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Roy is appointed Dunster Station Master
Roy Dunglison has been appointed the new Station Master at Dunster Station. At the turn of the year, Chris Dowrick retired after 22 years at Dunster Station. Chris was ably assisted by Colin Dowrick during this period. Applications were invited and considered by the Railway's managers with the result that Roy Dunglison is now in charge at the delightful Dunster Station. Roy is a former Station Master at Minehead.
30 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc and WSRA
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WSR entertainment at Taunton and Slough
News of the next WSR Association Taunton Group meeting. This will be at the GW Staff Association Station Approach Taunton on Monday 1 February at 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start. Until the next coordinator is appointed, the monthly meetings will continue on an ad hoc basis with slide shows, videos and DVDs covering railway history and events. The February meeting is a slide show presentation by long-time WSR supporter Peter Triggs. Meantime, veteran WSR volunteer Keith Smith writes about a talk at Slough Station, "Members in the London/Thames Valley area are invited to attend the Slough and Windsor Railway Society's meeting on Friday 5 February, where I will be giving my new all-digital show on the WSR. The show will commence at 7.45pm at their building 'The Manor'. This can be found at Slough Station, situated on the Reading end of the down side, next to the Windsor branch bay platform. For further information, visit their web site at www.swrs.co.uk."
29 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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All change at Crowcombe Heathfield Station
The Joint Station Masters of Crowcombe Heathfield have retired. Walter Harris and Mike Hodge were guests of honour at a retirement lunch at the Rectory, Cannington. Some thirty Crowcombe Heathfield Station volunteers, past and present, enjoyed an excellent buffet provided by Reverend Peter Martin. The magnificent desserts were made by some of the station's lady volunteers. WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare presented Mike and Walter each with large framed photographic prints of the Station taken by Don Bishop ARPS. At the same meeting, came the news that "Lad Porter" Ted Cubitt had gained promotion to Station Master at Crowcombe Heathfield Station after some thirty years service. Paul Conibeare announced to the volunteers at the lunch that Ted was successful at his interview and will take up the reins from Mike and Walter from 1 February 2010. The "Friends" of the Station look forward to supporting Ted and ensuring that Crowcombe Heathfield remains the favourite station on the WSR for many visitors and volunteers alike. Meantime, the Inaugural Meeting of "Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station" is to take place on Saturday 13 February 2010 at 2.30pm at The Church House, Crowcombe Village. All are welcome - free tea coffee and biscuits! More about FoCHS...
29 January 2010
Details from FoCHS
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Update on plans for the 2010 Spring Steam Gala
No further news on additional steam locomotives for the Spring Steam Gala. The Special Events Planning Team report the following guest locomotives are likely to appear at the event in March - nos 71000, 78019, 80104, 92203, 92212 and 6024. These will be joined by home-based locomotives nos 4160, 5553, 9351 and 34046 (the latter is subject to availability of a tender). Thirty coaches will be available for the Spring Steam Gala formed into two sets of seven and two sets of eight. The event will see a new timetable in force with on-the-hour departures from Minehead and from Bishops Lydeard. The midday train to Minehead will not run as an non-stop express from Norton Fitzwarren as before but as a semi-fast starting from Bishops Lydeard. This is due to the hoped-for diesel shuttles from Taunton Station to Bishops Lydeard Station which will render the Bishops Lydeard-Norton Fitzwarren unavailable for steam services.
29 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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More details of plans for the Mixed Traffic Weekend
More details have emerged about the Mixed Traffic event in June 2010. The Nene Valley Railway's Class 14 no D9520 is booked to work with home-based sister no D9526, whilst Western no D1062 Western Courier and Warship no D821 Greyhound have been invited through the Severn Valley Railway a response is awaited. Of the home-based locomotives, nos D832 Onslaught, D7017, D9625 and D1661 North Star are expected to run during the event, hopefully joined, subject to successful trial runs in March and April, by Western no D1010 Western Campaigner. The event will see train departures on the hour from each terminus.
29 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The next Volunteer Liaison Meeting
The next Volunteer Liaison Meeting has been scheduled for Saturday 13 March 2010 at Bishops Lydeard Primary School at 3pm. These meetings allow the volunteers of the railway to come along and talk to the managers of both the Railway Company and the Association. Parking for the event will be in the school playground accessed via Quantock Road.
26 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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West Somerset Restoration have a new Works Manager
A new man at the helm at West Somerset Restoration. The WSRA Chairman, David Holmes explains "Following the resignation of Gareth Winter as West Somerset Restoration Works Manager interviews have been held to appoint a replacement. I am delighted to tell you that Ray Waldron has accepted the post and will take up his duties immediately.
Ray who has been involved with West Somerset Restoration as works foreman stepped into the position of Works Manager temporarily when Gareth left and will now head up the team as they complete the tender for Braunton, continue the assembly of Raveningham Hall and carry out work for Dinmore Manor Ltd on the chassis of the Manor. These three contracts will receive priority.
Once Ray and the team have got to grips with that little lot then GWR 2-6-2T no 4561 will enter the shops for assessment. With all this work there is plenty to do at Williton for both staff and volunteers alike!"
22 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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News from the Association
The West Somerset Railway Association report a few personnel changes. Steve Roberts and Don Bishop have jointly stepped into the position of Vice Chairman of the Trustees Board of the WSRA. Steve will continue with S&T work and assisting with Williton, whilst Don carries on his work with the Heritage Carriages Project and Station Farm. Meanwhile, Andy Chatwin, Chairman of WSRA (Promotions) Ltd the wholly owned trading subsidiary of the Association has announced his intention to stand down as Chairman. Andy who served as Loco Officer on the Main Committee and then Vice Chairman to Humphrey Davies took on the role of WSRA (Promotions) Ltd in 2008. Andy who is also a Director of 4160 Ltd has confirmed his intention to remain a Director of Promotions. The main Trustees Board is very grateful to Andy for his work over the last two years. At their meeting of 21 January the Promotions Board elected Susan Kaufman as their new Chairman. Andy will assist Susan as Vice Chairman. Finally, the Assocation are looking for someone to manage the Taunton Area Group. The Taunton meetings were key to the early development of the WSRA and remain an important meeting point for local members. The group is now looking for someone to help organise and arrange its monthly meetings which are always well attended by WSRA supporters and volunteers alike. Meetings are held in the GWR Staff Association adjacent to Taunton Station. If that's a job for you, please get in touch through Susan Kaufman at Bishops Lydeard or any member of the Trustees Board.
22 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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Progress at Norton Fitzwarren
Rails are once again being laid along part of the old Taunton-Barnstaple line. Thanks to great efforts by the WSR Association's Permanent Way Gang, sleepers now stretch from Orchard Junction toward the new junction with the East Chord and with the track already laid make a total length of over ¼ mile relaid on the Barnstaple alignment some of which is right alongside the West of England main line. The Plym Valley Railway has bought a lead surplus to WSRA's requirements and this will be dispatched shortly to Marsh Mills where it will form one end of their new run round loop. Whilst the lifting plant is on site the Permanent Way Gang plan to lift the new lead between the East and West Chords into position taking advantage of the current HOBC outage to get possession of the track. Completion of this task will mean that two of the three triangle points will be in place, one side of the triangle fully laid and railed, a second side laid in concrete sleepers and the Allerford headshunt laid.
22 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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Cutting back at Combe Florey
After the wintery weather interruptions the Cutting Back Gang are back in action. Beaten back by the snow the Gang will be re-forming for an assault on coppiced re-growth at Combe Florey on 20 and 21 February. This was originally planned for January but had to be called off due to the severe weather conditions. The Gang will be at Combe Florey taking out a row of coppiced trees overhanging the Old Smithy and tidying the cutting between the bridges. The suggested parking place is near Churchlands Bridge just up the hill from the Farmer's Arms, then to walk along the line towards Bishops Lydeard. As ever, all volunteers are welcome, including new folks keen to get out into the countryside and work off some of those festive excesses.
22 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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Practical coursework at Norton Fitzwarren
The Norton Triangle is to play host to a two day practical exercise. Jointly organised by Birmingham University, the Heritage Railways Association and Office of Rail Regulation, the exercise is designed as part of a course to train the new breed of Independent Competent Persons required for safety verification under the new ROGS regulations the students will crawl over the triangle design and construction looking for design and safety flaws - just for once the Railway hope the students will be unsuccessful.
22 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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Guest locomotives for the 2010 Spring Steam Gala
More details of steam locomotives expected to make guest appearances heading trains at the Spring Steam Gala. Nos 71000 and 92212 have already been confirmed and will be joined, subject to availability, by British Railway Standards 2-6-0 no 78019, 2-6-4T no 80104 and 2-10-0 no 92203 along with ex-GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I. We understand SR 4-6-2 no 34046 has been requested for the Spring Steam Gala. From the home fleet, BR(W) 2-6-2T no 4160 and GWR 2-6-2T no 5553 will be in action. Nos 88 and 9351 from the resident fleet will be on standby. The Spring Steam Gala is on 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 and 28 March 2010.
20 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Steam is cool on the Minehead Branch in 2010
A Facebook campaign has been started to encourage folks to travel on the Minehead Branch this year. The Facebook page states "Make it a personal challenge to travel on the West Somerset Railway in 2010. When you have done it, let us know how it was for you. Help the Railway carry a quarter of a million passengers in 2010. Don't forget you need to buy a ticket to make it count!" Check out the Facebook page now. Perhaps 2010 is the year when steam becomes cool.
20 January 2010
Details from wsr.org.uk
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The Friends of Stogumber Station
Become a friend of one of the loveliest railway stations in the land. The Friends of Stogumber Station (FoSS) take care of and run the Station with the aim of replicating a Great Western Railway country station as it was prior to nationalisation in 1948. By joining FoSS you'll receive a newsletter - the Buzzard Chronicle, by email or post, as well as up-to-date information of the goings-on at this typical country station. Membership Application Form.
18 January 2010
Details from FoSS
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The Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally 2010
Make a diary date now for the 2010 Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally. One of the biggest shows of its kind in Somerset, the Rally attacts thousands of visitors who flock to see the spectacular showman's engines and the workhorse traction engines, along with over 150 vintage cars, military vehicles of all types, and fire engines, police cars and ambulances. Add to this the minituare railway, steam vehicles, tractors, motorcycles and stationary engines, children's entertainment, large craft marquee, railway art display, fairground and street organs, trade stands, food and drink, beer tent, all topped by the parades in the main arena. The Rally is organised by the West Somerset Railway Association and is held at the WSRA Fields, Norton Fitzwarren on 7 and 8 August 2010. For more details please email or call 01823 433856.
16 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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Celebrate Valentine's Day on the West Somerset Railway
Come and celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved one on the West Somerset Railway. On 14 February the Railway is running an all steam service and on the 4.05pm service from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, cream teas will be served to travellers who have pre-booked the £4.40 tea. This is in addition to the normal fare which is £14.80 for an adult rover, £13.60 for anyone 60 or over and £7.40 for a child aged 5 to 15. Book early as the number of cream teas available has to be limited and will be sold on a first come - first served basis. Contact 01643 704996 to pre-book the combined ticket 9am to 5pm, seven days a week with the last booking being taken on Tuesday 9 February unless the allocation of seats has already been taken.
14 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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BR 9F 2-10-0 no 92212 confirmed for Spring Steam Gala
It looks like there will be two Class 9Fs on the Minehead Branch in March. The Railway have confirmed the visit of Mid Hants Railway based BR 9F 2-10-0 no 92212 to the Spring Steam Gala. With the likely visit of classmate no 92203 Black Prince it will be the first time two of the classic British Railways heavy goods locomotives have run at the same time on the West Somerset Railway. Other Gala news - tickets will go on sale at midnight tonight on TicketWeb for Spring Steam Gala Six, Four, Two and One Day Rover tickets.
14 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Mineral Line featured at Watchet Museum during Gala
Scholars of industrial railways will enjoy a visit to the Museum in Watchet. The Watchet Market House Museum has some interesting pictures, displays and models relating to the West Somerset Mineral Railway and will be opening specially for the weekends (20-21 and 27-28 March) of the Spring Steam Gala between 10.30am and 4.30pm. The Museum is situated in the Market House and is approximately five minutes walk from the station at the edge of the harbour, conveniently close to pubs and cafes. Worth a visit for those interested in the Mineral Line and in the history of this ancient harbour town. And don't forget the Railway's guided coach tour along the route of the WSMR on 22 March (see news item below).
13 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The Mineral Line tours return for 2010
More tours have been arranged to view the former West Somerset Mineral Railway. Following the success of the 2009 tours, including a successful private hire day out, the WSR is running three tours to see the remains of the Mineral Railway. The 2010 tours will take place on Monday 22 March (bus only), Saturday 15 May (combined train/bus) and Saturday 16 October (combined train/bus). The vintage bus tour starts at Williton at 11am conveying the party along the former route. There will be a lunchtime stop at a hostelry (lunch not included in fare). A maximum of 23 tickets are available for each date. Full details can be found at the official WSR website .
13 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The Friends making good progress at Minehead Station
Much activity behind the scenes at the seaside terminus of the West Somerset Railway. The Friends of Minehead Station report working parties busy in most areas. The Maintenance team now have five new platform seats supplied in kit form by the RAMS team based at Bishops Lydeard; the outside of the Buffer Stop Shop stores van has been waterproofed and racks installed inside; several tasks undertaken at the Turntable Cafe including re-varnishing all the chairs and tables. Another task underway is the installation of a modesty screen for the disabled toilet, with the holes dug, the upright poles now in place and the screen itself awaited. Repainting the platform edge white lines is another of the annual tasks soon to be undertaken.
12 January 2010
Details from Friends of Minehead Station
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The future of GWR Toplight no 3639
A meeting has been called to discuss the future of GWR Toplight no 3639. West Somerset Steam Railway Trust Secretary Chris Van den Arend is convening a meeting of interested parties to be held at the Williton Refreshment Room at 2.30pm on Sunday 24 January to discuss progress with the Toplight. Claire Sheppy of WSSRT explains "A joiner is interested in helping us to take this project forward, and the purpose of the meeting will be mainly to explore how further progress can be made. Several people have already confirmed that they will endeavour to be at the meeting, at which we shall voice our own, and listen to and debate other suggestions as to how best to proceed. Thus we have a small nucleus of volunteers, but would like to hear from anyone who would be prepared to come along and assist, even on an occasional basis. And if you can come to the meeting too, we will be pleased to welcome you."
12 January 2010
Details from WSSRT
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Exchange Tesco Tokens for WSR Tickets
The West Somerset Railway is again accepting TESCO Clubcard Deals Tokens in payment for train tickets. Exchange the tokens at WSR Booking Offices or with Ticket Inspectors on the train. Please note the tokens can be exchanged for tickets on normal service trains but not during Special Events (as shown in purple on the timetable) or on special trains, and tokens cannot be used in food outlets or shops. See the Tesco's Days Out promotion webpages for more details or ring the Railway on 01643 704996.
11 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Model Railway proving popular at Bishops Lydeard
2009 was the best operating year for the Model Railway at the Gauge Museum, Bishops Lydeard Station. Compared with 2008, the Model Railway enjoyed an extra 17 operating days and attracted an extra 860 visitors. More volunteers would be welcomed to help with construction work and with operating the layout. Anyone interested should contact Graham Rothwell, 01278 427829. The Model Railway is operated to entertain visitors, especially families. It is a very popular attraction at Bishops Lydeard Station and helps bring folks to the Gauge Museum. The current operating team consists of a small number of adults and senior Trackers and provides a opportunity for Trackers to become involved in a railway related activity. During 2009 the team managed to consolidate into a regular working team with the younger operators gaining much more experience when dealing with visitors. The Model Railway is closed until the Spring Steam Gala for maintenance and continuing the construction - funding for the latter is in short supply and donations are always welcome. The 2010 challenge is to reach the 11,000 visitors.
11 January 2010
Details from the Bishops Lydeard Model Railway Team
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Festive season trains prove popular again
More passengers travelled on the 2009 Santa Trains on the West Somerset Railway. Despite fewer Santa Trains, 7276 tickets were sold against 7085 in 2008. The major success was the Santa Express services with a seat occupancy of no less than 99.9%. A big thanks to all who turned out in some unpleasant weather to keep the successful operation moving. Full trains were the order of the day for the other mainstays of the December train services, the Carol Trains and the Dunster by Candlelight operations.
5 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Minehead Shop needs a weekend worker
The WSR PLC Retail Manager is seeking expressions of interest from people who would be willing to work at weekends in Minehead shop. The position is dependent on funding and current staffing levels, but would involve working as a retail assistant, serving customers, merchandising etc. If you are interested please contact the Manager, Colin Howard on 07900 930 282 or 01643 700387 or by email at shop@wsrail.net. Closing date of Wednesday 20 January 2010.
5 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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2009 is best year for passenger figures
2009 concluded on a happy note for the volunteers and staff of the West Somerset Railway. The WSR was able to confirm that the previous twelve months had been the busiest in the 33 year history of the line. "We had already inched ahead of the previous record of 213,000 set in 2007 by the end of November" said WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare, "and our pre-Christmas festive trains such as the Santa ones were also very successful despite our passengers and workforce being confronted with some less than wonderful weather from the start of the second half of the month. The poor conditions continued also for our operations between December 27th and December 31st but we were still able to welcome a good number of travellers and visitors and overall our final total reached 226,737. Not only does that beat our 2008 record total by almost 23,000 but also means we are carrying 70,000 passengers per annum more that was the case a decade ago." The Railway will next be running passenger trains in February during the half-term holidays. In the next few weeks there will be much engineering activity along the line and in the workshops whilst the office staff will be sending out mailshots and other information as the WSR looks to further build on its success into the future. Mr Conibeare explained. "Although we are delighted to have set a new record trading conditions for the year ahead look likely to remain difficult and we will have to work hard to maintain progress for the future. Our Commercial Department attends its first Travel Trade Show of the Year at Alexandra Palace in a couple of week's time and we are also looking forward to another successful Spring Steam Gala over the two weekends at the end of March. We are very much a twelve months a year business and activity along the Railway never stops." [Ticket totals 1976-2009]
4 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Cutting back at Combe Florey
The Cutting Back Gang are back in action. On 9-10 January 2010, the Gang will be at Combe Florey taking out a row of coppiced trees overhanging the Old Smithy and tidying the cutting between the bridges. The suggested parking place is near Churchlands Bridge just up the hill from the Farmer's Arms, then to walk along the line towards Bishops Lydeard. As ever, all volunteers are welcome, including new folks keen to get out into the countryside and work off some of those festive excesses. Updated 7 January: Now cancelled due to snow and ice
5 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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GWR175 gets underway on the West Somerset Railway
A set of special working headed by GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 gave the owning group an early opportunity to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Great Western Railway. On 31 December 2009, King Edward I made two return trips over the Minehead Branch with the numbers 174 on the smokebox. Next day, as the New Year dawned, the number was incremented by one, with the locomotive making two more return trips between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. Perhaps the earliest possible and first celebration of what promises to be a year packed with a whole series of spectalular GWR events across the country.
2 January 2010
Details from local correspondents
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