| Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust statement about the Washford lease |
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Godfrey Baker, Chairman of the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust (SDRT), has kindly provided a statement concerning the lease of the Washford Site. "Sometime ago the SDRT were told by the West Somerset Railway (WSR) General Manager, Paul Conibeare, that the lease of the Washford Site would not be available for renewal in 2020 as the site was required by the WSR. The position has now changed slightly in that at a routine meeting between SDRT representatives and the WSR Plc Chairman Humphrey Davies and the General Manager Paul Connibeare earlier this year the SDRT were informed that the site was no longer required by the WSR. Negotiations continue between the SDRT and WSR to extend the lease of the Washford Site beyond 2020."
31 July 2013
Details from Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust 
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| The Bishops Lydeard - Norton Fitzwarren Shuttle Train on 3-4 August |
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A shuttle service, using a diesel multiple unit, will run on both days of the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally between Bishops Lydeard Station and Norton Platform adjacent to the Rally. The journey takes about ten minutes. Departures from Bishops Lydeard on both days will be at 0945, 1020, 1100, 1140, 1215, 1350, 1420, 1540, 1645 (with an additional departure at 1725 on the Saturday only). Departures from Norton Platform on both days will be at 1000, 1040, 1115, 1155, 1325, 1403, 1435, 1555, 1700 (with an additional departure at 1740 on the Saturday only). This DMU Shuttle is free for those people travelling from, or connecting at, Bishops Lydeard to the Rally site and back, providing they purchase a Rally Entry Ticket at the Rally Entrance. The Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally is held at the Norton Triangle to the west of Norton Fitzwarren on 3 and 4 August 2013.
30 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association 
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| Statement by Somerset County Council and West Somerset Railway Plc |
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The West Somerset Railway Plc have kindly provided a copy of the statement made jointly with Somerset County Council. We are pleased to reproduce the full statement:
"Somerset County Council (SCC) and West Somerset Railway plc (WSR plc) have been continuing their ongoing discussions over the development of a strategic plan for the future sustainability of the West Somerset Railway, a 'jewel in the crown' of West Somerset's tourist industry. SCC and WSR plc have been exploring the potential expansion of railway capabilities at WSR plc's Station Farm site at Bishop's Lydeard, and potential services including mainline rail through Lydeard. As part of this wider picture, WSR plc who hold the current lease and the licence to operate the railway, have been negotiating with SCC for over two years about possible extension of the long term lease or purchase of the freehold if this were to become available, in order to help improve security for other major partners who wish to make further financial investments into the railway. More recently the West Somerset Railway Association, a charitable group supporting the railway, have separately approached SCC over the freehold. Although securing the freehold of the land might improve prospects for inward investment into the railway by other groups, this might divert priorities from railway infrastructure investments by both the plc and its support groups, and long term security might still be achievable through leasehold extensions with appropriate covenants.
[SCC] Cabinet member David Hall, who is responsible for business inward investment stressed that 'although reducing risk and potential exposure to SCC and generating capital receipts for investment into other SCC priority areas might be advantageous, ensuring the continued operation of the railway and increased investment and economic development for Somerset is equally important and remains one of our priorities'.
[SCC] Cabinet member David Huxtable responsible for resources, confirmed that 'this is a complex area and we haven't made and won't take any decisions on the future of the freehold of the WSR until we have had discussions with all the interested parties. We are committed to the wellbeing of the WSR and would not make any changes that would jeopardise that'.
Humphrey Davies, Chairman of the WSR plc said 'we hope that we will be able to continue in the 21st Century finding an optimum way forward for securing the future sustainability of our brilliant heritage railway, which employs some 50 people, relies on the help of over 1300 dedicated volunteers to keep the longest standard gauge railway in the UK operating, and brings great economic benefit to the area'."
30 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc 
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| It was forty years ago when enthusiasts set out save a Hymek... |
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In September 1973 a group of enthusiasts realised the days were numbered for the iconic Western Region diesel hydraulic locomotives known as Hymeks and fundraising began with the aim of purchasing and preserving one of the class. Within two years, the group had raised sufficient funds and Class 35 Hymek no D7017 arrived at Taunton for storage. In early 1976 the locomotive was moved to Minehead on the West Somerset Railway. On Sunday 22 September 2013, members of the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group will celebrate forty years of preserving diesel locomotives during a special private event at Williton. No D7017 will be working service trains on the Minehead Branch on that day. Another of the Group's locomotives, Western no D1010 Western Campaigner will be working service trains during the previous day, offering a great weekend for all diesel hydraulic enthusiasts.
30 July 2013
Details from local correspondent
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| Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219 looking more like an engine again... |
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Good progress has been made on Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219 at Williton in the last couple of weeks. The water tank has been the main objective and the team has replaced the middle sections on both sides of the tank due to rust and lots of small holes have been patched up. The tank has been painted and reunited the with the engine - only for a short time though as work starts soon on the boiler overhaul.
Details from West Somerset Restoration 
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| Fast-track restoration starts on ex-GWR Autotrailer no 233 |
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Locomotive 5542 Ltd's latest acquisition, ex-GWR Autotrailer no 233 has arrived at Buckfastleigh for fast-track restoration. Arriving late on Monday 21 July and placed in the carriage sidings, The first work party has already paid a visit to the vehicle. Still on board from its days as a research vehicle was a little piece pf provenance in the shape of a fault log book. This is the second Autotrailer acquired by the group - the first, no 169, is undergoing extensive rebuilding at Williton.
25 July 2013
Details from Locomotive 5542 Ltd 
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| A little bit of Cambrian comes to West Somerset in the autumn |
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During the Autumn Steam Gala the WSR stations will be named after some on the former Cambrian section. A full list and explanation of the reasoning behind the decisions will appear soon on the official WSR website. Bishops Lydeard becomes Shrewsbury to reflect its status as the gateway for a day out; matching "summit" stations, Crowcombe Heathfield becomes Talerddig; Stogumber becomes Aberangell and Williton becomes Oswestry; the coastal halt of Doniford becomes Penhlig; the harbour towns of Watchet and Aberdyfi are matched, as are Washford and Machynlleth; the seaside locations ensure Blue Anchor is twinned with Barmouth; the castles at Dunster and Criccieth provide a good link; and finally the terminus of Minehead becomes the Cambrian terminus of Pwllheli.
23 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Take the train to one these events along the line |
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For the county of Somerset the long school holiday begins on Wednesday 24 July the day of the Dunster Country Fair on the lawns below the medieval village. The West Somerset Railway is running a coach link between Dunster Station and Dunster Steep conveniently placed for both the Fair and the village. The bus link will meet the trains through the day. Also running that day is the Dunster Castle Express and the Hestercombe Express. On 27 July Zoe Ainsworth-Grigg will be doing a book signing of her popular books at Minehead Station from 11am. Her latest book, "Miss Flimp's Sister takes a Train" is a story set on the West Somerset Railway. Sunday 28 July is the annual Watchet Carnival from 11am onwards and with the Carnival Parade at 1pm. The centre of the town is a short walk from the station. Meanwhile at Minehead station on the same date is the annual Toy and Train Collectors Fair with some 50 dealers selling and buying.
22 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| 2013 Beer Festival Tee-shirts now on sale at Minehead |
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Nicely timed for the hot weather the official tee-shirts for the CAMRA Real Ale Festival are on sale in the station shop at Minehead. Priced £10 the shirt is black with the small logo on the front featuring a front view of BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7820 Dinmore Manor whilst the reverse has the green and white logo of Yeovil Ales, who are the main sponsors of the Festival for this year. The shirts can be bought over the counter at the shop or by phone on 01643 700387.
20 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Pit extension work underway at Minehead |
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The pit outside the loco shed at Minehead is being extended. Contractors started work on Monday 15 July 2013 by removing the rails and sleepers on the Up side of the existing pit and commenced setting out the control points for the works. The project is expected to take about three weeks to complete and inevitably create some disruption to routine servicing. Engines will be using the pit inside the new shed to dispose of ash whilst work takes place. The end result will make life much easier for staff at the busy shed. David McCubbin, Sales & Marketing Manager of WSR plc, adds "The work is being jointly funded, 50% by the WSR plc with 50% match funding from the Rural Development Programme for England. The grant has been made available by the Western Somerset Local Action Group."
Updated: 17 July 2013
Details from local correspondent and WSR plc
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| Seat availability on the Quantock Belle Dining Train |
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Most trains are now fully booked although there are a few seats available on the following dates - 17 July, 31 July, 11 August, 14 August and 25 August. The trains on these dates are hauled by a classic heritage diesel locomotive. For full details and booking please see the Quantock Belle page on the West Somerset Railway Association website or ring now on 01823 433856 and ask for Quantock Belle reservations. If you are connected to the voicemail system just leave a message and the Quantock Belle team will phone you back. Also, please note a limited number of free picnic seats on the Quantock Belle will be available to WSRA members; advance booking is essential (ring 01823 433856) and the seats will be on a first come/first served basis; and in addition, any Quantock Belle dining seats that have not been sold within nine days of the service will be available to WSRA members at a reduced price.
15 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
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| Already preparing for the Cambrian-themed Autumn Steam Gala! |
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On Thursday 11 July 2013 station staff at Crowcombe Heathfield Station, with an eye on the Cambrian Railways themed Autumn Steam Gala in October, tested the fitting of the temporary running in boards. Crowcombe Heathfield's alter ego will be Talerddig for the duration of the Gala. The new Talerddig boards - which with a little persuasion fitted well - were made by the RAMS team at Bishops Lydeard. Ian Hume, the station's Welsh speaking volunteer, has been busy with the Welsh names for signage for Tickets, Lavatory, Way Out, Stationmaster etc. Follow the goings-on at the WSR's highest station on the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station website.
14 July 2013
Details from Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station 
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| The Return of the Minehead Turntable in words and pictures |
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The turntable at Minehead now seems as if it has always been there. Indeed it is the latest of three turntables occupying that area of the terminus station over the years. Find out more about the turntable project - download the Return of the Minehead Turntable booklet which tells the story along with accompanying photographs showing the various stages of the restoration and installation of the turntable, including historical artefacts unearthed during the excavation of the site. Or browse the many images on this website in the Minehead Turntable Project picture gallery.
14 July 2013
Booklet details via facebook from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The two weekend Thomas format proves very popular |
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The new approach of spreading the Thomas weekend over two weekends was a successful one. The West Somerset Railway happily report reaching 99% of the budgetary target for fares and gate admissions before start of business on the last day of the four day event. The two weekend approach spread the loading and as a result overcrowding at Minehead was avoided - a bonus when small visitors are getting hot as well as excited. It all makes it more relaxing for both the customers and the staff on duty. It is understood some of the local children who came on the first weekend wanted to come back again for a second go! The Railway wish to thank everyone involved in setting up and taking down of the various parts of the Thomas show and the planning in advance; and to those who worked so cheerfully on the four days.
14 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Foxcote Manor replaces Dinmore Manor at Autumn Steam Gala |
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The West Somerset Railway was disappointed to learn from Dinmore Manor Locomotive Limited that the overhaul of GWR 4-6-0 no 7820 Dinmore Manor will not be completed in time to take part in the WSR's Autumn Steam Gala between 3 and 6 October 2013. However a replacement with strong Cambrian section connections has been obtained in the form of sister loco GWR 4-6-0 no 7822 Foxcote Manor courtesy of owners the Foxcote Manor Society.
13 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Wheelset for GWR BCK no 6705 reassembled and reunited |
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An important day for GWR BCK no 6705 at Williton on 10 July 2013. The 'A' bogie was reassembled after overhaul and reunited with its wheelsets. The next stage is to refit the springing and the brake linkages; on the same day, the latter have received their top coat of paint. Work has already started on dismantling the 'B' bogie for overhaul. For pictures and more information please see the website of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust.
11 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Steam Railway Trust 
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| It all started on this day in 1856... |
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It was Sir Peregrine Fuller Palmer Acland Bt who placed the advertisement in the Taunton Courier's edition on 2 July 1856 and then chaired the meeting at the Egremont Hotel at Williton, Somerset on Wednesday 9th July 1856 at "11 o'clock in the forenoon with a view to promoting the building of a Railway from Watchet to connect with the expanding railway network." In the event, the meeting led to the formation of the first West Somerset Railway Company, and later, to the building and opening of the line from the Bristol and Exeter Railway at Norton Junction, just west of Taunton, to the harbour town of Watchet. More...
9 July 2013
Details gleaned from local newspaper archives
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| The first of two Thomas weekends proves a huge success for all |
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Two days of sunny weather graced the first weekend of the West Somerset Railway's "Day Out with Thomas" event on 6 and 7 July. The famous little blue engine gave train rides in and out of Minehead Station whilst his friends, the bigger locomotives, brought trainloads of excited young visitors to the seaside terminal for the entertainment which included Punch and Judy, face painting, a model railway featuring Thomas and other characters in miniature and of course Sir Topham Hatt, the Fat Controller, trying to keep charge. Parents and grandparents enjoyed the nostalgia of a vintage bus ride around parts of Minehead. Visitors had come from as far away as Surrey, Carmarthenshire, Glasgow, Northern Ireland and even Malaysia for the day out. WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare commented "It was an excellent weekend - once again Thomas proved a winner. The Railway are running two successive 'Day Out with Thomas' weekends - it starts all over again next weekend 13 and 14 July."
8 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Maybach music in the Quantock Hills |
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The rostered locomotive for the diesel diagram on Friday 12 July is BR Western Class 52 diesel hydraulic no D1010 Western Campaigner. After a long period of heavy overhaul by the Diesel and Electirc Preservation Group at Williton, the 'Western' returned to traffic on the West Somerset Railway during the 2013 Mixed Traction Weekend event. On Friday 12 July the Maybach-engined loco is scheduled to carry out a diagram of just under 80 miles, heading the 11.40am and 3.10pm from Bishops Lydeard and the 1.20pm and 5.35pm from Minehead.
Update 9 July: We have been advised that D1010 will not be available for traffic this Friday. D7017 will be substituting.
8 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Celebrated narrow gauge loco Sir Haydn to attend Autumn Steam Gala |
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The Talyllyn Railway's 0-4-0ST no 3 Sir Haydn will be visiting West Somerset in October. The narrow gauge locomotive will appear at the Railway's Autumn Steam Gala - 3 to 6 October - which has a Cambrian Railways theme. No 3 was one of three diminutive engines ordered by the Corris Railway in 1878 from Hughes of Loughborough (later absorbed into the well-known Brush Company). Upon closure of the Corris line, and already converted to a 0-4-2ST, it eventually found its way to the nearby Talyllyn Railway, where it was named Sir Haydn after the last owner of that line. At the Gala the current plan is for Sir Haydn to travel on a low wagon as part of the heritage goods train - narrow gauge locos were often taken to the railway works in this way - on the Thursday and Friday and on display at Williton Yard over the weekend, possibly alongside its much younger Loughborough brother, Class 47 no D1661. More details...
8 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Bus trips around Minehead prove popular during Thomas weekend. |
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Two heritage double-decker buses provided free trips around Minehead for visitors at the first weekend to the double-weekend Day Out with Thomas event. On a sunny but fresh Saturday 6 July, each bus recorded identical loadings of 498 passengers each; the next day, with much warmer sunny weather, the open top deck of 1959-built Bristol LDL was a special draw and this bus carried twice as many people as the 1965 built AEC Regent V. And this event is only halfway through! For full details of the Day Out with Thomas events over the next weekend 13 and 14 July, please see click here.
8 July 2013
Details from local correspondents
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| Make it a Thomas weekend on the West Somerset Railway |
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There are still tickets available for all Day Out With Thomas services on Sat 6 July and Sun 7 July and it is possible to buy tickets on the day. Please arrive at Bishops Lydeard Booking Office at least 30 minutes before departure. Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis. For full details of the Day Out with Thomas over the next two weekends please see click here.
5 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Book signing by Peter Nicholson at Bishops Lydeard Station |
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Peter Nicholson will be signing copies of his book "Tracking Down Steam" on Sunday 4 August at The Station Shop, Bishops Lydeard. 11 August 11 1968 was the final day of scheduled steam on British Railways, and this delightfully personal account takes a look at the period leading up to this date. Featuring hundreds of previously unpublished photographs, this book covers the main-line steam locos of BR and the 'Big Four - GWR, SR, LMS and LNER - and their predecessors, and follows them through many different environments, including trains on the main line, nationwide shed visits, locos under repair, antique steam-age rolling stock on the Isle of Wight, rare colour photos of long-gone museum pieces, privately-owned locos on the main line, memories of farewell train journeys, former main-line locos in industry, locos awaiting cutting for scrap, and visits to the North-West as steam was being wound down. "Tracking Down Steam" - BR Steam in action and on shed, in works, industry and preservation, and awaiting scrap" has a foreword by Pete Waterman.
3 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
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| Overall the Railway did well in June |
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The Mixed Traction Weekend, the three days out of over 200 each year in which the majority of our trains are worked by vintage diesel locomotives, saw a downturn in business compared with 2012 of 12.3%. Which by a coincidence exactly matched the percentage downturn in the Spring Steam Gala and is something the Railway will consider in future marketing of these events for the enthusiast section of the market. The Railway has already stated that the 2014 Spring Steam event will be a four-day long weekend affair, losing the two weekend and mid-week formula of recent years. The rest of the month traded well however and the Railway had carried 76,787 passengers to the end of the sixth month compared with 76,749 at the same point in 2012.
2 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| ICE award bronze for Govier's Lane Crossing improvments |
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The West Somerset Railway Plc have proudly announced "At the Institute of Civil Engineers Awards Ceremony held on Friday 29 June 2013 the Govier's Lane Crossing Project won the bronze medal place and was commended in the Community Project of the year category. This is a great achievement for the partnership working between West Somerset Railway plc, Somerset County Council, West Somerset Council, Watchet Town Council and Watchet Conservation Society and community campaigners." David Peake from Somerset County Council received the certificate award from the President of the Institution on behalf of the partners. Full story.
1 July 2013
Details from the WSR Plc page on Facebook
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| A fourth apprentice is taken on at Williton |
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Liam Pope has become the fourth apprentice to be taken on at Williton by the Association at West Somerset Restoration. He follows in the footsteps of Phillip Berry-Roper, Duncan Hensley and Ryan Pope. Liam will be an apprentice in the woodworking shop at Williton and will be starting his day release at Bridgwater College in September 2013. The Association Trustees are keen that continuing educational opportunities for young people remain high on the charity's agenda.
1 July 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
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| Statement issued by WSR Plc on the freehold of railway land |
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The West Somerset Railway Plc have issued a statement about their negotiations with Somerset County Council over an extension to the existing lease and "with aspirational rights to bid for the freehold were it to become available". The statement also mentions the recent offer by the West Somerset Railway Association to purchase the freehold. We at wsr.org.uk believe most WSR supporters will want this matter resolved in the right and proper manner through regular and polite communication between the relevant parties and we sincerely hope this process can start today. The WSR Plc statement can be read here.
1 July 2013
Details from the WSR Plc page on Facebook
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