 |
|
Vacancies at Williton Restoration
The WSR Association is looking for an experienced Heritage Railway Engineer to take up the post of Works Manager at Williton. The Works Manager will effectively and efficiently plan, control and report the work of Williton Restorations taking the existing workload forward and developing the business whilst maintaining high standards of workshop safety and craftsmanship. Closing date for applications is 31 December 2009. Full details of the salaried post can be found on the website of the West Somerset Railway Association. Also, a Director is required to take responsibility for Williton Restorations on the Promotions Board. The post is voluntary and is not a direct line management position. It would therefore suit a person with a broad mixture of business and engineering skills who would have one or two days per week available to devote to assisting with the development of Williton Restoration together with the new Manager and our existing staff and volunteers.
30 November 2009
Details from WSRA
|
|
 |
|
The Taunton Group close 2009 with a Quiz
The traditional quiz rounds off the 2009 meetings of the Taunton Group of the WSR Association. Organiser Peter Darke invites all to the Annual Christmas Quiz, which will be held, as usual, at the GWRSA Snug Bar, at the north west corner of Taunton Station at 7.45pm on Monday 7 December. An informal social get-together with the core of the evening being a range of slides, some once again kindly provided by Walter Harris, the long-established, but about-to-retire Station Master at Crowcombe Heathfield, and kindly presented as an open and informal quiz by Martin Southwood, signalman extraordinaire. This will be the last meeting arranged by Peter who hands over the reins to Tom Adams at the turn of the year.
30 November 2009
Details from WSRA
|
|
 |
|
Update on the Dunster by Candlelight event
The Railway will carry no less than 1100 passengers to the Candlelight event at Dunster. Although the option to have fish and chips on the trains to Dunster by Candlelight this coming weekend has sold out some weeks ago, it is possible to book fish and chips to eat when passengers actually arrive at Dunster village itself. The Yarn Market Hotel (great supporters of the Railway) is offering the great traditional British comfort and convenience food for those who pre-book it and the contact number is 01643 821425.
30 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Good news about Western no D1010
The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group are celebrating the completion of an important stage in the overhaul of No D1010. The overhauled "B" engine was successfully installed back into the "Western" on Friday 27 November. Bob Tiller and team have fully overhauled the engine with new cylinder liners and pistons after a cracked No 12 piston crown was found following the Mixed Traffic event in 2007 when the loco last ran. At the same time a considerable amount of work has been undertaken on the electrical control circuits including rewires and terminations, cleaning and fitment of new or overhauled components. The engine passed its water pressure test and has been fully rebuilt with many new components thanks to the DEPG's friends at MTU Germany. The engine will now be connected up and tested in the new year. A few more jobs to complete including cleaning of fuel tanks, compressor motor cleaning and battery box doors should hopefully see a test run for D1010 on the WSR in April 2010. See the DEPG website for more details of the overhaul.
28 November 2009
Details from DEPG
|
|
 |
|
Results of the 2009 WSRA Grand Draw
The WSR Association have published the results of the 2009 Grand Draw. The draw was held on 14 November at 1.00pm at Bishops Lydeard Station with Mr Paul Conibeare drawing the winning tickets. Raffle ticket sales totalled £23,096 and all profit from the draw will be put towards the Norton Fitzwarren triangle project. The WSRA would like to thank all those who took part in the draw and to the those volunteers who sold tickets on the trains and helped to raise the much needed funds. The winners list can be viewed on the news page of the WSRA website.
28 November 2009
Details from WSRA
|
|
 |
|
Far from the last lower quadrant in Somerset...
It would seem the lower quadrant signal is alive and well in Somerset. So says a letter in "Modern Railways" - a popular national railway magazine - from WSR Signalman Robin White in response to a concern from a reader about the demise of the unique Great Western style signals in the county and claiming a signal at Yeovil Pen Mill being the last of its type. Robin points out there are as many as 32 lower quadrants in use on the West Somerset Railway and [referring to the projects at Williton and Crowcombe Heathfield, and possible future installations at Kentsford and Leigh] planned changes could take the total past 50 in the not too distant future.
27 November 2009
Details from local correspondent
|
|
 |
|
Seasonal services are proving popular
The popular Carol Train services are all but fully booked. The evening trips from Bishops Lydeard on 14, 15 and 16 December have sold out as have the trains from Minehead on 14 and 15 December. There are some seats left from Minehead on 16 December - book now to see in the festive season with some traditional tunes and singing. The West Somerset Railway has no further tickets available for its Dunster by Candlelight services. Meantime, Santa Expresses and Santa Specials are also beginning to sell out. For availability please ring 01643 704996. Advance booking of Rover Tickets for the Winter Steam Festival on 29 and 30 December 2009 is now possible online in addition to the usual processes.
27 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Full house for Dunster by Candlelight specials
The West Somerset Railway has no further tickets available for its Dunster by Candlelight services. With 427 due to travel on the two services on Friday and exactly 600 due to travel on the three services on Saturday, it is going to be a busy time for staff on the railway particularly at Bishops Lydeard, Dunster and Minehead. Once again, the Dunster by Candlelight event has proved very popular.
25 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Joiners needed for Heritage Carriages Project
The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust are looking for more joiners to help restore a number of historic carriages for use on the Minehead Branch. The Trust's Heritage Carriages Project embarked on a search for suitable ex-Great Western Railway carriages and has now amassed a good number at the works at Williton Station. The aim, as outlined on the Trust's website, is to create up to two 7-coach rakes of genuine GWR carriages for use on the line. The restoration team are in need of more skilled hands especially woodworkers. If you have joinery skill and wish to exercise those talents on something rather different, might we suggest perhaps a gentle enquiry to the Trust by email...
25 November 2009
Details from local correspondent
|
|
 |
|
News about West Somerset Restoration
The WSR Association has provided an update on their West Somerset Restoration activities. David Holmes, WSRA Chairman, reports, "Gareth Winter, our Williton Engineering Manager, has expressed a wish to move on and will be leaving us at Christmas. Gareth has been with the WSRA for 20 years and during that time has managed the restoration and repairs to 6412 and Braunton amongst others - both to very high standards. The skills and standards that Gareth has instilled at Williton will be a lasting reminder of his time at the helm. We wish Gareth all the very best as he ventures to pastures new. We will shortly begin the recruitment process to attract a new Manager to Restoration to take Gareth's work forward as we integrate the business within Promotions and expand the capability. We will also be looking to strengthen our restoration business by recruiting an experienced volunteer as Director with responsibility for Williton within WSRA (Promotions). In the short term the existing team will be pressing on under the watchful eye of the Williton Management Group and an Acting Works Manager. Currently Williton is completing the tender and main line OTMR work on Braunton, the assembly of Raveningham Hall and has work committed to both Dinmore Manor and two Bullied boilers - all for 'external' customers. With 4561 to restore, 7821 waiting in the wings and our own WSRA carriage fleet needing work we have a mountain of work and some very busy times ahead - watch this space!"
24 November 2009
Details from WSRA
|
|
 |
|
Cutting back at Williton in December
The Cutting Back Gang will be at Williton in December. After a slippery November session on Washford bank, the next Cutting Back session will be back on the level at Williton on 12 and 13 December to deal with a strip of land to clear between South Yard and the neighbouring industrial estate. Short days but lots of work none the less so come and work up an appetite before Christmas!
24 November 2009
Details from WSRA
|
|
 |
|
The new Spray Wagon works wonders on the weeds
A successful assault on the weeds. In WSR's latest Online Newsletter, the Civil Engineering Department reports "The recent all line weed spraying exercise would appear to have exceeded our expectations in terms of its effectiveness and we now look forward to the annual flail cutting work in the early Spring to provide the next significant improvement in time for the 2010 Spring Gala. The new Turbo Spray Wagon was recently given an inspection by an independent agronomist, who has been involved with many other heritage railways weed killing operations and in his opinion the WSR now has the best system operating on any of the other many heritage railways that he has been professionally involved with."
23 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
The Station Shops at Minehead and Bishops Lydeard
Whenever timetabled services are running from Minehead the Buffer Stop Shop at the seaside terminus is open 9.30am to 5.30pm. On non-running days the Minehead Shop is open 10.30am to 3.30pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In addition, it will be open from 10.30am to 9.30pm on 4 and 5 December for Dunster byCandlelight and also from 6.30pm on 14, 15, 16 December until the return of the Carol Trains to Minehead. During the Santa Specials from Minehead (13, 20, 24 December) the Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead will open from 9.30am to 5.30pm. And finally, the shop will open from 10.00am to 4pm on 22 and 23 December. Meanwhile, the Bishops Lydeard Station Shop will be open on operating days and on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays during November when trains are not running.
23 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Discounted Rover Tickets for Winter Steam Festival
The West Somerset Railway is holding the Winter Steam Festival on 29 and 30 December 2009. This the Railway's last special event of the year. And, unlike the higher fares applied to other special events, there is good news for passengers to Winter Steam Festival as the cost of tickets are pegged to normal fares. And there is even better news. Rover tickets booked in advance (on or before 14 December) are even cheaper. For example, the advance prices for Day Rovers are £12 per Adult (save £2), £11 per Senior Citizen (save £1.80) and £6 per Child aged 5 to 15 (save £1). A Family Day Rover costs £32 (save £3.20) and covers two Adults and up to four Children. With seven steam hauled trains each way the Winter Steam Festival is a great day out during the Christmas break. Advance bookings can be made with a credit or debit card (all are taken except AMEX) by calling 01643 704996 between 9am and 4pm seven days a week.
22 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
The Quantock Belle in 2010
The WSR Association have published the 2010 operating dates for the Quantock Belle luxury dining train. In 2010, the Sunday Luncheon Quantock Belle will run on 14 March; 4, 11, 18 April; 2, 16, 23 May; 20, 27, June; 11, 18 July; 22 August; 12, 19, 26 September; 10, 17, 24, 31 October and 7 November; and the Saturday Evening Dinner trains on 8 May; 5 June; 24 July and 14 August. The Christmas Quantock Belle trains run on the evening of 3 December for the Dunster by Candlelight event; and for Sunday Luncheon on 5, 12, 19 December 2010.Bookings for trains from March to November 2010 will commence on 13 January 2010 for WSRA members and a week later for the general public; bookings for the Christmas Quantock Belle trains commence on 8 September 2010. An Early Bird discount will be available for seats paid for in full by 30 April but please note that this does not apply to Christmas trains. For further details and bookings please contact Keith Sandford on 01823 433856. The 2010 Quantock Belle brochure will be available soon. For those wishing to charter the Quantock Belle, please contact Susan Kaufman on 01823 431311.
20 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc and WSRA
|
|
 |
|
Online rover tickets for Winter Steam Festival
Rover Tickets for the Winter Steam Festival can now be booked online. The Winter Steam Festival event is on 29 and 30 December 2009. Travelling by steam train through the wintery Somerset countryside is a great way to round of the seasonal festivities. And now One Day Rover Tickets which give the freedom of the line on the chosen day are now available online at the TicketWeb website. There is no news yet on the extra guest locomotive. Unconfirmed reports suggest the hoped-for Severn Valley Railway based GWR 2-6-2T no 4566 is unavailable; and a rather large GWR express engine may take part. Event details...
18 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondent
|
|
 |
|
The 2010 Timetable Leaflet available as a PDF
An electronic copy of the 2010 timetable leaflet is available for download. Now folks can download and view and print their own copy of the leaflet. To access the PDF please click here. Despite being a low resolution version the information on the PDF is quite readable. Printed copies will be available in due course from the usual outlets around the West Country and of course at the WSR stations.
17 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
The next WSR Plc/WSRA Liaison Meeting
The next Liaison Meeting is Saturday 21 November 2009 at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall at 2pm. Staff have the chance to hear from the Company and the Association. Mark Smith, David Holmes, Susan Kaufman and Paul Conibeare supported by members of both Boards will be present. There will be the opportunity to raise issues and make suggestions. On 14 November, the Village Hall hosted a well attended Mutual Improvement Class on the subject of "Timekeeping". The MIC was arranged by Dr Tony Bray with Paul Conibeare and Mike Johns chairing with WSR Plc Chairman Mark Smith in attendance. There was representation from Motive Power, CME, Ops, Stations, Guards, TTIs, Commercial, Signalmen, Catering and SEPT. Presentations were given by each group and this was followed up with a question and answer sessions and many good ideas to improve timekeeping will be considered by the management.
14 November 2009
Details from WSRA
|
|
|
|
2010 timetable leaflet published
The timetable leaflet for the 2010 season has been published. Containing similar information to previous years, the 2010 timetable leaflet has been completely redesigned including new graphics, maps and photographs. Once again, a colour-coded calendar shows the type of train service on a particular running day. Interestingly, the actual train timetables are now arranged with the down trains above the up trains, perhaps recognising the growing importance of Bishops Lydeard as a first choice for visitors starting a day out on the Railway. Details of Special Events are included along with information about the WSR Association, the Steam Engineman Courses and Heritage Diesel haulage on some Summer Saturdays.
14 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
From Tintern to Williton
A further vehicle for the Heritage Carriages Project has now arrived at Williton. This vehicle has come from Tintern, in the Wye Valley, where it formed part of a restuarant. It is a Collett Third, gangwayed and flat-ended, built to diagram C67, lot 1509, completed on 28 February 1935, and numbered 5856. Early inspections suggest this coach is in a considerably better condition than some of the coaches already at Williton.
13 November 2009
Details from WSSRT
|
|
 |
|
Excellent news about passenger numbers in 2009
At the end of October the passenger figure for the year so far had reached 212,196. This is the second highest figure ever recorded for the Railway and only exceeded in the record year of 2007 when the end of year total was 213,423. The following quote is from the WSR's November Online newsletter: "In the prevailing economic climate this is a remarkable achievement and really can only be put down to one thing - the quality of the people who work hard seven days a week for 363 days a year. This has paid off with this impressive result and it is a good time to say thank you all once again. "
11 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Many Standards at the 2010 Spring Steam Gala
A bold plan is being hatched for the 2010 Spring Steam Gala. The theme for this event is "GWR 175 - The Standard Revolution" in recognition of the great input of all at the GWR's Swindon Works in the creation of many of the successful British Railways Standard Class steam locomotives of the 1950s. The plan is to bring together for the first time in the heritage railway era an operational example of each of the eight classes of Standards surviving today. The Spring Steam Gala is held over six days on 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 March 2010.
10 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
The Station Master at Stogumber
Congratulations to Jenny Davidge on her appointment as Station Master at Stogumber Station. Together with the revived Friends of Stogumber Station, Jenny and the station team have been working hard to build trade at the station. We will surely see further promotion of the excellent cream teas on sale during the 2010 season. Certainly the idea of a steam train trip from Minehead or Bishops Lydeard to Stogumber for cream teas and a wander around the super gardens is sure to appeal to many. For more about Stogumber Station, click here.
10 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Mainline contract results in job vacancies
More work on the West Somerset Railway means additional salaried posts are available. The contract awarded to the Railway to stable the stock of the mainline Cardiff-Taunton services overnight at Bishops Lydeard Station requires WSR Signalmen and Conductor Drivers to cover early morning and late evening shifts. One Signalman will also be the Project Manager who will oversee the working of these mainline trains in and out of Bishops Lydeard, coordinate these workings with other day-by-day internal and external workings. The contract starts in mid-December. Salary is by negotiation. Anyone interested in the new posts please contact the General Manager, Paul Conibeare, in writing, with a current CV, at The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG or by email.
10 November 2009 Updated 11 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
More information about the mainline contract
The Railway replies to a number of questions arising from the new contract to stable mainline trains at Bishops Lydeard. The contract with GBRf runs from 14 December 2009 to June 2010 and will see the stock of the Cardiff-Taunton mainline service, formed of MkII or MkIII coaching stock top and tailed by Class 57 locomotives, move onto the Minehead Branch each evening around 9.30pm for stabling and servicing. The stock then returns to Taunton at around 6.10am next morning. The stock will return to Cardiff at weekends for weekly exams and external cleaning, and refuelling the locomotives. Should refuelling be required on the WSR it will be carried out from a road tanker at the level gated access point near Dene Bridge with the refuelling company carrying out risk assessments, carrying spill kits, and covering the operation under their public liability insurance. It is possible between two and four spare coaches will be stored at Bishops Lydeard. The Railway continues to talk to GBRf about the use of the sets at weekends. Possible uses include a Bishops Lydeard to Taunton link during Gala events, or for railtour operators to run excursions to destinations such as Weymouth, York or Paddington. The Railway's Class 47 drivers will convert to Class 57 by means of a one day course, so that in an emergency, the set can be moved. Whilst not strictly a heritage operation, the contract builds new business for the future, and helps secure the link to the mainline at Taunton.
10 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Fancy volunteering to work on the Quantock Belle?
Volunteers are being sought for the Railway's prestigious dining train. This follows the retirement of Brian Lee, Graham Woolvin and Keith Cripps who have worked on various duties on the Quantock Belle and all on the Railway express thanks for all their hard work over the last ten years helping to keep and maintain the Quantock Belle in pristine condition. Now, the Quantock Belle team have vacancies for bar, maintenance and service personnel. The Quantock Belle is run by a very good team under the direction of Richard Knight, so if you would like to join them or for more details please contact Richard Knight on 01984 623873 or Susan Kaufman on 01823 431311 or Ian Aldridge Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01823 433856 or by email.
10 November 2009
Details from WSRA
|
|
 |
|
The Railway stops to observe Remembrance Sunday
The West Somerset Railway marked Remembrance Sunday on 8 November. Operations stopped as a mark of respect to the fallen of two World Wars and more recent conflicts including Afghanistan. General Manager Paul Conibeare led the Railway's tributes at Bishops Lydeard Station where staff and the public all lined the platform at 11 o'clock at the start of the national two minutes silence. Trains on the line also halted at Williton before continuing their journey. It is believed this was the first time the Railway had timetabled trains on Remembrance Sunday on what was the last operating day of the season.
9 November 2009
Details from local correspondent
|
|
 |
|
Problems persist with the official WSR website
Please be aware the official WSR website is having serious technical difficulties. The Railway Company advise folks not to visit or access the official website for a few days at least. Following the host accidentally removing all data on the webserver, the reinstatement of data would appear to introduced a number of potential viruses. All data has now been removed, again, from the server. The Railway Company are working hard to ensure the website is up and running in a clean state as soon as possible. The problem also affects incoming emails to the Railway Company, so it may be worth following up with a phone call (01643 704996) if your emailed query is urgent. The Railway Company again apologise for the inconvenience brought about by the technical problems. (Note: the unofficial website is helping as and when it can, and we will try and keep visitors abreast of developments. We look forward to the official website live on the web as soon as possible.) Update: thanks to the hardworking IT team, the website is back (updated 14 November)
7 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Halloween Evening and Ghost Express success
The recent Halloween event was a resounding success. Nearly 100 passengers braved the Ghost Express from Bishops Lydeard on 30 October 2009. Many dressed-up for the occasion, adults and children alike. Prizes were awarded for the best,chosen by three young ghosts who work on the WSR in their spare time. The Hurdy Gurdy Man entertained one and all with his own variety of music, magic and stories. Plenty of messy games for people to get involved in, apple bobbing and doughnut chasing to name but two. Four solid days of hard work really paid off. This was the first time the Friends of Stogumber Station have held this, or any event at all, and judging by the response from the public, it won't be the last.
6 November 2009
Details from Friends of Stogumber Station
|
|
 |
|
Joint Station Masters step down
End of an era at Crowcombe Heathfield Station. Two of the longest serving volunteers on the West Somerset Railway are stepping down from their duties as Joint Station Masters at Crowcombe Heathfield Station. Walter Harris and Michael Hodge have shared responsibility for managing the delightful country station at Crowcombe Heathfield for the last thirty three years. What was once a derelict and weed-strewn wasteland has become an award-winning finely preserved heritage attraction in its own right, thanks to Walter and Michael and their army of dedicated volunteers. Lad Porter, Ted Cubitt adds "Their tenure will finish at the end of January 2010 and it is hoped to have a farewell lunch and presentation in January." The Railway will be advertising the post.
4 November 2009
Details from the Crowcombe Heathfield Lad Porter
|
|
 |
|
Major award for the Minehead turntable
The West Somerset Railway is proud to announce a major award for the installation of the turntable at Minehead. The Heritage Railway Association have advised that the Annual Award (Large Groups) 2009 goes to the West Somerset Railway for "an outstanding achievement in railway preservation for the installation of a locomotive turntable at Minehead, initially a useful piece of infrastructure but which has created a great town centre public attraction at the Railway's northern terminus." The Award will be presented at the HRA's Annual General Meeting at York on 6 February 2010. Paul Conibeare, WSR General Manager, said "This is terrific news. The project has developed from a construction site to completion and now to a major award. A fitting tribute to all have have helped raise funds and worked hard to see this through to completion, and especially to those far-sighted volunteers who back in the mid 1970s rescued the turntable from Pwllheli in North Wales for eventual use on the Railway."
4 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
WSR Plc have IT problems at Minehead
The West Somerset Railway Plc IT is out of action for a few days. The Plc service provider has advised of a delay of up to five days before the service is restored. Meantime, the folks at Minehead Station are unable to answer emails - and with bookings and enquiries for the Dunster by Candlelight trains, the Carols Trains, the Santa Trains and the Winter Steam Festival, this is such a busy time. The Railway apologise for not being able to respond by email and for lack of website updates. Hopefully normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.
3 November 2009
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
Mainline trains to be stabled overnight on WSR
Overnight stabling and servicing of mainline stock is due to commence next month. From Monday 14 December, the existing loco-hauled diagram between Taunton and Cardiff will be taken over by First GBRf using ex-Virgin Class 57/3s. At the end of the day, the stock will run empty from Taunton to Bishops Lydeard where the rolling stock will be serviced by the WSR under contract. Next morning the stock returns empty to Taunton to form the 7.28am to Bristol Parkway. At weekends, the stock will be serviced at Cardiff. It is possible a spare set of coaches will be stored at Bishops Lydeard. We understand the details will be confirmed by WSR Plc in due course.
3 November 2009
Details from local correspondents
|
|
 |
|
Mobile website version released
A new West Somerset Railway website suitable for mobile phones has been released. The test website is now in beta release and can be found at  m.wsr.org.uk. It has reduced content as expected for mobile phone usage. For example, content is limited to brief news headlines, thumbnails of the two latest pictures, train times - and we are keen to receive feedback by email along with suggestions for suitable content for mobile phone browsers. Bookmark m.wsr.org.uk in your mobile phone now...
2 November 2009
Details from www.wsr.org.uk
|
|
|
|
The 2009 WSR Association Grand Draw
The WSRA 2009 Grand Draw takes place on the 14 November at 1.00pm at Bishops Lydeard Station. Keith Sandford from the WSRA reminds us "If you have draw tickets at home please send them to the WSRA Office, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3BX as we have extended the deadline to 9 November 2009." And he adds "You got to be in it to win it and someone is going to be £1000 better off and we have 23 runner up prizes ranging from £500 to £50." Contact Keith on 01823 433856 or by email.
1 November 2009
Details from WSRA
|
|