| The funeral of Driver John Farley 1948-2013 |
|
|
The family of John Farley, WSR Driver, who passed away on 18 November, have asked us to mention the details of John's funeral. Please note the funeral will be held on 6 December 2013 at 12.00pm at Nolton Haven Chapel, Nolton Haven, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA623NN.
29 November 2013
Details from the family of John Farley
|
|
| An impressed BBC to return in 2014 for more "Casualty" filming... |
|
|
Following the day spent filming at Seaward Way Level Crossing in Minehead on Tuesday 26 November, the BBC team from "Casualty" were so impressed with the West Somerset Railway and the local hospitality that they will be back to carry out filming of a longer sequence in Spring 2014. "The next sequence to be filmed is not planned to involve any road closures", said West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare, "and will feature a longer on-screen sequence when the episode is eventually shown than that which was made on 26 November. Three coaches are being brought into the line to stage a rail accident and interior sequences. Beyond that we don't know any more, not having seen the script, but getting such quick return business is a clear tribute both to the WSR and the local hospitality sector which clearly made the guests from the BBC very welcome and comfortable. Hopefully word about the welcome and the beauties of the area will reach the attention of other broadcasters and we will see more production teams in West Somerset and Taunton Deane at work and assisting the local economy."
29 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc 
Share this story:
|
|
| Humphrey Davies to take up new role on the Railway |
|
|
Humphrey Davies, who steps down as WSR Plc Chairman at the end of December 2013 but will remain a Director, has been asked to lead for the organisation on the acquisition, development and retention of current and future volunteers for the Railway. Humphrey, who has over 24 years experience on the WSR, has agreed to chair the new Volunteers Development Committee which will start its work early in 2014. It is one of the key recommendations from the new WSR Plc Corporate Plan which is currently out to consultation and reflects the views expressed to the Board by staff and shareholders at an open event in September this year. Humphrey Davies said "I am very pleased to have been asked to undertake this important piece of work on behalf of the railway. We need to be identifying the new generation of volunteers to help sustain the WSR over the next few years as well as continuing to motivate and support our existing voluntary staff whether as individuals or groups. We very much see this as engaging with our current volunteers to help to shape the way forward and to continue to make working on the WSR an attractive and worthwhile experience for everybody".
28 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| West Somerset Railway confirms appointment of new Vice Chairman |
|
|
At its meeting on 23 November 2013, the Board of the WSR Plc unanimously agreed that David Baker be confirmed as Vice Chairman with effect from the beginning of January 2014. David, who is currently interim Vice Chairman of the Plc has had a lifetime interest in railways, originally initiated by his grandfather and uncle who both worked for the Southern Railway. David has been a volunteer on the West Somerset Railway for 17 years, initially as a volunteer in the Catering Department and for the last eight years he has been the Company Share Registrar. This is the latest in a series of planned developments which is part of a wider process of enabling the West Somerset Railway to grow as an organisation and respond to the heritage, commercial and tourism opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
28 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| Only three sleeps until WSR's festive season gets underway... |
|
|
For starters, enjoy a twenty mile round trip on a steam train through the Somerset countryside with a sherry and a mince pie - there are still some seats on the Sherry and Mince Pie Specials on 30 November and also on the 10.10am departure on 1 December 2013. And, for those wishing to meet Santa there are still spaces left on the Santa Expresses on those dates - and a few seats still available on the Santa Special on 1 December. For availibility please ring 01643 704996 as soon as possible...
27 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| |
Tweeted by @WizzerTweet
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
| An update from the Heritage Carriages Project |
|
|
The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust's Heritage Carriages Project have published two news items on the Trust's website. The first article describes the research being undertaken by the Trust into the history of ambulance trains in general and the Trust's ex-ambulance train vehicle GWR Toplight no 3639 in particular. The second article is an illustrated report of the working party held on a cold 24 November 2013.
25 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Steam Railway Trust 
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| WSR hold fares level for third year in a row |
|
|
The West Somerset Railway has announced that it is holding its fares for individual travel and groups at 2012 levels during its 2014 season. General Manager Paul Conibeare commented "We are very much aware of the continued limitations which everyone is experiencing when it comes to funding days out and that although highly enjoyable a steam train ride is not an essential purchase. The West Somerset is not immune to rising costs, anymore than other sectors of the economy, but by careful marketing and budgetary controls we have been able to exceed budgetary targets in terms of fares revenue this year and this is allowing us to absorb the increased costs for another 12 months".
25 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| Book now for the Santa Express - seats available on only three dates |
|
|
With only a few days to go before the popular Santa Express trains start running on the West Somerset Railway, the remaining seats are rapidly selling out. At lunchtime on Friday 22 November the only dates left are 30 November, 1 December and 7 December. For a twenty mile round trip on a steam train, meeting the man in the red suit and an early present for the children, please book as quickly as possible at online (or call 01643 704996 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday). Some availability remains on the Santa Specials. These offer train rides between either Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe Heathfield, or Minehead and Blue Anchor, to meet Santa in his grotto - but there is a demand for these also and once again early booking is very advisable.
22 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| John Farley 1948-2013 |
|
|
The WSR General Manager, Paul Conibeare, writes "It is with deep sadness that we have to report the sudden death of John Farley on Monday 18 November 2013. I am sure you will all know John as a regular footplate man and builder, on many projects on the WSR over the last 24 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course. Our thoughts are with John's Family with this sad and unexpected news."
20 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| WSR stations to be renamed during Spring Steam Gala 2014 |
|
|
Once again the stations along the 20 miles of the Minehead Branch will be assuming new temporary identities during the Spring Steam Gala, 27 to 30 March 2014. The locations selected are a mixture of those on the 'Withered Arm' of the Southern Railway and a couple from the GWR line between Taunton and Barnstaple over which steam services ended in 1964 and will also chime nicely with the appearance at the event of GWR Mogul 2-6-0 no 5322 (representing long-lost classmates which worked from Taunton shed in the final years). The temporary names will be Crediton (Bishops Lydeard); Bridestowe (Crowcombe Heathfield); Portsmouth Arms (Stogumber); Halwill Junction (Williton); Yeo Mill Halt (Doniford Halt); Bideford (Watchet); Mortehoe (Washford); Instow (Blue Anchor); Filleigh (Dunster) and Ifracombe (Minehead).
19 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| Award for Bishops Lydeard Station based Taunton Model Railway Group |
|
|
The Taunton Model Railway Group took their 4mm scale model of Bath Green Park to the Great Electric Electric Train Show organised and promoted by the Hornby Magazine and came away with the Best Layout award as voted for by the visitors to the show. The event was held at the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon in Warwickshire on 12-13 October and there were 25 layouts in attendance plus the usual trade support. This is the latest award which this model of the northern terminus for trains over the one-time Somerset and Dorset line has won. The next chance to view this superb, and very large, model will be on 28-29 December 2013 when the TMRG Clubroom will be open at Bishops Lydeard Station during the Winter Steam Festival. There is a small entrance fee to the Clubroom. Rover Tickets for the Winter Steam Festival can be purchased at reduced rates from west-somerset-railway.co.uk
19 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| First World War Mogul to work on the Minehead Branch in 2014 |
|
|
1964 was the year in which steam trains ceased to run on the former GWR line which ran between Taunton and Barnstaple via Wiveliscombe, Dulverton and South Molton. For many years the locomotives most commonly associated with both the passenger and freight trains on the route were the Moguls, originally introduced in 1911. These versatile 2-6-0s, designed by G.J. Churchward also operated trains on the Minehead line. To mark this anniversary the WSR is hiring GWR 2-6-0 no 5322, the oldest of the two surviving Moguls (out of the 342 that were constructed), to appear in its Spring Steam Gala between 27 and 30 March next year. 5322 was built at Swindon Works in 1917 and was one of a batch of the class which was used in France during the First World War, where it was used for hauling ammunition and hospital trains. It returned to England in 1919 and served the GWR and British Railways until 1964. Rover Tickets for the Spring Gala with a premium level of discount (applies until 31 December 2013) can be purchased in advance via 01643 704996 or west-somerset-railway.co.uk making an ideal Christmas gift for anyone with an interest in railways and local heritage.
18 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| Two guest locos for Spring Gala 2014 will be new to the Railway |
|
|
Contract negotiations are underway which subject to a successful outcome will bring locomotives to the West Somerset Railway 2014 Spring Steam Gala that have not previously appeared working passenger trains on the Minehead Branch. The Gala which will be held between 27 and 30 March 2014 is themed "The Withered Arm and the Atlantic Coast Express". The engines are GWR 43xx 2-6-0 no 5322 a class long associated with the nearby Barnstaple Branch, and SR 2-6-0 no 31806 which will be the first of the U class to appear on the West Somerset Railway in the preservation era and will be a particularly welcome guest as the U's were one of the workhorses of services on the "The Withered Arm" And the Special Events Planning Team are also working to bring at least one Southern Pacific to the Gala. More information...
18 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| |
Tweeted by @WizzerTweet
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
| The Trackers visit the STEAM museum at Swindon |
|
|
The Railway’s youth section, the Trackers, under the watchful eyes of Colin and Janet Howard and Samantha Minter, visited the STEAM Museum on Saturday 19 October 2013. The day had a bonus in that their arrival at Swindon station co-incided closely with that of GWR Castle 4-6-0 no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgecumbe on an excursion train and the rest of the day went well too. Some of the participants' comments on the day are noted on the news page on the official WSR website.
18 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| A Hard Day's Night returns to Crowcombe in March 2014 |
|
|
It is nearly fifty years ago since the Beatles made their way by train to the Minehead Branch to shoot more footage for their first film. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the visit of the Fab Four, the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station have organised a Film Night on 7 March 2014 at Crowcombe Village Hall showing "A Hard Day's Night" Tickets will be £5 each which includes a glass of wine and nibbles. The evening also includes a showing of "If only Alice could" a short film shot in 2013 around Crowcombe Heathfield Station by students of Met Film School Ealing Studios. Tickets will be on sale in the New Year.
16 November 2013
Details from Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station 
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| A new West Somerset Railway Add-On for Train Simulator |
|
|
Railsimulator.com have released an add-on for Train Simulator depicting the West Somerset Railway. A video describing how the simulation was built can be viewed at YouTube. How to buy the add-on (£19.99) and lots of other information can be seen at steampowered.com and at the website of the developer railsimulation.com. At first sight the visuals of the simulation appear very good although a few standard, non-WSR items appear, notably for bridges. There are several scenarios for players to tackle. Once downloaded this game is ready to play - no other packages are required - making it a relatively cheap for those yet to enjoy the delights of simulated train driving.
16 November 2013
Details from local correspondents
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| The West Somerset Railway Plc's Corporate Plan 2014-2023 Consultation Draft |
|
|
The West Somerset Railway Plc has issued its draft Corporate Plan for formal consultation. The document can be downloaded as a PDF from the West Somerset Railway Plc website. The Plan sets out the vision and strategy for the Plc and the railway over the next ten years. In addition to the Company itself, there have been extensive contributions from members of staff and from the majority of the support organisations who contribute to the running and stewardship of the railway which has enabled the Company to present a comprehensive picture of both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The Plc say "We appreciate that this is a lengthy document but we hope you agree that it seeks to cover all areas of the Company's business and reflects both the heritage and commercial considerations that we need to address over the coming years. There will be a summary version published on completion of consultation alongside the final full Plan in early 2014."
13 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| The West Somerset Railway Trackers Awards - and the winners are... |
|
|
The Railway has now initiated two annual awards for members of the Trackers who are judged by their heads of Departments to have made a major contribution to the work of the WSR. The two awards are the "James Willis Award" - after the late James Willis whose was a highly valued member of the Trackers until his untimely passing - and the "Trackers Cup". The first winner of the Award is Harry Howe who is a member of the station staff at Bishops Lydeard Station, and the Cup winner was Josh O'Connor who has worked in the Catering Department on the buffet cars of the trains and in the Turntable Café at Minehead Station. The awards were presented by Humphrey Davies (Chairman of the WSR) and John Irven (Chairman-elect) on 3 November 2013. The West Somerset Railway was pleased to welcome Mr and Mrs Willis, parents of James, to the inaugural presentation and Mr Davies paid tribute to James in his welcoming remarks before Harry and Josh received the Award and the Cup.
13 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| Inaugural run for Hawksworth Inspection Saloon no W80976W |
|
|
The Hawksworth-designed Taunton Engineer's Inspection Saloon no W80976W will have its inaugural run on the Minehead Branch for passengers on 8 December 2013. No W80976W was acquired in 2012 by the West Somerset Railway Association together with donations from supporters towards purchase and transport to West Somerset. Those who have made the largest donations have been invited to a special run from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, and back, aboard the superbly fitted-out saloon and will enjoy a gala lunch on the outward trip and a festive tea on the return journey. The saloon will be attached to the Quantock Belle dining train. There will also be a second event for other donors which will be on New Years Eve in the platform at Bishops Lydeard - details will be announced in due course.
13 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association 
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| |
Tweeted by @WizzerTweet
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
| New for 2014 on the family-friendly West Somerset Railway |
|
|
The West Somerset Railway has announced outline details of several new attractions, events and innovations for 2014. Top of the list is the new West Somerset Railway App which, amongst other things, features an 'Augmented Reality Treasure Hunt' - find hidden 'targets' at or near stations to unlock 3D moving images and content. Other items include a St George's Day lunchtime special; also, a Ladies Day, Bowlore Medieval Emcampment at Stogumber Station, Halloween Ghost Trains, the introduction of the second of the wheelchair-accessible standard coaches and, mundane but essential, improved toilet facilities at Minehead Station. The Railway have also confirmed the dates for several 'Meet and Greet' days. For full details please click here.
12 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| Changes to terms under which images are submitted to this website |
|
|
The terms under which images are submitted for possible use on this website have been updated. The previous terms allowed the re-use of images by the WSR Plc, the WSR Association and the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust. The changes, made on 12 November 2013, extend the re-use of images on further WSR-related websites, and also on certain facebook and twitter pages. Please see the Submitting Images page for the updated terms and the list of websites and facebook and twitter pages. The terms are applied retrospectively to images already submitted. We are sure contributors will be happy with the changes. If not, please contact us.
12 November 2013
Details from wsr.org.uk
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| The dates for the 2014 Steam Engineman Courses published |
|
|
Tickets for the 2014 Steam Engineman Courses go on sale from Monday 18 November. The dates for the Taster Course are 21, 28 June, 26 July, 27 September; for (two day) Stage One Course, 9-10 March 16-17 March, 24-25 April, 15-16 May, 2-3 November; for Stage Two, 12 May and 17 October; for Stage Three, 2 May; for Stage Four, 7 May, 15 and 22 October; for Stage Five, 9 May, 20 and 24 October. Prices are Taster: £225, for Stage One: £450, for Stage Two: £475, for Stage Three: £475, for Stage Four: £795 and for Stage Five: £695. Please call 01643 704996 to redeem a Steam Engineman Course Voucher or Gift Voucher to redeem and make the booking. Or call to book with a deposit of £100 then the full balance four weeks in advance. For full details please click here.
12 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| Spend and Raise initiative is a quarter of the way to target figure |
|
|
After just a few months the online fund raising initiative, Spend & Raise, has passed the 25% milestone of £125 towards the target of £500 for better watering facilities on the WSR. Tim Stanger of Friends of West Somerset Railway explains "If you shop online for your Christmas presents, help to get nearer to the goal by visiting www.spendandraise.com/fowsr/ Registration is simple, and most retailers are partners and will send a small commission to the cause when you shop with them. This costs you nothing extra."
11 November 2013
Details from Friends of West Somerset Railway 
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| No 3639 was once part of a Great War ambulance train. |
|
|
Toplight coach no 3639 - now part of the Heritage Carriage Project - was built in 1908 and converted to an ambulance coach at Swindon in 1915. It formed part of one of thirty ambulance trains provided by British railway companies that were shipped to France. After the war, and after conversion at Swindon, was taken back into the GW fleet in 1921 as a third compartment (TK) coach. The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust has just published a short article about the ambulance trains written by the Trust chairman, Chris Austin, with illustrations, kindly provided by WSR volunteer Colin Harris, of the interiors of some of the ambulance vehicles. Well worth a look!
10 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| Toplight coach no 3639 carries poppies for Remembrance Sunday |
|
|
Toplight coach no 3639 carries poppies for Remembrance Sunday. Chris Austin, Chairman of West Somerset Steam Railway Trust explains "The coach was converted in 1916 and ran in France as part of an ambulance train, treating injured soldiers and bringing them back to the Channel ports to return home. The Trust hopes to restore the coach to tell the story of the ambulance trains in time for the centenary of its conversion."
8 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| |
Tweeted by @WizzerTweet
------------------------------------------------------- |
| Only six limited edition coal wagon models left... |
|
|
There are now only six wagons remaining in stock at Minehead Station's Buffer Stop Shop of the limited edition 4mm scale model railway wagon produced in conjunction with the recent Cambrian-themed special event. The original run was just one hundred. Grab one or more of the remaining half-dozen for a very distinctive Christmas gift for someone with an interest in model railways or collectables. The Dapol model is a 4mm scale representation of a 7-plank coal wagon once operated by Joseph Williams and Son of Oswestry, one of the main towns once served by the Cambrian Railways and home to that Railway's workshops. The model features the distinctive red livery with white lettering shaded black and black ironwork and each costs £13.50 (or £15.75 including postage and packing) To order by telephone please ring 01643 700387.
5 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| WSR 2-6-0 no 9351 is withdrawn for scheduled heavy overhaul |
|
|
As planned, WSR 2-6-0 no 9351 was withdrawn from service on 4 November 2013 so that it can undergo a heavy overhaul. The WSR's Chief Mechanical Engineer, Andy Forster writes "The last day in service was 3 November and the crew were Driver John Stenner and Passed Cleaner Chris Ruddick (Chris's first turn following qualification). Since the locomotive entered service on 30 September 2004 it has covered 96,409 miles on the West Somerset and 265 whilst on a visit to the Severn Valley Railway, making 96,647 miles in total."
4 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| The West Somerset Railway at the Bridgwater Carnival |
|
|
Although the problems with taking BR(W) 2-6-2T no 4160 on a low-loader to be paraded in the Bridgwater Carnival on Saturday 2 November turned out in the end to be insurmountable the West Somerset Railway still had a very effective night out. John Simms. the WSR's Publicity Officer explains "Working from one of the Company's vans, carrying a Santa Express headboard on the bonnet, a small team headed by Sam Burton from the Commercial Department handed out no less than 5000 leaflets in an hour and a half to visitors to the Carnival. One of the discounted vouchers which was distributed was redeemed at Bishops Lydeard booking office the next day and most of the costs of attending the Carnival had been covered by obtaining sponsorship from local businesses. Our thanks for this sponsorship goes to Haynes Motor Museum, The Hairy Dog Family Pub and Stones Hotel in Minehead, Hoburne Holidays, Taunton Tourist Information Centre and the Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster. Thanks also to the team who came along and made it a successful evening."
4 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| November opening for the Turntable Café at Minehead Station |
|
|
In a new venture the Turntable Café at Minehead Station will be opening on Saturdays and Sundays in November between 10am and 3.30pm. Various suitably warming meals and snacks will be on offer including a Saturday Breakfast and more of the popular Sunday Roast lunches. Lighter fare includes jacket potatoes, pies and pasties and soup. Plus a choice of teas, coffees and soft drinks. Just the thing to enjoy after a walk along the seafront and a visit to the station's Buffer Stop Shop which will be open from 10.30am to 3.30pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the month for pre-Christmas shopping.
4 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| On course for record numbers for Quantock Belle this season |
|
|
Over 2000 diners have booked on the Quantock Belle first class dining train this year. The West Somerset Railway Association, who run the dining train, say "The dining train is on course to have a record year. Comments from our diners have been as positive as ever, a great compliment to those who work so hard on the Quantock Belle giving passengers an excellent experience throughout the year. Details of next year's dining trains will be available next month." More about the Quantock Belle can be found here.
2 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Assocation
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
| Washford-based Victorian coach makes the newspapers... |
|
|
The restoration of a former Somerset first class coach built in Victorian days has been covered in the national media. Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway First Class coach no 4 was originally built at the railway works at Highbridge, Somerset, spending its working life on that much loved railway. The coach body then enjoyed a second life as a pavilion at a cricket ground at Templecombe, until destruction loomed once again. Happily, the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust acquired the coach body, placed in onto a second-hand six-wheel chassis, and embarked upon a restoration project extending well over twenty years. No 4 was unveiled to the general public in 2013 to much acclaim, so much so that an illustrated article about the coach has recently appeared in the Metro, the Times and the Daily Mail. More about the Trust can be found here.
2 November 2013
Details from local correspondents
Share this story:
-------------------------------------------------------
|
|
| Journal no 143 is published by the Association |
|
|
The West Somerset Railway Association has published Journal no 143 with a copy sent by post to each of its thousands of members. Yet another booklet oozing in high quality - photographs (both colour and black & white), stories and reports and a truly professional layout. The usual items appear - news items, reports from each of the ten stations, membership matters, special events and loco & carriage news; along with special features about the 2013 Steam Fayre, about the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust and about caring for the Norton Fields. More about joining the Association (you can even join online!) can be found here.
2 November 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Assocation
Share this story:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|