| The next Volunteer Information and Open Day is 10 May 2015 |
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A reminder that the next Volunteer Information and Open Day will be held on Sunday 10 May 2015 and is open to potential volunteers to find out more about volunteering roles on the West Somerset Railway. The day starts at the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard at 9.15am followed by a visit to Williton to view the workshops, signal box and station as well as the opportunity to chat to current volunteers; and then a return to Bishops Lydeard and disperse by 1.45pm. Bring a packed lunch if required. Mel Hillman, the Railway's New Volunteer Co-ordinator, reminds everyone that advance booking is essential - for more information or to book a place it's best to email Mel at volunteers@wsrail.net or call 01643 704996. More details
31 March 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk 
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| An engine swop is planned for diesel shunters D2133 and D2271 |
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The West Somerset Railway Plc-owned diesel shunters Class 04 no D2271 and Class 03 class no D2133 both use the same Gardner 8L3 engine. No D2133 is in much better condition generally and is used almost daily for the heavy work of Minehead pilot. Unfortunately the engine was last overhauled in 1996 and was not done completely even then. Andy Forster, WSR's Chief Mechanical Engineer explains "We arranged for Gardner Marine to inspect the engines in both locomotives last autumn and agreed that the best course of action would be to overhaul the engine from D2271 to as near 'as-new' condition as possible so that it can be returned and fitted to D2133. At the same time we booked a slot in their work programme - they do not hold service exchange engines in the 8L3 size as it is not common. Gardner Marine hold all of the machining equipment, spares, and tooling to do this to the highest standard so they are the right people for the job. In addition the engine will have a small environmental uprating to reduce emissions. The cost of this work will be £25,000 with delivery due early summer, upon return the overhauled engine will go D2133 and D2133's existing engine into D2271 - a new lease of life for the Class 03."
30 March 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The Draft Minutes of the WSR Partnership Development Group |
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The Draft Minutes of the meeting of the Partnership Development Board held on 9 March 2015 are now available. it must be stressed that the minutes remain draft until agreed at the next meeting of the Group due to be held on 30 April 2015. It is good to note a full complement of representative partners attended the recent meeting. Amongst other matters, the Group discussed the Bishops Lydeard site, the Williton site, the Washford site and a further list of over thirty ongoing projects. The Draft Minutes are available here.
30 March 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| How did English Tourism Week work out on the West Somerset Railway |
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Although the West Somerset Railway was only running weekend train services during English Tourism Week (14 to 22 March 2015) England's longest heritage line decided to make an offer of tickets at reduced rates - bookable in advance - with a view to bringing in some more trade to itself and the communities along the twenty miles of railway between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Minehead. An analysis of the results has proved to be an interesting exercise. The visitors from furthest afield were from Rotterdam but within Britain the passengers originated from as far east as Gillingham in Kent and Canvey Island, as far west as Haverfordwest and the northern limit was Rochdale. The south coast was represented by travellers from Bournemouth.
30 March 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| West Somerset Railway Plc Chairman's absence and business continuity |
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As the Chairman of the Board, John Irven, is absent due to ill health, the Board have agreed that the following arrangements would be in place until the Chairman's return. This will ensure that the Governance and business continuity of the Board and the PLC is maintained during John Irven's sabbatical. To enable this to happen the Vice Chairman, David Baker, will become Acting Chairman and will be supported by two Acting Vice Chairmen who are currently Board members, Steve Williams and Humphrey Davies. The following sub-committees which are currently chaired by David Baker as Vice Chairman will be chaired by the Acting Vice Chairmen as follows: Steve Williams - Policies Committee, and Humphrey Davies - Remunerations and Benefits Committee. All press enquires will continue to be dealt with by the General Manager, Paul Conibeare. The PLC Board wish John Irven a speedy recovery and look forward to his return when he has made a full recovery.
25 March 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The Second Annual 'Ladies Day' at Minehead Railway Station on 2 May |
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Fourteen stalls have been confirmed as appearing at Minehead Railway Station on Bank Holiday Saturday 2 May 2015 when the headquarters of the West Somerset Railway stages its second annual 'Ladies Day'.
The organisers, Stationmaster Pam Hawkins and Lynda Fleet, hope to attract lady visitors to the nicely varied range of goods on offer such as retro clothing and bags on sale plus pottery and candles, jewellery, body shop offerings, patchwork and homemade cards, whilst for those fancying a little pampering makeovers. For those interested in alternative therapies will find stalls with aromatherapy oils and crystals on sale and sellers who can discuss their use with potential customers.
The day is intended to have an Art Deco period feel to it complete with a 'posh afternoon tea' to evoke the great days of relaxed steam train travel. The tea is being provided by Sally's Vintage Chic of Minehead, priced £8.50, and should be ordered in advance from 01643 704996. Should any visitor wish to dress in appropriate style it will add to the atmosphere but is not essential.
There will be five trains in each direction on the day between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Minehead and discounted day travel tickets can be purchased online at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk (click on the 'Buy Tickets' icon and order Day Rover Tickets as required).
25 March 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Special reduced price offers for two specific Driver Engineman Courses |
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The Railway have two special offers on a couple of specific Driver Enginemen Courses. On Monday 17 April 2015 the Stage 3 steam course is on offer at £300 instead of £475. Four places are available on the course and places can be booked by calling 01643 700398 with card details. For those who wish to try their hand at the controls of a diesel locomotive there are four places available on the Diesel Engineman Course on 16 May 2015, with the price reduced from £295 to £200 - places can be booked by calling 01643 700398 with card details. More details.
24 March 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| West Somerset Railway featured on BBC West's Inside Out programme |
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BBC West featured the sale of the freehold of the West Somerset Railway on their "Inside Out" programme on Monday 23 March 2015. The nine minute feature concentrated heavily on Somerset County Councillor David Huxtable's conduct and also on the role of Roger Bush, a property developer, who proposed to the WSR Plc a possible freehold bid (it was rejected by the Plc) and later worked for the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) on their freehold bid. David Huxtable was interviewed as was Roger Bush. Sadly the programme failed to tell the WSRA side of the story. This glaring omission has not helped fill in the gaps. We have this morning asked both BBC and WSRA to clarify if the BBC asked the WSRA for an interview or a statement - replies awaited. The programme is currently available on the BBC's iPlayer facility - the feature starts around eleven minutes in. Further comments on the programme can be found on the WSRA+ blog.
UPDATE: The BBC have kindly replied saying "We did ask for an interview but the Association declined." which would seem to explain the lack of WSRA comment in the programme.
24 March 2015
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| The first West Somerset Railway Classic Car Run for June |
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The West Somerset Railway is pleased to announce that the inaugural West Somerset Classic Car Run is to take place on Sunday 14 June 2015. The run is open to pre-1980 classics, and for this first year, is strictly limited to 50 participants on a first-come basis. The run will start from Bishops Lydeard Railway Station (near Taunton) and will take in a pre-arranged 35 mile route through some little-known but delightful West Somerset scenery, wooded valleys, along the coast and ending at the sea-side resort at Minehead where free parking for the day has been arranged, adjacent to Minehead Station. Participants are invited to gather at Bishops Lydeard from 9am and cars will set off from 10.30 onwards. Spectators will be able to see the cars gather at Bishops Lydeard, and then take either the 10.25am or 11.05am trains from Bishops Lydeard to get ahead of the cars and see them pass close by Crowcombe, Stogumber, Williton, Washford or Blue Anchor stations or the famous medieval village of Dunster, ending up at Minehead station. Chris Hocking-Brown, West Somerset Railway Commercial Manager said "We have felt for some time that we could make a closer connection between our heritage steam trains and the classic car world. This gives an opportunity for classic car owners to explore the lesser-known by ways of West Somerset and for steam trains and classic cars to be seen together. We hope to make this an annual event." Participants are asked to contact the Run Organiser for further details.
23 March 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| An organisational flow chart issued by West Somerset Railway Plc |
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The West Somerset Railway Plc have provided a flow chart showing the relationship between the Board and the Sub Committees. Seven Sub Committees, and the names of the respective chair, are shown on the flow chart - Operational Executive, Safety Audit, Remunerations and Benefits, Audit and Risk, Communications and Press, Policies, and Forward Planning. By including the Partnership Development Group on this chart, the Plc have shown how they view the status of the new pan-railway Group. To view the flow chart as a PDF please click here.
22 March 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Classes 37, 45 and 56 to guest at West Somerset's Mixed Traction event |
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Classes 37, 45 and 56 to guest at the West Somerset Railway's Mixed Traction Weekend. The guest locos for the Mixed Traction Weekend are newly restored Class 37 no 37057, making only its second appearance on a heritage line in preservation, and Class 45 Peak no 45060 Sherwood Forester, both from the collection normally kept at Barrow Hill Engine Shed near Chesterfield, and Class 56 no 56006 which normally resides at Leicester. All three locos will be moved from Barrow Hill to the Swanage Railway for their diesel gala event in May and then onwards to Didcot to appear there for a weekend and then onwards again to Bishops Lydeard for the event on the Minehead Branch. The trio will return north immediately after the event. The moves are being carried out with great help from GB Railfreight with GBRF Class 59 no 59003 hauling the three heritage locos to Bishops Lydeard. GBRF are bringing the Class 59 to the event for a private function on the Friday and it will be on display at the WSR during the Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the guests, home based Diesel & Electric Preservation Group locos Hymek no D7017, Warship no D832 Onslaught, Class 33 no D6575 and Class 47 no D1661 North Star making an impressive line up of seven heritage diesel locos for the weekend. A 'mega train' will also run with fish & chips available, as per the 2014 event, on the Friday evening but it not yet known which loco(s) will work this train. The three day Mixed Traction Weekend takes place on 5 to 7 June 2015.
21 March 2015
Details provided by Special Events Planning Team
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| No 5643 to replace no 6695 at the West Somerset's Spring Steam Gala |
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Following the accident involving the low-loader moving GWR 56xx class 0-6-2T 6695 from the Swanage Railway to the West Somerset for the WSR Spring Steam Gala and the damage caused to the 0-6-2T, the WSR has been delighted to obtain another 56xx in line with the Gala's 'Steam in South Wales' theme. No 5643 is the locomotive in question. It is owned by the Furness Railway Trust and normally based at the Ribble Steam Railway in Preston. It has not worked on the Minehead Branch before and brings the number of 'WSR debutants' at the Gala up to three, the others being GWR 2-8-0T no 4270 and LMS 2-6-0 no 46521. In total ten steam engines are due to be in action between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Minehead over the four day event. Day Rover tickets for the Gala can still be ordered with credit/debit cards by calling 01643 704996 and tickets can also be purchased from station booking offices or travelling ticket inspectors on the day. WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare commented "Thanks go to the Furness Railway Trust for making 5643 available to us for the Spring Steam Gala and to Chief Mechanical Engineer Andrew Forster for obtaining the locomotive at short notice. A tribute to the steam railway age in South Wales would not seem right without a 56xx given their forty year service on both passenger and freight trains in the valleys" The four day Spring Steam Gala takes place on 26 to 29 March 2015.
20 March 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Road accident means GWR 0-6-2T no 6695 not fit for Spring Steam Gala |
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Bad news - GWR 0-6-2T no 6695 has been damaged in an incident whilst being transported by road from Swanage and will not be fit to run during the Spring Steam Gala. The loco is being brought to Williton for damage assessment and repair but may not be viewable when the Williton workshops are open on 28 and 29 March. The WSR's Chief Mechanical Engineer Andrew Forster is working to secure a replacement suitable to the theme of the Gala and as soon as we have any news we will post it. But there is good news - BR 4-6-2 no 70000 Britannia is due at Bishops Lydeard after 2pm on Friday 20 March ahead of its transformation into long-lost sister no 70021 Morning Star for the Gala. The four day Spring Steam Gala takes place on 26 to 29 March 2015.
Report on road incident (external link)
19 March 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| News from the Bishops Lydeard Station Railway and Gift Shop |
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Just arrived at the Bishops Lydeard Station Railway & Gift Shop - a limited edition 00 gauge model wagon by Dapol finished in the livery of one-time local quarry company W J King and retailing at only £15.00. Preparations for the Spring Steam Gala are well underway with exclusive items available and some fantastic 'Meet The Author' sessions. The four day Spring Steam Gala takes place on 26 to 29 March 2015.
19 March 2015
Details provided via facebook by West Somerset Railway Association
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| Spring Steam Gala guest locos arrived or on the way! |
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The guest engines for the Spring Steam Gala have begun to arrive with nos 5542 and 46521 safely at Bishops Lydeard and GWR 0-6-2T no 6695 reported to be on the road from Swanage although recent reports suggest a problem with the low loader. Meanwhile, BR 4-6-2 no 70000 Britannia (before its metamorphosis into Morning Star) is due to arrive from the national rail network on Friday but as yet no timings as to when this will happen have been received. More news as it comes to hand. The four day Spring Steam Gala takes place on 26 to 29 March 2015.
18 March 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Model railway equipment for sale at Watchet Station during the Gala |
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Watchet Station has model railway equipment for sale in OO and N gauge on Saturday 28 March in the Pagoda waiting room. Open from 10am to 3pm there will be engines, coaches, track, books and magazines and so on. It's free entry so why not pop in when travelling on the line during the Spring Steam Gala weekend. The station will have hot and cold drinks and cakes and chocolate. Contact David on 01935 421107 for further train information.
17 March 2015
Details provided by the folks from Watchet Station
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| Plenty to do and see at Washford Station during the Spring Steam Gala |
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There will be plenty of steam action at Washford Station during the West Somerset Railway's four day 2015 Spring Steam Gala at the end of March. Nigel Davies, Shop Manager for Washford-based Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust advises that the Museum and Shop will be open and the former Somerset coalfield locomotive Peckett 0-4-0ST no 1788 Kilmersdon will be in steam on all four days of the gala. Also guest locomotive GWR 2-8-0T no 4270 will pay a visit to the Washford Sidings on the afternoon of the first day of the Gala, Thursday 26 March. In addition the local Torre Cider Farm will have a stall on Washford Station platform selling cider and cheese on the Saturday and Sunday; cider, cheese and steam - who can resist that?
15 March 2015
Details provided by Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust
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| New pointwork is installed at Norton Fitzwarren |
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A new point is being installed at Norton Fitzwarren by the Permanent Way team as part of the continuing development of the Norton Triangle project. Positioned on the line from Allerford Junction to the Triangle, the point will lead to a line running along the southern side of Norton Platform. Expected to be used initially for stabling stock the future plan is to extend it back onto the West Somerset Railway main line, thus creating several operational possibilities including a run round facility. Meantime, the pointwork is expected to be completed and commissioned within a few days and certainly before the Spring Steam Gala when steam locomotives will be using the Triangle to turn.
14 March 2015
Details provided by local correspondent
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| Spring Steam Gala Sunday - special fare offer for children |
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The West Somerset Railway is aiming to attract a younger audience to the Sunday (29 March) of the Spring Steam Gala with a special fare offering for children aged between 5 and 15. On that date only any child in the appropriate age range accompanied by a fare paying adult will be able to travel for a flat rate of £2.00 for any return or single journey or the really keen will be able to enjoy a day rover ticket at the same price. The £2.00 child tickets can be purchased at booking offices or from travelling ticket inspectors on the trains on Sunday 29 March.
14 March 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| WSR Plc and WSRA statements on Somerset County Gazette website |
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We are grateful to the Somerset County Gazette for publishing brief statements from the WSR Plc and the WSRA on the outcome of the recent hearing at Somerset County Council.
A top Somerset County Councillor, Cllr David Huxtable, has resigned his cabinet position following an investigation into his behaviour regarding the sale of the West Somerset Railway freehold. Conservative Cllr David Huxtable was responsible for the sale of the council-owned freehold. The freehold is leased to the Plc, which runs the tourist attraction with the support of a charity, West Somerset Railway Association. Last year, both the Plc and the Association submitted bids for the freehold but, in May, the council announced it would no longer be selling it. On 10 March 2015, Somerset County Council published the findings of a the investigation report and following a formal hearing, held in private, Cllr Huxtable was found to have breached the Council's Code of Conduct. For more information see the Council's hearing panel papers and outcomes statement.
A spokesperson for one of the complainants, John Irven, chairman of WSR Plc, said he was pleased with the outcome of the hearing and looks forward to reopening the negotiations in respect of the lease* of West Somerset Railway David Baker, vice-chairman of the WSR Plc, said "The bid by the West Somerset Railway Association for the freehold of the railway and the subsequent investigation has been a massive distraction for all those involved in the railway. We now need to look the future. We will be discussing with the County Council an extension to our current lease in order to provide the solid foundation we need to develop our facilities and encourage even more visitors to our railway."
Association chairman David Williams said it is 'difficult' to comment as the Association was not a complainant and not invited to give evidence. He said "The conclusions of the report neither augment nor diminish the merit of the charity's offer to purchase the railway freehold, as that does not appear to have been any part of this investigation. The Association trustees have at all times sought to do what is best to secure the future of the West Somerset Railway and that has been their only consideration throughout."
The sale of the freehold remains on hold because neither bidder met the Council's criteria.
[* to clarify this edit: the original word 'sale' which also appeared on the Gazette website was, it seems, a misquote and, at the request of John Irven's spokesperson, has been changed to 'lease' on 13 Mar 2015]
Read more on the Somerset County Gazette website.
12 March 2015 (edited 13 March 2015)
Details provided by Somerset County Gazette
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| The next Volunteer Information and Open Day is 10 May 2015 |
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The next Volunteer Information and Open Day will be held on Sunday 10 May 2015 and is open to potential volunteers to find out more about volunteering roles on the West Somerset Railway. The day starts at the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard at 9.15am followed by a visit to Williton to view the workshops, signal box and station as well as the opportunity to chat to current volunteers; and then a return to Bishops Lydeard and disperse by 1.45pm. Bring a packed lunch if required. Mel Hillman, the Railway's New Volunteer Co-ordinator, reminds everyone that advance booking is essential - for more information or to book a place it's best to email Mel at volunteers@wsrail.net or call 01643 704996. More details
11 March 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| A chance to get the WSR on the cover of the Ordnance Survey map |
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Here's an opportunity for photographers of the railway and the trains in the West Somerset countryside to enter ther best efforts in a new competition run by Ordnance Survey. A chance to get a WSR scene on the cover of the local Ordnance Survey maps! Ordnance Survey say "For decades, we've decided what goes on our map covers. Now it's your chance to put your photo on the map. Ordnance Survey is asking keen photographers of all ages to capture Britain at its best and enter inspiring photos into this prestigious competition. We're looking to update the covers on more than 600 different OS maps, seen, bought and collected by millions of people nationwide."
For full details please see the Ordnance Survey website.
11 March 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Topping out one of the water towers at Minehead Station |
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Visitors to the Spring Steam Gala will notice that the water tower adjacent to the turntable at Minehead now has a GWR style 'parachute' top. Fabricated and fitted by the Minehead Locomotive Department it has been part funded by "Friends of West Somerset Railway" and is the first part of their ambitious "Water Water" project to provide better watering facilities on the West Somerset Railway. The scaffolding around the tower will be removed in good time for the Gala. The next phase will be to pay for a an identical top to the water tower in Minehead locomotive yard. To donate to, and find out more about the project, visit www.fowsr.org.uk or this website's Key Projects page.
11 March 2015
Details provided by Friends of West Somerset Railway
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| Baps and Welsh Cakes - more good food news for Spring Steam Gala |
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More Spring Steam Gala 2015 food news! Take-away breakfast baps will be available from the Turntable Cafe every day of the Spring Steam Gala (26 to 29 March 2015) and from the Quantock Belle car Orion on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of this event. Egg, bacon and sausage fillings available £2.50 for 1 filling, £3 for two and £3.50 for all three. Also news that fresh Welsh Cakes will be available on the train buffets and at most stations. Orion from the Quantock Belle dining train will operate on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Spring Steam Gala, for two round trips on each of those days attached to Set D on the 10.45am diagram starting from Bishops Lydeard.
11 March 2015
Details provided via facebook by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| An evening Fish and Chip special from Minehead on Friday 27 March |
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As part of the West Somerset Railway's Spring Steam Gala, here is an opportunity of taking an evening round trip from Minehead to Williton and back on the evening of 27 March 2015 aboard a steam train with a fish and chip supper and a bottle of local beer (or non-alcoholic alternative) served as the train leaves the seaside terminus. The train will be headed by two Great Western steam engines and after leaving Minehead at 7.25 pm will work through to Bishops Lydeard. However passengers wishing to return to Minehead will need to alight at Williton and return by a local stopping service which will call at Watchet, Washford, Blue Anchor, Dunster and Minehead, due back into Minehead at 8.48pm. The inclusive cost of the round trip, fish and chips and beer is £20 (only £10 if valid Rover ticket held) and tickets must be purchased in advance from www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or 01643 704996.
9 March 2015
Details provided via facebook by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| The planned date of the WSRA 2015 Annual General Meeting |
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It looks like the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) Annual General Meeting will be held on 25 July 2015. According to the 2015 trustee nomination form, completed forms are to be returned to "arrive by 1 May 2015". That date is significant. Completed forms must be received 85 clear days before the AGM, according to the WSRA's Articles of Association. So the earliest date for the 2015 AGM, assuming it is held on a Saturday as usual, will be 25 July 2015. A further communication from the WSRA states "[The AGM is] planned for 25 July." WSRA members may wish to make a note of the date of the AGM.
8 March 2015
Details provided via facebook by West Somerset Railway Association
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| The West Somerset Railway makes a good start to the new season |
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What a difference a year makes. At the end of February 2014 the folks at the West Somerset Railway were looking at a less than wondrous start to the season having carried 2532 passengers in the month as Somerset tourism as a whole took the knock from the 'floods' mythology. However, wind the clock round to this year, and at close of play on 21 February, the figure for the month to date stood at 3565 with two days of operation still to go.
7 March 2015
Details provided via facebook by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Get pampered on Ladies Day, 2 May, on the West Somerset Railway |
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The West Somerset Railway is offering a special Ladies Day package for the 2015 event which will take place on Saturday 2 May at Minehead Station. The package, costing £29.95 per person, includes travel to and from Bishops Lydeard, a pampering session during the day at Minehead and an Afternoon High Tea, provided by staff from Sally's Vintage Chic in Minehead, before the departure of the 4.25pm steam train from Minehead for the homeward journey. It can be purchased online at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by phone from 01643 704996. The event organiser, Station Master Pam Hawkins, hopes that the packages will prove popular as a Mother's Day or birthday gift in the weeks to come. The programme for the day at the station includes the High Tea being served between 2pm and 4pm, a selection of pampering treatments, facial makeovers, talks and demonstrations and sales outlets offering a variety of gifts, jewellery and more. It is advisable to book places for the High Tea or therapy treatments in advance via 01643 704996. As far as the event itself is concerned, the range of things to experience and buy will once again be very varied including alternative therapies, local crafts, clothing and food producers. However developing the idea of the market further the 2015 event will have a theme, the Art Deco Period of the 1920s. Anyone wishing to take a stall at Ladies Day in 2015 should contact the Minehead Station Master Pam Hawkins or Lynda Fleet of the Retail Department via 01643 704996 or info@wsrail.net in the first place.
7 March 2015
Details provided via facebook by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| The Mother's Day Chocoholic Afternoon Tea Special |
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Celebrate Mother's Day with the West Somerset Railway and a Chocoholic Afternoon Tea Special on 15 March 2015. An indulgent journey through the Somerset coutryside as Spring draws closer to Summer. Treat your Mum to a day out at the seaside followed by chocolate indulgence with an afternoon tea. Travel on any morning service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return from Minehead on the 3.35pm Afternoon Tea Special. Tickets, including the afternoon tea special, are £29 each (adult or senior citizen, no child rate).
More information and booking details.
6 March 2015
Details provided via facebook by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Britannia to run as Morning Star during Spring Steam Gala |
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Courtesy of Toby Jennings and WSR Chief Mechanical Engineer Andy Forster (and with the kind permission of the loco owners) during the four days of the Spring Steam Gala BR 4-6-2 no 70000 Britannia will assume the identity of long-vanished class mate no 70021 Morning Star. Built at Crewe in 1951 the locomotive was initially allocated to Laira shed in Plymouth -where the "Brits" were not popular - before being moved to Canton shed in Cardiff in 1957, where they were. It spent a year in South Wales before departing for the London Midland Region. Withdrawn in 1967 it scrapped during the following year. Thanks also go to Nick Brodrick, Keith Bottomley and John Cowlishaw for making the identity change possible.
5 March 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| More about the Bishops Lydeard to Taunton Working Group |
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A recent news item in the Somerset County Gazette about a working group looking at restoring train services between Bishops Lydeard and Taunton has generated much discussion on social media.
Steve Williams, who chairs the Working Group and who leads on strategy, planning and partnerships for the WSR Plc Board, has kindly provided more details, "The Bishops Lydeard to Taunton working group consists of Paul Conibeare (WSR General Manager), Chris Austin (Chairman of West Somerset Steam Railway Trust), David Mitchell (Transport Policy Manager Somerset County Council) and Ian Timms (Deputy Director Economic Development, Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council)."
Steve continues "We will be joined at the next meeting by a representative of the West Somerset Railway Association to specifically consider the implications for Norton Fitzwarren of any proposals to run regular trains through the site. I am working through the completion of an appraisal document which is scoping the issues and options for presentation to the Plc Board, SCC and TDBC. Parallel discussions are also in hand with Bristol Metro and Somerset and Devon Metro local authorities together with the train operator to ensure there is joined up planning in terms of strategic intentions for timetabled train services into Taunton and further west. I can't put a timescale to this but the intention is to have a draft document ready by the end of March."
We are grateful for this update from the Working Group.
5 March 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| The West Somerset Railway 2016 Calendar now available |
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The Retail Department of the West Somerset Railway always aims to have its calendar for the following year on sale by the start of the Spring Steam Gala and copies of the 2016 edition were delivered on 2 March 2015. The format is the true and tested one of a page per view with the illustration available to tear off and use as a postcard if so desired. 1000 have been printed and they will cost £5.00 over the counter or can be ordered for £6 including p&p from the Buffer Stop Shop, West Somerset Railway, The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG or by calling 01643 700387 with card details.
2 March 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| More on the history of the WSR Buffet Mugs |
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WSR Plc Vice Chairman David Baker tells us more about the history of the WSR's catering mugs. It all started in 2002 by David when he was the Catering Manager. It was based on an idea David saw in Canada when he and his wife Jill were travelling for two days on a supply boat up the west coast of Vancouver Island. Purchase a mug and get free coffee for the two days onboard. David introduced the idea to the WSR in 2002 and purchased 1000 mugs which were sold with free coffee or tea for the season. Each year only 1000 were commissioned. Jill has kept a example of every one, the mug collection also includes those produced by Blue Anchor Station and others. A reminder that the mugs, which bear the year number as part of their design, are only sold on the WSR buffets and are not available anywhere else. They cost £5.20 each and come complete with a free tea or coffee, and every subsequent refill of the mug is just 60p - still exceptional value.
1 March 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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