| Times for the Steam Rally shuttle trains... |
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Travel on the shuttle train between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren for the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally on 2 and 3 August 2014 is free to all. The shuttle train journey takes ten minutes each way. The shuttle trains leave Bishops Lydeard Station at 9.45am, 10.20am, 11am, 11.40am, 12.15pm, 1.50pm, 2.30pm, 3.05pm, 3.52pm and 4.45pm. The return shuttle trains leave the platform at Norton Fitzwarren at 10am, 10.40am, 11.15am, 11.55am, 1.25pm, 2.03pm, 2.45pm, 3.20pm, 4.05pm, 5pm. Please note the last shuttle to connect with scheduled onward train to Minehead leaves Norton Fitzwarren at 4.05pm. For more information please visit the 2014 Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally website
29 July 2014
Details provided by The Rally Team
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| An update on the Williton Loop Extension Project |
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A poster now on display at Williton Station provides an update on the loop extension project. The poster reads "Thank you for all your donations. We are now in a position to extend the loop at Williton, returning the south alignment to its original layout and offering many operational benefits." and shows several technical drawings and plans of the scheme including the proposed replacement bridge over the Monksilver Stream, proposed repositioning of point no 16 towards Stogumber, repositioning of signals and introduction of trap points. Other drawing show possible future works including realigned trackwork between the main line and South Yard which would allow an extension to the Down platform, and moving point no 12B towards Doniford allowing an extension to the Up platform. Lengthening the loop and other changes will enable trains to arrive from both directions at the same time; other changes will greatly ease stock movements to and from the busy South Yard and North Yard at Williton. We are grateful for Andrew Young, WSR's Infrastructure Manager, for the above. Download the poster [PDF 1.4Mb]
29 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| A variety of events along the Branch during first weekend of August |
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The first weekend of August has a variety of events going on along the route of the line and on the line itself. On Saturday and Sunday there is the annual Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally at the Norton Triangle fields near Norton Fitzwarren offering a huge array of vintage road vehicles, agricultural machinery, traditional family entertainment and refreshments including a real ale tent. At the other end of the Branch, for the younger members of the family there will be a Meet and Greet Day with Captain Barnacles and Kwazi from The Octonauts making personal appearances between 10am and 4pm at Minehead Station on Saturday 2 August; plus a children's entertainer, whilst vintage buses will offer free bus rides around the town. Across the car park from Minehead Station in the Minehead Eye a model railway exhibition will be taking place organised by Exmoor Coast Railway Modellers. Along the coast, the Bell Inn, about ten minutes walk from Watchet Station, is holding a Beer Festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, whilst activities at Dunster Castle include falconry displays and the 'Bowmen of Danesfield' with 'Have a go archery'. More details
28 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Photographic exhibition at the Gauge Museum, Bishops Lydeard Station |
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As part of Somerset Arts Week (SAW) 2014, photographer Sam Burton will be exhibiting ten darkroom handprints showing a glimpse into the life of England's longest steam railway, the West Somerset. Sam who employs traditional photographic techniques in addition to the latest digital technology, used a medium format camera and black and white film whilst capturing the working day of actor and volunteer steam driver Alan Dorrington. Alan's face will be a familiar one from TV and other advertising work.The exhibition of prints can be seen at the Gauge Museum between 10am and 4pm between 20 September and 5 October 5th. Support for the Exhibition is being given by The Golsoncott Foundation and Sam Burton can be contacted via 07413 293863 or info@zummerzetphotography.co.uk
28 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Out and about promoting the 2014 Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally |
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Volunteers have been out and about in Somerset promoting the forthcoming Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally. The event is held at the West Somerset Railway Association's fields just to the west of Norton Fitzwarren near Taunton, just a few miles from the M5, on the weekend of 2 and 3 August 2014. In Taunton town centre a steam lorry and other vintage vehicles caught the attention of folks passing by with many stopping for a chat with the Rally volunteers. Meanwhile, other volunteers were noted at an event at the Royal Naval Air Service at Yeovilton complete with a shiny Morris Minor festooned with railway and rally leaflets! The online ticket facility on www.steamrally.org.uk has been doing brisk business and will close for business just before midnight on 31 July 2014 thereafter visitors can purchase tickets at the entrance gates. More information.
28 July 2014
Details provided by The Rally Committee
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| One thousand steaming days in preservation for GWR 2-8-0 no 3850 |
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GWR 2-8-0 no 3850 reached its 1000th steaming day in preservation on 20 July 2014. This has been achieved whilst quietly going about its day to day business in only eight and a half years of operation since the rusting hulk [pictured left] was restored back to working order. The classic GWR heavy goods locomotive will soon pass the 70,000 mile barrier and continues to be a reliable, very economical workhorse on the West Somerset Railway in its final year in traffic before withdrawl at the expiry of the boiler certificate in May 2015. Such is the regard owners Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd hold for the Churchward/Collet 2-8-0s as a practical class of engine for use on heritage lines, they decided to purchase another two. Any help, be it practical or financial, is most welcome to help restore nos 2874 and 3845 in the fullness of time.
24 July 2014
Details provided by Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd
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| Lots going on along the Railway at the weekend |
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With the first full weekend of the school holidays underway there are various events of family interest going along on the route of the WSR. On Saturday and Sunday there will be a Medieval Encampment hosted by 'Bowlore' in the gardens at Stogumber Station. 'Bowlore' tells tales of old, demonstrate knightly skills and have equipment of weights and size to suit all ages who want to try their hand themselves. The station offers light refreshments and there are buffet cars on the trains. On Sunday 27 July it's the annual Watchet Carnival which takes place in the old harbour town from 11.30am onwards - the WSR is the ideal way to travel to the Carnival. The last train from Watchet towards Minehead leaves at 5.13pm and the last one from Watchet to Bishops Lydeard leaves at 5.46pm. The Dunster Castle Express will offer a full day out on Saturday 26 July. Leaving Bishops Lydeard at 10.25am by steam train to Dunster Station for the road coach transfer to the Castle. And of course steam trains are running every day giving a relaxing way to reach a day out at the seaside, enjoy a walk in the Quantocks or visit one of the places of interest along the line such as the Museum in Bishops Lydeard Mill, Cleeve Abbey and Torre Cider Farm at Washford or the railway museums at Bishops Lydeard and Washford. Dunster offers the Dolls Museum, the Yarn Market building and the old water mill in its attractions.
22 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Travel to the Steam Rally by free train shuttle from Bishops Lydeard |
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A train service will operate on both days of the Rally between Bishops Lydeard Station and Norton Platform, using the West Somerset Railway's heritage Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU). Travel on this service is free to all. Train times will be published very soon. For more details go to the 2014 Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally website
22 July 2014
Details provided by the Rally Committee
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| The West Somerset Railway Association AGM is adjourned... |
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We understand the Annual General Meeting of the West Somerset Railway Association on 19 July 2014 was adjourned after four hours without completing all items and resolutions on the agenda. It seems the process to fill the four Trustee vacancies took a very long time and after the conclusion of that item, the meeting was adjourned due no longer having a quorum. We await confirmation of this and also confirmation of the revised date for the re-convened AGM. This news item has been published to advise WSRA members who might otherwise be unaware of events and who might wish to attend the re-convened meeting.
21 July 2014
Details provided by local correspondents
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| One last hurrah for Mendips survivor at Autumn Steam Gala in October |
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Although the 2014 West Somerset Railway Autumn Steam Gala is marking the 50th Anniversary of the closure to steam of Taunton locoshed as its main theme it will also be the last weekend of operation for SDJR 7F 2-8-0 no 88 before it is taken out of service for its ten year heavy overhaul. The overhaul is being brought forward by the West Somerset Railway and its owners, the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust, to have the engine available for its 2016 Spring Steam Gala which is intended to be a major event commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset lines, including the 'Bath Extension' over the Mendips, in March 1966. So despite the strong British Railways Western Region emphasis of the four days of the Gala (from 2 to 5 October) the 7F - a powerful locomotive designed by the Midland Railway to haul heavy goods over the Mendip Hills - is scheduled to work two trains during the Gala. On Saturday 4 October it is planned to head the 4.45pm from Minehead and its last passenger train until 2016 is intended to be the 2.45pm from Bishops Lydeard on Sunday 5 October. More information at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
18 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| 'Steam in South Wales' is the theme for the 2015 Spring Steam Gala |
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The West Somerset Railway's Special Events Planning Team (SEPT) has decided that the theme for its four day Spring Steam Gala in 2015 will be 'Steam in South Wales'. Following on from the success of the 'Cambrian' gala in 2013, SEPT is planning to hire in guest engines appropriate to the railway system in the southern part of the Principality and will rename stations after various locations (setting the WSR's staff some pronunciation challenges in the process once again). More information at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
18 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Hundreds of exhibits due at the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally |
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Hundreds of exhibits are booked to appear at the 2014 Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally at Norton Fitzwarren on 2 and 3 August. Just look at the list of exhibits already booked are:
52 steam exhibits including 16 full size steam engines, and 7 'working steam' entries so we will have steam ploughing and saw benches
84 lusty motorcycles
24 sturdy Land Rovers
12 heroic emergency vehicles
25 bold commercial vehicles
79 trusty (and some rusty) tractors
78 interesting military exhibits plus a full size replica Spitfire plane
15 delightful models
240 gleaming and cherished cars
69 clattering stationary engines
We also have 15 tempting West Country ales plus seven local ciders in our welcoming refreshment tent, along with trade stands and craft stalls; children's entertainments; brake van rides and pump trolley; visiting rolling stock; miniature train rides and shire horses. Truly something for all the family! For more details and advance online ticket bookings please click here.
17 July 2014
Details provided by The Rally Committee
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| No 4612 to attend the Autumn Steam Gala |
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Ex-GWR 57XX 0-6-0PT no 4612 has been added to the line-up of guest engines for the West Somerset Railway's Autumn Steam Gala which will take place between 2 and 5 October 2014. The theme of the Gala is the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the closure to steam of Taunton locoshed (83B). Although not allocated at Taunton at the time of closure, no 4612 spent time there and was for a period one of the regular engines on the branch line to Chard which closed to passenger trains in 1962. Other guests confirmed for the Gala are nos 3802, 1450, 4566, and 5542. No 5542 was a Taunton engine for many years and a regular on the line to Minehead. In line with the theme four of the WSR resident steam engines are assuming the identities of class mates that were at Taunton in October 1964. No 4936 will become no 4932 Hatherton Hall; no 6960 will become no 7909 Heveningham Hall; no 3850 becomes no 3863; and no 4160 assumes the identity of no 4131. No 7828 will appear as Odney Manor. More information at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
16 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Enjoy a great family day out at the Steam Fayre in August |
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The West Somerset Railway Association is putting on a wonderful show over the weekend of 2-3 August 2014 at Norton Fitzwarren. See mighty steam engines working; trusty tractors; gleaming vintage cars and motorbikes; military tanks and displays; and many other interesting sights including railway exhibits. Take a trip along the old Barnstaple Branch line on a brake van towed by a steam engine, or try your hand working a pump trolley along the rails of the Norton Triangle. Watch working steam demonstrations and visit the Shire horses. There's also children's entertainments; arena parades; a popular large refreshment tent selling local ales as well as light snacks; food, trade and craft stalls. Entry prices at the gate for the 2014 Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally are held again at just £8 per adult, £7 per senior (aged 65 or over) and £2 per child (aged 5 to 15 years inclusive; free if aged four and under). Great value and a wonderful way to spend a day! Open 10am to 5pm both days. For more details and advance online ticket bookings please click here.
16 July 2014
Details provided by The Rally Committee
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| Catch a train to the Minehead Summer Festival 13-17 August 2014 |
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This year's Minehead Summer Festival is a five day event starting on Wednesday 13 August and running through to Sunday 17 August. The West Somerset Railway provides an excellent way of getting to Minehead, avoiding queues on the roads and at car parks. The annual flying displays are scheduled for the first day of the Festival, Wednesday 13 August and due to begin with Sea King helicopters at 1.30pm, followed by the iconic sight and sound of Spitfires at 2pm; not much can follow the masterpiece of R J Mitchell but the Red Arrows are the ideal headliners and start at 2.30pm; finally is the Red Devils parachute team display scheduled for 3.10pm. There are lots of activities on all five days. The Railway has put together a summary of the daily events.
15 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Coach links from Dunster Station to two major local outdoor events |
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The West Somerset Railway will be running special coach links between Dunster Station and Dunster Steep for the Dunster Country Fair on 30 July 2014 and Dunster Show on 15 August 2014. The Steep is on the edge of the village and handy to start an exploration and it's also only a short walk from there to the Show Ground or into the medieval village with its 1000 year old Castle (the Castle offers reduced cost admission on production of WSR tickets at the entrances). Travel on the special coach link is free to WSR passengers passengers or for anyone staying in Dunster who may like to use it to catch a WSR train at Dunster Station. Both the Country Fair and the Show are very popular events which generate extra traffic on the A358 and A39 and the use of the train and road link is a good way for visitors to avoid traffic congestion. Departure times from the Steep at 10am, 11am, 12.10pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4.10pm and 5.05pm; and from Dunster Station at 10.30am, 11.40am, 12.40pm, 2.40pm, 3.50pm and 4.40pm. Train times can be found on the official WSR Plc website www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or here.
14 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| A special train to be run after the WSRA Annual General Meeting |
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Robin White has provided details of a special train to be run in the late afternoon/early evening of Saturday 19 July 2014. The special train will allow those attending the West Somerset Railway Association Annual General Meeting to travel to the AGM from any other WSR station by normal trains during the day and return after the AGM on the special train, and/or have a trip on our wonderful Railway after the AGM. The AGM is to be held at 2pm in Bishops Lydeard Village Hall, and is expected to last beyond 5pm. The meeting is likely to be very well attended this year. Parking is limited at the Village Hall. This is a busy time of year for the Railway and Bishops Lydeard Station car park is well used by the end of the morning. For full details of the special train please click here.
12 July 2014
Details provided by local correspondent
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| The Holiday Railway Poster Book |
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Kate Beard, Manager of the Railway and Gift Shop at Bishops Lydeard Station, writes "This new 250 page volume features a journey around an area synonymous with seaside holidays. Volume 7 begins in the city of Bristol, a port, major railway hub and seat of learning. Travelling through Somerset, we then cross Wiltshire before reaching the south coast in Dorset. Then it is to the West Country proper, to tour first Devon and then beautiful Cornwall: classic seaside posters abound! We finish the tour offshore in the Scilly Isles and the Channel islands. Written under licence from the Science Museum Management Enterprises Ltd and in collaboration with the National Railway Museum at York, this award-winning series is available here from the station shop. We have all volumes excluding Vol 2 Yorkshire which is out of print. Vol 7 South West are all signed copies!"
11 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| There are seats available on trains going to the Thomas event |
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There are still seats available to buy on the day for all the Thomas trains on Saturday 12 July and Sunday 13 July. The morning departures by steam from Bishops Lydeard are at 9.30am, 10.25am and 11.10am and there are morning steam trains leaving Minehead at 11.05am and 11.55am. Saturday 12 July is Minehead's Harbour Festival (the harbour is about 10 minutes walk from the station along the seafront) and this starts at midday. The last train leaving Minehead will be a steam train at 5.40pm so there is a good chance for a morning at the Thomas event and time at the harbour after lunch. The Dunster Castle Express will leave Bishops Lydeard at 10.25am as usual but the return from Dunster is earlier at 4.07pm. More details can be found on the WSR Plc website www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
10 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The West Somerset Railway Plc has launched its ten year Corporate Plan |
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The West Somerset Railway Plc launched its ten year Corporate Plan at the 2014 Annual General Meeting. This follows an extensive process of consultation and engagement with a wide range of WSR railway interests and stakeholder organisations. The Plan sets out the vision for the Plc and the operation and development of the Railway up to 2023 and contains a wide range of proposals, plans and aspirations to maintain the West Somerset Railway as a vibrant preserved heritage railway together with its contribution to the local tourism and leisure industry. John Irven, Plc Chairman said "The Corporate Plan sets out an ambitious but achievable direction of travel for the Railway over the next few years. The Plc Board is confident that we have the support of the majority of organisations involved with the WSR together with our major external partners in seeking to deliver the Plan. We are looking forward to making progress in seeking to maintain the sustainability of the Railway and enhancing its appeal and attractiveness to enthusiasts and the general public alike". The focus will now be on developing deep three-year business plan to be implemented from January 2015 onwards. The Corporate Plan can be found on the WSR Plc website www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or please click here for a PDF copy.
10 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| News update from the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust |
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Following its AGM on 25 May, the Steam Trust has been reorganised and brought up to date with a change to its membership rules. The original limit of 50 members, has been swept away, along with the associate membership status which brought with it no voting rights. Now, the Trust is open to all, with a single tier membership, each of whom will be able to vote at general meetings. Download a form from the Trust website www.wssrt.co.uk Membership is a snip at only £2.50 a month. The Trust's Articles of Association have also been updated. And the Trust is now up to date in administration terms, and open for new members to support the work of heritage carriage restoration as well as the Museum at Blue Anchor and the purchase of historic artefacts and records associated with the West Somerset Railway. The latest example of this is a single line token from Silk Mills to Williton, in use from 1970 until the BR service was withdrawn. For the full update please visit the Trust website...
9 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
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| A vacancy for a loco fitter at Minehead |
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The West Somerset Railway is among the leading heritage railways in the country and has been awarded several major national awards during the last ten years. A vacancy exists for a person to assist with the maintenance and overhaul of steam locomotives and other heritage rolling stock. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience of working with steam locomotives and other rolling stock in a heritage railway environment. The work will be based at Minehead. The hours will be 40 per week, some of which will be during the weekend. Closing date for applications is 25 July 2014. To apply, please write enclosing CV and details of relevant heritage railway experience to Andrew Forster, West Somerset Railway plc, The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG.or email cme@wsrail.net
9 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Mrs Pam Hawkins is the new Station Master at Minehead. |
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Mrs Pam Hawkins has recently taken on the role of Station Master at Minehead. The latest newsletter of the Friends of Minehead Station explains "She is, of course, no stranger to the Station having been a volunteer in the main office and the booking office since 2010. With the position of Station Master having been vacant since 2012, following the retirement of Alan Scott, Pam is finding plenty to do to bring the station up to scratch and her stated ambition is to ensure it is the best station on the line as soon as possible. She brings with her considerable experience in organisation having previously been PA to the financial director of a large multi-national company in London. Coming to Minehead in 1975 to be an administrator/vet assistant she eventually retired from running a post office and village store, from where she became a volunteer on the railway. She describes herself as a 'doer and not one to let the grass grow'. As Station Master she will attend FOMS Committee meetings which will ensure a two way liaison between station staff and the committee."
9 July 2014
Details provided by the Friends of Minehead Station
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| An evening trip by steam on 26 July at bargain prices |
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Make the most of a long summer evening at the start of the school holidays on 26 July. Travel down to Watchet or Minehead on the 4.15pm steam train from Bishops Lydeard to Watchet or Minehead. After enjoying a walk along part of the Bristol Channel coast with time for a meal and a drink your return home will be at from Minehead at 8.30pm and from Watchet at 9pm with arrival back at Bishops Lydeard at 9.40pm. Anyone who would just like to take a round trip on a steam train may prefer the 6.30pm from Bishops Lydeard. The return journey will be at the same times as above. Travel on this special package is at the discounted rate of £8.50 for adults and seniors and £4.25 for children aged 5 to 15. Tickets can be purchased in advance via www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or 01643 704996. Or they can be bought from the Travelling Ticket Inspector on the 4.15pm train on the evening of travel. The outing is only valid using the 4.15pm or 6.30pm trains from Bishops Lydeard on 26 July. Update 14 July 2014: this offer has now been withdrawn. Apologies for any inconvenience.
8 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| A great birthday party aboard the Hawksworth Saloon |
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The Hawksworth Saloon was recently booked for a private party who enjoyed a trip from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back. "Open letter to the WSRA and the Quantock Belle Staff. My wife and I would like to thank the WSRA Trustees who had the forethought to purchase, all those WSRA members, contributors and the Quantock Belle staff who worked on the first revenue earning trip of the Hawksworth Taunton Engineers Saloon on the WSR on the occasion of my wife's special birthday family celebration on 29 June 2014. We both felt honoured that we would be the first family group to travel in the saloon the length of the WSR and return from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. The service we received from the Quantock Belle staff was very attentive and bodes well for the future for revenue earning service of the saloon, we could not have received better attention. We would most highly recommend the Hawksworth Taunton Engineers Saloon to any group of 10 to 20 persons as a special way to enjoy the wonderful vistas that the view from the saloon affords. Joan and Brian Hart (WSRA Members 10024)."
8 July 2014
Details provided by Joan and Brian Hart
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| Saturday 12 July looks a good day to go to Minehead by train |
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The second annual Minehead Harbour Festival takes place on Saturday 12 July and it coincides with the 'Day Out with Thomas' event on the West Somerset Railway. The Festival runs from midday into the evening. The last trains will leave Minehead Station at 4.50pm (diesel railcar) and 5.40pm (steam). Tickets for the 'Day Out with Thomas' can be bought online via 01643 704996 or online through www.westsomerset-railway.co.uk Meanwhile take a stroll along to the Harbour and visit the Fisherman's Quarter for a day of fun and laughter, searching for treasure at the pirate party; take in the arts, crafts and produce market; see visiting celebrity ships including the Tall Ship Irene; take a trip around the bay on local boats; enjoy the RNLI open day, including a lifeboat launch; sea shanties, storytelling and exploration of this historic area will also be part of the programme.
7 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc & Minehead Harbour Festival
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| No D9526 gets the birthday beauty treatment at Williton |
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Matching the high standards of the WSR's legendary steam locomotive cleaners, Class 14 diesel hydraulic no D9526 has been fettled up by folks at the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group to mint condition in readiness for her trip to Lancashire. The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group's Colin and Simon have worked mighty hard at Williton Diesel Works to give the DEPG and West Somerset Railway a fine presentation of the type at the forthcoming "14s@50" birthday party event on the East Lancs Railway.
7 July 2014
Details provided by local correspondent
and Diesel & Electric Preservation Group
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| The Station Master - a short film made at Stogumber is now online |
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A short film shot at the West Somerset Railway's Stogumber Station is now available to view online. The preamble for 'The Station Master' explains the plot "A lonely Station Master at a remote, rural outpost encounters a woman stranded overnight at his station, and after some hesitation, invites her to spend the night in the warmth of his humble home. This unexpected encounter reawakens the Station Master's enthusiasm for life as the two talk long into the night, but in the morning, when her train arrives, will she leave along with his heart?" Stogumber Station features throughout the twenty minute short film along with a couple of scenes with the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust's 7F 2-8-0 no 88.
6 July 2014
Details provided by local correspondent
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| News about the Steam Rally Online Ticket facility |
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The online ticket facility will close just before midnight on 31 July 2014. Bookings made in the preceding few days are unlikely to see tickets reaching customers by post before the event itself so we will contact customers by telephone to arrange and agree collection of tickets at an specified Rally entrance gate. By far the best plan is to go to the Rally Tickets Page now and buy your tickets online right away. And remember, tickets bought online are valid for both days of the Rally plus the purchaser will receive a voucher that can be exchanged at the gate for a free programme and there is Fast Track entry for online ticket holders.
4 July 2014
Details provided by Steam Fayre & Vintage Vehicle Rally
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| John Simms nominated for Group Leisure magazine's Excellence Award |
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John Simms of the West Somerset Railway's Commercial Department has been nominated by group travel organisers and organisations to be one of the four finalists in this year's 'Group Leisure' magazine's 'Excellence Awards'. John has become known to many coach and holiday companies, journalists, group organisers and hoteliers through attendance at Travel Shows across the country (in 2014 locations to date have included London, Manchester, Birmingham and Dorking with autumn seeing planned trips to Birmingham and Manchester again plus Liverpool) and a monthly electronic tourism newsletter giving information about the Railway plus events in the communities along its 20 mile length between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. This goes out to some 2000 recipients. Voting will now take place amongst the readers of 'Group Leisure' with a closing date of 11 August and the Award being made in conjunction with the Group Leisure and Travel Show to be held at the NEC Birmingham on 25 September. In addition to its own information when attending national circuit shows the stand also displays information about Somerset as a whole and Exmoor.
John was distinctly surprised to receive news of the nomination but commented "One of the enjoyable aspects of the job is the knowledge that we are promoting a product that visitors enjoy and appreciate. We get regular e-mails and letters of appreciation that say how good our bookings team is and how they will go the extra mile to meet special requirements if possible. The on-train staff, nearly all of them who are drawn from our 1,000 working volunteers, are often singled out for their appearance, efficiency and above all friendliness. Knowing that you are doing a job that brings pleasure to some 200,000 passengers each year and benefits the local economy of Taunton Deane and West Somerset does make for a considerable level of job satisfaction."
John would also like to place on record thanks to many volunteers who have helped on stands in the last decade since he and former WSR Commercial Manager Martyn Snell first attended the British Travel Trade Fair (now Best of Britain and Ireland) and Antony Brunt, Chairman of the Exmoor Tourist Association, who has been very supportive at Trade and Local Shows for many years.
John will be co-hosting a Tourism Familiarisation Package for the West Somerset Railway, West Somerset itself and Exmoor, organised by Steve Reed Tourism and based at the Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster between 7-9 July.
4 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| A busy weekend ahead on the West Somerset Railway |
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This weekend is the first of the two 'Day Out With Thomas' weekends for 2014 (the second is 12, 13 July) and the morning trains from Bishops Lydeard and afternoon trains from Minehead will be very busy. The heaviest usage from Bishops Lydeard will be on the 9.30am, 10.25am, and 11.10am steam trains where virtually all the seats are already sold out. From the 11.50am diesel train onwards seats will be available. Conversely the 11.05am and 11.55am steam trains from Minehead will be the quieter ones of the day with the afternoon departures becoming busy as visitors to the event head for home. It's rather like a major city in the rush hours really. Train travel tickets for these two days give you a ride behind Thomas, who shuttles a small train for a short distance out of Minehead Station and back again during the day (the big engines work the full length of the line), a free ride on a vintage bus around Minehead, the 'Imagination Station' with various activities for children, a model railway with Thomas and his friends, and children's entertainers. Trying to keep all in order will be Sir Topham Hatt, better known as the 'Fat Controller'. It is also possible to come to Minehead, pay an admission charge at the side gate to the station (not at the Booking Office which will simply be selling tickets for journeys along the line to Dunster and all stations to Bishops Lydeard). This gives the ride with Thomas and all the other Minehead-based activities. Elsewhere along the route of the line it's 'Have A Go Archery' at Dunster Castle hosted by the Bowmen of Danesfield. Holders of WSR travel tickets can obtain discounted admission to the Castle and also to Cleeve Abbey at Washford by showing their tickets at the entrance gate. The railway museums at Bishops Lydeard and Washford will be open on both days and that at Blue Anchor on Sunday. The Diesel Heritage Centre and Depot at Williton is open on Saturday.
3 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Reduced price Family Day Rover tickets when bought in advance |
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The West Somerset Railway is offering Family Day Rover Tickets bought in advance at an extra discounted price for travel on dates up to 31 July 2014 (except for the two weekends of 'Day Out With Thomas' on 5, 6 & 12, 13 July when higher fares will apply). The tickets purchased in advance will cost £40 instead of £45 if bought on the day of travel. They can be purchased from the website www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by calling 01643 704996. With a termination date of 31 July 2014 this offer will include the start of the main school holiday period and will give families a chance to explore the line, go to the seaside or visit the Medieval Encampment being hosted by Bowlore at Stogumber Station on 26 and 27 July or the Toy and Train Collectors Fair at Minehead Station on 27 July. Passengers who have WSR tickets can also obtain discounted admission to Cleeve Abbey at Washford and Dunster Castle by showing their tickets at the entrances.
2 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Seasonal staff wanted for Minehead Station's Turntable Cafe |
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The Turntable Cafe at Minehead Station is a friendly, fun environment with a growing reputation for good food and excellent customer service and needs someone to help with the busy summer season. Ideally someone with some experience in a food environment and even better a level 2 food safety qualification. However, the most important thing is a 'can-do' attitude and a willingness to learn. This seasonal vacancy is available for immediate start so pop in with your CV or email it to catering@wsrail.net
2 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Powderham Signal Box in action during Late Summer Weekend event |
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The Powderham Signal Box exhibit, located at the Gauge Museum, Bishops Lydeard Station, will be in action on Saturday 30 August and Sunday 31 August during the 2014 Late Summer Weekend event. Regular signalling demonstrations will enable visitors to experience the sights and sounds of a small but busy West Country signal box during the 1950s.
2 July 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| A promotional video for Crowcombe Heathfield Station |
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Peter Russell, a Friend of Crowcombe Heathfield Station has produced a fine promotional video for the award-winning West Somerset Railway station. Peter has used a camera-fitted drone for some scenes which gives a very different perspective of the station. It is important to understand that the use of the drone was done with the full knowledge and co-operation of the West Somerset Railway; also Peter is also fully insured for this operation. A longer version will be produced in due course. To view the video visit the video page on the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station website or visit the Latest Videos 2014 page on this site.
1 July 2014
Details provided by Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station
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