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News from Stogumber Station
The tea rooms at Stogumber Station are proving to be a great success. Forthcoming opening days are planned for 3-6, 8, 10, 11 ,17, 18, 22, 24-27 and 29 September. Opening hours are 11 o'clock to half-past four. Temporary Station Master, Jenny Davidge, and colleagues are planning a Halloween event. Also the Station needs volunteer Leading Porters to act as Person in Charge of the platform on most days. The job included meeting and greeting passengers and visitors, managing passengers boarding and alighting the trains and indicating to the guards that platform duties are complete; and of course some less glamorous jobs such as sweeping the platform and outside the station building, litter picking and cleaning the signs. A little bit of painting may be required. Interested volunteers with (or willing to obtain) a Personal Track Safety qualification should email for further details. Stogumber is a vibrant wayside station with a train almost every half an hour which makes for an enjoyable and not too busy job.
31 August 2009
Details from WSRA
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The next WSRA Taunton Group Meeting
The next meeting of the WSR Association Taunton Group will be on Monday 7 September at the usual time of 7.45pm. And it's a warm welcome back to the speaker, Ron White who has developed the Colour-Rail business in archival rail photos (mainly UK steam) over many years. Ron is about to retire as well-known railway photographer, Paul Chancellor, will be taking over care of this superb collection in a few months time. Ron White has advised this will be the last talk that he will give, as usual illustrated by a selection of slides from his large library. Ron White is known for his humorous observations on British railway operation, not least over matters in which the GWR liked to be slightly "different"! His humorous displays are always enjoyable and the meeting will surely be, once again, well supported. The meeting will be held at the usual venue, the GWRSA Snug Bar at the north east corner of Taunton Station.
31 August 2009
Details from WSRA
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Minehead is the best value for visitors
The seaside resort of Minehead, the terminus of the West Somerset Railway, has been named as the best value beach in Britain. Whilst the cost of seaside staples such as a 99 flake ice-cream and deck-chair hire can vary widely between beach resorts, some offer better far value than others. The research, carried out by travel website thetrainline.com, shows the average Britons spend £13.44 each on a day beside the seaside. So, perfect for those who have been forced to tighten their belts as a result of the credit crunch, a day out in Minehead, including buying fish and chips, ice cream and a bucket and spade - costs on average just £9.10 per person. Thanks to TheMoveChannel for the details.
28 August 2009
Details from TheMoveChannel.com and local correspondents
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The WSRA 2009 AGM Draft Minutes now available
The West Somerset Railway Association have issued the Draft Minutes of the recent Annual General Meeting. The WSRA say "The WSRA held an AGM on Saturday, 11 July 2009 in the Bishops Lydeard Village Hall. Many thanks to those members who attended, and made the event a success. The draft minutes are now available for review. If you would like to comment, please forward your input to the WSRA Secretary, Penny Gardiner, cosec@wsra.org.uk, or write to the station for her attention at The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3BX. Please provide your comments no later than 30 November." A PDF of the Draft Minutes is available here or on the News Page of the WSRA website.
26 August 2009
Details from WSRA
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TV ceramics expert visits Minehead as railway judge
A well known TV ceramics expert has visited Minehead Station to view and discuss the Turntable Project. After fourteen years of appearing as a ceramics expert and valuer on the well-loved "Antiques Roadshow" Paul Atterbury is one of the best known faces in the world of antiques and collectables. Somewhat less-known is Paul's long-standing interest in railways and canals and the thirty books which he has published to date include a number on both subjects. It was that interest in railways which brought him to Minehead railway station on Tuesday 25 August as a judge for the National Railway Heritage Awards. Eligibility for these Awards is for projects nearing completion or completed between January 2006 and May 2009 and the West Somerset Railway's entry for this year is the Minehead turntable. West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare welcomed Mr Atterbury to the station (which the expert had visited before when the "Antiques Roadshow" was filmed there in 1997) and gave him details of the background to the project which saw a turntable formerly sited at Pwllheli in North Wales lengthened and installed on a site which was once part of the Minehead locomotive shed, closed and demolished in the 1960s, before they carried out a full inspection of the turntable and its surroundings. After the visit Mr Conibeare commented "Paul Atterbury's interests make for an interesting contrast and it seemed a little odd to be having a discussion concerning the heavy engineering history heritage of Britain as kept alive by the West Somerset Railway with someone who is best known to the general public in conjunction with the delicacy of ceramics. As you would expect Paul is a true gentleman and with his knowledge of the subject it was a pleasure to discuss the turntable project with him".
25 August 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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WSR Association launches the 2009 recruitment drive
The West Somerset Railway Association today launched the 2009 Membership Drive. A small leaflet encouraging visitors to join the WSR Association will be widely distributed across the Railway in the booking offices, on the trains, in shops and at the stations. All of the leaflets are coded so that when returned to the Association Office, it will be possible to determine where the new members were recruited. The WSRA plan this drive to run for the next four weeks, and then will measure the results. The new membership forms can be handed in at any of the stations, or posted to the Association Office in Bishops Lydeard Station. Working members and supporters alike are asked to help by encouraging visitors to pick up one of these leaflets, join the Association, and return again to enjoy their benefits! And of course, a PDF [1Mb] version of the leaflet is available - just click here...
25 August 2009
Details from WSRA
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No Quantock Belle restaurant service at the Autumn Gala
The very popular restaurant car service will not operate at the Autumn Steam Gala. Visitors will surely miss the popular breakfast, luncheon and afternoon teas served in the Quantock Belle restaurant cars. We understand lack of volunteers is the reason for the non-appearance, although other sources suggest the needs of the Belle operation were sidelined during the search for suitable locomotives. However, using Orion and Aries, the Quantock Belle bar and buffet will operate each day on certain trains at the Autumn Steam Gala serving real ale, wine, hot and cold drinks, sausage rolls and pasties. There remains some doubt about hot snacks as this depends on whether the kitchen will be operating.
24 August 2009
Details from WSRA and local correspondent
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Cream teas at Stogumber Station
There can be fewer ideal spots to sit in the depths of the Somerset countryside and enjoy a Cream Tea. Stogumber Station, on the very edge of the Quantock Hills, is currently opening on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. At the moment, visitors can enjoy drinks with cakes and biscuits plus of course the cream teas. There is also some local produce on sale. For more about Stogumber Station click here.
23 August 2009
Details from WSRA
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Minehead in 1960 - pictorial feature
A look back to May 1960 when steam ruled on the Minehead Branch. The latest edition of "British Railways Illustrated" features a photographic feature based on pictures taken by James Harrold and expertly captioned by author and WSR volunteer signalman Richard Derry. There are 12 photographs, suitably and informatively captioned by Richard and the locations featured are Taunton (3), Minehead (4) - including one of the previous turntable in use - Williton (2), Stogumber (2) and Crowcombe Heathfield (1). The featured loco is Small Prairie no 5543 (with a shot of no 5521 crossing at Williton). Copies of the magazine are currently in stock at Minehead station shop priced £3.80.
21 August 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Autumn Steam Gala update
Two of the locos pencilled in for the early October Gala have been withdrawn from the event. According to the August edition of the Railway's Online publication, the overhaul of GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall will not be complete in time. And now comes news that Small Prairie ex-GWR 2-6-2T no 4566 is now required to work its home line, the Severn Valley, and therefore not available for the WSR's Autumn Steam Gala which takes place over the first four days of October. A replacement locomotive is being sought. Extra coaches are being hired for the Gala which will help avoid overcrowding. The breakfast, luncheon and afternoon tea service using the Quantock Belle is unlikely to be available unless last minute arrangements can be made - a decision will be made in a few days time. Meanwhile, lots of other supporting attractions and facilities are being arranged.
19 August 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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IRIS II heads for Wales
The two-car DMU IRIS II is about to leave for Wales. It has been stored unused at Dunster Yard for over a year. During that time the DMU - Network Rail Laboratory 19 IRIS II test train 901002 - was repainted by its owner from yellow to a more heritage style green livery. Recently towed to Minehead, the DMU will be moved to Bishops Lydeard in a few days, thence transported by road to Barry. WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare commented "The owner, John Buxton, is removing it to Barry to run services on the new railway, which John has just taken over. We wish John all the best with his new venture and I am sure IRIS II will be a popular and useful vehicle."
16 August 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Crash exercise at Woolston
A car and a steam train have been used to simulate a crash scene on a level crossing. The "crash", at Woolston saw crews from the emergency services crews help rescue three "casualties". The train was not carrying passengers. A spokesman for the operation, Williton watch manager Gary Austin-Thompson, said: "The purpose of the exercise was to familiarise crews with the dangers involved when working in close proximity to steam trains. Williton [fire] station has liaised on several occasions with West Somerset Railway regarding several near misses at railway crossings, where drivers have gone around the barriers in order to beat the trains. The exercise aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of steam trains and car collision."
15 August 2009
Words and picture from Somerset County Gazette
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More talk about Broad Gauge at Flax Bourton
A further fascinating and highly-acclaimed talk at Flax Bourton by a leading expert in the Broad Gauge. "A Broad Gauge Journey from Exeter to Penzance and Beyond" - an Illustrated Talk by Canon Brian Arman at Flax Bourton Village Hall, Monday 12 October 2009 at 7.30pm. All monies raised will go towards the work of the parish churches of Barrow Gurney and Flax Bourton. Tickets, including refreshments, £8.00 For further information please call 01275 463336 or 01275 461179. For those looking for a connection - the Lamp Hut now at Crowcombe Heathfield was formerly at Flax Bourton Station!
15 August 2009
Details from Flax Bourton Parish Church
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N Gauge models available at the Buffer Stop
The Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead Station is now carrying an enhanced range of N gauge model railway items from Hornby, Graham Farish and Peco. The major addition is that of PECO Setrack and Streamline flexible track. Prices are as always competitive and WSRA members and WSR PLC staff are entitled to 10% discount. The shop can be contacted by phone on 01643 700387 or by email or of course by personal visit. The shop team are happy to take orders and source items specially for you.
15 August 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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GWR lamp post recovered from St Ives
An original 1900s Great Western Railway lamp post from St Ives has been saved for use on the West Somerset Railway. Volunteers from the Railway came to St Ives on 11 August to recover the post which has lurked unloved and unwanted in the undergrowth alongside a footpath near St Ives Railway Station for the last 40 years. Robin White, from the WSR, said: "We are very grateful to the town of St Ives for donating this item to us. Original Great Western Railway items such as this are a vital part of presenting an era of more elegant travel which requires more than just our wonderful steam locomotives to create the full picture. The lamp post will be installed at our station at Bishops Lydeard near Taunton." Volunteers from the West Somerset Railway and St Ives Museum worked together on recovery of the lamppost.
12 August 2009
Details from West Somerset Railway
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GWR Autotrailer on the move
Work is progressing apace on GWR Autotrailer no 169. A combination of recent circumstances and opportunities together with the desire to continue the restoration of GWR Autotrailer no 169 without further delay have resulted in the contract to undertake chassis repair work being let to the Buckfastleigh workshops on the South Devon Railway. Preparation, organisation and removal of the chassis and remaining bodywork of the carriage to Bishops Lydeard for onward road transport was completed in no less than four days with all parties involved working together to achieve a positive outcome. The carriage will be collected shortly and the required work is expected to be completed and the carriage returned within ten weeks. We hope this move will allow further positive steps in the restoration of the carriage to continue over the coming winter months. Visit the Autotrailer 169 website for more information about the project.
11 August 2009
Details from 5542 Ltd
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Double helping of jazz on the Minehead Branch
Jazz fans will have two opportunities to enjoy their kind of music on the West Somerset Railway over the next few weeks. First, the evening of Saturday 22 August will see a special steam train leave Bishops Lydeard for Minehead at 6.30pm. It is due to arrive an hour later at the seaside where passengers and visitors to the Station will be able to enjoy two hours of music from Clive Smith and his Arcadia Jazz Band plus a barbecue before the return train leaves Minehead at 9.30pm. The train fare, which must be pre-booked, costs £24 which includes the return train ride, the music and barbecue food. Then on Sunday 13 September the Tone Valley Jazz Band will be marking three anniversaries at lunchtime on the second day of the Real Ale Festival. For the Tone Valley musicians, 2009 is the fiftieth year of the band's existence whilst this year also marks three decades since the WSR first began to run trains over the twenty miles between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. The Real Ale Festival completes trio of anniversaries - the Festival has been held by the Somerset Branch of CAMRA (the Campaign For Real Ale) on the platform of Minehead Station each year since 2000.
11 August 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Double diesels on duty next weekend
A date for the diesel fan diary - on 15 August two mainline diesel locos will be in service. The usual high summer Saturday diesel-hauled diagram starting from Bishops Lydeard at 11.25am will commence with Class 47 no D1661 North Star heading for Minehead. Then Class 33 no D6566 - which has recently be prepared to Bath Road "Royal" standards - will work the other three trips of the diagram starting with the 2.05pm from Minehead. This is in connection with a wedding party travelling on the train. The following Saturday (22 August), the Warship Class no D832 is scheduled to work the diesel diagram. Thanks to the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group for the information.
10 August 2009
Details from DEPG.
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Many visit Crowcombe Heathfield Station Open Day
Despite morning showers, the Open Day at Crowcombe Heathfield Station on 30 July was declared a great success. The sun did arrive and so did a fair number of visitors who enjoyed a wonderful display of Hornby O Gauge models; talks and demonstations by Station Staff; a generous draw; and, of course, the famous food on offer at the Station. A handsome income was generated. The Station Group now have sufficient funds to install the new lamp post and to update the platform lighting which was installed over 25 years ago.
9 August 2009
Details from WSRA
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The most successful Steam Rally yet...
The weather fails to dampen a successful Steam Rally. WSRA Chairman David Holmes writes "Congratulations to all on a highly successful 2009 Rally. This was our second year on our own site at Norton Fitzwarren, and this year included the exciting addition of our new platform - I hope that you all bought your souvenir platform tickets. The exhibits this year were expanded from the previous year, and despite worries about the weather and the condition of the ground, we had a great two days. We were all a little soggy around the edges on Saturday, but Sunday dawned sunny and clear, and the crowds were even bigger. The Rally is a terrific team effort, and I would like to extend my thanks to the many volunteers involved throughout the year. From parking cars to catering to marshalling, every challenge was met, and we provided a superb event for steam enthusiasts and the general public alike. Well done everyone!" And make a note that next year's Rally will be held on 7 and 8 August 2010.
9 August 2009
Details from WSRA
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Vacancy for Civil Engineering Manager
The West Somerset Railway is seeking applications for the post of Civil Engineering Manager based at Dunster in Somerset. This post involves leading and directing a
team of five staff for the safe maintenance and renewal of track and structures on this 23 mile heritage line, The post involves hands-on day to day management as well as project planning. Previous experience and/or professional qualifications are an advantage. In the first instance please send a copy of your updated CV with a covering letter to The General Manager, the West Somerset Railway plc, The Railway Station,Minehead, TA24 5BG, or forward by e-mail to paul.gm@wsrail.net.
9 August 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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