| WSR Association announce two consultation meetings for members |
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As promised at the recent Annual General Meeting of the West Somerset Railway Association, the Trustees have organised two membership consultation sessions. The first is scheduled for Tuesday 14 October 2014 at Ash Priors Village Hall at 6.30pm; and the second will be held on Saturday 1 November 2014 at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall at 10.30am. Members can submit specific questions in advance to the WSRA Company Secretary at manager@wsra.org.uk, or to The Company Secretary, Brunel House, Bishops Lydeard, TA4 3RU, or just turn up at the either of the sessions. The Trustees say they look forward to a positive and constructive meeting. Members should bring membership cards.
30 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| A webcam again at Minehead Station... |
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Thanks to the commission of a new webcam by the Friends of West Somerset Railway it is once again possible to view trains at Minehead Station. The new webcam is situated on the Signal Box overlooking the platform ends and should provide excellent views of movements of trains arriving and departing along with light locomotive trips to and from the turntable. This is the first fully funded and completed project of FoWSR who are justly proud of the achievement. The webcam can be viewed on the front page of www.fowsr.org.uk the Friends of West Somerset Railway website or, by kind permission of FoWSR, from the link under the webcams menu item on wsr.org.uk
29 September 2014
Details provided by Friends of West Somerset Railway
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| Secondhand model railway equipment for sale at Watchet Station |
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Watchet Railway Station will have a small amount of secondhand model railway equipment for sale on Saturday 4 October 2014 between 10.30am to 2.30pm. In OO and N gauges there are engines, coaches, wagons, track, model cars and so on. All taking place in the Pagoda Waiting Room. Cash only please. For further information please contact Steve Sutherland from the Friends of Watchet Station on 01984 633425.
27 September 2014
Details provided by Friends of Watchet Station via facebook
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| Remembering Roy, Jean and Sue Heskett... |
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A small plaque was unveiled on the side of Readers Halt at Minehead Station on Saturday 27 September 2014 in memory of Friends of Minehead Station (FOMS) helpers who have died in recent years. Roy Heskett was a staunch member of the FOMS work parties whilst his wife Jean and daughter Sue worked in Readers Halt. All sadly missed but without them, Minehead Station would not look as it does now. Roy and Jean's daughter Joan (down from Tunbridge Wells) watched by her children and grandchildren unveiled the plaque with the help of FOMS stalwart Gordon Harris. Thanks to Martyn Snell, Chairman of FOMS, for the pictures and words.
27 September 2014
Details provided by Friends of Minehead Station
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| How Britain's railways helped the war effort a hundred years ago... |
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Claire Sheppy writes "The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust display highlighting the huge contribution that the railway made to the war effort a hundred years ago, can be seen at Blue Anchor (at the museum), Williton (on the station down platform), Crowcombe (on the display board between the two toilets) and Bishops Lydeard (in the Gauge Museum conference room). A fleet of continental ambulance trains was used to move wounded soldiers back from the front line to base hospitals, and ultimately to the ports and home. The display boards will be on show until the end of the Autumn Steam Gala after which they will be removed for a while and posted again from time to time until 11 November 2018. One of the GWR continental ambulance trains included our own coach 3639 (the one under the green tarpaulin in the North Yard at Williton). We have recently carried out remedial work on the headstocks and underframe to allow the vehicle to be moved around so that restoration work can start."
27 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
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| Mayor captured by bellows camera at Bishops Lydeard Station |
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Taunton based photographer Sam Burton opened his Somerset Arts Week exhibition at Bishops Lydeard Station with a demonstration of how photographs were made in the early days of the medium. Using a mobile darkroom and an antique bellows camera Sam made what are quite likely to be the first wet processed photographs at the location since the practice was common in 19th century. A photographer would have used a horse drawn wagon as a mobile darkroom and produced images on sensitized paper or glass but as technology progressed the practise died out by the start of the 20th century. The Mayor of Taunton, Dave Durdan, and Lady Mayoress came along to open an exhibition of Sam's photographs telling the story of a day in the life of West Somerset Railway engine driver Alan (Alan Dorrington) and to take part in the workshop by having their portraits made and processed. The Mayor commented "It's just unbelievable to see this process take place." Some 70 people attended the launch at the Gauge Museum at the station and a steam locomotive and the Victorian Sleeping Carriage, restored by the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust were open for tours. Sam's exhibition will run until 5 October, open daily from 10am - 4pm at the Gauge Museum on Bishops Lydeard Station's Platform One, and is sure to interest visitors during the West Somerset Railway's four day Autumn Steam Gala starting on 2 October.
23 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Visit Williton workshops during the Autumn Steam Gala |
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Visitors to the Autumn Steam Gala in early October are encouraged to stop for a while at Williton. Over the weekend of Saturday 4 October and Sunday 5 October, the works of West Somerset Restoration will be open so that visitors can look at ongoing restoration projects. These include the latter stages of the overhaul of Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219, ongoing assembly work on the frames of GWR 2-6-2T no 4561 and the restoration work on Collett BCK no 6705. There will also be a riveting demonstration at selected times throughout each day to show just a little of the work that goes on there. For younger visitors, and older visitors with an interest in model engineering, the Taunton Model Engineers will again be bringing a selection of locomotives in three and a half inch and five inch gauge, and offering rides to children alongside the West Somerset main line. Other displays and stalls are expected, including the 6880 Betton Grange Project sales stall, two stalls selling 00 Scale model railway equipment and one selling 0 Scale tin plate. The marquee adjacent to the works will again be offering teas, coffees and cold drinks, bacon rolls and similar, plus a selection of cakes to tempt you. Further along the yard, the depot of the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group will also be open so that visitors can take a look at the ongoing restoration work on Hymek no D7018 and other locos. Well worth allowing a couple of hours to stop off and look around!
22 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| Social meeting of Trustees and Directors |
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A meeting between Directors of the Plc and the Association's Board of Trustees took place on Saturday 20 September. This was held in the Inspection Saloon which was then attached to the 2.20pm Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service. The meeting was relaxed and cordial, and should begin to help promoting better understanding between the two organisations. Another joint event is expected to take place in the near future to build on the progress made at this initial meeting.
22 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| WSRA Trustees appoint new Vice-Chairman |
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At their meeting on Tuesday 16th September, the Trustees of the West Somerset Railway Association elected Peter Chidzey as joint Vice-Chairman of the Association, alongside Ian Aldridge. Both will have different responsibilities within the Board of Trustees. Peter will remain as the Association's Education Officer and as a regular volunteer on the Quantock Belle.
22 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| Souvenir Guide for the Autumn Steam Gala now available |
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The Souvenir Guide for the Autumn Steam Gala has been received from the printers and can now be purchased at WSR stations or online from www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk. Full colour throughout the 20 pages give details of train times and which engines are due to work which trains, an outline of the history of Taunton shed, and potted histories of the featured locomotives. Plus what can be seen and done at stations along the way. There is still time to buy discounted Rover Tickets for the Gala from the website or by calling 01643 704996 with your card details.
21 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Peppa Pig and George bring the crowds to the Railway... |
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This year's visit to the WSR by the popular childrens characters Peppa Pig and little brother George once again proved a great hit with small people and their families. Over 1100 fare paying passengers travelled on the Railway (and with under 5s travelling for free they would not appear in that total.). Apart from the personal appearances by Peppa and George during the day other entertainment by provided by Mark the Magician. There was also a very busy time at the face painting table and many also enjoyed a vintage bus ride on a vehicle from the Quantock Heritage fleet. The next 'Meet and Greet' will take place on 25 October featuring 'Fireman Sam'
21 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Busy times for the Railway's Signal and Telegraph Gang... |
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This month's Online, the staff magazine, carries an update on the work of the railway's Signal & Telegraph Gang. The workshop in the loco compound at Bishops Lydeard is now fully operational. Meanwhile work has been completed clearing out the CCT vehicle in Dunster Yard which will become the new S&T mobile workshop in place of the BG vehicle which has served this purpose for many years. The CCT will shortly be fi tted out by RAMS. A number of outstanding tasks at Blue Anchor have been attended to, along with the installation of a new ground signal. Other work includes the usual fixing of mechanical and electrical faults and a troublesome intermittent issue at Minehead which was resolved with a new shelf relay. At Williton on 7 September 2014 the Gang were noted working on the penultimate joint of the run from Blue Anchor.
20 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc via Online
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| A look back at the Real Ale and Cider Festival |
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There have now been fifteen excellent and ever improving Real Ale & Cider Festivals at Minehead Station on the West Somerset Railway. Barrie Childs, Festival Liaison Officer for Somerset Branch Campaign for Real Ale, reflects on the latest successful event "Although most heritage railways now have a real ale event of some sort, we reckon no other railway does it quite as well as the Wizzer. The location of our event brings special challenges over and above those of a regular CAMRA festival and those challenges must be managed effectively. This is achieved by cooperation and detailed negotiation between Somerset CAMRA and the West Somerset Railway. Several departments are involved and all play their part in the overall success of the event, none more so than Minehead Station staff who make us very welcome, despite the fact that we turn their environment upside down for four days! Special thanks are due to Minehead Stationmaster Pamela Hawkins for bravely hosting the event without ever having experienced our festival before, to Gordon who must have worn out several broom heads on CAMRA Sunday mornings over the years, to Fenton and Ian for crewing the late DMU service and the signalmen who also stayed on duty until after midnight to enable the DMU to run. Also to John Tooke and his colleagues at DEPG for making our new headboard. And last but not least, Jacquie Green, my counterpart at WSR. In fact, Somerset CAMRA sincerely thank all WSR staff that work so hard on festival weekends. Without you we could not hold this event at what must be considered the best possible venue in our branch area, the County of Somerset." Pictures of the event can be found on the Somerset County Gazette website.
20 September 2014
Details provided by Somerset CAMRA
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| Enjoy a break at the Turntable Cafe at Minehead Station |
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Just announced - the popular Turntable Cafe next to Minehead Railway Station, just off the Promenade, will open its doors on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during November and December, and every day that trains are running. Pop along to the Turntable Cafe between 10.30am and 3.30pm for coffees (filter, latte, cappuccino, mocha), teas (Earl Grey, fruit, green, peppermint, traditional), sandwiches, rolls, cakes biscuits and sweets, hot and cold snacks, light meals. Of course, the Turntable Cafe is open most days during the summer so no need to wait - go take a break there soon!
17 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc via facebook
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| Peppa Pig and George are back at Minehead Station this weekend |
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Saturday 20 September sees the next Meet and Greet Day with 'Peppa Pig' and little brother George making appearances at Minehead Station during the day. The popular pair are due to meet their friends at 10am, 11.30am, 12.50pm, 2.10pm and 3.30pm. In between there will be shows from 'Mark's Magic' as follows 10.30am Comedy Magic, 12 noon Balloon Show, 1.20pm Game Show, 2.40pm Comedy Magic and 3pm the Balloon Show. There will also be vintage bus rides around the town. For those coming by train to meet Peppa and George and join in the fun the WSR will be running an Orange Timetable day. Meanwhile for those of more mature years the Dunster Castle Express day out will leave Bishops Lydeard at 10.25am with the coach link to and from the 1000 year old castle. Castle admission is included in the package.
17 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| News of a Christmas Market and a new WSR Christmas Card |
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The first ever Christmas Market to be held at Minehead Railway Station will take place between 2pm and 7pm on Thursday 20 November 2014. After the official opening by the Mayor of Minehead Mr and Mrs Christmas will be presiding over an array of stalls selling a wide range of crafts, local produce, gifts and much more. Festive food and drinks will also be on sale. Further details on the official WSR website. Also, news about a new West Somerset Railway Christmas Card being produced. Delivery from the printers is due in mid-October but advanced orders will be happily received by the Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead (01643 700387). The front picture depicts BR(W) 2-6-2T no 4160 standing at Minehead Station with a 'Santa Special' train with the snow lying deep on the platform and in the yard. The cards will come in packs of five (with envelopes) and will cost £3.57 including postage and packing.
16 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Information and Sales Stands at Minehead Station during Autumn Gala |
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As usual there will be a mixture of sales and information stands on the platform at Minehead Station during the Autumn Steam Gala in addition to the Friends of Minehead Station's 'Readers Halt' second-hand stall. Expected on all four Gala days will be Don and Jane Bishop selling Don's excellent photographs of railways and landscapes, and the 'Unknown Warrior' team promoting and raising funds for the construction of the new LMS 'Patriot' locomotive. On some of the other days, visitors will also find R Doidge (railway memorabilia), Patrick Taylor (replica signs), Marion Elmes (paintings and prints), and Card Craft by Hand (cards and gifts). Fund raisers from 6880 Betton Grange and 6024 King Edward I will also attend over the weekend.
15 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc via facebook
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| Gala opportunities to travel in the Taunton Engineer's Inspection Saloon |
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Additional workings of the Taunton Engineer's Inspection Saloon no W80976W during the Autumn Steam Gala have been announced. Following consultation with the locomotive team, the proposed use of the Saloon will now be...
Thursday 2 October & Friday 3 October:
· 9.50am & 1.45pm from Bishops Lydeard
· 11.45am & 3.35pm from Minehead.
Saturday 4 October:
· with the 8am Auto Train from Bishops Lydeard
· 10.45am & 2.45pm from Minehead
· 1.03pm & 4.45pm from Bishops Lydeard.
Sunday 5 October:
· 9.50am & 1.45pm from Minehead
· 11.45am & 3.45pm from Bishops Lydeard
· finally with the 5.45pm Auto Train from Minehead.
Tickets will cost an additional £5 per one way trip, payable to the Ticket Inspector on the day of travel.
15 September 2014
[amended 16 September 2014 - correct fare now shown]
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc via facebook
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| The 24th Annual Taunton Rail-Ex Model Railway Show |
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The 24th Somerset Railway Modellers Group Annual Taunton Rail-Ex Model Railway Show will be held on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October 2014 at Taunton School. Show co-ordinator, Steve Pike, says the event will feature 23 layouts supported by 24 traders, demonstrations and railway associations. Opening times are 10.30am to 5.30pm on the Saturday, and 10am to 4.30pm on the Sunday. Admission for each day is £6.50 per adult, £5.50 concessions, £3.50 per child and £15 per family of two adults and two children. Click here for more information
15 September 2014
Details provided by Somerset Railway Modellers Group
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| An update on the Goods Office Project at Crowcombe Heathfield |
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The Goods Office which was once a feature of the up platform at Crowcombe Heathfi eld Station will be a reality once more. As Crowcombe Heathfi eld Station is a Grade II listed structure, including the platforms, work has only been able to proceed by creating an exact replica of the original building. This includes the precise detail of the roof pitch, timber fascias, barge boards and rainwater goods. The plinth and quoin stones have now been cut and dressed by Capton Quarry but the building will not start until March 2015 because all the remaining stones have to be cut and dressed and this will take a
considerable time. There is still sponsorship of slates at £5 each, and a dozen plinth stones at £25 each available. Click here for more information or just drop in at the Station, perhaps during the Autumn Steam Gala...
15 September 2014
Details provided by Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station
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| Resounding success for Somerset CAMRA's Real Ale and Cider Festival |
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Barrie Childs, Festival Liaison Officer for Somerset Branch Campaign for Real Ale, reports "Final figures aren't available yet but all indications are that Saturday was likely to have produced record results. Numbers were lower on Sunday but we were very pleased to have 17 of the 120 beers still available at closing time. However, all of those 17 casks could easily be picked up and carried in one hand when we took the stillage down. We have now enjoyed 15 excellent and ever improving Real Ale & Cider Festivals at Minehead Station. Although most heritage railways now have a real ale event of some sort, we reckon no other railway does it quite as well as the Wizzer." For Barrie's full report please click here.
15 September 2014
Details provided by Somerset CAMRA
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| Representing WSR staff on the new Partnership Development Group |
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Long serving volunteer Martyn Snell writing in the latest Online staff magazine to all staff on the West Somerset Railway says "I have been asked to represent all the staff of the West Somerset Railway on the Partnership Development Group due to start meeting in the not too distant future to discuss the way our Railway can be developed over the coming years. To this end, I welcome your constructive ideas - the canvas is blank and our only limitation is finance and the willingness to think wonderful thoughts." Martyn also mentions the need to establish with staff how the representation will continue. Staff are encouraged to contact Martyn via the Minehead Office or by email.
14 September 2014
Details provided by local correspondent
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| New stocks of Ian Coleby's definitive history of the Minehead Branch |
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The must-have book for everyone interested in local history and railway construction is back on the shelves of the station shops at Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. "The Minehead Branch 1848-1971" compiled by Ian Coleby, the West Somerset Railway's historian, is a massive 392 page book telling the story of the line from its inception and construction in the 1850s until its closure in 1971. It contains more than 350 photographs and probably represents the largest collection of pre-preservation pictures of the railway, including many broad gauge images. It also includes an extensive and comprehensive narrative, scale drawings of all the structures and buildings and a reproduction of the 2-chain survey redrawn especially for the book. There are detailed appendices that support the text, including a description of all the block sections, list of more than 600 ex-employees, tables of bridges and so on.
12 September 2014
Details provided by local correspondent
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| Welcome back to the Minehead Branch, Dinmore Manor! |
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As a replacement for GWR 2-8-0 no 3802 the West Somerset Railway is pleased to welcome back Dinmore Manor for the Autumn Steam Gala. Built at Swindon in 1950 BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7820 was the first of ten of these 4-6-0s to be built by British Railways following the original construction of 7800 to 7819 by the GWR in 1938. Initially purchased from Barry Scrapyard by the Gwili Railway it was subsequently bought by a West Somerset based group which eventually became Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd. After initial restoration, no 7820 ran for a decade on the WSR and after its second major overhaul in preservation it is currently based on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.
11 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Four footplate trips for sale at the Autumn Steam Gala |
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During the four days of the Autumn Steam Gala there will be a very limited opportunity to see the proceedings from the footplate of a steam locomotive and also to see the work of the footplate crew at first hand as they tackle the ascents and descents along the way and carry out the skills of their roles. There is one footplate place available on the following trains: the 11.45pm from Minehead on Thursday 2 October headed by no 6960 in its Gala identity of no 7909 Heveningham Hall; the 12.45pm from Minehead on Friday 3 October headed by no 3850 (renumbered no 3863 for the Gala); the 9.45am from Minehead on Saturday 4 October headed by no 7828 Odney Manor; and the 12.45pm from Minehead on Sunday 5 October headed by no 6960 (7909). To book please call 01643 700398 with your card details. The cost for each trip is £125 and the places are available on a first come, first served basis. Please wear clothes you won't mind getting a bit dirty and you must not have consumed alcohol before boarding the footplate.
10 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| No 3802 will not appear at the Autumn Steam Gala |
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The West Somerset Railway has been advised this morning by the Llangollen Railway that GWR 2-8-0 no 3802 will not now be available for hire for the Autumn Steam Gala in early October. This is an unfortunate loss as the 2-8-0 was actually allocated to Taunton Shed at the time of the shed's closure in October 1964. The West Somerset Railway add "Possible replacements are being looked at and more information will appear as and when we have it to hand." Update: No 3802 will be replaced by BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7820 Dinmore Manor.
10 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The Draft Minutes of the 2014 AGM of the WSR Plc |
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The West Somerset Railway Plc have asked us to publish the Minutes of this year's Annual General Meeting held on 28 June 2014 at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall. The Minutes are, of course, draft until approved by shareholders at the 2015 meeting. The Minutes are rather too lengthy to publish on this page - please click here to read in full...
10 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Mayor to launch photographic and art exhibition at Bishops Lydeard Station |
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The Mayor of Taunton will open a photographic and art exhibition in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard railway station on the West Somerset Railway on the evening of Friday 19 September at 7pm. The Mayor will be welcomed by Paul Conibeare, General Manager of the WSR, and his opening remarks will be followed by those of Alan Dorrington. The Mayor will then open the Exhibition. As part of Somerset Arts Week (SAW) 2014 photographer Sam Burton will be exhibiting ten darkroom handprints showing a glimpse into the life of the West Somerset Railway. 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 (pictured left). Alan's face will be a familiar one from TV and advertising work. Also as part of Somerset Art Weeks Studio 2014 the Swiss writer and artist, Alexandra Lavizzari will exhibit her paintings and prints in the Gauge Museum between 20 September and 5 October 2014. Full story
9 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| From Peppa and George to John, Paul, George and Ringo... |
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In connection with the West Somerset Railway, Saturday 20 September will see events for a wide range of age groups, with the youngest members of the family having an opportunity to meet two of their favourite characters at Minehead Station during the day and those who can enjoy the 1960s having their opportunity for an evening out. The daytime event is a 'Meet and Greet Day' featuring 'Peppa Pig and George' who will be making appearances at Minehead Railway Station at intervals during the day. In addition to the popular duo other attractions will include free face painting, childrens entertainers and free vintage bus trips around Minehead. The 'Meet and Greet' can of course be combined with a journey on England's longest heritage railway with trains operating between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Minehead for a full day out. Then in the evening the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station are holding a 1960s Night at West Bagborough Village Hall with appropriate music being supplied by the Tiverton band 'The Barracudas', with the ticket price of £8 including a buffet but the audience will need to bring their own drinks with them. 1960s dress is optional but not essential. Tickets can be booked via Beryl Ayres on 01984 618437. Any profits for the evening will help refurbishment and development projects at Crowcombe Heathfield Station which fifty years ago was used for some location shooting during The Beatles feature film 'A Hard Days Night'.
9 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| 57xx pannier tank to guest at Autumn Steam Gala |
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A Taunton locoshed theme for the Autumn Steam Gala would not be complete without welcoming a 57xx pannier tank to the line-up and the Railway is delighted to say that GWR 0-6-0PT no 4612 will be making a return visit to the Minehead Branch for the event on 2-5 October 2014. Just to confuse things a little however it will assume the identity of no 9670 for the Gala - no 9670 was allocated to Taunton at the time of closure. To find out what trains the loco is planned to work during the four days, plus the rest of the locomotive diagrams the Souvenir Booklet can be ordered online in advance or by calling 01643 704996. The Booklet will also be on sale at all stations except Doniford Halt during the Gala. Click here for details about the Gala.
5 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Autocoach and Inspection Saloon extra workings during Autumn Steam Gala |
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Visitors to the Autumn Steam Gala who would like to travel over the whole length of the line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead aboard Mike Little's Autocoach or the former Taunton District Inspection Saloon owned by the WSRA will have two opportunities to do so. Pre-bookable trains will run on the Saturday and Sunday of the event. On Saturday 4 October the extra train will leave Bishops Lydeard at 8am and will consist of the two coaches with planned haulage by GWR 0-4-2T no 1450. The working on Sunday, also headed by 1450, will leave Minehead at 5.45pm. Tickets to travel will cost a supplement of £5 in addition to purchase of a Rover Ticket for the Gala. For those who have already purchased a Rover ticket, and who wish to book on one of these trains, please call to pay the extra via 01643 704996 or the website at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk. Also please note the Autocoach (with no 1450 providing the power) will be running between Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe Heathfield on the Thursday and Friday and between Minehead and Dunster on the Saturday and Sunday. Click here for details about the Gala. [updated 3 Sep 2014]
3 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Shed and workshop opening during Autumn Steam Gala |
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It has been a while since it was possible to look behind the scenes at the Locomotive Department at Minehead but on 4 and 5 October during the 2014 Autumn Steam Gala, part of the workshops will be open. Visitors will be able to see the restoration work which is being carried out there on GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I and the WSR's Mogul no 9351. Subject to work in progress the West Somerset Restoration workshop at Williton may also be open on 4 and 5 October. More details expected later. Also at Williton the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group will have the doors open at their Depot and Heritage Centre on all four days of the Gala between 9.30am and 5pm. Click here for details about the Gala.
1 September 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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