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The Norton Shuttles
Visitors to the Autumn Steam Gala will get the chance to travel on the Norton section. Shuttle trains from Bishops Lydeard will operate on Saturday 3 October and Sunday 4 October. Details are on the Autumn Steam Gala page. Plans to run shuttles on the first two days of the Gala have been cancelled due to the visit each day of a ballast stone train to the Norton Triangle worksite. These lengthy stone trains bring in spent ballast from Network Rail. The stone is recycled for re-use at the Triangle and elsewhere. No 9466 - the rostered loco for the now cancelled shuttles - will be used to bank Gala trains from Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe Heathfield.
29 September 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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The next WSRA Taunton Meeting
The next meeting of the Taunton Group is due to take place on Monday 5 October. The Group will be entertained by the annual Mainline Steam Video presentation by PSOV. This is usually a very popular evening, with some dramatic displays of recordings made at some stunning locations. It all starts at 7.45 pm at the GWR Staff Association Snug Bar, near the north east corner of Taunton Station. Regulars and guests are welcome - and there are usually plenty of PSOV's videos offered for sale during the evening. At the following meeting, on 2 November, Paul Blowfield will present his talk "Isle of Man, Past and Present"
29 September 2009
Details from WSRA
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Key land purchase at Norton is completed
In the last two weeks Network Rail and the WSRA have exchanged contracts on the sale of a short length of the original Barnstaple branch to the Association. Paperwork is still awaited from solicitors but the land which will be incorporated into the triangle works has been sold to the WSRA for the consideration of £1. It will enable the headshunt at the Taunton end of the triangle to extend to a locomotive plus four or five coaches if necessary and may in time permit the re-connection of the Barnstaple line junction with the Minehead branch. Earlier this year Network Rail permitted and supervised some undergrowth clearance work in preparation for the final transfer which will make the process of restoring the trackbed much faster and easier. The deal has been several years in the making because of the complex and contorted system of due diligence that has to be observed to ensure that land which is sold is truly redundant and is of no further use to the national network. The sale has come just in time for the Norton project as recent ballast deliveries mean that further work can be carried out on the formation before the autumn weather sets in.
28 September 2009
Details from WSRA
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The Best Kept Station Awards 2009
The 2009 Best Kept Station Awards were held at Watchet Station on 26 September. Magda Davies, Stations Liaison Officer, reports the Best Kept Station 2009 is Bishops Lydeard with Watchet a worthy runner-up. Most improved station was Minehead. Bishops Lydeard won the Best Floral Display whilst Crowcombe Heathfield claimed the Most Attractive Garden award. The Awards were presented by Mark Smith WSR Plc Chairman, Paul Conibeare WSR Plc General Manager and David Holmes WSRA Chairman. As always, Mike Buttel and his staff provided the classic Watchet hospitality, with tea and cake for all. Many thanks are due to the Judges, David and Jennifer Bailey, who spent a lot of time re-visiting all the stations. David said "The choice was difficult this year, as all stations were so much improved from 2008." Congratulations to all the winners. Two excellent videos of the presentations are now on YouTube - Part One and Part Two...
26 September 2009
Details from WSRA
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Gala Days at Stogumber Station
Stogumber will open at 9 o'clock in the morning on the Autumn Steam Gala days and will be serving, hot food - pasties, sausage rolls and bacon baps. The station refreshment room will close at 5 o'clock in the afternoon on all four days, that's 1-4 October. As well as the hot food there will be the usual superb home made cakes from Stogumber's Uttoxeter-based friends who will be visiting. The Friends of Stogumber Station application forms will be available for the many FoSS members-in-waiting who have expressed an interest in joining the Friends. Despite all this activity, Stogumber is sure to have plenty of quiet places for those wishing a time of reflection on recent losses.
24 September 2009
Details from FoSS
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Iris Horn MBE
The Railway has learnt of the passing of Iris Horn of Stogumber Station. Iris passed away at a Taunton nursing home on Monday 21 September 2009. In June, Iris was awarded the MBE in the Queen's Honours List for voluntary services to the rail industry in Somerset. With her husband Harry, Iris looked after Stogumber Station for many years, and she continued as Station Master following the death of Harry in 2000. The couple first moved to Stogumber in 1948 when Harry was appointed Signalman at Bishops Lydeard and later Williton until his retirement in 1969. A truly lovely couple who will forever be in the hearts of everyone who were fortunate to meet them. Mark Smith, Chairman of the West Someset Railway Plc, said "Iris was so much a part of the Railway and especially the Stogumber scene. Passengers and visitors were always made so very welcome at the Station. There was honey and other Somerset treats on sale, and I was never short of an instruction or reminder if the company in any way fell behind with maintenance or repairs. We can but offer our heartfelt thanks, and our sincerest condolences to Iris's family and her many friends at this sad time." And the Chairman of the WSR Association, David Holmes, adds "Stogumber was Iris and Iris was Stogumber"
22 September 2009
Details from WSRA and WSR Plc
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Friends of Stogumber Station re-united
The Friends of Stogumber Station have been re-formed after a few dormant years. The people involved on the new FoSS management committee are Ken Davidge as Chairman, Angie Scutt (Secretary), Jenny Davidge (Treasurer), Roger Sanders (Works and Projects), Anne Bettridge (Grounds and Gardens) and George Troake (Membership Secretary). Membership forms are being produced and will be printed in time for the Gala. And there should be a newsletter - provisionally entitled Buzzard Chronicle - available soon.
20 September 2009
Details from FoSS
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Pictures wanted for 2011 calendar and postcards
It seems a long way off but planning is already underway for the calendars and postcards for 2011. The manager of the Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead, Colin Howard, is seeking good quality images of WSR scenes and in particular of Blue Anchor Station especially pictures of the Signal Box taken from the sea side of the line. Please send images directly to Colin by email.
18 September 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Pete Waterman signing new book at Gala
Pete Waterman will be signing copies of his new book at Minehead Railway Station on Saturday 3 October 2009. The times of the signing of Just like the real thing will be 10.30am to midday and 1.30pm to 3pm. If you cannot make it in person you can reserve a signed copy by emailing the shop or by ordering online. The book is published by Ian Allan at a cost of £19.99. Update 30 September: Pete will now be signing Friday 2.30pm to 4.30pm and Saturday 10.30am to 12.30pm, and not on Saturday afternoon.
18 September 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Seven steam and four diesels for Somerset in Autumn
The Somerset in Autumn event is the second chance of the year to see heritage steam and diesel working together in the beautiful autumnal scenery of West Somerset. The 2009 event - on 24 and 25 October 2009 - features two guest Great Western steam locomotives, nos 5542 and 6695 and Western Region diesel hydraulic 'Warship' class no D832 Onslaught. Also lined-up are home-based steamers nos 4160, 3850, 88, 5553 and 9351, and diesels nos D1661, D6566 and D9526. Full details.
18 September 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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The Railway is saddened by the passing of James Willis
The Railway is greatly saddened by the passing of one of its brightest young stars. Known by his smile by all who had the good fortune to work with WSR 'Tracker' James Willis, 14, who died at home on Sunday. Volunteer Andrew Padfield who worked with James at Bishops Lydeard Station commented "James charmed everyone he met and did everything he was asked with his trademark smile." The West Somerset Railway Association said "We are going to miss him greatly at Bishops Lydeard. James was into everything - Permanent Way, Special Projects, Rally, the Station and the Model Railway and we never heard anything but praise" and West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare said "We are all upset with the tragic news and our condolences go to the family. He was a well liked member of the team and was known as 'Smiler' because he was always so pleasant." May we at www.wsr.org.uk thank James for bringing so much to the Railway and may we also express our sympathy to his family.
17 September 2009
Details from local correspondents, WSRA, WSR Plc
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No 5224 makes a welcome return for the Gala
A heavy freight tank locomotive makes a welcome return to the West Somerset Railway. GWR 2-8-0 no 5224 was a very capable performer when it visited the Minehead Branch in 2002, 2003 and 2008, and is sure to be a popular addition to the Autumn Steam Gala. The Gala will feature eleven classic Great Western Railway steam locomotives over the four days - 1 to 4 October - with a lone non-GWR locomotive, SDJR 2-8-0 no 88, standing by in steam at Williton as a "thunderbird" in case of problems. WSR 2-6-0 no 9351 will also be available as standby although will not be in steam. Gala visitors will be able to view the excellent progress with BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 Odney Manor undergoing overhaul at Minehead Shed.
17 September 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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A plastic cocoon for Collett coach no 6705
Collett coach no 6705 has been enclosed within a plastic cocoon at Crewe. The shelter allows volunteers from the Heritage Carriages Project of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust to restore the Collett bow-ended brake corridor composite regardless of the weather. No 6705 was built in 1938 and later exported to a musuem in USA, before being repatriated in 2007. Recent work has seen the steel body sheets removed. The good news is that the woodwork is in generally good condition. The major wood replacement will be sections about 10ft long above the solebar on both sides and at both ends. In total, fourteen ex-Great Western carriages have been secured for the Project, with work underway on several vehicles.
17 September 2009
Details from WSSRT
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Autumn Steam Gala loco line-up
A fine collection of Great Western locomotives for the Autumn Steam Gala. Nos 6024 King Edward I, 5029 Nunney Castle, 4953 Pitchford Hall, 7802 Bradley Manor, 5542, 6695, 9466, plus from the home fleet, nos 3850, 4160 and 5553 will feature at the Autumn Steam Gala which will take place between 1 and 4 October 2009. Home-based WSR 2-6-0 no 9351 will be at Minehead shed, and the standby loco at Williton is SDJR 2-8-0 no 88. All subject to availability of course. And remember - cheaper priced Rover tickets can be purchased in advance until close of the day on 28 September.
16 September 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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The Halloween Ghost Express
On the Evening of 31 October 2009 the Halloween Ghost Express will leave Bishops Lydeard for Transylvania Central (aka Stogumber). Amid mournful whistles, in the darkness, the express will leave promptly at 6.30pm and arrive at Transylvania Central at 6.55pm. Transylvania can only be reached on a Broomstick or by The Halloween Express, as earthbound vehicles (cars) are banished and will be waylaid by werewolves at the border. There may just be the odd ghost on the train, so all children must be accompanied by responsible adults! Please come in costume as prizes will be awarded. At the station you will be treated to Hot Soup (Dragon’s Blood or Witches Brew), Hotdogs and Tea. There will be entertainment in the gardens if you dare to venture in. Having been thoroughly frightened the train will depart at 8.30pm for a mad dash back to normality at Bishops Lydeard (arrive 8.55pm). Will you dare to ride? Tickets for young ghost hunters 5-15 years of age are £7.50 each and adults £10.00 each (children under five are free) and includes the train, food and entertainment. Booking is essential as no tickets are available from the booking office (all too scared to work!). Telephone 01643 704996 for tickets or download the Booking Form.
15 September 2009
Details from WSRA
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Great progress being made on Autotrailer no 169
Work continues to progress apace on the repair and overhaul of the frames and chassis of GWR Autotrailer no 169. John Wood reports "The steelwork on the driving end of the frames is now almost complete with attention soon turning to the side angled 'stretchers'. Some of the work has turned out to be less onerous than originally expected so we are now also turning our attention to re bushing some of the worn brake gear bearings. Further good news is that we have now obtained one of the last remaining missing 'large' components namely the hand brake column. Look out for further news soon and see the Autotrailer 169 website www.auto169.co.uk for more news and a number of images of current work."
14 September 2009
Details from 5542 Ltd
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New edition of the Souvenir Guide now available
The latest edition of the West Somerset Railway Souvenir Guide has been published. Featuring a stunning cover picture, taken by Don Bishop, of two Small Prairie locomotives, nos 5542 and 5553, the 40 page Guide is packed with colour pictures of the Railway, accompanied by a lively text written by the Railway's own John Simms. The design and typesetting was carried out by David Williams, editor of the award-winning WSR Journal magazine. Priced at a bargain £2.50, the Souvenir Guide is now available at the Railway's retail outlets.
9 September 2009
Details from WSRA
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The 7F heads for Dorset whilst Braunton stays home
Two of the bigger home-based locos were to guest at other heritage railway special events but one has had to stay home. Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway 7F 2-8-0 no 88 set off by road on 8 September for Swanage to star at the Dorset railway's Gala. Meanwhile, SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton remains at Williton after its tender axles failed an ultrasonic axle test as part of a fit-to-run examination ahead of a movement by rail to the Mid Hants Railway.
9 September 2009
Details from correspondents and West Somerset Restoration
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Cutting back resumes at the lineside
After the long summer break the Cutting Back Gang once again swings into action. On Saturday 12 September, the team will tackle an area of lineside near Watchet Paper Mill starting around 9.45am. The following day, the activity moves to Stogumber to clear timber felled a few months ago by professional tree surgeons. As ever, the more the merrier so if you fancy a day out in the countryside with a little exercise and a lot of good humoured banter thrown in, this could be your chance.
8 September 2009
Details from WSRA
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Two historical posters acquired for the Gauge Museum
The Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard Station has recently purchased two original BR(W) posters for display in the museum. Curator Ian Coleby explains "The first one is a poster advertising Minehead and was published in the early 1950s. It shows the popular beach scene at Minehead with North Hill in the background. This is one of only two different designs that BR produced for Minehead. The second poster is dated 1950 and advertises the popular holiday runabout tickets that for 15/- (yes thats 75p!) allowed a week's travel between various resorts. In our case, the area covered was Minehead, Wellington, Dulverton, Chard, Weston, Clevedon and Wells. This purchase has been financed by the sale of the new Gauge Museum Information Leaflets (which have already been reprinted once) and, with many thanks to Malcolm Stacey, by the sale of redundant packing cases and suitcases of which we had rather a lot!"
6 September 2009
Details from the Gauge Museum
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Passenger figures doing very well
An excellent August for the West Somerset Railway. Although the Railway has been successful in recent years in developing extra business on the shoulders of the main season it reflects the general pattern of the British Tourist Trade in that August is a crucial month to the overall outcome of the year. So it is very pleasing to be able to report that at the end of the month the passenger figure for the year to date stood at 167,041 compared with 145,631 at the same point of 2008. Making comparison with the record year of 2007 that is still ahead of that year's total of 155,523 at the same point. Delighted General Manager Paul Conibeare comments "None of this could have been achieved without a major effort by all of the volunteers and staff who worked through the long days of the Yellow Timetable period from July 22nd to August 31st. At times it seemed as though some of the familiar faces were never going home at all but I hope that you will feel that the outcome justifies the work put in. On behalf of myself and the Boards of the Association and Company, very many thanks."
3 September 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Promoting the West Somerset Railway in Germany
Two West Somerset Railway Association volunteers have been busy promoting the Railway in Germany. Malc Stacey and Brian Chislett, both volunteers at Bishops Lydeard Station have just returned from the town of Ettlingen in Germany during a town twinning festival with Clevedon which presented the opportunity to promoted the West Somerset Railway. Brian speaks fluent German and was busy explaining how to find the Railway into passers-by.
3 September 2009
Details from local correspondent
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A good year for the Railway bus services
The free-to-travel West Somerset Railway bus service has had a very good year. Alan Grieve, one of the regular bus drivers, writes "The Bank Holiday services from Dunster Station to the Village and Castle ran on eight days and carried 2093 while the Dunster Station services to Dunster Steep Car Park for the Country Fair and the Show carried 144 and 301 respectively, making a total of 2538 passenger journeys to and from Dunster Station - it must be remembered that the Show took place on a dreadful Wednesday at the end of July when torrential rain never let up until the evening, hence the low figure. Meanwhile the service run during the Thomas event carried 1490 around Minehead on the Saturday and 1062 on the Sunday so, all in all, the West Somerset Railway bus services have carried a grand total of 5090 passenger for the year. Thanks must go to all the volunteer conductors who have coped with the passengers, cheerfully answering all their questions, making sure they remained seated upstairs on the open toppers and ensuring none fell of the back platform!"
2 September 2009
Details from local correspondent
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Another Autumn Steam Gala guest loco is withdrawn
The celebrity GWR Mogul no 5322 has been withdrawn from the Autumn Steam Gala. Unusually finished in wartime livery, the appearance on the Minehead Branch of the 2-6-0 was eagerly anticipated and this news will surely result in great disappointment. This website understands there are difficulties in loading the loco onto a road transporter at its home base, Didcot Railway Centre. This website understands it was known some weeks ago that the Mogul would not appear at the Gala, but the news was not conveyed to us - so we apologise for the lateness of this news.
1 September 2009
Details from local correspondents and, in part, WSR Plc
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