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Marathon session by WSRA PW Gang at Norton
East now meet West at Norton Fitzwarren. In an unprecedented three day marathon the WSRA Permanent Way gang has severed the West Chord of the Norton Triangle, taken out three lengths of rail and sleepers, graded the trackbed, installed, bolted, lined and levelled a complete point - and then replaced the rails either side of the new point before ballasting it all. The West Chord of the Triangle was originally laid in plain line through the location where the East Chord will leave it. This was because the location forms the unloading site for the HOBC and a suitable turnout wa now available. However since then a refurbished bullhead lead had been donated to the WSR Association and was available in three large sections at Norton. With the HOBC on temporary stand down now was the time to put the lead into place. Full story.
7 February 2010
Details from WSRA
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New Civil Engineering Manager is appointed
The West Somerset Railway has appointed a new Civil Engineering Manager. Shaun Hodges joins the staff and will assume full responsibility on 1 April when the current contract with John Buxton expires. Shaun started his career on British Rail and upon rail privatisation he set up a rail contracting company. Changes in the industry led to a career review and being a local lad Shaun felt applying his rail engineering skills and knowledge to his local heritage railway would be an ideal move. The change of managing the Railway's Civil Engineering responsibilities from contract to in-house came from the Company Board deciding the time is right to employ an in-house Civil Engineering Manager which will result in a full five day week hands-on presence as from the changeover date.
7 February 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The Spring Steam Gala to feature on-the-hour departures
A radically different timetable will feature during the Spring Steam Gala in March. In a bid to make the train times easier to read during the busy Spring Steam Gala on 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 and 28 March, the timetable for the event will feature on-the-hour departures from the termini at Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. Whilst the hourly timetable results in the overall end-to-end journey time is slightly increased, the Railway suggest the aim during special events in particular is to allow visitors time to enjoy the experience rather than to get from one end to the other in the shortest time. To view the timetable please visit the Spring Steam Gala page.
5 February 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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A Tornado Summer for the Minehead Branch
A celebrity returns to the West Somerset Railway this summer. Following an enormously successful initial visit to the West Somerset Railway in 2009 the A1 Class Pacific no 60163 Tornado will be returning to the Minehead Branch for two separate weekly visits in 2010. Tornado will be working trains over the line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead on the Mondays to Fridays 12 to 16 July and then again 13 to 17 September when it will be visiting the WSR between operations on the main line network. It is intended that it will work two round trips over the WSR on each day and the WSR will charge normal fares to travel on the trains which it is working.
5 February 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The Hestercombe Express in 2010
The Hestercombe Express will run on a grand total of 22 Wednesdays in 2010. The Express - a rail travel adventure on the West Somerset Railway combined with the beauty of the internationally acclaimed Hestercombe Gardens. Hestercombe is a unique combination of three period gardens: the Georgian landscape; Victorian terrace: and the Edwardian formal - all once abandoned and now lovingly restored. New for 2010 is the restored 17th century Watermill complex which showcases the historic uses of renewable energy alongside original working mill machinery. Visit the Mill Tea Garden adjacent to the Mill Pond for tasty snacks, cream teas and wonderful cakes. More details are on the official WSR website.
4 February 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Restored pump trolley for sale
An opportunity to obtain a gangers pump trolley is offered for sale by a WSR volunteer. The trolley, which has been totally restored, is in full working order and ready to go. Its full history is not known. It was acquired at auction when Wolferton Station Railway Museum in the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk closed down some 20 years ago. It did not see a lot of use after being acquired and sadly deteriorated over time but has now been given a new lease of life following full restoration. It is an ideal bit of machinery for fund raising as members of the public love the opportunity to have a go. Anyone interested and would like some more details please feel free to email John Farley for more details.
4 February 2010
Details from local correspondent
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Help us man the stations every day
Volunteer station staff are wanted for the ten stations on the West Somerset Railway. Help is always welcome at any of the stations and currently there is a growing need for additional assistance at the delightful stations of Dunster and Crowcombe Heathfield. If you can help for a day or two at a frequency that suit you, please get in touch. Contact should initially be through Ian Aldridge, Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01823 433856 or via email via wsra@btconnect.com.
3 February 2010
Details from WSRA
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The Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station
The inaugural meeting to set up the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station has been announced. It will take place on Saturday 13 February 2010 at the Church House, Crowcombe Village at 2.30pm, with tea/coffee and biscuits being available from 2pm. The venue is opposite the church in the village centre and there is a free car park to the rear of the building. Paul Conibeare, General Manager of West Somerset Railway plc has kindly agreed to chair the meeting which will formally adopt the constitution, elect a committee and set the annual subscription. Following this there will be an open forum. Full details are available at the FoCHS website including the draft constitution and a membership form.
1 February 2010
Details from FoCHS
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New policy on wheelchairs and motorised scooters
The West Somerset Railway Plc have issued a new policy on the use of wheelchairs and motorised scooters. A leaflet titled "Have you a disability" outlines the main points of the policy which was approved in November 2009 and now being implemented. Registered disabled visitors may receive half fares, along with an attending carer. Most of the WSR stations are accessible and the leaflet usefully explains some of the facilities and also some of the restrictions such as narrow platforms for boarding/alighting from trains. The policy introduces strict maximum dimensions for wheelchairs and motorised scooters which seem, to us, unrealistic and we have expressed our concerns to the Railway and we will report further on this issue in due course.
1 February 2010
Details from www.wsr.org.uk
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Roy is appointed Dunster Station Master
Roy Dunglison has been appointed the new Station Master at Dunster Station. At the turn of the year, Chris Dowrick retired after 22 years at Dunster Station. Chris was ably assisted by Colin Dowrick during this period. Applications were invited and considered by the Railway's managers with the result that Roy Dunglison is now in charge at the delightful Dunster Station. Roy is a former Station Master at Minehead.
30 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc and WSRA
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WSR entertainment at Taunton and Slough
News of the next WSR Association Taunton Group meeting. This will be at the GW Staff Association Station Approach Taunton on Monday 1 February at 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start. Until the next coordinator is appointed, the monthly meetings will continue on an ad hoc basis with slide shows, videos and DVDs covering railway history and events. The February meeting is a slide show presentation by long-time WSR supporter Peter Triggs. Meantime, veteran WSR volunteer Keith Smith writes about a talk at Slough Station, "Members in the London/Thames Valley area are invited to attend the Slough and Windsor Railway Society's meeting on Friday 5 February, where I will be giving my new all-digital show on the WSR. The show will commence at 7.45pm at their building 'The Manor'. This can be found at Slough Station, situated on the Reading end of the down side, next to the Windsor branch bay platform. For further information, visit their web site at www.swrs.co.uk."
29 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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All change at Crowcombe Heathfield Station
The Joint Station Masters of Crowcombe Heathfield have retired. Walter Harris and Mike Hodge were guests of honour at a retirement lunch at the Rectory, Cannington. Some thirty Crowcombe Heathfield Station volunteers, past and present, enjoyed an excellent buffet provided by Reverend Peter Martin. The magnificent desserts were made by some of the station's lady volunteers. WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare presented Mike and Walter each with large framed photographic prints of the Station taken by Don Bishop ARPS. At the same meeting, came the news that "Lad Porter" Ted Cubitt had gained promotion to Station Master at Crowcombe Heathfield Station after some thirty years service. Paul Conibeare announced to the volunteers at the lunch that Ted was successful at his interview and will take up the reins from Mike and Walter from 1 February 2010. The "Friends" of the Station look forward to supporting Ted and ensuring that Crowcombe Heathfield remains the favourite station on the WSR for many visitors and volunteers alike. Meantime, the Inaugural Meeting of "Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station" is to take place on Saturday 13 February 2010 at 2.30pm at The Church House, Crowcombe Village. All are welcome - free tea coffee and biscuits! More about FoCHS...
29 January 2010
Details from FoCHS
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Update on plans for the 2010 Spring Steam Gala
No further news on additional steam locomotives for the Spring Steam Gala. The Special Events Planning Team report the following guest locomotives are likely to appear at the event in March - nos 71000, 78019, 80104, 92203, 92212 and 6024. These will be joined by home-based locomotives nos 4160, 5553, 9351 and 34046 (the latter is subject to availability of a tender). Thirty coaches will be available for the Spring Steam Gala formed into two sets of seven and two sets of eight. The event will see a new timetable in force with on-the-hour departures from Minehead and from Bishops Lydeard. The midday train to Minehead will not run as an non-stop express from Norton Fitzwarren as before but as a semi-fast starting from Bishops Lydeard. This is due to the hoped-for diesel shuttles from Taunton Station to Bishops Lydeard Station which will render the Bishops Lydeard-Norton Fitzwarren unavailable for steam services.
29 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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More details of plans for the Mixed Traffic Weekend
More details have emerged about the Mixed Traffic event in June 2010. The Nene Valley Railway's Class 14 no D9520 is booked to work with home-based sister no D9526, whilst Western no D1062 Western Courier and Warship no D821 Greyhound have been invited through the Severn Valley Railway a response is awaited. Of the home-based locomotives, nos D832 Onslaught, D7017, D9625 and D1661 North Star are expected to run during the event, hopefully joined, subject to successful trial runs in March and April, by Western no D1010 Western Campaigner. The event will see train departures on the hour from each terminus.
29 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The next Volunteer Liaison Meeting
The next Volunteer Liaison Meeting has been scheduled for Saturday 13 March 2010 at Bishops Lydeard Primary School at 3pm. These meetings allow the volunteers of the railway to come along and talk to the managers of both the Railway Company and the Association. Parking for the event will be in the school playground accessed via Quantock Road.
26 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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West Somerset Restoration have a new Works Manager
A new man at the helm at West Somerset Restoration. The WSRA Chairman, David Holmes explains "Following the resignation of Gareth Winter as West Somerset Restoration Works Manager interviews have been held to appoint a replacement. I am delighted to tell you that Ray Waldron has accepted the post and will take up his duties immediately.
Ray who has been involved with West Somerset Restoration as works foreman stepped into the position of Works Manager temporarily when Gareth left and will now head up the team as they complete the tender for Braunton, continue the assembly of Raveningham Hall and carry out work for Dinmore Manor Ltd on the chassis of the Manor. These three contracts will receive priority.
Once Ray and the team have got to grips with that little lot then GWR 2-6-2T no 4561 will enter the shops for assessment. With all this work there is plenty to do at Williton for both staff and volunteers alike!"
22 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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News from the Association
The West Somerset Railway Association report a few personnel changes. Steve Roberts and Don Bishop have jointly stepped into the position of Vice Chairman of the Trustees Board of the WSRA. Steve will continue with S&T work and assisting with Williton, whilst Don carries on his work with the Heritage Carriages Project and Station Farm. Meanwhile, Andy Chatwin, Chairman of WSRA (Promotions) Ltd the wholly owned trading subsidiary of the Association has announced his intention to stand down as Chairman. Andy who served as Loco Officer on the Main Committee and then Vice Chairman to Humphrey Davies took on the role of WSRA (Promotions) Ltd in 2008. Andy who is also a Director of 4160 Ltd has confirmed his intention to remain a Director of Promotions. The main Trustees Board is very grateful to Andy for his work over the last two years. At their meeting of 21 January the Promotions Board elected Susan Kaufman as their new Chairman. Andy will assist Susan as Vice Chairman. Finally, the Assocation are looking for someone to manage the Taunton Area Group. The Taunton meetings were key to the early development of the WSRA and remain an important meeting point for local members. The group is now looking for someone to help organise and arrange its monthly meetings which are always well attended by WSRA supporters and volunteers alike. Meetings are held in the GWR Staff Association adjacent to Taunton Station. If that's a job for you, please get in touch through Susan Kaufman at Bishops Lydeard or any member of the Trustees Board.
22 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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Progress at Norton Fitzwarren
Rails are once again being laid along part of the old Taunton-Barnstaple line. Thanks to great efforts by the WSR Association's Permanent Way Gang, sleepers now stretch from Orchard Junction toward the new junction with the East Chord and with the track already laid make a total length of over ¼ mile relaid on the Barnstaple alignment some of which is right alongside the West of England main line. The Plym Valley Railway has bought a lead surplus to WSRA's requirements and this will be dispatched shortly to Marsh Mills where it will form one end of their new run round loop. Whilst the lifting plant is on site the Permanent Way Gang plan to lift the new lead between the East and West Chords into position taking advantage of the current HOBC outage to get possession of the track. Completion of this task will mean that two of the three triangle points will be in place, one side of the triangle fully laid and railed, a second side laid in concrete sleepers and the Allerford headshunt laid.
22 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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Cutting back at Combe Florey
After the wintery weather interruptions the Cutting Back Gang are back in action. Beaten back by the snow the Gang will be re-forming for an assault on coppiced re-growth at Combe Florey on 20 and 21 February. This was originally planned for January but had to be called off due to the severe weather conditions. The Gang will be at Combe Florey taking out a row of coppiced trees overhanging the Old Smithy and tidying the cutting between the bridges. The suggested parking place is near Churchlands Bridge just up the hill from the Farmer's Arms, then to walk along the line towards Bishops Lydeard. As ever, all volunteers are welcome, including new folks keen to get out into the countryside and work off some of those festive excesses.
22 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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Practical coursework at Norton Fitzwarren
The Norton Triangle is to play host to a two day practical exercise. Jointly organised by Birmingham University, the Heritage Railways Association and Office of Rail Regulation, the exercise is designed as part of a course to train the new breed of Independent Competent Persons required for safety verification under the new ROGS regulations the students will crawl over the triangle design and construction looking for design and safety flaws - just for once the Railway hope the students will be unsuccessful.
22 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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Guest locomotives for the 2010 Spring Steam Gala
More details of steam locomotives expected to make guest appearances heading trains at the Spring Steam Gala. Nos 71000 and 92212 have already been confirmed and will be joined, subject to availability, by British Railway Standards 2-6-0 no 78019, 2-6-4T no 80104 and 2-10-0 no 92203 along with ex-GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I. We understand SR 4-6-2 no 34046 has been requested for the Spring Steam Gala. From the home fleet, BR(W) 2-6-2T no 4160 and GWR 2-6-2T no 5553 will be in action. Nos 88 and 9351 from the resident fleet will be on standby. The Spring Steam Gala is on 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 and 28 March 2010.
20 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Steam is cool on the Minehead Branch in 2010
A Facebook campaign has been started to encourage folks to travel on the Minehead Branch this year. The Facebook page states "Make it a personal challenge to travel on the West Somerset Railway in 2010. When you have done it, let us know how it was for you. Help the Railway carry a quarter of a million passengers in 2010. Don't forget you need to buy a ticket to make it count!" Check out the Facebook page now. Perhaps 2010 is the year when steam becomes cool.
20 January 2010
Details from wsr.org.uk
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The Friends of Stogumber Station
Become a friend of one of the loveliest railway stations in the land. The Friends of Stogumber Station (FoSS) take care of and run the Station with the aim of replicating a Great Western Railway country station as it was prior to nationalisation in 1948. By joining FoSS you'll receive a newsletter - the Buzzard Chronicle, by email or post, as well as up-to-date information of the goings-on at this typical country station. Membership Application Form.
18 January 2010
Details from FoSS
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The Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally 2010
Make a diary date now for the 2010 Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally. One of the biggest shows of its kind in Somerset, the Rally attacts thousands of visitors who flock to see the spectacular showman's engines and the workhorse traction engines, along with over 150 vintage cars, military vehicles of all types, and fire engines, police cars and ambulances. Add to this the minituare railway, steam vehicles, tractors, motorcycles and stationary engines, children's entertainment, large craft marquee, railway art display, fairground and street organs, trade stands, food and drink, beer tent, all topped by the parades in the main arena. The Rally is organised by the West Somerset Railway Association and is held at the WSRA Fields, Norton Fitzwarren on 7 and 8 August 2010. For more details please email or call 01823 433856.
16 January 2010
Details from WSRA
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Celebrate Valentine's Day on the West Somerset Railway
Come and celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved one on the West Somerset Railway. On 14 February the Railway is running an all steam service and on the 4.05pm service from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, cream teas will be served to travellers who have pre-booked the £4.40 tea. This is in addition to the normal fare which is £14.80 for an adult rover, £13.60 for anyone 60 or over and £7.40 for a child aged 5 to 15. Book early as the number of cream teas available has to be limited and will be sold on a first come - first served basis. Contact 01643 704996 to pre-book the combined ticket 9am to 5pm, seven days a week with the last booking being taken on Tuesday 9 February unless the allocation of seats has already been taken.
14 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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BR 9F 2-10-0 no 92212 confirmed for Spring Steam Gala
It looks like there will be two Class 9Fs on the Minehead Branch in March. The Railway have confirmed the visit of Mid Hants Railway based BR 9F 2-10-0 no 92212 to the Spring Steam Gala. With the likely visit of classmate no 92203 Black Prince it will be the first time two of the classic British Railways heavy goods locomotives have run at the same time on the West Somerset Railway. Other Gala news - tickets will go on sale at midnight tonight on TicketWeb for Spring Steam Gala Six, Four, Two and One Day Rover tickets.
14 January 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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