| Induction sessions for volunteers - 2013 dates released |
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All new West Somerset Railway volunteers are required to attend an induction session prior to being placed in a department and commencing work on the Railway. Sessions are held at the WSRA's Brunel House near Bishops Lydeard Station. The sessions run from 11am to around 12.30pm. Topics covered include " how the WSR works"; volunteer opportunities; the essential handbook for new volunteers; policies on youth protection, harassment. smoking, risk assessment, fire, discipline and grievance; health and safety; personal track safety; paperwork and of course what happens next. Full details and dates can be found on the official WSR website. And if you just want to find out more, there's a Volunteer Recruitment Open Day on Sunday 28 April - email volunteers@wsrail.net for more information...
29 December 2012
Details via Facebook from West Somerset Railway Plc 
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| A hint of Cambrian for West Somerset Autumn Gala |
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2013 marks the 150th Anniversary of two of component lines of the famed Cambrian Railways - the Newtown and Machynlleth and the Aberystwyth and Welsh Coast. The West Somerset Railway will mark the anniversary of two parts of Welsh railway history during the Autumn Steam Gala on 3-6 October 2013. With Manor no 7828 on the line already and with sister loco no 7820 due back the pair should give an authentic look to a recreated Cambrian Coast Express. The Railway is looking to bring in suitable guest locos to augment the Cambrian atmosphere.
28 December 2012
Details via twitter from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Little and large versions of a most magnificent steam locomotive |
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The Bachmann Limited Edition 7F no 88 in Prussian Blue Model Number 1 will now be on display at the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust Model Railway Exhibition at Edington Village Hall on Saturday & and Sunday 5 & 6 January 2013 (just off the A39 between Glastonbury and Bridgwater) See www.sdrt.org for full details of the Exhibition. See the 12 inch to the foot models on the WSR over the next few days and then assorted small scales the following weekend in the warm and dry.
28 December 2012
Details from local correspondent 
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| Keep up with the news - join us on Twitter |
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All the news and updates about the West Somerset Railway can be found on our Twitter account. Just follow @wizzertweet for selected news items from wsr.org.uk along with retweets from the WSR Plc and other relevant tweeters. Live updates on current train services are sometimes tweeted if relevant. It's a great way to keep in touch - and tweets usually include a link to the fuller story. Join the 700+ who already enjoy getting the early WSR news.
26 December 2012
Details from our very own @wizzertweet 
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| News from the Stogumber Station Station Master |
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During the Winter Steam Festival event on 29 and 30 December, Stogumber Station will be offering for sale bacon rolls and pasties as well as a selection of hot drinks. Tom Usher, the Station Master at Stogumber, adds "The Station will also be open for business from 31 December until 2 January, during which we are hoping to see many of our friends and supporters." How could anyone stay away! More about Stogumber Station here
22 December 2012
Details from the Stogumber Station Master 
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| Refurbished Goviers Lane Crossing fully reopened |
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Following extensive redesign and refurbishment Govier's Lane Level Crossing has been fully reopened. The £66,000 project to replace controversial self-closing gates and improve safety at the site got underway at the beginning of November. A news item in the West Somerset Free Press reports local people happy with the new design which provides a step-free and gate-free route across the railway at the Watchet crossing.
21 December 2012
Details from local correspondent and West Somerset Free Press
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| No 34046 back in steam up North |
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WSR-based SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton has returned to work following a long stay in the Ian Riley workshops at Bury. The West Country locomotive has been hauling Santa train on the East Lancashire Railway much to the delight of local folks and keen Braunton followers alike. The next stage will be a series of main line test runs. Details will be available soon. When all is tested and passed muster Braunton will head south again for a starring role at the Spring Steam Gala on the Minehead Branch, its home base, and a long awaited return to main line duties.
21 December 2012
Details from local correspondent
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| The Real Ale Guide to the West Somerset Railway |
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The West Somerset Railway has joined forces with the Somerset Branch of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) to produce a Real Ale Guide to the 20 miles of line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. The Guide includes a list of real ale pubs in the villages and towns served by the West Somerset Railway including walking routes and times from the stations and information about the local communities. For more about the Guide and how to get a copy please click here...
20 December 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| A progress report from the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust |
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The Trust has issued an update on recent activities. Work continues on the Heritage Carriage Project's GWR BCK no 6705; exciting news about original Swindon blueprints for various coaches; and news about a stewardship system. And of course work parties continue on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (recommencing on 2 January) and starting soon, a work party on the last Sunday of every month. Read Claire Sheppy's full report at the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust's website
19 December 2012
Details from West Somerset Steam Railway Trust 
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| No 88 to take a little trip to Crewe |
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The hard working Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway 2-8-0 no 88, which has been very busy in December, is due to visit the LNWR workshops at Crewe in early January. The locomotive is due for re-tubing and a boiler barrel examination and should only be away for a few weeks and due back before the Spring Steam Gala. We understand only the locomotive will travel to Crewe, the tender will remain in Somerset. Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust website
19 December 2012
Details from local correspondent
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| Good reasons for visiting the Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard |
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Local interest stock just arrived into the Station Shop, Bishops Lydeard. Items include the superb new Bachmann Class 7F 2-8-0 no 88 in SDJR Prussian Blue (limited availability) and the Rivarossi Cargowagon in Taunton Cider livery. And there's more...the end of 2012 season clearance sees Quantock Belle merchandise at 50% off. During December on days when no timetabled trains are running the Station Shop and Whistle-Stop Cafe at Bishops Lydeard will open on Saturdays and Tuesdays (except Christmas Day) from 10am - 2pm. More details about the Station Shop can be found on the West Somerset Railway Association website
19 December 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Association 
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| Good progress being made on overhaul of Dinmore Manor |
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Following many months of cleaning and painting by volunteers from Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd, parts are starting to go back on the re-wheeled frames. The heavy overhaul of 7820 - a WSR favourite - continues towards its return to steam. The chassis is being overhauled at Tyseley Locomotive Works whilst the boiler is being overhauled at Ian Riley's workshops. More details about the overhaul can be found on the blog
19 December 2012
Details from Dinmore Manor Locomotive Limited
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| Last chance to book on a Santa Special in 2012 |
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There is still an opportunity to travel to see Santa before Christmas on a West Somerset Railway steam train but the window is closing. There are still have a good number of seats left on the Minehead - Blue Anchor trains on Saturday 22 December and these can be booked via the website at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or over the phone on 01643 704996. After that, all seats on all Santa Trains have been booked apart from a few on the first train from Minehead at 10am on 23 December.
18 December 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The Station Master - a short film shot at Stogumber Station |
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A short 21 minute film by GentleCap, Look-Up Films and Met Film School was filmed in 2012 on location at Stogumber Station on the West Somerset Railway. The plot is described as "The short film is set in 1950s England, about a lonely, dysfunctional Station Master who lives in the middle of nowhere. Unexpectedly a woman exits one of the steam trains and during the night they spend together, she opens his eyes to a life he never believed he could have." More details and pictures and a short trailer of the film...
17 December 2012
Details from local correspondent
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| WSR GM interviewed on BBC Radio Bristol |
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Paul Conibeare, General Manager of the West Somerset Railway, is interviewed by BBC Radio Somerset/Bristol's Elise Rayner. Paul talks about the Santa trains that are proving such a success once again. The Winter Steam Festival, coming up on 29-30 December, also get a mention as do the Steam & Snowdrops specials in February 2013. The interview starts around 34:30 into the recording which is available for the next seven days.
17 December 2012
Details from BBC Bristol
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| Limited edition model of SDJR 7F 2-8-0 no 88 |
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The limited edition 4mm scale model of 7F 2-8-0 no 88 in its Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway livery has arrived in the country and is now on sale in the Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead at a discounted price of £140 (the list price is £156). Bachmann was assisted in the preparation stages of the model by Sam Burton of the WSR's Commercial Department who took many detailed photographs so that the model is a very good representation of number 88 as it has been running on the WSR in recent years. This includes the one-off Midland Railway tender, a non-standard combination of tank and frames, with which it has been paired in the preservation era.
More information here.
14 December 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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| The 2013 Timetable and Events Guide leaflet now available |
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The 2013 West Somerset Railway Timetable and Events Guide is due to arrive at Minehead Station from the printers today. To get a copy of this essential publication send an email with your postal address to info@wsrail.net More about the West Somerset Railway here.
14 December 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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| From Glyndyfrdwy to Crowcombe Heathfield |
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Paul Bailey, Station Master of Glyndyfrdwy Station on the Llangollen Railway has presented to the station a superb replica GWR clock for the Waiting Room at Crowcombe Heathfield. Paul (right) is seen here on the right handing over the clock to Crowcombe Heathfeld Station Master Tim Stanger. A small plaque will be placed beneath the clock recognising this generous donation. More about Crowcombe Heathfield Station here.
14 December 2012
Details from Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station
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| News update - Spring Steam Gala 2013 |
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The West Somerset Railway has released the current expected attractions at the 2013 Spring Steam Gala. Subject to availability, the list of visiting locomotives, so far, include the GWR Steam Railmotor no 93, GWR 2-6-2T no 5542, S160 Class 2-8-0 no 6046 and SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton; a visiting GWR Autocoach will also appear. From the home fleet, nos 7828, 6960, 4160, 3850 and 9351 are expected to appear. As for other attractions, a marquee will be erected at Minehead; the first Gala weekend will see a model railways exhibition whilst the second weekend will see the return of the literary fayre. There will also be a variety of stalls on Minehead Station.
13 December 2012
Details from local correspondent
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| Book signings at Bishops Lydeard Station Shop |
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Book signings are taking place at the Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard during the Winter Steam Festival. On Saturday 29 December, Terry Small will be signing copies of his book Don’t Tell The Management and on Sunday 30 December will see signings of the recently published Holding the Line - How Britain’s Railways Were Saved by Chris Austin. More details
12 December 2012
Details from WSRA
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| Autocoach no 169 - a progress update |
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Work on 169 continues at Williton with efforts now moved on Section 2. The main challenge of this section will be the number of droplights it contains. A Mark 2 routing former has been developed over the past few weeks to allow each main upright component to be tackled in one go rather than having to attend to each one in two sessions. It is hoped to have a small sales and info stand at the Winter Steam Gala weekend. More details
12 December 2012
Details from Locomotive 5542 Ltd
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| Snowdrops and Steam Specials in 2013 |
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After the successful initial operations earlier this year the West Somerset Railway now offer an extended programme for next year. The dates for the package in 2013 are 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 23, 24 February. Passengers will be able to travel down on the 10.25 from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster for an onward coach link to Wheddon Cross. The choice from Wheddon Cross is to take the Snowdrop Valley shuttle bus or walk down into one of the major sights of Exmoor. More details
11 December 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Diesel-hauled Quantock Belle specials in 2013 |
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Forty miles of travel behind a vintage diesel locomotive combined with a three course lunch on the Quantock Belle in 2013 on 23 April, 19 June, 3, 17, 31 July, 14 August, 4 and 18 September. Pre-booking is necessary. Bookings open on 16 January 2013 - ring 01823 433856. The journey is from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return. More details
11 December 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| A new Real Ale Guide to the West Somerset Railway |
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The Railway Company is planning to launch a new Real Ale Guide to the WSR in the New Year. This follows a lot of research work by the Somerset Branch of CAMRA. It will probably be a 16 page document. Once the copy is in place and the layout resolved the West Somerset Railway Plc will retail it at £2.00 plus postage and packing. This website wonders if a similar document will emerge in due course outlining the tea shops along the line...
10 December 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| An oil lamp once again at Crowcombe Heathfield Station |
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An oil lit lantern now illuminates the barrow crossing at Crowcombe Heathfield Station. The lantern sits atop an eight foot tall ex-GWR lamp post. The post was bought on eBay; and later collected from Cornwall using the WSR Association's van. The station staff cleaned and primed the post which currently remains in undercoat, with the top coat yet to be applied. With the dark afternoons of winter now upon us the lamp will help light the way for passengers and visitors. Visit the website of the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station for more information.
6 December 2012
Details from Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station
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| A new water tower for Minehead |
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Work is now well advanced on the installation of the new water tower alongside the turntable at Minehead Station. This is the outcome of the long period of fund raising, including donations of small change from passengers during 2011 and of course considerable financial help from the West Somerset Railway Association. In a statement that will please those who help fund this project, the WSR Plc say "Once fully installed the new tower will give us greater operating flexibility and will add interest to the turntable area also."
6 December 2012
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondents
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| Mutual improvement, green credentials and good teamwork |
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A new surface to a path that was becoming too muddy for practical use. Changing work patterns by Signal and Telegraph staff have led to more wear and tear on the path to their workshop coach from the access gate behind the signal box at Minehead. Taking a trailer load of hedge prunings to Dunster for burning on the Permanent Way bonfire site gave the Friends of Minehead Station Gardening Team the opportunity bring back a load of wood chippings that have been used to surface the muddy path. A good example of co-operation between different WSR departments for mutual benefit.
6 December 2012
Details from the Friends of Minehead Station Gardening Team
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| Only four weeks until the Winter Steam Festival |
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Just four weeks to go to the Winter Steam Festival to be held this year on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 December 2012. With no visiting mainline locomotives wintering on the Minehead Branch, the locomotives in service - nos 6960, 3850, 88, 7828 and 9351 - will all be from the Minehead based home fleet. It is hoped to operate all the tender locomotives chimney first during the event. Find out more about the Winter Steam Festival
5 December 2012
Details from the West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Online membership applications and renewals soon for WSR Assocation |
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Before too long, folks wishing to join the West Somerset Railway Association will be able to apply online via the Association website. Existing members will also be able to use the new functions to renew their membership. Work is all but complete on the technical and administration details. A few more tweaks and tests and the online service will be ready. Find out more about the West Somerset Railway Association here.
4 December 2012
Details from the West Somerset Railway Association
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| Changes at the Friends of Stogumber Station |
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Some important changes have taken place to the membership of the Committee of the Friends of Stogumber Station. The new Chairman is local resident Gary Farrar, who is a long serving volunteer at Stogumber Station, and his wife Michelle is the new Secretary. Another local resident is Alan Bines who takes on the duties of Treasurer and Membership Secretary. Membership of the Friends of Stogumber Station is open to all and more information can be found on the Friends of Stogumber Station website.
3 December 2012
Details from Friends of Stogumber Station
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| Successful work at Seaward Way Level Crossing |
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The West Somerset Railway Signal and Telegraph Dept staff paid a visit to Seaward Way Crossing at Minehead on 27-28 November 2012. Alterations were made to the control circuits to make the crossing behave correctly at times of failure. Whilst the original design operated correctly, some of the failure modes did not recover properly and could cause the crossing to be unreliable. The remedial work was designed by Jon Champion (right), tested by independent crossing specialist Steve Bradnum (second from right), who were assisted on site by Mike Hanscomb and Ray Messom.
2 December 2012
Details from local correspondent
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| Emergency services hold train crash exercise |
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A multi-agency exercise simulating a collision between a train and a car was held at the West Somerset Railway's Norton Triangle on 30 November. The exercise started at 6.45pm and ran for two hours. A safety brief was earlier held at Taunton Fire Station. Agencies involved include Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, West Somerset Railway, South Western Ambulance Service Trust, Basics Doctors, and the Casualties Union. The fire service used six fire appliances and support vehicles. The scenario involved a diesel multiple unit and a road vehicle. Thanks to Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service for details.
1 December 2012
Details from Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service
and local correspondent
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| Minehead to Bristol and Bath excursion going ahead as planned |
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The West Somerset Railway in conjunction with First Great Western is running an excursion from the West Somerset Railway to Bristol and Bath on Sunday 2 December 2012. The train will be a Class 150/2 diesel railcar unit. The Railway are pleased to confirm that despite the recent weather and problems this caused this trip is still going ahead as planned. For full details please visit the official WSR website
30 November 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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| Good progress being made on cab of D6575 |
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Good progress has been made with the fitting out of No1 cab of Crompton Class 33 no D6575. As a result, the driver's side is virtually complete with the secondman's side not far behind. Alan Cottrell has made an excellent job of lettering out the headcode panel doors. Items still to be completed include fitting the fibreglass windscreen surrounds in both cabs which will require the temporary air piping to the windscreen wipers to be reworked so as to be hidden neatly behind the surrounds. The cab door threshold plates also require to be fitted. For full details and updates on the Williton diesels please visit the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group website
27 November 2012
Details from DEPG
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| Meet and Greet Days in 2013 |
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Join the West Somerset Railway in 2013 for a fantastic series of meet and greet days. Children and families can enjoy a steam train ride, plus there will be the chance to meet one of their favourite characters at Minehead Station at intervals on each day. Meet Peppa Pig & George (6 April), Fireman Sam (4 May), Day Out with Thomas (6, 7, 13, 14 July), Mike the Knight (21 September), Scooby Doo (26 October). For full details please visit the WSR Plc website
27 November 2012
Details from WSR
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| Upgrade work underway at Govier's Lane Crossing |
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Contractors have been working for two weeks now at Govier's Lane Crossing which is being modified to avoid the use of gates and to make the crossing more comfortable for users of wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs. The plans include a fenced chicane on each side whilst the gradient of the harbourside path, from the existing ramp and steps to the rail crossing itself, will be less steep than before. Local people had chance to try out a mock-up of the new arrangements laid out in the adjacent car park during a period of consultation. The final design, drawn up by West Somerset Council working with the Railway, has the approval of the Office of Rail Rgeulation. With no planned regular train services in November the opportunity was taken to carry out the work during this period.
26 November 2012
Details from local correspondent
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| Two projects make progress at Crowcombe Heathfield |
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An ex-GWR lamp post was put in place on the Up side of the barrow crossing. Passengers and staff will appreciate the old-time illumination from the oil-lit lantern which is yet to be added. Whilst the lamp project is all about adding to the station's appearance, the other project tackled by the volunteer Permanent Way gang on 25 November 2012 was the removal of the track display which has adorned the Down platform for many years. The area released by the removal will be returned in due course to gardens. More on the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield website
25 November 2012
Details from FoCHS
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| West Somerset Railway featured on BBC's Countryfile |
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The result of recent filming on the Railway by the BBC appeared on the prime time showing of the Countryfile programme. The episode featured several of the WSR's characters and some good shots of the stations, the trains and the countryside. The still pictures of the early WSR days were provided to the BBC by contributors to this website as was the map of the Railway used by Matt Baker. More on the BBC website or for just a few days watch again
25 November 2012
Details from BBC and local correspondents
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| The Railway escapes severe storm damage |
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The recent stormy weather has left its mark on the fabric of the Railway although with no scheduled trains at this time, there has been no disruption to services. Flooding on the railway itself was noted at several locations including Williton, Crowcombe Heathfield and Norton Bridge, and also the fields at the Norton Triangles were affected. At Halscombe Bridge, west of Washford Station, the soft clay cutting sides witnessed a small landslip [picture]
25 November 2012
Details from local correspondents
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| Diesel driving experience courses in 2013 |
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The West Somerset Railway in partnership with the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group offer a one day course to realise ambitions to drive a heritage diesel locomotive. Treat someone special to the thrill of a lifetime learning what it feels like to be a real diesel driver. With twenty miles of stunning West Somerset countryside and coastal scenery there is something for everyone from novice to enthusiast. Full details at the WSR Plc website
25 November 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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