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| • Working on the Barnstaple formation...
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The West Somerset Railway Association report work in progress to level the Allerford length of the old Barnstaple branch prior to ballasting. The works have revealed the original formation was widened on the Up side using locomotive ash - probably from Taunton shed. This is more likely to have occurred during the installation of a second track in the 1930s. The formation rises sharply as it approaches the remains of the bridge over Allerford Lane and the formation is being lowered slightly to reduce the slope - the extra material being re-used to widen the trackbed to accommodate the ten foot requirement between tracks on what will eventually become a siding and a headshunt.
21 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • Another chance to drive Braunton...
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Due to the popularity of the Yuletide Special Steam Engineman courses, which are now full, it has been decided to run another course on Friday 12 December 2008 from Minehead. There will be four people per course and it will feature both driving and firing with two full round trips from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard (or vice-versa) hauling empty coaches with one pair driving and firing while the other pair assist the Guard. A meal will be available and is included in the price of £450 per person. This course is only suitable for those people that have completed WSR Steam Engineman Stage One to Stage Three because of the complexities of the locomotive. Ring 01643 704996 or email the Railway to secure a place.
19 November 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Sponsored Walk is a great success...
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The West Somerset Railway Sponsored Walk was a great success. With 73 walkers pre-registered and those signing up on the day brought the total to over 120 participants enjoying the ten mile walk along the trackbed from Williton to Minehead on 16 November 2008, much to the organisers delight! The weather, whilst not sunny was mainly dry with only fleeting showers and everyone completed the walk safely with no injuries reported. St John Ambulance, Minehead Division put in a strong and very visible presence under the guiding hand of the Railway's Medical Officer Dr Tony Bray. Organiser Mike Webber said "Many thanks to all the Station Staff, Signalmen, the DMU crew and the Caterers who gave up their day to make the walk a success. Also thank you to those Marshalls, Sweepers and Medical Crew who ensured a safe and enjoyable walk. "
19 November 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • Another heritage carriage arrives...
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Another vehicle has arrived at Williton for the Heritage Carriages Project. Ex-GWR Collett CK no 5929 made the trip to Somerset from Leeds where a team of West Somerset Steam Railway Trust volunteers had spent some months preparing the carriage for removal. This task was made even more difficult due to the carriage once being cut in half, including the solebars. No 5929, now in one piece again, was inspected recently by the WSR Chief Mechanical Engineer, Andy Forster, who advised that a permanent repair of the underframe should not present problems. Pictures of No 5969 - and an Project Update - can be seen at the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust website. Meantime, the Trust are concentrating on GWR Toplight no 3639 with working parties booked for 29 November, 6 December and 20 December, all at the Swindon Shed, Williton from 10.30am to 4.30pm. New hands are especially welcome.
18 November 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • News from Bishops Lydeard Station...
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The RAMS are not moving just yet but the Taunton Model Railway Group will be moving on. Due to a revised financial programme the BG van used as a paint shop by the Restoration and Maintenance Squad (RAMS) at Bishops Lydeard Station will not be refurbished by the WSR Plc in 2009 and can therefore continue its present role. The planned installation of containers as a replacement paint shop will not now take place. Meantime, the WSR Association wish to make better use of the area between the Goods Shed and the Station Building which is currently occupied by the Taunton Model Railway Group housed in an ex-Nissen hut. The present licence for the Group runs out in August 2009 and the Group had been promised at least 12 months notice by the WSR Plc. The Taunton Model Railway Group have now been given notice to leave on 31 December 2009, which is a 14 month period of notice and a 4 month extension on the present licence. The WSRA Committee will be developing proposals during 2009 to ensure that this site makes a significant contribution to the Railway and the Association from the start of the 2010 season.
14 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • An extra Christmas Quantock Belle...
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Just right for those wanting a leisurely lunch after Christmas. On 30 December 2008, the West Somerset Railway Association are offering an extra special Quantock Belle luxury dining train. For just £34 per person, the steam-hauled special will leave Bishops Lydeard around lunch time. En route to Minehead, a three course Roast Beef Lunch will be served at the table. And on the return trip, mince pies! Ring 01823 433856 for reservations...
Updated 18 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • Drive a Bulleid Pacific on the WSR...
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Drive the superbly-restored West Country steam engine on the Minehead Branch. On the 15, 16 and 17 December 2008 there is a special opportunity to drive "West Country" class locomotive no 34046 Braunton for a round trip with a rake of coaches. There will be four people per course and it will feature both driving and firing with two full round trips from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard (or vice-versa) hauling empty coaches with one pair driving and firing while the other pair assist the Guard. A meal will be available and is included in the price of £450 per person. This course is only suitable for those people that have completed WSR Steam Engineman Stage One to Stage Three because of the complexities of the locomotive. Ring 01643 704996 or email the Railway to secure a place.
13 November 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • The Sponsored Walk attracts lots of walkers...
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Over 70 people have now registered for the Sponsored Walk and with others turning up on the day it is possible over 100 will do the walk on 16 November. Registrations have now closed - but - it's not too late for those want to just turn - just check the full Walk details by checking the links on the Sponsored Walk 2008 page. Walkers can choose to give all the sponsorship to the WSSRT or to split it between the Heritage Carriages Project and the Hospice. Sponsorship forms and lots for information can be found at the Sponsored Walk 2008 page. More about the Heritage Carriages Project can be found here...
13 November 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • Busy on the tracks...
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Much autumn and winter track work is planned on the West Somerset Railway. The Railway's Civil Engineering Department have recently brought in specialist welding contractors to repair the pointwork at Washford and elsewhere. The work is to national network quality standards and as a result these components are now as good as new in terms of integrity, lifespan and ride quality. Meantime, at the occupation crossing just to the east of River Avill Overflow Bridge, ballast was fully dug out, the life expired sleepers in the level crossing section removed and replaced and the track lifted and re-ballasted to its correct top level. This has improved the ride in this vicinity. A major task will be started soon - the relaying of a stretch of trackwork in the cutting near Helwell Bay, requiring a major excavation of the contaminated ballast and renewal with fresh ballast, with associated track lifting and re-packing. In the longer term the drainage within the cutting will require improvement.
11 November 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • A TV repeat for the Simon Calder WSR visit...
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The Simon Calder programme screened a few weeks back on local BBC channel is to be repeated. As one of a series, BBC4 are planning to repeat the programme at 8.30pm on 27 November. It will have a slightly different name in the schedule, "Beeching's Tracks". The series starts on Thursday 13 November with the BBC East programme, presented by Nick Crane of Coast fame. After visiting Portishead, Simon’s journey continues by bicycle along the Strawberry Line between Yatton and Cheddar. Then he crosses the Somerset Levels to Taunton. Although the tracks remain in place, there are no longer any rail services from Taunton out to the seaside resort of Minehead.
8 November 2008
Details from BBC via local correspondents
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| • A day for new volunteers at Minehead...
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The West Somerset Railway is holding an Open Day on Sunday 23 November for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to help with the running of Minehead Railway Station. Any potential volunteers will be welcome to come along between 10.30am and 3.30pm. Minehead Station Master Alan Scott explained what the work of the station entails. "Minehead is the headquarters of the West Somerset Railway and as such the offices are open from 9 to 5 on 363 days of the year. This means that we need volunteers who can answer questions, either by telephone or to personal callers, take bookings for Special Trains such as our Santa Specials, deal with lost property, help assemble and send out mail shots and generally to work towards continuing making the West Somerset Railway a successful part of the local economy." Alan continued: "We also have volunteer maintenance parties on a couple of days a week who look after the station itself and its surroundings and that means we also have volunteer opportunities for painting, woodwork,metalwork, gardening or just generally helping to keep what is a large area looking clean and tidy. We’re looking forward to welcoming potential new recruits to our ranks and will be happy to answer questions on the day. And if anyone would like to combine seeing what we do at the station with a spot of Christmas Shopping our Buffer Stop Shop will be open."
8 November 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Cutting back this weekend...
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The Cutting Back Gang will be out again on 8 and 9 November. If you like fresh air and good company with a little physical work thrown in for good measure perhaps a day or two with the WSR's Cutting Back Gang is for you this weekend. Continuing the work between Black Monkey Bridge and Horse Parks Crossing, the Gang will welcome new and previous members. Those Gang members from the southern end of the line should meet at the WSRA's Brunel House at 8.50am to collect the equipment for transport to the work site before meeting up with members from the Minehead end of the line. A splendid time is guaranteed for all...
7 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • Still time to join the Sponsored Walk...
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If you fancy a walk in the fresh air, some stunning coastal scenery and a bit of local railway heritage, then the WSR Sponsored Walk is for you. More than 60 people have already signed up for the Sponsored Walk along the West Somerset Railway from Williton to Minehead on Sunday 16 November taking the rare opportunity to walk, safely, along the tracks of the Railway. Walkers can pre-register and get all the Walk details. Meantime, those who simply want to turn up on the day should make themselves fully aware of the full Walk details by checking the links on the Sponsored Walk 2008 page. Each of the Stations en route will be manned by marshalls and helpers with tea and coffee also available. Those who complete the Walk will receive a smart Certificate. And a Hornby locomotive awaits the walker who raises the most money! The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust are pleased to be running this walk in conjunction with St Margarets Somerset Hospice. Walkers can choose to give all the sponsorship to the WSSRT or to split it between the Heritage Carriages Project and the Hospice. Sponsorship forms and lots for information can be found at the Sponsored Walk 2008 page. More about the Heritage Carriages Project can be found here...
6 November 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • WSR pictures needed for 2010 calendar...
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High-quality images of scenes on the West Somerset Railway are being sought for the 2010 calendar. Colin Howard, Manager of the Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead Station is currently compiling material for the calendar. The publication is a very popular sales item and photographers are sure to get a warm glow knowing their picture or pictures will adorn the walls of homes and offices around the globe. If you can help, please contact Colin by email.
5 November 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • WSR Association Treasurer...
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The WSR Association are looking for a Treasurer. Have you the time to spare and looking for a fresh challenge - if so, the Association are looking for a qualified accountant (chartered or certified) to join the Board and to take responsibility for the financial affairs of the Association. The WSRA is entering an exciting period of change and development over the next five years and someone with drive and enthusiasm will help deliver this agenda. Interested? Want to talk about it before going any further? Then call Robin White WSRA Chairman on 07710 336807. For more details including job description please email the WSRA Company Secretary Penny Gardiner Closing date is Friday 19 December 2008.
5 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • Is the WSR in your Will...
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Remember to include the WSR in your Will so that thousands more people will be able to experience the joy of heritage railways. A legacy or gift of any size would be most welcome and, as both the WSRA and WSSRT are registered charities, it may prevent your estate from paying inheritance tax. Better your money goes to the WSR rather than the Treasury! Whilst the day-to-day income from fares, shops and catering covers the normal running and maintenance of trains, it does not generate enough to invest in projects such as expansion, education, restoration, conservation. A leaflet is available from the WSR Legacy Officer who is also happy to discuss matters confidentially and answer any queries you may have. More on the WSRA website...
5 November 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • New designs for 2009 Blue Anchor supplies ...
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The limited edition of the 2009 Blue Anchor Mugs run to 252 items only. The 2009 Mugs show Braunton arriving at Blue Anchor Station and may well become collectors items again. The five designs for 2009 Fridge Magnets show SDJR no 88; Braunton, Prairies nos 4160 and 5553 and Wadebridge at Blue Anchor Station. And new for 2009 - Environmentally Friendly Shopping Bags. The cotton bags show Braunton at Blue Anchor Station and can be used again and again to help the carbon footprint of the Railway. All these items will be available to purchase at the Winter Steam Festival. Make sure you purchase early as stocks are limited...
4 November 2008
Details from Blue Anchor Station
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| • Dick Wood heads for South Devon...
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WSR Steam Driver Dick Wood is to be the new General Manager at the award-winning South Devon Railway. In a change of career, volunteer worker and Devon PR business owner Dick Wood will take over the reins when popular, long-serving general manager Richard Elliott retires next April. New General Manager Dick Wood (52) has been a volunteer and supporter of the SDR since 1971 and serves as a fireman on the line. After working across the UK and the South West region in a number of senior PR and marketing positions for both central and local government organisations, Dick Wood has run his own successful PR business since 1998 serving a number of businesses and tourism clients. In addition to his railway experience on the SDR, Dick Wood is a steam train driver and long-serving volunteer on the West Somerset Railway. [We understand Dick will be back to the WSR from time to time. Commenting to this website, Dick added "I certainly won’t forget the WSR and have every intention of remaining as a driver and helping in other ways if I can."]
2 November 2008
Details from the South Devon Railway
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| • The Winter Steam Festival 2008...
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The Winter Steam Festival has become increasingly popular in recent years and as a result it will be a two day event in 2008. The dates in question are 28 and 29 December - so it offers a good alternative to the old films, repeats of so-called classic episodes and the rest of the holiday entertainment. The Railway plan to have five steam engines in action, hauling and heating the trains. There will be seven trains each way on both days, most with buffet cars selling a variety of Somerset beers and ciders, hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches and snacks so it is a perfect way to see the Somerset countryside in Winter. More details will be available soon...
30 October 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Job losses on the WSR...
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The West Somerset Railway plc has today - 29 October 2008 - confirmed that a small number of jobs will be lost this year as a result of a drop in operating income. Whilst the West Somerset Railway relies heavily on the voluntary support of over 1,000 active people from all walks of life, it also has nearly 37 full-time staff who carry out a number of roles on the 23-mile line. Visitor numbers are down by over 10,000 (5%) so far this season on the country’s longest heritage railway and this has had a knock on effect on the railway’s expected ticket income. With the current bleak economic prospects for 2009 and beyond, plus the seasonal nature of the business, WSR bosses felt they had no choice but to look closely at operating costs in order to protect the business and other jobs. The WSR currently employs 37 full-time staff and has enjoyed steady growth since the last major economic downturn in 1992, carrying a record 213,000 passengers in 2007. General Manager Paul Conibeare said "We regret having to make redundancies and recognize the impact this will have on our loyal workforce, but we are looking to protect the jobs of the majority here and must live within our means. We will need the help of our volunteer workers to assist us in all areas of railway operations in order to reduce costs."
29 October 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • The Big Clear Out of Toplight no 3631...
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GWR Toplight no 3631 - one of the Heritage Carriages Project vehicles - has seen its first work party, held on Saturday 25 October. The work, which was carried out by Mike and Jennie Dunse, Simon Tandy and Claire Sheppy, and assisted by Project Leader Robin White, consisted entirely of stripping out all of the interior fittings that had been installed as part of its life as a camping coach and latterly as volunteer accommodation at the South Devon Railway. In fact the coach had become seriously wet, especially on the floor areas, and the most important work carried out has been the removal of all of the carpeting from within the coach. However to get at this it was first necessary to remove a fair amount of furniture. More...
28 October 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • Vacancy at the Carriage Works...
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A vacancy exists for a person to assist with the internal upkeep and refurbishment of the passenger coaching stock. Applicants will need to have previous experience in light carpentry, varnishing and painting. The work will be based at Minehead. The hours will be 40 per week and some weekend work will be required. Salary will reflect experience and ability. Closing date for applications is 13 November 2008. To apply, please write enclosing CV and details of relevant experience to Andrew Forster, West Somerset Railway Plc, The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG or email cme@wsrail.net
28 October 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • The next WSRA Taunton Meeting...
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The next meeting of the Taunton Group of the West Somerset Railway Association will be on Monday 3 November at 7.45pm at the GWRSA Snug Bar, at the north east corner of Taunton Station. The speaker will be Mr Colin Marsden, from Dawlish, who is well known for publishing main line photographs. His title will be "The Digital Age in Railway Photography" with some tips on the use of digital cameras and that most of his shots are likely to be of modern traction. It is anticipated this talk will be popular.
28 October 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • The 2008 Best Kept Stations Awards...
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Watchet Station is the Best Kept Station on the West Somerset Railway in 2008. The Station's Mike Buttel and Station Master John Ward received the Award from WSRA Chairman Robin White at Watchet Station on 25 October 2008. John Ward also stepped up to collect the Most Improved Station Award. Meantime, Bishops Lydeard Station Master Ken Davidge was on hand to receive the Best Kept Station Runner-up Award and Doniford Halt's Station Master, Pat Rodway collected the Highly Commended Station Award. Clive Goddard, a Deputy Station Master at Bishops Lydeard, and in charge of the gardens at the southern terminus, received the Best Floral Display Award. The Railway's Best Garden in 2008 was Stogumber Station, sadly Station Master Iris Horn was unwell and unable to attend the ceremony. We wish Iris well. An excellent video of the event, made by Mike Dan, can be viewed at YouTube
Updated 30 October 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • The Station Cat at Bishops Lydeard...
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The Railway Station at Bishops Lydeard now has its own newspaper. Called the "Station Cat" this publication includes only humour and good news. Twenty five copies of the first edition were distributed around the Station and a further twenty copies by email. It was well received and encouraged the production of Issue 2. The "Station Cat" (not the real station cat) is free to any volunteer, and delivery by email is preferred. To be included on the circulation list, send your email details to the Station Master.
24 October 2008
Details from Bishops Lydeard Station
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| • Formal commissioning of the turntable...
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The formal commissioning of the new turntable at Minehead Railway Station took place on Tuesday 21October 2008 after a year of work that has seen the site at the station cleared, the lengthened turntable delivered by road from Wolverhampton, the installation completed and tested, and finally intensive use of the turntable during the West Somerset Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala. The formal opening party assembled for coffee or tea in the new Kiosk, which is part of the development, whilst musicians from the West Somerset Community College Jazz Band provided entertainment. Formal opening speeches followed by Ian Galloway the Somerset County Councillor for the Minehead Division, Carl Budden of the South West Regional Development Agency, and Mark Smith, Chairman of the West Somerset Railway.The formal opening ceremony was performed by County Councillor Alan Gloak, Chairman of Somerset County Council. Several of the guests took turns to turn SDJR 2-8-0 no 88 to much clicking of cameras...
21 October 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • More Carol Trains by popular demand...
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By popular demand, the West Somerset Railway is to run extra Carol Trains. The trains in question are the Minehead-Williton and Bishops Lydeard-Williton Carol Trains. These run from their respective start points with stops at intermediate stations where traditional carols are sung on the platforms before the two trains meet at Williton. After this they run back non-stop to their starting points. WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare takes up the story "The Carol Trains began some years ago with a single evening train between Minehead and Williton. However they have steadily grown in popularity as part of December in Somerset and with these extra trains on Wednesday 17 December we plan three nights of Festive Season singing and steam train travel. Once we have covered our costs we make donations to local charities from the fares paid. Our main requirement to make the extra evening successful are musicians to play the musical accompaniment. We are already looking forward to welcoming the student bands from Bishop Fox’s in Taunton and the West Somerset Community College plus the Taunton Concert Band and Watchet Town Band. There is no preferred style of accompaniment, but the repertoire is the tried and trusted favourites that everyone has enjoyed down the years." If any band or group would like to know more they should contact John Simms or Martyn Snell on 01643 704996.
20 October 2008
Details from WSR Plc
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| • News about the Sponsored Walk...
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Over 50 people have already signed up for the Sponsored Walk along the West Somerset Railway. Walk organiser Mike Webber (pictured left) reports many more are expected to sign up for the event on Sunday 16 November taking the rare opportunity to walk, safely, along the tracks of the Railway. The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust are pleased to be running this walk in conjunction with St Margarets Somerset Hospice. Walkers can choose to give all the sponsorship to the WSSRT or to split it between the Heritage Carriages Project and the Hospice. Sponsorship forms and lots for information can be found at the Sponsored Walk 2008 page. More about the Heritage Carriages Project can be found here...
20 October 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • Centenarian Toplight arrives at Williton...
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Another classic ex-Great Western Railway carriage has arrived on the West Somerset Railway. No 3631 - a Toplight Corridor Third and known by some as "Florence" and by others as No 9880 - continues an interesting life. Built in 1908, it was converted to an ambulance vehicle in 1915 to help the war effort. Later, it was rebuilt in 1921 and resumed passenger duties. British Railways then converted the Toplight to a camping coach in 1958 and on decommissioning the carriage ended up at Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway. Secured in 2007 by the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust for the grand Heritage Carriages Project, and following preliminary works by a local WSSRT team, No 3631 has been moved to Williton for restoration - again - to passenger carrying purposes. More about the Heritage Carriages Project can be found here...
19 October 2008
Details from WSSRT
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| • The wreckage left by Dr Beeching...
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Travel journalist Simon Calder takes a journey from Portishead to Minehead in a BBC West documentary exploring the legacy of the Beeching railway cuts. He examines the arguments for reopening some of the branch lines axed by Dr Beeching in the 1960s. After visiting Portishead, Simon’s journey continues by bicycle along the Strawberry Line between Yatton and Cheddar. Then he crosses the Somerset Levels to Taunton. Although the tracks remain in place, there are no longer any rail services from Taunton out to the seaside resort of Minehead. It means that holidaymakers heading to Minehead have no choice but to use their cars. Angela Lamplough, from West Somerset Council, says: "We would actually like to get a commuter train running from Taunton to Minehead if the local people can demonstrate that, yes, they would use that service. Plus it would give people an opportunity to travel down from the Midlands all the way through to Minehead for a holiday without having to use their own vehicles." At Bishops Lydeard, Simon rejoins the rail network on the hugely popular steam train to Minehead. The heritage line has become one of the area’s biggest tourist attractions. Catch "Down the Line" with Simon Calder on BBC One in the West on Sunday 26 October 2008 at 4.25pm. We understand the film will be shown on BBC Four sometime after mid-November. The film has been made for the BBC by Grace Productions of Yeovil.
18 October 2008
Details from WSR Plc, BBC and Grace Productions
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| • The WSRA Operating Department Representative...
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The new WSR Association Operating Department Representative, Geoff Cross, explains the new role on the WSRA website. Geoff, as TTI Co-ordinator/Examiner, is currently in charge of the Ticket Inspection Department, and regularly works as a Travelling Ticket Inspector. He is also the Personal Track Safety (PTS) Training Supervisor for the WSR and is engaged on a programme of PTS appreciation courses throughout the railway - two hundred individuals will have passed through Geoff's hands by the end of the 2008 season. For several years Geoff has also been the "Lad Printer" in the Edmondson Ticket Printing Works at Dunster Station, alongside Dave Johnson, and under the watchful eyes of Colin and Chris Dowrick. See the full text on the WSRA website www.wsra.org.uk
12 October 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • News from the WSRA Committee...
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The WSR Association Committee agree to sell its flagship steam locomotive. GWR 0-6-0PT no 6412 - which has been on the line since re-opening in 1976 and also starred in the TV series "The Flockton Flyer" - will be heading to the South Devon Railway following an offer from the Buckfastleigh-based line. In a sense the loco is returning home as it was originally sold from that line to the WSRA. The decision follows an extensive consultation with WSRA members and is bound to upset some folks. However, the loco is considered underpowered for the heavy trains on today's West Somerset Railway. Monies raised will help fund the overhaul of the WSRA's other locomotives, nos 4561 and 7821. Other news from the Committee on 11 October include the announcement of a new Honorary Secretary; the creation of a new position working with those who volunteer for operating duties; and plans to improve the workshop facilities for the Restoration and Maintenance Squad (RAMS) at Bishops Lydeard. More details on the WSRA website www.wsra.org.uk
12 October 2008
Details from WSRA
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| • Can't find a particular news item?
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| Check the right hand column for a list of previous news pages arranged by the month...
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