and apart from making a nice addition to the day out for passengers it also helps to take some traffic off the busy A39 and A358 on two of the busiest days of the year."
19 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Norton Platform passes official inspection
On 17 July 2009, the Inspector from the Office of the Rail Regulator gave his approval to the new Norton Platform. Subject to the clearance of routine paperwork in the next week the platform will be in use for the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally on 1 and 2 August 2009. Norton Platform - a final official name has yet to be decided - becomes the eleventh station on the Minehead Branch. Built on the edge of its 37 acre site by the West Somerset Railway Association, the new platform was built in just six weeks by Tiverton based John Luffman Trading. The new platform has been designed and built to current modern day standards and can therefore be used by both the steam and diesel heritage services normally run by the railway or modern visiting trains from the National network. Currently the platform will not be open for regular services but will be used to bring passengers to events at Norton. More details on the WSRA website.
17 July 2009
Details from WSRA
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Crowcombe Heathfield Station Open Day
The Crowcombe Heathfield Station Group are hosting a major fund raising event for the summer. On 30 July, the Group will be holding a "Station Open Day". Attractions will include visits to the working Signal Box; guided tours of the Station and Track Exhibition; display of "O" Gauge Hornby Tinplate Trains; railwayana display and a visual history of the Station. Admission will be by Souvenir Platform Ticket at £1 each. Parking will be limited so please travel to Crowcombe Heathfield by train. Refreshments will be available including morning coffee, Plateplayers Lunch and cream teas. Raffle tickets are also available now and the draw will take place on the day at 3.45pm. Please support this event at the award-winning Crowcombe Heathfield Station.
17 July 2009
Details from Crowcombe Heathfield Station Group
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Special events in 2010 - celebrating GWR 175
The Great Western Railway and its successors retained a fierce and highly visible independent spirit and tradition. With next year being the 175th anniversary of the GWR, the WSR 2010 Gala events will showcase this tradition. However, the show actually starts this autumn with "GWR 175 The Prelude" at the Autumn Steam Gala. Next up is the very popular Spring Steam Gala, themed "GWR 175 - The Standard Revolution", on 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 March; followed on 11, 12, 13 June by the Mixed Traffic Weekend, "GWR 175 - Diesels in the West". A new event on 4, 5 September is the Late Summer Weekend "GWR 175 The Penultimate Act" and closing the GWR 175 show is the Autumn Steam Gala from 30 September to 3 October inclusive, themed around "GWR 175 - The Finale". There are, of course, other WSR special events in 2010!
15 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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GWR 175 - The Prelude
Next year, 2010, is the 175th anniversary of the Great Western Railway. This year's Autumn Steam Gala - 1 -4 October - will be a prelude to the many GWR-themed activities planned for 2010. So, during the first four days of October 2009, the rails of the Minehead Branch - itself a classic Great Western seaside branch line - will host up to twelve GWR-designed steam locomotives, ranging from the humble branch line tank locomotive to the mixed traffic types to the mighty King and Castle express engines. More...
15 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Country and Western at Minehead Station
Minehead Station goes Country on 25 July. The evening will revolve around a special Country and Western Evening train which will leave Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) at 6.30pm. Arrival at Minehead will be an hour later when the music - led by long established country music band Denver Spur - will start and will continue until the train departs at 9.30pm for the return journey. Apart from the music the passengers from the train or those who pay to come in at Minehead Station will be able to enjoy a hog roast (or vegetarian alternative) and there will be a cash bar. More details on the Official WSR Website.
13 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Thomas draws the crowds
More than 5000 visitors flocked to the West Somerset Railway last Saturday and Sunday to see the little blue engine. The Fat Controller himself, bossy Sir Topham Hatt, was on the platform at Minehead Railway Station to direct operations, while visitors were able to take part in games and competitions. Vintage buses Bertie and Bulgy also took visitors for a tour around Minehead town centre. West Somerset Railway commercial manager Martyn Snell said "It went very well and we were very pleased with the numbers who turned up. The Fat Controller was in good form and Professor Popcorn entertained the youngsters on the platform. It was lovely to see so many young people absolutely besotted by the trains."
10 July 2009
Details from Somerset County Gazette
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Hymek running this weekend
The planned running of Hymek no D7017 on 11 July will be slightly changed. This is due to an incoming special from London - the "Somerset Coast Express" headed by Class 52 no D1015 Western Champion - which will double as the 11.40 from Bishops Lydeard calling all stations to Minehead. The front coach is reserved for fare-paying WSR passengers who will enjoy "Western" haulage to Minehead. Meanwhile, the Hymek will resume its duties by heading the 1.15pm from Minehead; the 3.05pm from Bishops Lydeard and the 4.55pm from Minehead. D7017 will then return light engine to Williton. Please note the returning special is not available for WSR passengers.
7 July 2009
Details from DEPG
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Locomotive naming ceremony at Minehead
First GB Railfreight is now ten years old and to help celebrate GBRf are pleased to be operating a corporate and staff anniversary train from London Paddington to Minehead and return. In addition, GBRf are supporters of "Help for Heroes" campaign and additional fund raising events are taking place to achieve a massive donation to this wonderful charity for our armed forces. The "Somerset Coast Express" - organised by Bob Tiller of the DEPG and GBRF - will be hauled by Class 52 no D1015 Western Champion and is 11 coaches in length; it includes Pullman cars and full dining facilities. On board will be corporate quests, staff, members of the press and other important dignitaries. Ahead of the weekend, two newly liveried locomotives, a Class 73 and a Class 66, will be coming onto the West Somerset Railway on 9 July and will be stabled at Minehead. At Minehead on Saturday 11 July at 1.15pm the two GBRf locomotives will receive new names and be placed on the turntable for display. The Class 73 and Class 66 return from the WSR on Monday 13 July light engine. There will be a band at Minehead and celebrations to welcome the train into the station for the namings. A special heritage bus service will take reserved guests to Dunster and the Castle. To accommodate the train on what is a very busy WSR operating day, the front coach "A" is reserved for fare-paying WSR passengers who will enjoy "Western" haulage on the 11.40am Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. The train will be stabled at Minehead all day. GBRf would like to thank the West Somerset Railway for their assistance and all look forward to a great day out. Times for the special are as follows, 8.24am Paddington (stops Reading , Westbury, Taunton); 11.40 Bishops Lydeard (then stops all stations to Minehead); and the return train departs Minehead at 6pm, non-stop (calls only at Taunton, Westbury, Reading, Paddington).
3 July 2009
Details from DEPG and GBRf
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Make it a Thomas weekend at Minehead
Saturday and Sunday 4 and 5 July sees the return of the famous little blue tank engine and his friends to the West Somerset Railway and a special timetable will be in operation. The first three trains from Bishops Lydeard are fully booked but there's still room on the 11.50 (Daisy the Diesel Railcar) and the two steam departures leaving at 12.40pm and 1.40pm. Thomas himself doesn’t travel the whole length of the line, but gives short rides in and out of Minehead station during the day. If you travel to (or from) Minehead by WSR train your ticket also includes a ride behind Thomas, a trip round the town on a vintage bus and entertainment on the platform which includes three shows each day by Professor Popcorn. If you prefer to drive to Minehead and simply pay to come on the platform the costs are adults £4.50 and children aged 2 and over £3.00. The gates on Minehead Station will open at 10.30am and the prices quoted include the ride behind Thomas, the vintage bus trip and the entertainment.
3 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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The Minehead Toy and Train Sale
The annual Minehead Toy and Train Sale will be taking place at Minehead Station on Sunday 2 August 2009. First held way back in 1984 the event made the move to the West Somerset Railway in August 2003 and immediately became a big hit with traders and public alike. The attraction of steam trains operating around the event all day is just too good to miss for many people. Organizer Chris Dyer explains, "Minehead is one of the best-supported events which we promote and indeed, all the stalls were let by early May and that is remarkable in the present economic climate. Traders come from all over England and Wales and I know that they really look forward to their day at Minehead. A lot of extra business is generated for the town in general by the event and also on the Railway, as many people travel to Minehead by train for this show."
2 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Steam Fayre entry for WSR staff
Volunteers with a valid WSR photo ID who come along to the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally on Saturday 1 August 2009 or Sunday 2 August 2009 will obtain entry free of charge. Please note any guests accompanying them must pay the normal entrance fee. On the evening of Saturday evening 1 August 2009 from 8.00pm, volunteers who hold a valid photo ID card can obtain free entry to the Rally site along with one guest and partake in refreshments (at very reasonable prices) in the Rams's Head Beer Tent. The Beer Tent is run by Mike Barrett and the Tavern Wenches, a barn dance is planned and all are welcome to join in.
Full details of the Steam Fayre & Vintage Rally...
2 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Tornado boosts passenger totals
The month of June has been a very busy time for the Railway. The visit of Tornado was also reflected in the passenger graph for the year to date. At the end of June the WSR had carried 93,196 passengers compared with 76,683 at the same point in 2008. Perhaps more interesting is that at the end of June 2007, in the WSR's record year to date, the figure had reached 81,418. However, the key high summer months lie ahead so promoting the Railway will need to continue. The next event likely to bring out the crowds is the Days Out with Thomas weekend on 4-5 July.
1 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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A few snippets of Gala news
The Special Events Planning Team have revealed a few more interesting snippets of news about forthcoming Gala events. The recent brief stabling of BR 4-6-2 no 70013 Oliver Cromwell presented an opportunity to run the locomotive on the Railway, but the practical and financial arrangments could not be resolved in time. However, SEPT had already made an approach for Oliver Cromwell to appear at the 2010 Spring Steam Gala, giving a better opportunity for all to enjoy the sight and sound and pulling power of this classic engine, although please note nothing has been agreed or confirmed as yet. The 2009 Autumn Steam Gala, on 1-4 October 2009 is already planned as a GWR affair, and is now being promoted as "Great Western Railway 175th - The Prelude" and with 2010 being the actual 175th anniversary of the GWR, the 2010 Autumn Gala will become "Great Western Railway 175th - The Finale".
1 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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