| The 15th Anniversary Real Ale and Cider Festival at Minehead Station |
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The weekend of 13 and 14 September will mark the 15th Anniversary Somerset CAMRA Real Ale and Cider Festival at Minehead Station. The opening hours will once again be 11am to 11pm on Saturday and from noon to 4pm on Sunday. The sponsoring brewery for this year is Masters of Greenham near Glastonbury. The Somerset Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) plan to have in excess of 100 real ales, several Somerset ciders, perry and a small selection of wine on sale when the Festival opens on Saturday. The local Somerset breweries will, as always, be very well represented but there will also be a wide selection of ales from all around Great Britain showcasing the incredibly diverse range of tastes and styles produced by the multitude of independent British breweries. They hope to have Festival Special beers, fruit beers and a cask conditioned lager. Polypins of Somerset Ale plus bottled beers should be available on the on-train buffet cars. During the day food will be available from the Turntable Cafe at Minehead station plus soft drinks, teas, coffees etc. A Cornish pasty van will be positioned by the Station entry on both days and there will be a hog roast on Saturday night. On Saturday evening between 8pm and 10.30pm live music will be provided by 'Four Men On The Job', a well-established local band who play music from the 70s and 80s. Front man vocalist Kevin Jones owns Stocklinch Ales in Somerset and last year was shortlisted as a potential lead singer for Slade. Sunday afternoon sees the annual appearance of the Tone Valley Jazz Band. This has almost become a Festival within the Festival with a relaxed and mellow atmosphere as the last of the beers are consumed. The best way to get to and from the Festival is by WSR train and discounted tickets can be purchased in advance from www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by phone from 01643 704996. There is a discount for members of CAMRA.
26 June 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Steam trains once again on the Barnstaple Branch |
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For the first time since 1966, the public will have the chance to travel by steam haulage on part of the former Barnstaple Branch. During the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally held on 2 and 3 August 2014 at Norton Fitzwarren, steam hauled brake van rides will operate along half a mile of railway of the recently restored trackbed of the erstwhile Devon and Somerset Railway which ran from Taunton to Barnstaple. This section forms part of the railway's Norton Triangle which is used for turning steam locomotives and other railway vehicles. Sadly passengers will not be able to travel all stations to Barnstaple but nevertheless it will be a notable occasion. For full details of the 2014 Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally, including the online ticket facility, please click here.
26 June 2014
Details gleaned from information from West Somerset Railway Association
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| Eleven candidates line up for just four Trustee vacancies |
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Members of the West Somerset Railway Association have a choice of no less than eleven prospective candidates for the four vacant Trustee positions on the charity's board. A brief statement by each candidate has been issued to members along with the notice of the Annual General Meeting which will be held at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall at 2pm on 19 July 2014. A vote will determine the outcome. Members who are unable to attend the AGM may use the proxy form* to ensure their preferences are counted. [ * Update: due to an omission on the issued proxy form, a replacement proxy form will soon be sent to all members]
26 June 2014
Details gleaned from information from West Somerset Railway Association
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| The next Ale Train will showcase Exe Valley Brewery ales |
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The next Ale Train - 26 July 2014 - on the West Somerset Railway will showcase some of the products of the long-established and award-winning Exe Valley Brewery from Silverton in Devon. The Brewery was established in 1984 as Barron Brewery and is thus celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2014. It was in 1994 that following ever-increasing demand for its products that there was a move to bigger premises and today Exe Valley produces some 17,000 pints of beer a week at Land Farm in Silverton. All the beers are produced using natural spring water, Devon malt and English hops. There are six regular beers in the range, with Exe Valley Ale being the 'session bitter' and Old Exeter Ale being the most potent. The train will leave Bishops Lydeard at 6.30pm for an evening trip to the seaside and the £17 ticket price includes a free first pint of Exe Valley at the buffet car. The buffet car will offer a range of snacks and soft drinks but for those looking for more substantial fare there is a complete evening out package available including fish and chips for £26. Tickets for the Ale Train can be bought online at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by phone from 01643 704996. There will be another Ale Train on 27 September (guest brewery to be confirmed) but another upcoming treat for lovers of good beer will be the Somerset CAMRA Real Ale & Cider Festival at Minehead Station on 13-14 September.
25 June 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| An update on the Heritage Carriages Project |
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Claire Sheppy has kindly provided an update: "Work continues slowly but steadily on GWR BCK no 6705. The ceiling panels to both the compartments and the corridor are back in place, and painted with both undercoat and gloss paint now. Also the cabling for the lighting of the compartments is in and usable. Rectification work on the windows continues, to ensure that they fit properly and do not leak, and will not give trouble when in use in a moving train. Also with the centenary of the start of World War I approaching rapidly now - July 28 marks the centenary of the start of World War I - we have been getting together suitable material for a display board to be present on the West Somerset Railway on at least one station. The date is particularly significant for the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust because of the fact that Toplight no 3639 was one of the coaches which went to France. We are always looking to welcome more people to work with us on any aspect of this very involved but truly GWR project."
23 June 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
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| Timetable changes on 28 June 2014 |
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On Saturday 28 June 2014 there will be some timing changes to the West Somerset Railway's normal timetable with some trains being re-timed to allow folks to travel to the ceremony during Watchet's Memorial Day. The first train from Bishops Lydeard will depart at 10.05am instead of 10.25am arriving in Minehead at 11.22am, and the first train from Minehead will depart 9.55am instead of 10.15am, arriving in Bishops Lydeard at 11.13am.
23 June 2014
Details gleaned from facebook posting by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| It is Annual General Meeting season... |
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Readers are reminded of two important Annual General Meetings in the next few weeks. Shareholders of the WSR Plc have their AGM on Saturday 28 June 2014 starting at 10.30am at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall. Three weeks later on 19 July 2014, members of the WSR Association have their AGM, again at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall, starting at 2pm. For those eligible but unable to attend these meetings, proxy forms will provide the chance to participate.
22 June 2014
Details gleaned from documents from WSR Plc and from WSRA
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| Home-based diesel locos to visit other heritage railways |
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The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group report two of their diesel locos will attend separate events on two other heritage railways over the weekend of the 25, 26 and 27 July. Class 14 no D9526 will be heading off to the East Lancs Railway for the 'Class 14s at 50' event whilst Class 35 Hymek no D7017 travels to the Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway's Diesel Gala. The Group hope folks will support these events. Meanwhile back on the WSR Class 33 Crompton no D6575 will be covering the scheduled diesel diagrams on Friday 25 July and Saturday 26 July. See www.depg.org for more information.
22 June 2014
Details provided by Diesel and Electric Preservation Group
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| The Hawksworth-designed Inspection Saloon no W80976W |
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The WSRA's Hawksworth-designed Taunton Engineer's Inspection Saloon no W80976W is seen standing at Williton South Yard on 19 June 2014 and due to be hauled to Minehead. On the following Sunday, the vehicle will be attached to the return Quantock Belle and will be available for service soon afterwards.
19 June 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| Diesel Driving Experience: only four places remain in 2014 |
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With mid-summer here it's a bit depressing to be thinking about the end of October and the clocks going back but if you are a lover of vintage diesel locomotives and would like to inoculate yourself against late autumn blues there are four spaces left on the Diesel Engineman Experience Day on 1 November. Participants get to drive a Class 33 locomotive for 15 miles and act as second man for a further fifteen. There is also a round trip of 30 miles spent with the guard in the brake van which will give an insight into how a freight train without continuous brakes is worked on the gradients of the WSR. Plus being a rather good way of seeing the Somerset countryside when the leaves are in the process of turning. There is also a chance to see behind the scenes at the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group's base at Williton. The cost is £295 per person (deposit £100) and that includes the course and lunch. The course can be booked online via www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call 01643 704996 (9am to 5pm daily)
19 June 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| 1,000 people travel by train to Minehead |
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Saturday 14 June was an exceptionally busy day for the West Somerset Railway with over 1,000 people travelling on the heritage railway from Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to Minehead. Aside from the attractiveness of the summer weather bringing out people looking to travel to the seaside in a time honoured manner the WSR also welcomed a special excursion train from Birmingham operated by Vintage Trains and ran a Charter Train The Big Brownie Birthday which brought 300 enthusiastic youngsters for a programme of activities in the Somerset coastal town. Sunday 15 June saw another charter train for another 320 Brownies and many more members of the public travelled to Minehead for a Father's Day lunchtime visit. West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare spent a couple of interesting days watching the trains filling up and leaving Bishops Lydeard and was delighted with the weekend's figures. "It is great to see the way that business is getting back to normal levels, and as over this weekend sometimes comfortably exceeding them, after the slow start to the 2014 season and the widely held mistaken view that the whole of Somerset was flooded. Apart from benefitting the Railway's own trading position the passengers who travelled will also have visited shops and places to eat in Minehead and other places along the way. Our regular Saturday Dunster Castle Express day out was also popular on the 14th and on the previous Wednesday evening we had run a successful charter train for Southampton University. All of this shows how much the Railway continues to benefit the villages and towns along our route and as an example of how we also work further afield our first Cheese and Cider Train on 20 June has been jointly marketed with a local food festival and we are looking forward to the rest of the year with some confidence."
16 June 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Somerset County Council propose a WSR stakeholder group |
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The Somerset County Gazette has reported on the recent County Council's Scutiny Committee meeting. "At the meeting, plans to set up a group for all 12 stakeholders of the railway - which include representatives of all the stops along the railway line - were revealed, although there was no indication as to when the group would be set up. Cllr Osman said: 'What is clear to me is that we now all need to work together, the council, the plc, the association, and all other groups involved in the successful running of the railway.'" For the full Gazette report please click here.
12 June 2014
Details gleaned from online article by Somerset County Gazette
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| Somerset Art Weeks Studio 2014 at Gauge Museum, Bishops Lydeard |
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As part of the Somerset Art Weeks Studio 2014 the Swiss writer and artist, Alexandra Lavizzari will exhibit her paintings and prints in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard Railway Station between 20 September and 5 October. As a member of Somerset Art Works Alexandra exhibited her work last year in the Chapel at Cotford St. Luke; other venues where her work has been shown include Crowcombe Church House, Cleeve Abbey, Wellington Art Centre and Taunton Library. She uses mostly oil paints and pastels and specializes in small to medium scale land and seascapes, birds and still lives, but feels equally inspired by the beautiful trees of the Quantock Hills. Beside original works, mounted prints as well as cards will be available to purchase. During the four days of the West Somerset Railway's Autumn Steam Gala, 2 to 5 October, as part of the Somerset Art Weeks Studio 2014, photographer Sam Burton will be showing his black and white photographic exhibition 'A Day in the Life of a Steam Engine Driver' also in the Gauge Museum and in conjunction with the Alexandra Lavizzari exhibition. For further details of Somerset Art Weeks Studio 2014, please visit: www.somersetartworks.org.uk/artweeks14
12 June 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Successful Mixed Traction Weekend on the West Somerset Railway |
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The West Somerset Railway's 'Diesels in the South West' Mixed Traction Gala over the three days 6 to 8 June was a successful event with 2638 passengers travelling, a four percent increase on the 2013 event. Fares revenue was up by five and a half percent despite fares being held at the same level.
Motive power used was predominantly Western Region diesel hydraulics dating from the 1960s in line with the chosen theme. The Williton based Diesel and Electric Preservation Group was able to field Class 14 no D9526, Class 35 no D7017 and Class 52 no D1010 Western Campaigner together with Class 42 no D832 Onslaught (owned by the Bury Diesel Hydraulic Group but currently based at Williton). Guest engines were nos D821 Greyhound and D1015 Western Champion courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group. Class 47 no D1661 North Star was the designated spare engine in the event of failure but in practice it was not called upon and remained on display at Williton together with Class 33s nos D6566 and D6575, Class 35 no D7018 and Class 14 no D9518.
The WSR's own DMU worked some shuttle operations and on Sunday 8 June Class 09 no 09019 topped and tailed shuttle trains with no D9526 between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren, marking the passenger debut of the Class 09 on the West Somerset.
One major highlight was the Friday night 'Mega Train'. Consisting of twelve coaches this was worked from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead by no D1015 and returned behind no D832, the load ensuring plenty of 'Maybach Music' on the climbs to Crowcombe Heathfield and Washford, particularly in the up direction where Onslaught had to deal with the curving 1 in 65 at the top of the climb from Blue Anchor.
A First Great Western Class 150 unit no 150106 operated a shuttle service between Taunton main line station and Bishops Lydeard station on Saturday 7 June, carrying 198 passengers during the day compared with 288 on the Saturday of the 2013 Mixed Traction Weekend. The Saturday and Sunday steam diagram was headed by BR(W) Large Prairie no 4160.
Among the publicity and sales stands attending the Gala was the '22 Group' looking to interest more followers of diesel hydraulics in the project to recreate one of the North British Type 2s and fill the gap left when an error caused the cutting-up of D6319 some four decades ago.
10 June 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The West Somerset Railway Plc seek Signal and Telegraph Lead Technician.. |
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Andrew Young, the WSR's Head of Infrastructure has advised us of the following vacancy: "The West Somerset Railway are seeking applicants for the full-time salaried position of Signal & Telegraph Lead Technician. The role will be key to sustaining the railway's signalling systems as well as contributing to the preservation of one of Britain's leading heritage railways. Candidates must have qualifications or experience in electrical or electronic systems and be computer literate. An understanding of mechanics is also desirable but railway experience is not essential. Successful candidates must be familiar and comfortable working in a team and confident leading that team to resolve problems or build projects. Deadline for applications is Friday 4th July 2014 and interviews will be conducted on Tuesday 15th July 2014. To apply, please write, enclosing CV and details of relevant experience, to Andrew Young, The West Somerset Railway, The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG or email andrew.young@wsrail.net"
8 June 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Good progress with new volunteer recruitment |
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Up to 6 June 2014, 103 enquiries have been received from a variety of sources about volunteering for the West Somerset Railway. This figure includes the 22 potential volunteers who attended the Information/Open Day on Sunday 11 May. Of the 22, seven have already completed induction and been passed onto departments. Up to 18 May a total of 53 new volunteers had attended the eight induction sessions so far this year. 52 of these have been passed onto stations/departments. In 2013, 118 new volunteers were inducted in 20 sessions. Mel Hillman, Coordinator for New Volunteers, adds "If we continue to recruit at the current rate we should pass that fi gure in 2014." More about volunteering here.
7 June 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Key projects along the railway needing practical and financial help... |
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A quick count of the many many projects underway along the length of the West Somerset Railway would probably reach three figures. Three of the bigger projects are detailed on the Key Projects page. Briefly, the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust's Heritage Carriages Project is an exciting plan to restore a number of vintage Great Western Railway coaches, with the first one likely to enter service in late 2014; then there is the Water, Water, Everywhere project run by the Friends of West Somerset Railway who are hoping to raise funds for much needed improvements to the watering facilities at Minehead, Williton and Bishops Lydeard; and finally the boiler fund for the West Somerset Railway Association's GWR 4-6-0 no 7821 Ditcheat Manor which, when restored to working order, would offer the railway a proven crowd-puller. There are of course many many other projects needing practical and financial help.
7 June 2014
Details provided by support groups
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| The West Somerset Railway Plc seek a Commercial Manager... |
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The WSR Plc say "We are seeking a person who can inspire and motivate the Commercial Department of the Railway and continue to develop our commercial activities. West Somerset Railway is a premier UK Heritage Railway, currently carrying over 200,000 passengers a year through 20 miles of delightful Somerset scenery. We have 46 employees and 1200 volunteer staff. You will be educated to degree level, ideally with a marketing or PR related qualification. You will help develop the WSR business profitably, using financial planning to drive decision making, performance management and business analysis. You should demonstrate a pro-active and imaginative approach. This is full-time permanent post. We offer a competitive salary and benefits including a non-contributory pension scheme. If you believe you can meet this challenge contact Steve Jervis on stephen.jervis@wsrail.net for an information pack. The closing date is 7 July 2014 and Interviews will be held on Friday 18 July 2014."
6 June 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Special offer - reduced price for diesel footplate course |
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The Diesel Footplate courses normally cost £295 but as a special offer during the three day Mixed Traction Weekend 6, 7, 8 June, the Railway is offering a discount of 15% for bookings received until 5pm on Sunday 8 June 2014. This reduces the cost of the course to £250. The available dates are 27 September, 11 and 18 October, and 1 November. There are only a limited number of places on each course so it will be strictly "first paid, first booked". To make a booking please call in person at Minehead Station's Information Office during the event or call 01643 704996 with card details (Amex is not accepted) - pay in full or make a deposit of £100. The traction used is a Class 33 diesel with dual control and the total mileage covered including working the heritage freight train stock is 60 miles.
5 June 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| News from Bishops Lydeard Station Railway and Gift Shop |
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The Station Railway & Gift Shop will be open from 8.30am until 6.30pm during the forthcoming "Diesels in the South West" three day event and will feature a number of fantastic promotions. The main promo running throughout this event will be on OO Hornby and Bachmann diesels of which we have a considerable range covering both BR and post BR periods. New Dapol model railway products for sale will feature heavily as their latest OO "Western" has just arrived in stock following favourable press reviews. A number of limited edition private owner wagons from companies local to Somerset and Devon including Taunton Cider, Holts Brewery, Stoneycombe Quarry and Coldharbour Mill have also just been received from this manufacturer. A separate area of the book department will be dedicated to diesels seen in the South West and needless to say hydraulics will be to the fore. And many a bargain to be had at the clearance and donated reduced books section. "Meet the Author" sessions will include Colin Robbins ("You Can't Take The Steam Out Of Me"), Terry Small ("Don't Tell The Management") and Roger Hardingham (Kingfisher Productions). The ever popular diecast buses including EFE and Corgi brands will again be on offer at 2 for £20. If any forthcoming publications advertised on the noticeboards outside the Shop are of interest then please pop in or email on wsrashop@btconnect.com
5 June 2014
Details from WSRA via West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Rare mileage opportunities behind Class 09 no 09019 |
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On Sunday 8 June 2014 fans of shunter haulage will be able to enjoy a journey behind Class 09 no 09019 making its WSR passenger train debut. It will top and tail with Class 14 no D9526 shuttling between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren. These trips are covered by the Mixed Traction rover ticket otherwise the return fare for each shuttle trip is £5. The departures from Bishops Lydeard Station will be at 11.27am, 12.27pm, 2.35pm, and 3.20pm and the round trip will take around 25 minutes. For full details of the Mixed Traction Weekend click here.
3 June 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The 2014 Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally |
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Organisation for the 2014 Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally is going well with lots of exhibits, some new ones and some familiar ones all booked in for the weekend of 2 and 3 August 2014. Online ticketing is going well - book online to get with two days entry for the price of one. Details on the Rally website at www.steamrally.org.uk
2 June 2014
Details from the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally Committee
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| A photographic exhibition at the Gauge Museum during Autumn Gala |
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Photographer Sam Burton will have a black and white photographic exhibition at the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard Station during the four days of the West Somerset Railway's Autumn Steam Gala, 2 to 5 October 2014. Entitled "A Day in the Life of a Steam Engine Driver" it will feature the working day of actor and WSR volunteer driver Alan Dorrington who is also currently featuring in an advert for supermarket chain Aldi (about cheese). Silver gelatine and digital photographic prints in a variety of sizes will be on sale as well as a selection of cards, featuring Somerset and other photographic locations.
2 June 2014
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The Gauge Museum Model Railway open during the Mixed Traction Weekend |
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The Model Railway in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard Station will be open all three days of the Mixed Traction Weekend. The Model Railway will be running using only diesel and electric traction, there will be no steam whatsoever! There should be different locos running each day. On Friday we will be running three North American diesel locomotives with appropriate rolling stock. The Model Railway will be running between 10am and 4pm on Friday and 10am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
1 June 2014
Details from local correspondent via Facebook
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