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| Extra discount on 2014 Spring Gala Rover tickets ends soon... |
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Just a reminder that the extra level of discount on the advanced sale Rover Tickets for the four day Spring Steam Gala (to be held between 27 and 30 March 2014) will end on the afternoon of 31 December 2013. Discounted tickets will still be available until 21 March 2014 but at the normal rates, not those which presently apply. Book online via www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call01643 704996.
28 December 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc 
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| West Somerset Steam Railway Trust re-start newsletters series |
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The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust have re-started their series of newsletters. The Trust will be circulating these every six months, with the second issue coming out in Summer 2014. Wherever possible, and to save costs, the newsletter will be sent to donors by email, else by post. The main articles in the recently published issue cover the Trust's plans for restoring GWR Toplight no 3639 as an ambulance coach, and progress towards completing work on GWR BCK no 6705 in 2014.
21 December 2013
Details from West Somerset Steam Railway Trust 
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| Toast your own crumpets at Crowcombe Heathfield Station |
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Visitors to Crowcombe Heathfield Station during the Winter Steam Festival on 28 and 29 December 2013 are being invited to toast their own crumpets on the real coal fire that burns brightly in the Waiting Room on the Up platform. A equally warm welcome is assured from the volunteer staff at the award winning station on the West Somerset Railway. More information: Crowcombe Heathfield Station and the train services between 27 December 2013 and 1 January 2014 inclusive.
21 December 2013
Details from Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station 
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| The conversion of Jupiter at Williton |
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Work on the newly acquired carriage BSK no 35408 continues apace at West Somerset Restoration's base in the Swindon Shed at Williton Station. No 35408 will join the Quantock Belle set in 2014 as the new brake vehicle. It will also provide pantry and washing up facilities which will release space in the existing kitchen car (RU no W1909 Orion) for food preparation. No 35408 - to be named Jupiter thus continuing the celestial names given to Quantock Belle stock - has a 25KVa generator fitted to provide 240V supply for a dishwasher, fridge-freezers,food mixers and microwaves.
20 December 2013
Details from West Somerset Restoration 
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| The 2014 Blue Anchor Station mug now available |
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The 2014 Blue Anchor Station mug depicting a photo by Tony Whitby of the Railmotor during its very popular visit to the Railway in 2013 is now available priced £4.00. Winter Steam Festival visitors may wish to note that the Museum at Blue Anchor Station will not be open during the event on 28 and 29 December 2013.
19 December 2013
Details from Friends of Blue Anchor Station 
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| The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust Model Railway Exhibition |
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There are no WSR trains running on 4 and 5 January 2014 - a good time to head for Edington Village Hall for the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust's annual Model Railway Exhibition, It’s no less than the 40th Anniversary of this event so it certainly falls into the tried and tested category. At least ten layouts will be on display, supported by trade and publicity stands. The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust say admission is £4.50 for adults, £4.00 for concessions and £10.00 for a family. Opening hours are 10am to 4.30pm and the sat nav reference is TA7 9HZ.
19 December 2013
Details via WSR Plc from Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust 
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| Promotions and Book Signings at Station Shop, Bishops Lydeard |
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The Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard has some fantastic promotions. These offers must end at end of play on 1 January 2014. For full details of the great discounts please see the WSRA website. And there's more! During the Winter Steam Festival, the Station Shop hosts "Meet the Author" and book signings. On 28 December 2013, Terry Small ("Don’t Tell the Management") is in residence; the next day, Roger Hardingham of Kingfisher Publishing ("The Barry Story", "Railway Round Up Vol 1-6" plus many more) takes the seat at the table at the Station Shop, Bishops Lydeard.
16 December 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association 
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| Extra level of discount for two more 2014 special events |
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The West Somerset Railway is making advance purchase Rover Tickets for two more of its 2014 Special Events available at extra levels of discount for limited lengths of time. The "Mixed Traction Weekend" which takes place between 6-8 June 2014 - three days with the main emphasis for train haulage with heritage diesel locomotives, including the strong contingent available from the fleet of the Williton based Diesel and Electric Preservation Group and the extra discount is available until 28 February 2014. The same discounts will apply on advanced Rover Tickets sold for the Autumn Steam Gala (2-5 October 2014) which will mark the 50th anniversary of the closure of the erstwhile Taunton locomotive shed to steam in 1964 and the extra discount for this event is available until 30 April 2014. For full details please see the official West Somerset Railway website.
16 December 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Cycling the Withered Arm - a new book for 2014 |
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Following the publication of his book "Cycling the Somerset and Dorset Railway" Robin Summerhill (self-described as 'one old geezer on a push bike') is releasing a similar volume about the "Withered Arm" in spring of 2014. Appropriately enough Robin will be launching the book "Cycling the Withered Arm" at the Minehead Railway and Transport Literature Fair at the Railway Station over the three days 28-30 March 2014 when the West Somerset Railway will be commemorating the "Arm", the "Atlantic Coast Express" and the ending of steam trains on the Taunton to Barnstaple line fifty years ago. The Literary Festival will be housed in a marquee outside the station and will be shared with a Model Railway Exhibition. Admission to the Festival will be free but there will be a charge to go into the Exhibition.
15 December 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
and Robin Summerhill
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| The WSR is looking for new Honorary Medical Officers |
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The West Somerset Railway is looking for new Honorary Medical Officers to continue this vital backroom role. Local doctors usually fulfil the task on a voluntary basis with the assistance of a nurse practitioner who has a long history as a volunteer on the railway. The work of the Medical Officer is estimated as taking less than half a day a month of their time, split either in short spells or one longer one. The Railway has a major duty of care for the 200000 plus passengers who travel annually and also to have the appropriate grades of staff and volunteers examined as to their fitness to carry out their work.
15 December 2013
Details from thisisthewestcountry.co.uk
via Unofficial WSR discussion group 
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| John Parsons |
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Alistair Parsons has asked us to add the following message. "It is with great sadness to inform all that knew him that John Parsons passed away early this morning, the funeral will be in Taunton and I'll let everyone know as soon as it's organised. Pat, Alistair, Phil & Kate." The picture on the left shows John in full flow whilst working as an on-train courier in 2005.
14 December 2013
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| Staff receive Christmas card and travel warrants from WSR Plc... |
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Tim Stanger, Station Master at Crowcombe Heathfield Station, writes in the Station Master's Blog: "A Christmas card from the West Somerset Railway dropped on the doormat today, which has attached two travel warrants to use on service trains, including Galas in 2014. This replaces the 'Thank You' train, which not everyone could go on for whatever reason. Whilst we as volunteers get a free pass on the railway anyway, Galas were not covered by Staff ID, so these warrants help out. Each warrant is for two rover tickets so we can take a friend or family free as well. I think this is a nice gesture by the WSR for the work we do as volunteers." And we at wsr.org.uk agree and applaud this welcome and helpful gesture from the WSR Plc.
13 December 2013
Details from Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station
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| Latest news from the Special Events Planning Team... |
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David McCubbin has kindly provided the following update from the Special Events team. The Winter Steam Festival will feature steam locos from the home fleet and confirmed as nos 7828, 4160, 3850 and 88 whilst the Driver for a Fiver feature (min age 16 years) at Minehead Station will be using Class 14 diesel no D9526 . The 2014 Spring Steam Gala, themed "Withered Arm and Atlantic Coast Express" now has SR 4-6-2 no 34053 Sir Keith Park confirmed as a visiting loco; Julian Holland will be launching his new book during the third annual "Railway Literary Festival" and the Driver for a Fiver for this event will hopefully use an S&D loco. Later in 2014, for the Mixed Traction Weekend, the Railway hope to make an announcement on visiting locos by the end of January. Discounted tickets will be on sale from Friday 13 December. And the Autumn Steam Gala will be themed "50th anniversary of the closure of Taunton Shed" - the Railway are asking for suggestions of which locos, matching the theme, they would like to see at the event - just email suggestions to info@wsrail.net Stations will be re-named to match the theme. Discounted tickets will be on sale from Friday 13 December.
12 December 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The WSRA Annual Photographic Competition |
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Ian Aldridge WSRA Vice Chairman and Taunton Group Rep writes: "The WSRA Taunton Group Annual Photographic Competition will take place on 6 January meeting and will be judged by the WSRA Chairman David Williams. David will be judging the three categories - Steam, Modern Traction, Landscape. Photos can be formatted on memory stick, disc, slide or photo prints, colour or black and white. All material submitted must have been taken during 2013 and there are cash prizes for 1st and 2nd in each class and the judge's decision is final." For further information about the West Somerset Railway Association please click here.
11 December 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
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| The WSR has lots on offer for the festive season |
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There are still seats available on the Santa Special trains between Minehead and Blue Anchor on 15, 21, 22 and 23 December and Minehead Station Shop will be open on each of these days for some Christmas shopping. On Sundays 15 and 22 December, the Turntable Café at Minehead offer roast lunches and on the Saturdays there is a tempting breakfast. For further information about other festive ideas from the West Somerset Railway please click here.
11 December 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Special discounted Spring Steam Gala tickets offer ends soon... |
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Until 31 December 2013 buy Spring Steam Gala Rover tickets at a special discounted price. To take part in the "Augmented Reality Heritage Hunter" during the Gala then please select the "Heritage Hunter" option from the list of ticket types. A Rover ticket gives unlimited travel all day. The Heritage Hunter tickets come with additional information about the app and how to plan the day to make the most of the app! For further information about the Gala please click here.
6 December 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Six days of festive fun at Bishops Lydeard Station |
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In the lead-up to one of the busiest period for the West Somerset Railway's Festive Trains programme and with many trains sold out or approaching a sell-out matters are going to be particularly busy at the Bishops Lydeard end of the line over the six days between Friday 6 December to Wednesday 11 December. There are seats left on a couple of the Dunster by Candlelight trains (6 and 7 December); all the Santa Expresses for this year are sold out - but - most of the Santa Specials from Minehead have a good number of seats left and from Bishops Lydeard there are a few spaces available; and for an enjoyable evening out on the Carol Trains from Bishops Lydeard the remaining seats are on the evening of 10 December. For full details and available spaces and dates, please click here.
4 December 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The Friends of Bishops Lydeard Station |
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The Friends of Bishops Lydeard Station is very much a work in progress and at the moment its main task is fundraising through station sales and on ebay. Their first major Project is the replacement of guttering on Bishops Lydeard Signal Box. The Friends explain "For many years Bishops Lydeard had a Station Committee which met on an ad hoc basis. In late 2011 the West Somerset Railway Association encouraged us to form a support group for the Station. Our first step was to take the Station Committee format and expand it by strengthening the committee from working members drawn from Bishops Lydeard Station. We set up a steering group and modelled ourselves on the constitution of the other Station Friends Groups." (continued on the Bishops Lydeard Station page...)
2 December 2013
Details from the Friends of Bishops Lydeard Station
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| All change for the Rally committee... |
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All change for the Rally committee. Wendy Turner has provided this update "Unfortunately Mike Buttell decided back in March to resign as Chairman of the Rally committee for personal reasons but we persuaded him to continue for the successful 2013 rally. Subsequently he stood down in October and Ian Jonas was unanimously voted in as Chairman with Rob Lindley and Wendy Turner as Vice Chairmen. Sadly he decided not to continue with the rally committee as he is now without portfolio having chosen to decline a less demanding role. We thank both Mike and Ann for their hard work and dedication to the Rally over the years they have been involved and wish them all the best for the future. Volunteers are still required to help in all areas with this major annual event for the Railway. Please contact our Rally Volunteer Coordinator Graham Grigg (via Keith Sandford in the WSRA office) if you can help in anyway over the weekend of Aug 2nd & 3rd 2014. Help would also be appreciated with some of the paperwork during the year and particularly on site the week before to set up and clearing up on the Monday afterwards. Look out for our new website and facebook page which we will be launching soon."
1 December 2013
Details from The Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally 
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| The funeral of Driver John Farley 1948-2013 |
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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
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| An impressed BBC to return in 2014 for more "Casualty" filming... |
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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
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| Humphrey Davies to take up new role on the Railway |
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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
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| West Somerset Railway confirms appointment of new Vice Chairman |
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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
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| Only three sleeps until WSR's festive season gets underway... |
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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
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| An update from the Heritage Carriages Project |
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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
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| WSR hold fares level for third year in a row |
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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
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| Book now for the Santa Express - seats available on only three dates |
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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
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| John Farley 1948-2013 |
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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
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| WSR stations to be renamed during Spring Steam Gala 2014 |
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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
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| Award for Bishops Lydeard Station based Taunton Model Railway Group |
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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
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| First World War Mogul to work on the Minehead Branch in 2014 |
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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
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| Two guest locos for Spring Gala 2014 will be new to the Railway |
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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
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| The Trackers visit the STEAM museum at Swindon |
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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
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| A Hard Day's Night returns to Crowcombe in March 2014 |
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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
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| A new West Somerset Railway Add-On for Train Simulator |
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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
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| The West Somerset Railway Plc's Corporate Plan 2014-2023 Consultation Draft |
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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
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| The West Somerset Railway Trackers Awards - and the winners are... |
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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
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| Inaugural run for Hawksworth Inspection Saloon no W80976W |
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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
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| New for 2014 on the family-friendly West Somerset Railway |
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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
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| Changes to terms under which images are submitted to this website |
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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
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| The dates for the 2014 Steam Engineman Courses published |
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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
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| Spend and Raise initiative is a quarter of the way to target figure |
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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 
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