| Open days for Venn Cross Station Gardens. |
 |
On the 50th year since steam trains ceased to run on the Taunton to Barnstaple line - except for a short reinstated section forming part of the WSR's Norton Triangle - there is an opportunity to visit the gardens at the former Venn Cross station. The gardens are opening on 14, 15 June, 12, 13 July and 13, 14 September. Opening hours are 2pm to 5.30pm and admission is £4 for adults and seniors, and free for children. The station building and the station master's house are still in residential use and the goods shed has also been converted into a house. Some GWR railings and signals remain nearby. There is a wide variety of gardening interest and there is access to the top of the tunnel, although the tunnel itself is sealed off. Contact details: Venn Cross Railway Gardens, Venn Cross, Waterrow, Taunton, TA4 2BE 01398 361392. venncross@btinternet.com. Visitors can also call-in by appointment so if you enjoy both railways and gardens this is a good opportunity.
30 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Tweet this story:
|
| Hidden rural gems revealed in new WSR leaflet |
 |
Many who like walking in the Somerset countryside and taking a train ride as part of the experience may like to pick up a leaflet from the stations at Crowcombe Heathfield or Stogumber. The Friends of Stogumber Station and the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station have jointly produced a helpful leaflet describing the countryside between these delightful Brunelian stations. The leaflet, which includes a useful map, is available at both stations. The stations also have for sale three useful walking books combining train journeys on the West Somerset Railway at just £2 each. Sounds perfect for the forthcoming Bank Holidays...
28 April 2014
Details from Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station
Tweet this story:
|
| An information and open day for potential volunteers |
 |
On Sunday 11 May 2014 the West Somerset Railway is hosting an open day for potential volunteers wishing to find out more about volunteering roles on the railway. Advance booking is essential. The morning starts in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard Station, followed by a visit to Williton Station to view the workshops, signal box and station as well as the opportunity to chat to current volunteers. Then returning to Bishops Lydeard Station before dispersing at 1.45pm - bring a packed lunch if required. Email volunteers@wsrail.net to book a place and/or for more information.
25 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Tweet this story:
|
| Station Masters required on the West Somerset Railway |
 |
Station Master positions are available at Blue Anchor, Watchet, Williton and Bishops Lydeard on the West Somerset Railway. These positions are volunteer positions. The Station Master is responsible for the functioning of the station and ticket office, ensuring the station is clean and tidy and managing station staff, thus ensuring a positive image to visitors. To apply please send a CV and covering letter to Paul Conibeare at Minehead Railway Station or email paul.gm@wsrail.net
25 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Tweet this story:
|
| New lantern installed at Crowcombe Heathfield Station |
 |
The Restoration and Maintenance Squad recently fixed a new lantern and bracket on the south east corner of Crowcombe Heathfield Signal Box. The lantern, made by Steelway, is an exact copy of a GWR design and was funded by Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station, WSR Plc and WSR Association. The lantern has yet to be wired up. Meantime, Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station (FoCHS) are on the lookout for video clips on YouTube that feature the station and which can be added to the new video page on the FoCHS website under the Galleries link. Contact information can be found on the FoCHS website.
24 April 2014
Details from Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station
Tweet this story:
|
| Diesel allocations have been announced for the 2014 season |
 |
Diesel allocations have been announced for the 2014 season. As usual Friday, Saturdays and Sundays feature heavily in the programme as well as some special workings: 17 May, 27, 28 June, 1 August (Class 47 no D1661); 18 May, 13 June, 4, 18 July, 16 August (Class 33 no D6575); 30, 31 May, 25 July, 3, 10, 16 August, 14 September (Class 42 no D832); 20, 21 June, 26 July, 4, 8, 9, 15, 22, 29 August, 5, 6, 12, 19, 26, 27 September (Class 35 no D7017). These are of course subject to change and you are advised to subscribe to the DEPG Diesel Allocations email service (by sending a blank email with the subject line 'diesel gen group add' to wsrdepg@yahoo.com ) or by subscribing to the Twitter account @depg. Don't forget diesel locos feature heavily in the Mixed Traction Weekend 6-8 June 2014 with nos D821, D832, D1015, D7017 and D9526 in action, plus the event will be the first and last opportunity to ride behind Class 52 no D1010 Western Campaigner in 2014.
24 April 2014
Details from Diesel and Electric Preservation Group
Tweet this story:
|
| From Merseyside to Minehead and back... |
 |
The Railway has received the confirmed timings from Network Rail for the "Somerset Coast Express" railtour from Merseyside, Wrexham and Gobowen to Minehead on Saturday 26 April, for the Somerset stage of the journey. It is due to be at Bristol Temple Meads between 10.33am and 10.36am, Taunton 11.29am to 11.32am, Bishops Lydeard 11.45am to 11.50am and due into Minehead at 1pm. Departure time from Minehead is 5.10pm, Bishops Lydeard 6.15pm to 6.20pm and Taunton 6.37pm to 6.40pm. The train is due to be headed throughout by a DRS Class 47 diesel locomotive - believed to be the first DRS-powered working of a passenger train to Minehead.
23 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
Tweet this story:
|
| Extra discount offer on Autumn Gala rover tickets ends soon |
 |
The extra level of discount on Rover Tickets for the Autumn Steam Gala (held on 2 to 5 October) will cease as of 30 April 2014. Thereafter, discounted Rovers for the event will still be on sale but not at quite such favourable rates. The Autumn Steam Gala will take as its theme the 50th Anniversary of the closure of Taunton locoshed in the autumn of 1964 and steam locomotives of types appropriate to the last couple of years of the one-time 83B will feature. With more guest locos being sought, the current line-up looks line nos 1450, 4566, 5542, 4936, 6960, 7828, 3850, and 4160. It is also planned to feature SDJR 7F 2-8-0 no 88 on a special run on the afternoon of Sunday 5 October as this will be its last Gala before withdrawal ahead of heavy overhaul and the 50th Anniversary of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset in March 2016.
21 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
|
| The layout for the 2014 Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally |
 |
The Rally Committee have released a colourful map showing the layout across the fields at Norton for the various exhibits and activities at the 2014 Rally being held at the Norton Fields on 2 and 3 August. The map can be seen on the Rally website at steamrally.org.uk where details of the online ticket facility can also be found. Remember tickets purchased online are valid for both days of the Rally with fast track entry to the event and each ticket purchase transaction receives a voucher for a free Rally programme at the entry gate.
21 April 2014
Details from the Rally Committee
|
| In memory of Roy Dunglison |
 |
On the Saturday before Easter, friends of Roy Dunglison met at Minehead Station and a Rowan tree was dedicated in his memory. Roy served many years on the West Somerset Railway and was the Station Master at Minehead for much of that time and he was the first Chairman of the Friends of Minehead Station.
19 April 2014
Details from local correspondent
|
| The first guest engines announced for the Autumn Steam Gala |
 |
The first three guest engines for the West Somerset Railway's Autumn Steam Gala has been announced by the WSR's Special Events Planning Team. The smallest of the three will be GWR 14xx no 1450 which will be joined by two other representative stalwarts of the Great Western and Western Region branch line network 'Small Prairies' nos 4566 and 5542. Home-based engines - nos 3850, 4160, 6960 and 7828 - will also feature plus GWR 4-6-0 no 4936 Kinlet Hall which is coming to the WSR for the main operating season and should be available. Other guests are being sought.
18 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
|
| Group organisers offered pre-Christmas round trip opportunity |
 |
Although the Christmas Season is a long way off yet England's longest steam railway has plans in place for a pre-Yule outing. For coach and holiday companies and group travel organisers who will be in South West England in the four weeks leading-up to Christmas there is the opportunity to enjoy a twenty mile round trip on a steam train through the Somerset countryside with sherry and mince pie included as part of the journey. On 29, 30 November and 6, 7, 13, 14 December, the steam trains will leave Bishops Lydeard Station (just four miles from Taunton) at 10.10am, 12.20pm and 2.35pm for a round trip through the Quantock Hills to Williton and back. The round trip will take around ninety minutes and there is a licensed buffet car on the trains which are made up of steam-heated carriages dating from the 1950s. On 22 December, the specials operate between Minehead and Williton with departures at 10.30am, 12.45pm and 3pm. The fare on the trains is £13 per person and for more details and bookings please contact the Commercial Office via 01643 700384 or sam.com@wsrail.net.
18 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
|
| Mike the Knight due at Minehead Railway Station on Saturday 3 May 2014 |
 |
The popular children's character Mike the Knight is making personal appearances at Minehead Railway Station, northern terminus of the West Somerset Railway on Saturday 3 May 2014. He will be meeting his friends on the platform at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.40pm, 2pm and 3.15pm. Other attractions on the day include free face painting for the children and for all the family there will be free trips around Minehead on vintage buses. Admission to the station is free but the best way to come and see Mike and his friends will be by steam train from Bishops Lydeard, combining two magical attractions for the family day out. More information about the trains and the West Somerset Railway can be seen at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by ringing 01643 704996.
17 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
|
| Spring into the Bishops Lydeard Station Railway and Gift Shop... |
 |
Following the winter refit the West Somerset Railway Association's shop at Bishops Lydeard Station now has one of the most comprehensive selection of railway books - from publishers large and small - in the region. Also now in are the 2014 Hornby, Bachmann, Dapol and Peco catalogues. In addition the Railway & Gift Shop at Bishops Lydeard Station stocks a wide range of other railway-related and transport titles covering trams, buses, aviation, shipping, military and local history. Why not call in - the Shop is open whenever trains are timetabled - or if looking for a particular publication ring 01823 432125.
13 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
|
| The issue of Association membership cards... |
 |
For new membership applicants and for those renewing memberships, the West Somerset Railway Association is now recommending it may take up to 28 days to process the application. The Association has introduced a new system for membership cards and concessionary travel tokens, and some teething troubles were anticipated and communicated some time ago to members. As ordinary WSRA members, the folks at this website know that great efforts are being made to overcome the issues; hopefully other members and prospective members will be patient whilst the new system is tamed.
12 April 2014
Details gleaned, in part, from the website of West Somerset Railway Association
|
| Special offers from local accommodation providers |
 |
Two of Exmoor's accommodation providers are offering packages to guests incorporating a day out on the West Somerset Railway as part of the attraction. The Rock Inn at Waterrow is promoting a West Somerset Railway Break which apart from the WSR includes a stay in one of their superior standard rooms and a three course meal. The price is £150 for a couple and for more information and bookings please contact Ruth on 01984 623293. Looking further ahead the Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster is running a Railways of Exmoor Weekend on 2 to 5 October. A three night half-board package it includes a full day at the WSR's Autumn Steam Gala and a coach trip to the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway including time in the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth and a trip on the water-powered Victorian Cliff Railway which links them. For three nights (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), the cost is £300 per person, for two nights £225. Contact the hotel via 01643 821425 or hotel@yarnmarkethotel.co.uk.
10 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
|
| Come along on 11 May 2014 to the Volunteer Information Day |
|
Sunday 11 May 2014 is the next Volunteer Information Day on the West Somerset Railway. The day is for potential volunteers to find out more about volunteering roles on the West Somerset Railway; there is a wide range to choose from - many do not require previous railway experience - and full training is provided. Please telephone 01935 429032 or email volunteers@wsrail.net to book a place and for more information. More details...
10 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
|
| Diesels in the South West theme for the Mixed Traction Weekend event |
 |
Fans of Western Region diesel hydraulic locomotives from early and mid-60s period of British Railways history will have a treat on the West Somerset Railway between Friday 6 June and Sunday 8 June. Once again there will be plenty of 'Maybach Music' to be heard in the Quantock Hills and along the Bristol Channel coast. To augment the home-based fleet of the Williton-based Diesel and Electric Preservation Group, two guests from the Diesel Traction Group are due to be at work, Warship class 42 no D821 Greyhound and Western class 52 no D1015 Western Champion. From the WSR residents it is planned to field Warship no D832 Onslaught, Westetn no D1010 Western Campaigner, Hymek no D7017 and Class 14 no D9526, plus Class 47/8 no D1661 North Star. First Great Western will operate a shuttle service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard stations on Saturday 7 June with a separate fare payable on the FGW train. In a new venture for 2014 there will be a Friday night 'mega-train'. Two of the coaching rakes will be coupled together to form a 12 coach train leaving Bishops Lydeard at 5pm. It is intended that the train will be hauled by a single Warship in one direction and a single Western in the other. For full details of the event please click here.
4 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
|
| Preparing for the very first Ladies Day... |
 |
The Railway is holding its first ever Ladies Day at Minehead Station on Saturday 10 May 2014. This will include a Fashion Show organised by Hobbs Woman of Minehead plus consultations, treatments including reflexology, manicures, sales stands and a pre-bookable posh afternoon tea. This is an entirely new venture for the West Somerset Railway and we don't think any other heritage line has done anything similar. So why not come along and see for yourselves. For more about the Ladies Day event please click here.
4 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
|
| Network Rail use Norton Triangle for testing high output ballast cleaners |
 |
The Norton Triangles were used on 2 April 2014 by Network Rail to test two refurbished high output ballast cleaners( HOBC). Class 66 no 66518 brought the two ballast cleaners and two types of tampers as one train to the West Somerset Railway's Norton Triangles to enable testing of the HOBC's hydraulic systems. The train was split into four units, with the tampers stabled at the very end of the Allerford Spur. The tampers later tidied up the test sites before the long train was re-assembled and headed back to Fairwater Yard. Another example of co-operation between Network Rail and the WSR making good use of the Triangles to the advantage of all parties.
4 April 2014
Details from local correspondent
|
| A successful Gala for the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust |
 |
The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust were fully involved in the Spring Gala, most notably at Blue Anchor, Williton and Bishops Lydeard. At Blue Anchor, the museum was open on all four days; on the Saturday and Sunday at Williton, stewards talked to people about the Heritage Carriages Project showing the progress being made on Collett BCK no 6705; at Bishops Lydeard, the GWR Sleeping Car was available for viewing on all four days and a good number of visitors were shown around; at the Gauge Museum, in keeping with the LSWR/SR Gala theme, the Trust arranged for a 2mm scale working model of Wadebridge Station, and a diorama of Okehampton to 4mm scale. These activities raised useful funds for the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust in general and the Heritage Carriages Project in particular. For full report by Claire Sheppy please see the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust website.
1 April 2014
Details from West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
|