| Early December opening times for Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead Station |
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The Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead station will be opening its doors between 5pm and 7pm on 8, 9 & 10 December in conjunction with the Carol Train operations and will also be open on 5 & 6 December during Dunster by Candlelight. In addition the shop will be open on 5, 6 & 7 December between 10.30am and 3.30pm. To purchase items by mail order in the run-up to the Festivities please call direct via 01643 700384.
30 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway plc 
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| Drive a heritage diesel locomotive on the West Somerset Railway |
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The West Somerset Railway in partnership with the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group offer a one day course to realise your ambition to drive a heritage diesel locomotive and make long term held dreams a reality.
Experience the feel of a working Class 33 diesel electric locomotive. Join the driver in the cab to take the seat and drive the heritage diesel locomotive. Treat someone special, or perhaps yourself, to the thrill of a lifetime learning what it feels like to be a real diesel driver on Britain's longest standard gauge heritage railway. With twenty miles of stunning West Somerset countryside and coastal scenery there is something for everyone from novice to enthusiast. In 2015 there are eleven opportunities only starting on 11 April so book early. For full details including the 2015 dates and costs please visit the Diesel Experience webpage.
27 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway plc via Facebook
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| Train times and loco allocations for Winter Steam Festival |
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The times of the trains for the 2014 Winter Steam Festival are now available. Also published ar the details of the locomotives allocated to each train, subject to availability of course. Four steam locomotives are rostered - nos 6960, 7828, 3850 and 4160. For times, loco allocations and further details of the final special event for 2014 please see the Winter Steam Festival event page on the official WSR website or have a look at our own page for this event. And remember an Adult Day Rover is just £17 on the day (only £15.30 if purchased in advance) for this event!
27 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway plc via Facebook
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| LMS 4F no 44422 to move to WSR for long term hire |
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The West Somerset Railway has reached an agreement with The 44422 Locomotive Company to bring LMS 4F Class 0-6-0 no 44422 to the Minehead Branch once a boiler overhaul at Crewe is completed. The agreement will see the locomotive based on the WSR for 25 years. The target for the completion of the overhaul will see the 4F at the WSR in time for the March 2016 Spring Steam Gala which will mark the 50th Anniversary of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset line. Other suitable steam locomotives for the theme will be obtained and the Gala will take place between 10 and 13 March 2016. West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare commented "We are delighted to be welcoming the 4F to the West Somerset based fleet. It is in the ideal power range for our line and has good historic links with the South West, especially the much-missed S&D. Thanks go to the owners and the WSR team who have successfully negotiated and completed this long-term hire which goes another important step towards making sure that steam trains will be seen and heard in West Somerset and Taunton Deane for many more years to come."
26 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway plc
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| Gooey cake features in wide range of special treats offered in 2015 |
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The WSR wish to remind folks "With Christmas coming up fast if you are looking to treat someone or even yourself to a West Somerset Railway Catering Special in 2015 then the good news is that tickets are now on sale. Amongst the range of specials on offer are old favourites such as the Fish and Chip and Steam and Cream Specials but there are also new offerings including a Mother's Day Chocoholic outing and a Gooey Cake Special on Father's Day.
Also on sale now are tickets for Snowdrop Valley, the Lynton and Lynmouth Explorer and the new Abbey and Apple Experience. Tickets are also now on sale for the first 'Meet & Greet' of 2015 which will feature Peppa Pig and Daddy.
To find out more go to www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk and click on 'Events'. Tickets can be bought online from the site or from 01643 704996."
26 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway plc
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| Peter Linford is the new Station Master at Crowcombe Heathfield |
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The website of the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station has announced the new Station Master is Peter Linford following the retirement of Tim Stanger after three years in charge. Peter is a long serving WSR volunteer and the current Chairman of Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station. He takes up the post with immediate effect. It is good to learn that Tim will continue his good work with the FoCHS website which will see the "SM Blog" become the "Station Blog".
25 November 2014
Details provided by Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station
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| The Friends of Minehead Station continue their good work... |
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Writing in their latest newsletter Martyn Snell, the Chairman of the Friends of Minehead Station, explains many projects are undertaken thanks mainly to the wonderful continuing revenue
from Readers Halt; and he gives thanks to donors of items to sell and to those who, in all weathers, keep the Halt open when trains are running. Martyn continues "In the pipeline for the next few weeks we hope to see an improvement in the station lighting and a major refurbishment to the exterior of the signal box. Although the latter is not strictly within our original remit, we are pleased to support the project and keep Minehead station and its environs a worthy heritage station for visitors to enjoy. Another matter we have supported was in the staff sleeping accommodation at Minehead. The mattresses for the railway's visiting volunteers were awfully thin and uncomfortable and, together with some donations, a complete new set have been purchased making the night times more comfortable for those using this facility." Well done, Friends of Minehead Station - the work you do is much appreciated by our visitors and by WSR supporters alike.
25 November 2014
Details provided by Friends of Minehead Station
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| Along the Minehead Branch in May 1970... |
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A very fine video is available on the YouTube website showing a trip from Taunton to Minehead in the summer of 1970. An announcement was made on 19 March 1970 that train services between Taunton and Minehead were to be axed; the line subsequently closed to all passenger traffic on 2 January 1971. This 'Super 8' silent film depicts the line in the final year of British Rail operation on the 1.15pm DMU service from Taunton on Wednesday 27 May 1970. The return fare was 9 shillings (45p). Many thanks to the film maker and for the digital version on YouTube.
25 November 2014
Details provided by local correspondent via Facebook
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| First guest locos confirmed for 2015 Spring Steam Gala |
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The first two guest engines to be lined up for the West Somerset Railway's Spring Steam Gala in 2015 are GWR Small Prairie 2-6-2T no 5542 and GWR 0-6-2T no 6695. The theme of the Gala is "The Railways of South Wales" and the aim of the four days between 26 and 29 March 2015 will be to recapture the atmosphere of the railways in the south of the Principality in the last decades of steam working. No 6695 is one nine surviving members of a class of 200 locomotives built between 1924 and 1928 for work in South Wales replacing many of the tank engines inherited from the independent railway companies which had served the South Wales valleys prior to their being grouped with the GWR in 1922. No 5542 is an example of the many GWR tank engines to be found in South Wales, working as far west as the Cardigan branch line. A major discount is still available on the cost of Day Rover Tickets for the 2015 Spring Gala with Adults costing £17.00, seniors (60+) £15.40, child (aged 5 to 15) £8.50 and Family (2 adults and up to 4 children aged 5 to 15) £45.00. For Two Day Rovers for Adults and Seniors the cost will be £30 (children 5 to 15 £15) and Three/Four Day Rovers for Adults and Seniors £40 (£20 for children). This represents a saving of up to 30% on the tickets if they were bought over the counter on the day of the Gala itself. The offer will stay open until close of business on 31 December. After that date advanced tickets will still be still be on sale at discounted prices but the level of discount will be lower. The discounted tickets can be purchased online at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by telephone 01643 704996 (all cards are accepted except AMEX). Cheques payable to West Somerset Railway can be sent to the Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5BG.
25 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway plc
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| The Cathedrals Express to visit Minehead in the summer of 2015 |
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The Cathedrals Express is expected to make a couple of visits to Minehead in 2015. On Thursday 28 May 2015, LNER 4-6-2 no 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley is expected to haul the 8.45am London Victoria to Minehead, and back; this train also calls at Clapham Junction. Feltham, Staines, Ascot and Reading. Later in the summer is a diesel-hauled special from the North Kent coast to Minehead, starting from Gravesend, calling at Strood, Maidstone, Tonbridge, Guildford and others; the motive power for this trip is scheduled is most likely to be an ex-British Rail Class 47, 37 or 33. For full details of these excursions please visit the Cathedrals Express website .
24 November 2014
Details provided by The Cathedrals Express
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| The West Somerset Railway goes to Hampshire |
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The West Somerset Railway will feature in a talk to be given in Hampshire. Long serving WSR volunteer Keith Smith will be attending the Mid-Hants Railway Preservation Society's Alton Regional group this coming Thursday to give his famous talk on the WSR. That is Thursday 27 November, commencing 7.30pm, at The Community Centre, Amery hill, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1HN. All WSR supporters in the area will be most welcome.
24 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| Christmas Season starts next weekend on the West Somerset Railway |
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The programme of Christmas Season trains on the West Somerset Railway starts on the weekend of 29-30 November with Santa Express trains and Sherry and Mince Pie Specials offering a 20 mile round trip on a steam train between Bishops Lydeard and Williton. There are seats available on all of the trains (most of the Expresses on the following weekends and the days before Christmas are sold out or close to it) and they can be purchased in advance via www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by ringing 01643 704996 (Monday to Friday 0900 to 1630). Also approaching the sell-out point are the Dunster by Candlelight evening trains on 5-6 December and again tickets can be booked in advance from the website or the phone number above. There is also a Christmas Quantock Belle dining train on 30 November (please ring 01823 433856 for details of the Quantock Belle services).
29 November - Santa Express and Sherry & Mince Pie Special
30 November - Santa Express and Sherry & Mince Pie Special
30 November - Quantock Belle luxury dining train
5 December - Dunster by Candlelight
5 December - Dunster by Candlelight - Quantock Belle luxury dining train
6 December - Santa Express and Sherry & Mince Pie Special
6 December - Dunster by Candlelight
6 December - Dunster by Candlelight - from Bristol is now CANCELLED
7 December - Santa Express and Sherry & Mince Pie Special
7 December - Santa Special
7 December - Quantock Belle luxury dining train
8 December - Carol Trains
9 December - Carol Trains
10 December - Carol Trains
13 December - Murder Mystery - Christmas Special
13 December - Santa Express and Sherry & Mince Pie Special
13 December - Santa Special
14 December - Santa Express and Sherry & Mince Pie Special
14 December - Santa Special
14 December - Quantock Belle luxury dining train
20 December - Santa Express
20 December - Santa Special
21 December - Santa Express
21 December - Santa Special
21 December - Quantock Belle luxury dining train
22 December - Santa Express and Sherry & Mince Pie Special
23 December - Santa Express
23 December - Santa Special
24 December - Santa Express
24 December - Santa Special
27 December - Steam services between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead
28 December - Steam services between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead
28 December - Quantock Belle luxury dining train
29 December - Winter Steam Festival - lots of steam-hauled trains
30 December - Winter Steam Festival - lots of steam-hauled trains
31 December - Steam services between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead
1 January 2015 - Steam services between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead
The links to external sites open a new browser window.
21 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
and (for Quantock Belle) West Somerset Railway Association
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| Success for the first Christmas Fair at Minehead Station |
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The first Christmas Fair to be held at Minehead Station was a considerable success. Although not due to open officially until 2pm the first customers were on the platform at 1.30pm and business for the stall holders and food outlets was brisk by the time the Mayor of Minehead got things underway formally. Despite a grey November day beside the Bristol Channel visitors turned out in numbers to shop, meet Father and Mrs Christmas or listen to the music from the Male Voice Choir. It's good to see the station attracting business outside the operating days and as a small reminder the Turntable Cafe and the station shop will be open again this coming weekend for refreshments and shopping.
20 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Nosh and Nostalgia on the Minehead Branch... |
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Virtually all West Somerset Railway steam trains have a licensed buffet car aboard allowing passengers to enjoy snacks and drinks as the train makes its way along the 20 miles of line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. At Minehead is the Turntable Cafe which offers a wide selection of hot food as well as sandwiches, cakes, sweets and drinks. During the year are some 'Nosh and Nostalgia' special trips on the trains and 2015 is no exception. Pre-booking at least ten days in advance is required. Details of the 2015 programme will go live in the next few weeks at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by calling 01643 704996.
18 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Betty Knight |
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We have been saddened by the passing of Betty Knight, a long time volunteer and supporter of the West Somerset Railway. Betty was there at the very beginning of the revived railway, working at Minehead Station's newly-opened cafe in the summer of 1976. Later, Betty was a central player in the launch of the "Quantock Pullman", the forerunner of the very successful "Quantock Belle" first class dining train - planning the catering and rosters, taking the bookings over the home telephone (older volunteers and customers will recall ringing a certain Wiveliscombe number) and preparing and cooking the food in the on-board kitchen. Later, after leaving the on-board duties, Betty continued to help with administration and accounting. Betty's husband Richard was just as much involved with the dining trains and together the Knights formed a constant and reliable team making a massive contribution to the Railway over many years. Without doubt, Betty earned the right to be known as one of the original "Quantock Belles". Betty passed away in the early hours of 17 November. We are sure all readers will join us in sharing our sadness and offering our condolences to Richard.
18 November 2014
Details provided by colleagues
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| Christmas Market comes to Minehead Station... |
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A Christmas Market comes to Minehead Station on Thursday 20 November 2014. As the poster says "Join in the family fun at our first Christmas Market on Minehead Station on Thursday 20 November 2014 from 2pm to 7pm. Grand opening by the Mayor of Minehead. Free admission. See Mr and Mrs Christmas - bring your Christmas List (no charge). Festive food and drinks. Stalls selling a wide range of crafts, local produce, gifts and much more." The Turntable Cafe will be open and they add "Thursday is Christmas Market day on Minehead Station 2-7pm. Come along and buy your pressies and then treat yourself to a glass of mulled wine from the cafe. We'll be doing lunches and all the normal goodies too." Can you keep away?
18 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc via Facebook
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| By High Speed Train from Bristol to Dunster and Minehead |
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UPDATE: FGW now advise this train has now been cancelled.
First Great Western will be operating a special train to Dunster on the West Somerset Railway on the evening of Saturday 6 December 2014 for the Dunster by Candlelight event. This spectacular and popular event sees the village streets lit by candlelight and the centre transformed into a traditional market - ideal for some Christmas shopping. The evening will also include performances by carol singers, morris dancers, handbell ringers, a large fairground organ and choirs in the Parish Church. Dunster is located on the West Somerset Railway and the First Great Western High Speed Train 125 will make the direct journey to along the WSR to Dunster, where passengers will alight for the Dunster by Candlelight event. There will also be an option to remain on the train for the short journey to the end of the line at Minehead the popular Somerset seaside resort. The train will depart Bristol Temple Meads mid-afternoon and will return late in the evening. The train will call at Nailsea and Backwell, Yatton, Worle, Weston-super-Mare, Highbridge and Burnham, Bridgwater. At the time of booking, customers will be sent an electronic ticket which is the travel ticket and must be printed. Confirmed timings will be sent by email in the weeks leading up to the train so please ensure a valid email address is provided at the time of booking. Tickets can be purchased from the First Great Western website
17 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Christmas on the Quantock Belle - only few seats left |
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By popular demand an additional Quantock Belle first class dining train with Christmas Dinner will run on Sunday 30 November 2014. Tables for two and four are available at only £49 per person - full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. There are also limited seats available for the Dunster by Candlelight evening special on Friday 5 December at £54 per person, and the Gourmet Pasty Lunch on Sunday 28 December £47. The West Somerset Railway Association say "All other services are sold out but we can add you to the waiting list." Please ring 01823 433856 as advance booking is essential.
17 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| A welcome overhaul for the Bishops Lydeard pilot |
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Class 09 no 09019 has been moved from its base at Bishops Lydeard to Washford for minor attention and a much overdue repaint. The West Somerset Railway's Chief Mechanical Engineer, Andy Forster, explains "This has been programmed in for some considerable time but was awaiting a time when the locomotive could be released for four weeks, staff were available and covered accommodation could be spared, thanks to the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust at Washford." The opportunity has been taken to replace missing components and effect other minor repairs.
17 November 2014
Details provided by local correspondent and West Somerset Railway Plc
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| David Holmes |
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David Williams, Chairman of West Somerset Railway Association writes about the passing of David Holmes. "Richard David Holmes (1954-2014) The Association was deeply saddened to learn of the death of its former Chairman, David Holmes, following a valiant battle against cancer. David was a West Somerset Railway volunteer for some 30 years, being a steam footplateman as well as the Association's Special Projects Officer and leading the Cutting Back Gang for several years. He served as a Trustee for twelve years and represented the Association on the Board of the Plc for five years up until 2011. David was a keen transport enthusiast, owning a classic Jaguar car and we were delighted that he was able to attend the Steam Fayre & Vintage Rally with the car in August of this year, one of his last visits to the Railway to which he had contributed so much. In his professional life, David was an Assistant Technical Director for High Point Rendel, a position which he held from 2001 onwards, working on such projects as the refurbishment of Tower Bridge in London. He had an immense input into the building of the Norton Fitzwarren turning triangle and the planning of the works associated with that project, making an immeasurable contribution to the work of the charity. A full tribute will appear in a future issue of the Journal, but at this sad time we would like to extend our sincere sympathies to David's wife, Anne, children Dominic and Francesca, and his wider family."
15 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| Fabricating a parachute top for the water tower at Minehead |
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Work on fabricating a new parachute top for the water tower adjacent to the turntable at Minehead Station is progressing well. This work is the first part of the 'Water, Water' project supported by Friends of West Somerset Railway funding. The WSR's CME Andy Forster reports "Forming the seven sections of the cone has all been done in-house at Minehead. We are now progressing to making the door and other fittings before the items go away for blast cleaning and epoxy painting. The spun top, which has slight dome to it, will be made by outside contractors." Full details of the 'Water, Water' project and how you can help can be found at www.fowsr.org.uk
12 November 2014
Details provided by Friends of West Somerset Railway
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| Cutting rails, trial pointwork assembly and tidying the lineside |
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The weekend saw the volunteer PW gang on the Barnstaple line engaged in cutting rail into 60 foot and 120 foot lengths from the 300 foot flatbottom sections delivered a couple of years ago. The reduced lengths will be transported by rail to the south of Williton Bridge ahead of a planned relay project in the new year. Elsewhere on the Norton Triangle, another team completed the trial assembly of a pointwork destined for the West Chord and which will lead to a new line alongside the south side of Norton Platform. Meanwhile, down the line the Cutting Back gang returned to the area near Combe Florey Bridge to continue the everlasting task of clearing the lineside. And the rather shabby Bishops Lydeard pilot, Class 09 no 09019, is now at Washford Yard enjoying a much needed repaint into BR green livery. As ever, there is much going on along the line.
11 November 2014
Details provided by local correspondents
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| Engine returned to Hymek no D7018 |
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A significant step forward in the major overhaul of Class 35 Hymek no D7018. The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) report "A momentus step forward has occurred on D7018. On Monday 27 October the engine and cooler group were lifted into the locomotive, taking the overhaul one significant step forward closer to completion. The lift took just about 45 minutes to complete early in the morning and was completed by 9.30am allowing the team time to bolt the engine down and start connecting up the various pipe work and other connections. The engine now sits on 1 road inside the shed."
11 November 2014
Details provided by local correspondent & Diesel and Electric Preservation Group
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| Pre-Christmas trains selling well... |
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With just under three weeks to go before the start of the pre-Christmas trains season getting underway sales of tickets are coming through thick and fast. Dunster by Candlelight operations on 5 and 6 December are 71% full with the 5.30pm on the 6th fully sold out and the 4.30pm very close to doing so. The Santa Express Trains from Bishops Lydeard on Christmas Eve, 14 December and 21 December have sold out although there are places on the Santa Specials on both dates. The Santa Expresses on 13 and 20 December are very close to selling out as well but the Specials on 13, 14, 20, 21 and 23 December have space available. There is currently a good deal of room on the Expresses on 29 and 30 November but of course these will start to go more quickly as the other Expresses fill up. Two Sherry and Mince Pie Specials have sold out and the Carol Trains are selling steadily. Bookings for the pre-Christmas trains can be made via 01643 704996 (09.00 to 16.30 Monday to Friday) on online at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.
10 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Local paper reports on plans to link West Somerset Railway with Taunton |
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A report in the Somerset County Gazette states "There is no reason why the West Somerset Railway can't be linked up with the main line at Taunton.That's the view of WSR bosses, who have held talks with organisations including Somerset County Council and National Rail, to gather a feasibility report about whether it would be possible to link the WSR at Bishops Lydeard to Taunton. The WSR plans suggest the best way to do this would be by extending the current Cardiff to Taunton stopping service with an extra stop at Bishops Lydeard. The service would not be in competition with the regular bus service into Taunton as it would run during peak holiday times in order to bring more visitors to Bishops Lydeard. 'Because the train line exists there is no physical reason why it cannot go ahead,' said Paul Conibeare, general manager at West Somerset Railway." For the full story please visit the Somerset County Gazette website
8 November 2014
Details provided by Somerset County Gazette
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| Local bands accompanying the popular Carol Trains |
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The popular annual Carol Trains programme will see steam trains running to Williton and back from both Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. The Railway add "As always we are very grateful to the local bands of musicians without whose skills the trains could not run and those who are appearing are as follows:
From Bishops Lydeard...
• Monday 8 December 2014
Taunton Concert Band
• Tuesday 9 December 2014
Wiveliscombe Town Band
• Wednesday 10 December 2014
King Alfred Concert Band
From Minehead...
• Monday 8 December 2014
Wellington Silver Band
• Tuesday 9 December 2014 Watchet Brass
• Wednesday 10 December 2014
West Somerset Brass Band
Tickets are still available for all three trains and can purchased online from www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by phone from 01643 704996 (Monday to Friday 09.00 to 16.30)"
7 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| A Christmas Market at Minehead Station on 20 November |
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Following the success of "Ladies Day" at Minehead Station during the spring of 2014 the same planning team of Lynda Fleet, Judy Rawlings-Hall and Pam Hawkins, the Minehead Stationmaster, has organised a Christmas Market which will be held on Thursday 20 November 2014. The Market will be formally opened by the Mayor of Minehead at 2pm and will stay open until 7pm allowing shoppers to attend after work. There will be a wide range of stalls selling a variety items ranging across crafts, local produce, gifts for Christmas and the visitors themselves. Food will include a hog roast and, hopefully, traditional hot roasted chestnuts. The station's Buffer Stop Shop will also have its doors open and the whole event will be presided over by Mr and Mrs Christmas who will be happy to receive children's letters in person whilst getting ready for the Railway's Santa Trains in the run up to Christmas.
6 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Friends of Minehead Station help fund repairs to Minehead Signal Box |
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The exterior of Minehead Signal Box is in need of repairs to some of the wooden cladding before the whole of the outside is repainted. Martyn Snell, the Chairman of Friends of Minehead Station (FoMS) tells us more "Although not strictly within the remit of FoMS , the funding for the majority of the work will come from their funds due in no small part to the income generated this year by way of Readers Halt, the second hand book and magazine outlet on the platform. FoMS thanks go to all the volunteers who have kept the facility open on all running days this year and to the many railway and local folk who keep up a wonderful supply of donated material. The Kindle does not seem to have affected this supply so far."
6 November 2014
Details provided by Friends of Minehead Station
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| Another accessible coach now in service on the West Somerset Railway |
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Following the introduction of the Golden Fox carriage for wheelchair-using passengers the West Somerset Railway is pleased to welcome into traffic another coach with similar facilities. No 4884 is a British Railway Mark 1 vehicle originally built at Wolverton in 1959. It is a Tourist Second Open vehicle (TSO) and the conversion carried out by the WSR's Carriage and Wagon Department has entailed the rearrangement of the layout of one of the seating vestibules with wheelchair-using passengers accessing this area from the adjoining guard's van which has wide external doors and ramps to/from the platform. The wheelchair-using passenger and companions can sit all together in comfort. For larger groups of pre-booked wheelchair passengers the WSR has available its original accessible Lorna Doone coach. Even the diesel multiple unit (DMU) has a dedicated space in the main saloon area for wheelchair-using passengers. Well done the West Somerset Railway for these extremely useful facilities.
4 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Major works enforce a special timetable in February and March 2015 |
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Major civil engineering work at Williton is due to take place in March 2015. The work will restore the passing loop to its former length following the cut back during the run down of the line by British Rail in the 1960s. A special timetable - shown in pink in the 2015 timetable leaflet- will be in force on the following operating days: 28 February and 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 March. On those days, steam trains will leave Bishops Lydeard at 10.25am, 12.40pm, and 2.55pm, and from Minehead at 11.10am, 1.20pm and 3.35pm - the last round trips over the line will be the lunchtime departures. Thereafter trains run on 25 March (with four trains each way) and then the 2015 Spring Steam Gala special event takes place between 26 and 29 March.
3 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Special through train from Bristol for Dunster by Candlelight |
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First Great Western will be operating a special train to Dunster on the West Somerset Railway on the evening of Saturday 6 December 2014 for the Dunster by Candlelight event. This spectacular and popular event sees the village streets lit by candlelight and the centre transformed into a traditional market - ideal for some Christmas shopping. The evening will also include performances by carol singers, morris dancers, handbell ringers, a large fairground organ and choirs in the Parish Church. Dunster is located on the West Somerset Railway and the First Great Western High Speed Train 125 will make the direct journey to along the WSR to Dunster, where passengers will alight for the Dunster by Candlelight event. There will also be an option to remain on the train for the short journey to the end of the line at Minehead the popular Somerset seaside resort. The train will depart Bristol Temple Meads mid-afternoon and will return late in the evening. The train will call at Nailsea and Backwell, Yatton, Worle, Weston-super-Mare, Highbridge and Burnham, Bridgwater. At the time of booking, customers will be sent an electronic ticket which is the travel ticket and must be printed. Confirmed timings will be sent by email in the weeks leading up to the train so please ensure a valid email address is provided at the time of booking. Tickets can be purchased from the First Great Western website
3 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Passenger totals for 2014 reach 179000 |
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West Somerset Railway Plc say "We had a busy tenth month of the year with 17,159 passengers travelling and a very good half-term week aided by the excellent weather. As a result our total passenger figure for the year has reached 179,173. "
3 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Forthcoming WSR Association Taunton Group meetings |
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West Somerset Railway Association Taunton Group meetings are held at the Great Western Sports & Athletics Club, Station Approach, Taunton at 7.30pm for 7.45pm start. On 3 November, Arthur Turner which is the final slide presentation of his series of St Pancras Control; Arthur is very knowledgeable on this subject and gives great insight as to the happenings on the St Pancras to Bedford section on the Midland main line. Peter Triggs entertains on 1 December with a slide presentation on Railways of Central England. The 2015 programme starts on 5 January with the WSRA annual photographic evening presented by Ian Aldridge.
Future events are planned including a presentation on Tornado and the new P2, plus a David Oldham presentation in March. For more information contact Ian Aldridge on ianaldridge62@talktalk.net or ring 01823 430194.
3 November 2014
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| An update from Locomotive 5542 Ltd... |
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After 24 days and about 1500 miles of use, GWR 2-6-2T no 5542 has been prepared for departure from Bishops Lydeard next week. The owners, Locomotive 5542 Ltd, report "We are pleased our loco has fulfilled all its rostered duties without incident and look forward to returning for next years' 6 week visit in time for the 2015 Spring's Gala.We would like to thank everyone at the West Somerset Railway who have made us so welcome over the last few weeks and all the crews, passengers, friends and followers who have passed very positive comment about our loco. Many thanks also to all the photographers who have so ably recorded our loco's activities by way of the various railway associated media sites. Some advanced preparation work has now been undertaken at Bishops Lydeard for the forthcoming annual boiler exam which will take place on the GWSR at Toddington during the next few weeks, prior to the Christmas and New Year trains program. Some other planned routine maintenance work will take place in the New Year."
3 November 2014
Details provided by Locomotive 5542 Ltd
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