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 Latest News
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Locomotive naming ceremony at Minehead
First GB Railfreight is now ten years old and to help celebrate GBRf are pleased to be operating a corporate and staff anniversary train from London Paddington to Minehead and return. In addition, GBRf are supporters of "Help for Heroes" campaign and additional fund raising events are taking place to achieve a massive donation to this wonderful charity for our armed forces. The "Somerset Coast Express" - organised by Bob Tiller of the DEPG and GBRF - will be hauled by Class 52 no D1015 Western Champion and is 11 coaches in length; it includes Pullman cars and full dining facilities. On board will be corporate quests, staff, members of the press and other important dignitaries. Ahead of the weekend, two newly liveried locomotives, a Class 73 and a Class 66, will be coming onto the West Somerset Railway on 9 July and will be stabled at Minehead. At Minehead on Saturday 11 July at 1.15pm the two GBRf locomotives will receive new names and be placed on the turntable for display. The Class 73 and Class 66 return from the WSR on Monday 13 July light engine. There will be a band at Minehead and celebrations to welcome the train into the station for the namings. A special heritage bus service will take reserved guests to Dunster and the Castle. To accommodate the train on what is a very busy WSR operating day, the front coach "A" is reserved for fare-paying WSR passengers who will enjoy "Western" haulage on the 11.40am Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. The train will be stabled at Minehead all day. GBRf would like to thank the West Somerset Railway for their assistance and all look forward to a great day out. Times for the special are as follows, 8.24am Paddington (stops Reading , Westbury, Taunton); 11.40 Bishops Lydeard (then stops all stations to Minehead); and the return train departs Minehead at 6pm, non-stop (calls only at Taunton, Westbury, Reading, Paddington).
3 July 2009
Details from DEPG and GBRf
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Make it a Thomas weekend at Minehead
Saturday and Sunday 4 and 5 July sees the return of the famous little blue tank engine and his friends to the West Somerset Railway and a special timetable will be in operation. The first three trains from Bishops Lydeard are fully booked but there's still room on the 11.50 (Daisy the Diesel Railcar) and the two steam departures leaving at 12.40pm and 1.40pm. Thomas himself doesn’t travel the whole length of the line, but gives short rides in and out of Minehead station during the day. If you travel to (or from) Minehead by WSR train your ticket also includes a ride behind Thomas, a trip round the town on a vintage bus and entertainment on the platform which includes three shows each day by Professor Popcorn. If you prefer to drive to Minehead and simply pay to come on the platform the costs are adults £4.50 and children aged 2 and over £3.00. The gates on Minehead Station will open at 10.30am and the prices quoted include the ride behind Thomas, the vintage bus trip and the entertainment.
3 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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The Minehead Toy and Train Sale
The annual Minehead Toy and Train Sale will be taking place at Minehead Station on Sunday 2 August 2009. First held way back in 1984 the event made the move to the West Somerset Railway in August 2003 and immediately became a big hit with traders and public alike. The attraction of steam trains operating around the event all day is just too good to miss for many people. Organizer Chris Dyer explains, "Minehead is one of the best-supported events which we promote and indeed, all the stalls were let by early May and that is remarkable in the present economic climate. Traders come from all over England and Wales and I know that they really look forward to their day at Minehead. A lot of extra business is generated for the town in general by the event and also on the Railway, as many people travel to Minehead by train for this show."
2 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Steam Fayre entry for WSR staff
Volunteers with a valid WSR photo ID who come along to the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally on Saturday 1 August 2009 or Sunday 2 August 2009 will obtain entry free of charge. Please note any guests accompanying them must pay the normal entrance fee. On the evening of Saturday evening 1 August 2009 from 8.00pm, volunteers who hold a valid photo ID card can obtain free entry to the Rally site along with one guest and partake in refreshments (at very reasonable prices) in the Rams's Head Beer Tent. The Beer Tent is run by Mike Barrett and the Tavern Wenches, a barn dance is planned and all are welcome to join in.
Full details of the Steam Fayre & Vintage Rally...
2 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Tornado boosts passenger totals
The month of June has been a very busy time for the Railway. The visit of Tornado was also reflected in the passenger graph for the year to date. At the end of June the WSR had carried 93,196 passengers compared with 76,683 at the same point in 2008. Perhaps more interesting is that at the end of June 2007, in the WSR's record year to date, the figure had reached 81,418. However, the key high summer months lie ahead so promoting the Railway will need to continue. The next event likely to bring out the crowds is the Days Out with Thomas weekend on 4-5 July.
1 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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A few snippets of Gala news
The Special Events Planning Team have revealed a few more interesting snippets of news about forthcoming Gala events. The recent brief stabling of BR 4-6-2 no 70013 Oliver Cromwell presented an opportunity to run the locomotive on the Railway, but the practical and financial arrangments could not be resolved in time. However, SEPT had already made an approach for Oliver Cromwell to appear at the 2010 Spring Steam Gala, giving a better opportunity for all to enjoy the sight and sound and pulling power of this classic engine, although please note nothing has been agreed or confirmed as yet. The 2009 Autumn Steam Gala, on 1-4 October 2009 is already planned as a GWR affair, and is now being promoted as "Great Western Railway 175th - The Prelude" and with 2010 being the actual 175th anniversary of the GWR, the 2010 Autumn Gala will become "Great Western Railway 175th - The Finale".
1 July 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Passenger totals are up
Up to the end of May, the West Somerset Railway carried more passengers than last year. Aided by generally good weather over the two Bank Holiday Weekends the Railway had a successful May and at the end of the month the total passenger figure had reached 61,604 as against 54,798 at the same stage in 2008. With the Tornado effect in early June - estimated by some observers to have at least doubled the expected passenger numbers - and the successful Mixed Traffic Weekend, the upward trend should be maintained. Very encouraging, although there's a long way to go, of course. The next event likely to bring out the crowds is the Days Out with Thomas weekend on 4-5 July.
26 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Changes afoot on the permanent way
The West Somerset Railway permanent way gets several mentions in the latest in-house newsletter, Online. The Railway have commissioned an independent inspection report on the Railway's permanent way from Phil Kirkland, Civil Engineer to Tyne and Wear Metro. Phil's report will be delivered soon. Also, the Plc Board have agreed to bring the management of the Railway's infrastructure back in-house, with the employent of a civil engineering manager, supported by an independent consulting engineer as required. The changeover will likely happen in April 2010. And, the Board have agreed to the use of modern, affordable flat-bottomed rail in remote areas, releasing the more historically accurate bullhead rail for public and prominent areas of the Railway. Bullhead rail is becoming more difficult to obtain.
25 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Bill and Ben and Thomas arrive soon
Three small locos - great favourites of children everywhere - will soon arrive at Minehead for a special weekend of fun in early July. Courtesy of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, Bagnall 0-4-0STs nos 2572 and 3058, better known as Bill and Ben will appear with a rather famous blue tank engine played by Hunslet 0-6-0T no 686 The Lady Armaghdale, from the Severn Valley Railway, at the Days Out with Thomas event on the West Somerset Railway on 4-5 July 2009. The twins should arrive on 1 July, and Thomas the day before.
24 June 2009
Details from local correspondents and WSR Plc
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Old Steamer
Old Steamer has been specially created by Cotleigh Brewery to celebrate the Steam Heritage of the West Somerset Railway. Cotleigh describe their creation as having "a bright golden coloured beer." and being "Smooth and malty with a background of honey flavour offering a refreshing and citrus smooth finish." The ingredients are "Pale and Crystal malts; Goldings, Challenger and Styrian hops." Old Steamer is the result of a partnership between the WSR and Cotleigh Brewery. Enjoy and help the Railway at the same time.
24 June 2009
Details from Cotleigh Brewery
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New timings for First Bus Service 28
Visitors planning to use the bus from Taunton to the West Somerset Railway at Bishops Lydeard may wish to note some changes to the bus times. With effect from 12 July the timings of First Bus number 28 services between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard will be changed. Departures from Taunton are at 5.35 m (not Saturdays), 6.15am and then at 5 and 35 minutes past the hour until the evening services start at 5pm. All services departing between 9.05am and 4.05pm are due to travel via Bishops Lydeard Railway Station, setting down there at 6 and 36 minutes past the hour. Starting at 11.56am the departures from Bishops Lydeard station towards Taunton will be at 26 and 56 minutes past the hour until 6.56pm. For more information please contact First on 01823 272033.
24 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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News from the Heritage Carriages Project
The Heritage Carriages Project is firmly moving forward. The Project Team have accepted the initial quote of Colin Worrall at Crewe to begin work on GWR BCK no 6705, and Walt Denning has agreed to act as the Trust's project manager at Crewe. There are four coaches stood in the yard at Williton and one in the Swindon shed. A further vehicle stands at Williton and two more in Minehead yard. Help is required to help speed the work at Crewe, the Project Team are looking for a small team of volunteers who will be able to undertake unskilled or semi-skilled work on No 6705. Also, the Project Team will have a publicity stand at the WSR Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally at Norton Fitzwarren on 1-2 August, and volunteers to help man the stand would be very welcome. Lots more news about the Heritage Carriages Project at the website of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust...
22 June 2009
Details from WSSRT
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An fundraising afternoon on the West Somerset Railway
Enjoy an afternoon on the Minehead Branch and help raise funds for a local hospice. St Margaret's Somerset Hospice are organising a trip on the West Somerset Railway on 27 June 2009, leaving on the 2.25pm steam train from Bishops Lydeard Station. Tickets are available from the Fundraising Office on 01935 709485. All in support of St Margaret's Somerset Hospice. Further details....
22 June 2009
Details from local correspondent
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Summer diesel running dates
The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group have announced the dates of diesel haulage of trains on the West Somerset Railway for the summer. Recently returned to traffic Hymek no D7017 will work on 11, 25 July and 1, 8 August; Crompton no D6566 hauls trains on 15, 29 August; whilst on 22 August, it is the turn of Warship no D832 Onslaught. See the timetables for the actual train diagrams. Class 14 no D9526 works a relief train during the CAMRA Beer Festival on 12-13 September. D9526 and D7017 will also appear at the Somerset in Autumn event on 24-25 October. For more about the West Somerset Railway diesel fleet, see the DEPG website.
21 June 2009
Details from DEPG
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The return of Thomas to West Somerset
After a break of a year the famous little blue tank engine is back on the West Somerset Railway this year for the weekend of 4-5 July 2009. If you haven't been before this is how it works. Thomas gives rides in and out of Minehead Station whilst his bigger friends including Gordon, Henry and Daisy the Diesel Railcar run the trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. When Thomas needs to take some water his place may be taken by Ben or Bill who will be otherwise occupied with "Troublesome Trucks" while Sir Topham Hatt tries to keep all in order. Professor Popcorn will perform his magical music show three times on each day, there will be games and competitions and outside the station two vintage buses, rather like Bertie or Bulgy will offer rides around the town. Mrs. Kyndley is very proud of her new café by the turntable and the Buffer Stop Shop has plenty of tempting things on sale. More details...
17 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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News about the Autumn Steam Gala
For 2009, the Autumn Steam Gala has a Great Western Railway theme. Lots of examples of the GWR's famous state-of-the-art locomotives will be massed in West Somerset. Nos 5043, 5322, 5542, 7760, 6024, 6695, 6960, 7802 or 7812, 7903, 9466 have been requested to attend the event on 1-4 October, to join GWR representatives from the home fleet - 4160, 5553, 3850 and 9351. As ever, there will be an intensive timetable including a local train service and shunting demonstrations at Washford and Minehead. Please note the locomotive line-up will be finalised and published during July 2009.
Updated: 22 June 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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The Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally 2009
Preparations are well advanced for the Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally at the WSRA Norton Fields on 1 and 2 August 2009. This year, the Rally will have a large steam section featuring full size and miniature traction engines and, possibly, a steam boat for the first time. Vintage cars, motorcycles, fire engines, military and commercial vehicles will be on show, all sections being well supported. Stationary engines will line the approach to the main arena areas. Vintage railway wagons will provide a backdrop to the fields and it is hoped that modern traction will be on view for the first time. The Pump Trolley Experience will be available on one leg of the triangle. The heritage buses will be running from and from Taunton Station, and this year the new Norton Halt will host a DMU shuttle service to and from Bishops Lydeard Station. The 9.25am train from Minehead will be a through train to Norton. Further details...
17 June 2009
Details from WSRA
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