| Bishops Lydeard Station Shop during the Mixed Traction weekend |
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Kate Beard, Manager of the Bishops Lydeard Station Shop and Whistle Stop Cafe has advised of some special happenings during the forthcoming Mixed Traction Weekend on 7-9 June 2013. There are book signings taking place with, on Saturday 8 June, Alan Hammond, author of the hugely nostalgic "Sixties Boys on Tour" and other titles, whilst on Sunday 9 June will see Terry Small (pictured left) signing copies of his lighthearted "Don't Tell the Management!". Elsewhere there are some fantastic promotions during this special event including 20% off RRP on all model diesel locomotives (including Hornby, Bachmann, Graham Farish); up to half price on selected books including Ian Allan titles; and a new delivery of diecast 1:76 buses including EFE and Corgi at only £13 each. Visit the West Somerset Railway Association website for more details.
29 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association 
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| The Quantock Belle - keen to feature local produce |
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Earlier this month the Quantock Belle volunteers hosted a tasting session on board the dining train to sample items from local catering vendors with a view to improving the menu offer on the train and items available in the Whistle Stop Café at Bishops Lydeard. Among the winners are the organic soups produced by Rod and Ben's Organic Seasonal Foods; a new vegetarian option for the "Homity Pie" produced by a Devon-based company called Chunk; a ginger pudding with caramel sauce produced by The Big Red Cow, a company based on the Holnicote Estate; coffee served on the Quantock Belle will be from fresh Miles Coffee grounds whilst the tea will be Miles West Country Smuggler's Tea. Advance reservations for the Quantock Belle are a must, please ring 01823 433856 for the details of services and to book or visit the West Somerset Railway Association website.
28 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association 
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| A rare opportunity to travel from West Somerset to Taunton by train |
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There will an opportunity for people waking up in West Somerset to travel by train into the county town of Taunton on Sunday 9 June 2013 when the West Somerset Railway is holding its annual Mixed Traction Weekend and a First Great Western diesel train will be linking the stations at Bishops Lydeard and Taunton. A specially priced package will be available on two designated diesel-hauled trains from Minehead in the morning (at 8.45am and 9.45am) and on two diesel-hauled designated afternoon trains from Bishops Lydeard (at 3.45pm and 4.45pm). The special tickets will not be valid on other services. When the West Somerset Railway train arrives at Bishops Lydeard passengers will need to change to the First Great Western train for the journey to Taunton, and the reverse when coming back. The return fares between Minehead, Dunster, Blue Anchor, Washford, & Watchet and Bishops Lydeard will be £10 and from Williton, Stogumber and Crowcombe Heathfield £7. Passengers will need to book £5 return tickets between Bishops Lydeard and Taunton aboard the First Great Western train from the Ticket Inspector. Full details.
27 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc 
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| A busy and sunny start to the Bank Holiday weekend |
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Over 300 passengers from Birmingham and the West Midlands travelled by charter train "The Whistling Ghost" to Minehead via the West
Somerset Railway on Saturday 25 May. The train, operated by Vintage Trains, was worked from Birmingham via Worcester to Bishops Lydeard by former Great Western Railway Castle class no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. On arrival at the southern end of the West Somerset Railway the Castle came off the train which was worked forward to the West Somerset resort town by WSR-based GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall. Whilst the passengers were enjoying the delights of Minehead, no 5043 was turning on the Norton Triangles, a part of the WSR that was also used on the day by two freight trains from the national mainline network. The passengers left Minehead at 4.05pm behind Raveningham Hall which was replaced at Bishops Lydeard by Earl of Mount Edgcumbe for the remainder of the homeward journey. In addition to the charter train the WSR ran its own peak service of seven trains in each direction over the 20 miles of line and in the evening there was a special Murder Mystery train and a late evening Quantock Belle dining train...
26 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Plans in hand for Dinmore Manor to run at the 2013 Autumn Steam Gala |
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Plans are in hand for No 7820 to return to the Minehead Branch later this year. Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd have announced "We are pleased to be able to tell you what has been planned once our flagship locomotive Dinmore Manor returns to steam this summer. We can announce that we plan to be at the West Somerset Railway's 2013 Autumn Gala, running for a strictly limited number of days around the event. The date of this year's WSR Gala is 3-6 October and the engine should fit in beautifully with the autumn colours and the Cambrian theme."
21 May 2013
Details from Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd
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| Plenty to do and plenty of trains during the Bank Holiday weekend |
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Plenty to see and do along the West Somerset Railway over the Bank Holiday Weekend. Here are a few ideas: Dunster, with its Castle, Priory, Yarn Market and Water Mill is a great destination and will be served by connecting bus service to and from the delightful Dunster Station; Cleeve Abbey can be reached from Washford Station; there are railway museums at Blue Anchor, Washford and Bishops Lydeard; a late train from Minehead allows for a long day out in the seaside resort; on Sunday 26 May, Watchet's Wheelbarrow Race takes place; Bishops Lydeard Mill will be open on Sunday and Monday; or perhaps just stop off and enjoy the country wayside station atmosphere at Crowcombe Heathfield or Stogumber, or perhaps take a country walk between the two. Full details.
21 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Important timetable amendment for Saturday 25 May 2013 |
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The West Somerset Railway have announced an important timetable change for Saturday 25 May. Please note that to accommodate the visit of an excursion train - the "Whistling Ghost" - from the Birmingham area, the timetable for Saturday 25 May is amended. The 4.05pm from Minehead, calling at all stations to Bishops Lydeard, will now depart Minehead fifty minutes later at 4.55pm, arriving at Bishops Lydeard at 6.14pm. The amended timetable for Saturday 25 May 2013 can be seen here.
20 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The Powderham Signal Box exhibit |
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Work on the Powderham Signal Box project at the Gauge Museum, Bishops Lydeard is virtually complete and visitors can now enjoy a hands-on experience, pulling the levers and observing the signals and repeater indicators working. The exhibit is open every day when the Museum is open. The Gauge Museum team are keen to provide Guides for Powderham to enhance the visitors' experience by demonstrating how the block instruments and bells work, and answering questions. Guides could also keep a watchful eye on the Museum as a whole. If you are interested in being a Guide please contact the team during your visit or contact Tim Stevens, Powderham Signal Box Exhibit Manager, on 07907 246394 or by email email. Powderham will be in action on the Saturday and Sunday (8, 9 June 2013) of the Mixed Traction Weekend from 11.30am to 4.30pm.
20 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| August is Heritage Diesel Month on the Quantock Belle |
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What better way to enjoy high summer than a relaxing meal on the Quantock Belle First Class Dining Train? In August 2013 the traction for the Quantock Belle will be heritage diesel engines. This includes Sunday Lunches on 11 August (with recently restored Crompton Class 33 no D6566) and 29 August (with Western Region diesel hydraulic Class 14 no D9526), a Saturday evening train on 25 August featuring the Warship (Class 42 no 832 Onslaught), and a Wednesday Lunch on 14 August (with Class 14 no D9526). There are still tickets available for these services – please ring 01823 433856 for reservations.
Follow the Quantock Belle on Facebook and Twitter
19 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
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| Farewell to Justin at the West Somerset Railway |
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The West Somerset Railway say goodbye to Justin Kerr-Peterson, Deputy Operating Superintendent. Justin has worked at the West Somerset Railway for over eight years starting as a 'Tracker'. During that time he has worked as a TTI, Guard, Commercial Department Assistant, stand-in Sales & Marketing Manager, Assistant to the General Manager and various other roles, too many to mention. Justin is leaving to take up a new role with Network Rail in June and all his colleagues at the WSR past and present will want to wish him all the very best for the future. Pictured on the left, Justin is slicing-up a delicious leaving cake!
17 May 2013
Details via Facebook from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Free bus link between Dunster Station and Dunster Castle |
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Once again it is planned to operate a vintage bus service between Dunster Railway Station and Dunster Village on Bank Holiday Sunday 26 May and Monday 27 May. The bus will be one of the Crosville fleet based in Weston-super-Mare and will run at roughly hourly intervals during the main part of the day. Travel on the bus is free to all. The medieval village of Dunster has many attractions including the Dolls Museum, Dunster Water Mill, the Yarn Market, the Tithe Barn and of course the magnificent Dunster Castle.
17 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The WSRA Home Counties Group on the road again... |
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Hard on the heels of a successful visit to the Basingstoke Festival of Transport, the Home Counties Group will be out again this coming weekend, this time at the big charity event, the Fawley Hill Steam and Vintage Transport Weekend, at Sir William MacAlpine's estate at Fawley Hill near Henley. The Home Counties Group were delighted to be invited to come along to the event. Further details of the event is on the Fawley Hill website at www.fawleyhill.co.uk.
15 May 2013
Details from Home Counties Group of the WSRA
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| Western Campaigner will undergo test running on 18 May |
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Class 52 no D1010 Western Campaigner is expected to undergo test running on Saturday 18 May ahead of her planned passenger hauling debut for 2013 during the Mixed Traction Weekend. Western Campaigner will be running as light engine in the pathways used for the Diesel Enginemen Courses. This means a departure from Williton at 9.30am reaching Minehead at 10.03am, followed by a run to Bishops Lydeard and back, and a final trip from Minehead at 3.05pm back at Williton. Please note this is a test for the loco so the schedule may change or be aborted.
UPDATE: [16 May 2013] We now understand this schedule is now cancelled. However testing of a diesel locomotive will take place on the evening of Saturday 18 May in the section between Williton and Blue Anchor.
14 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Good enough for croquet at Crowcombe Heathfield Station, perhaps... |
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The area formerly used for the track display at the back of the down platform at Crowcombe Heathfield Station was today cleared and turfed by the contractors, West Somerset Turf. When flower tubs have been put in place this area around the new GWR seat will be a popular spot for visitors, and will greatly enhance the rural aspect of the station. Full story...
13 May 2013
Details from Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station 
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| No 7812 makes it three Manors for the 2013 Autumn Steam Gala |
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Courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway and its owning group the Erlestoke Manor Fund, GWR 4-6-0 no 7812 will be taking the number of operational Manor class locomotives taking part in the "Cambrian" themed Autumn Steam Gala to three. Erlestoke Manor visited the WSR in 2011 and is a welcome addition to the 2013 line-up as we look to recreating a suitable atmosphere for the event on 3, 4, 5, 6 October. Rover Tickets can be purchased online via www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
10 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| No 7812 makes it three Manors for the 2013 Autumn Steam Gala |
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Courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway and its owning group the Erlestoke Manor Fund, GWR 4-6-0 no 7812 will be taking the number of operational Manor class locomotives taking part in the "Cambrian" themed Autumn Steam Gala to three. Erlestoke Manor visited the WSR in 2011 and is a welcome addition to the 2013 line-up as we look to recreating a suitable atmosphere for the event on 3, 4, 5, 6 October. Rover Tickets can be purchased online via www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
10 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Take the train to see the Stogumber Gardens |
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Every year since 1982 several gardens in the delightful village of Stogumber have been open on a weekend in June to raise money for charity. In 2013, the main village open weekend will be on 8 and 9 June. Opening times are 10.30am to 5.30pm on both days. There will be about twelve gardens to visit, ranging from small central cottage gardens to large country gardens on the outskirts. Admission is £6 with children under 14 free. Then, a week later, on Sunday 16 June from 2pm to 6pm, six gardens are open under the National Gardens Scheme. The entrance fee is £5. The village is about a mile from Stogumber Station. Check train times here.
10 May 2013
Details from local correspondents
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| Home Counties Group are out and about promoting the WSR |
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The West Somerset Association's Home Counties Group will be out and about this week-end with their promotion and sales stand attending the Basingstoke Festival of Transport. Organised by the Thornycroft Society, it takes place on Sunday 12 May at the War Memorial Park, Basingstoke, and entry is free. The Home Counties Group will be delighted to meet old and new friends at the event.
8 May 2013
Details from Home Counties Group of the WSRA
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| Watching the wheels at wonderful Watchet |
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The Somerset harbour town of Watchet is a popular destination for passengers on the West Somerset Railway. Something rather special is due to happen at Watchet on 26 May - it is the day of the Watchet Wheelbarrow Race, as close as West Somerset gets to holding Formula 1. The events start at 11am and the racing at 2.30pm and the Railway will be running a full timetable of trains to and from the old harbour town. Watchet also hosts a regular Market every Wednesday on the Esplanade, less than five minutes from the centrally-located railway station.
7 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The Lynton and Lynmouth Explorer |
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New for 2013 is a combined steam train and road coach tour. The new venture -the "Lynton and Lynmouth Explorer" - starts on 24 May 2013 and runs on selected dates through the summer. This excursion is pre-bookable and offers the 10.25am steam train journey from Bishops Lydeard, followed by a scenic coach tour over Exmoor for a lunchtime and early afternoon visit to the delightful twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth. The return is by coach and the 4.05pm steam train from Minehead with an optional pre-bookable cream tea on the way home.
Full details...
7 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Free travel buses between Bishops Lydeard and Taunton on 12 May |
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A bus running every twenty minutes between Taunton's Castle Green and Bishops Lydeard Railway Station on 12 May 2013. This service is part of the Quantock Motor Services Running Day for its fleet of vintage buses. The first departure from Taunton is at 10.30am and the last being at 4.30pm. The return services will leave Bishops Lydeard on the hour, and at 20 and 40 minutes past, starting at 11am with the last departure being 5pm. Travel on the buses will be free. As an historic footnote the service will have the route number 218 which was for many years the number used by Western National for the Taunton-Minehead service (now operated by Webberbus service 18 and Firstbus 28) back in the days when the WSR's proposed diesel service to Taunton was seen by the National Union of Railwaymen as a threat which led to difficult relations for many years between the union and the fledgling private railway.
5 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Welcome increase in group travel business for West Somerset Railway |
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England's longest heritage railway is reporting a welcome increase in its group travel business in 2013 with a percentage rise of 35% in the year to the end of April and enquiries and business still coming in at a brisk rate. The West Somerset Railway offers its pre-booked group customers discounted fares and reserved seating for groups of 16 or more adults and/or seniors. Talks and group catering can be arranged, subject to availability of staff. The Railway will be at the Group Travel Show at the NEC in September and the Birmingham 50+ Show in December. More details of Group Travel can be seen at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or Group Bookings can be contacted via 01643 700398 Mondays to Fridays.
4 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Passenger figures to the end of April |
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A total of 15,203 passengers were carried on the West Somerset Railway in April. The running total for the year to the end of April 2013 is now 32,428 compared with 32,457 at the same point in 2012. The Railway say "the good news is that fares revenue is up by 3.2%." (perhaps this is due to changing travel choices)
3 May 2013
Details via Facebook from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Diesel loco allocations available for Mixed Traction Weekend |
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Diesel haulage enthusiasts can now plan their long weekend at the West Somerset Railway's Mixed Traction event. Loco allocations (subject to availability) are now available online along with the Working Timetables for the event on 7, 8 and 9 June 2013. Guest Class 24 no 24081 gets an early start on Friday 7 June and same day fellow guest Class 37 no 37215 heads a late afternoon goods working; on Saturday 8 June the 1.55pm departure from Norton Fitzwarren will run non-stop through Bishops Lydeard behind classmates D6566 and D6575 (please note passengers cannot join this train at Norton Fitzwarren); on Sunday 9 June the final round trip by Crompton no D6566 (before withdrawal for general overhaul) will be the 3.45pm from Bishops Lydeard and the 5.45pm from Minehead. Full details of Mixed Traction Weekend.
3 May 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The Railway helps stranded school party |
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The West Somerset Railway was pleased to be able to help 100 students and staff from West Somerset Community College who were stranded in Blue Anchor due to the A39 being closed due to a road traffic accident. The students and staff travelled back in true style on board the 1.38pm from Blue Anchor to Minehead. Thanks to Revive Minehead for alerting us to this item.
2 May 2013
Details from Revive Minehead's facebook page
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| The West Somerset Railway in the month of May |
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The West Somerset Railway is open every Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday and open daily from Saturday 18 May - and there are special events and excursions too. Saturday 4 May is Fireman Sam "Meet and Greet" day when children and families can enjoy a steam train ride, plus there will be the chance to meet Fireman Sam at Minehead Station at intervals throughout the day. Discounted tickets available to buy in advance up to 3pm on Friday 3 May. Wednesdays are Hestercombe Express days! Enjoy a relaxing day out with the West Somerset Railway and Hestercombe Gardens - a rail travel adventure combined with the beauty of the internationally acclaimed Hestercombe Gardens. Every Wednesday until September 25 2013. Book in advance or buy on the day.
2 May 2013
Details from newsletter from West Somerset Railway Plc
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