Jacquie Green, Manager of West Somerset Railway Association, has kindly provided this report: "The WSRA is pleased to announce that newly restored MK1 TSO 4419 will participate in the Autumn Steam Gala from 1 to 4 October 2015. The WSRA-owned carriage has been skilfully restored by staff and volunteers at WSRestoration and is a credit to their skills, expertise and enthusiasm. The Autumn Steam Gala is its fully restored debut and an ideal chance to inspect the work of the WSRestoration team." No 4419 was collected from Williton on 30 September 2015 by LNER Class A1 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado and taken to Minehead.

30 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

On the weekend of the WSR's Autumn Steam Gala, Rail-Ex Taunton are holding a model railway show right next to Minehead Station at the Beach Hotel. Admission is free to Gala ticket holders. A number of club and member layouts will be on show, including the Somerset Railway Modellers Club who are displaying their layouts. The show will have trade support and second hand items will be on sale. The exhibition is open on 3 and 4 October 2015.

30 September 2015
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

What the Station Shop has on offer during the Autumn Steam Gala 1 to 4 October 2015 - 15% off all full-price books; competitive prices on all locomotoives and train sets plus up to 30% of selected items; fantastic promotions on selected 1:43 and 1:76 diecast models. We shall also be having a clearance sale of maritime/navy and air transport books available at less than half RRP, together with a large number of heavily reduced DVDs by Just Planes Videos featuring smaller airlines and their aircraft. In addition, pick up the latest titles from publishers including Ian Allan, Crecy and Noodle; Dapol locally-commissioned limited editions as featured on www.wsra.org.uk and www.wsr.org.uk; recently distributed Peco catalogue 2015/2016 and latest "Steam Drivers Eye View" DVDs by OVP - 'Surrey Hills with Clan Line' and 'Britannia goes West'. Don't miss this opportunity to treat yourself or to buy those early Christmas gifts for friends or family. Remember if you need some refreshment, you will find our Whistle-Stop Cafe open throughout the Gala serving hot and cold drinks and snacks (sit-in or take-way basis). Opening times 8.30am - 7.15pm (15 mins after the last train arrives). Credit/Debit Cards (minimum £5 spend) are taken in both the Station Shop and the Whistle-Stop Cafe.

30 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

The West Somerset Railway is offering a special discounted fare for one day only on Sunday 4 October 2015.

On that date, the last day of the WSR's Autumn Steam Gala, children aged 5 to 15 will travel for a flat fare of £2.00 per child, for any journey, single or return between any stations or even the rover ticket which offers unlimited travel for the day over the twenty miles of line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. The child must be accompanied by a fare paying adult or senior citizen.

The Gala will feature eight steam engines in action with the 'headliner' being the express steam locomotive Tornado making special appearances on all four days of the Gala, 1 to 4 October. These will the only days on which it will operate on the WSR during this visit. The other engines are mainly of Great Western design including the heavy freight engine 2857 making its first ever WSR appearance. Others include nos 4936 Kinlet Hall, 6960 Raveningham Hall, 7812 Erlestoke Manor and 7828 Odney Manor.

There will be things to see and do at stations along the way and places of interest along the route include the historic harbour town of Watchet, Cleeve Abbey (near Washford Station, home to the museum of the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust) which is staging a special weekend including displays relating to the one-time West Somerset Mineral Railway, and the medieval village of Dunster with its Castle. And with the weather forecast looking good there is the seaside at Blue Anchor or Minehead to enjoy.

29 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

With the news that LNER 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado was making its way down from York to Minehead on Tuesday 29 September 2015, it has been confirmed that the Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead Station will have the Hornby model of Tornado on sale for anyone who would like to purchase a souvenir of the day out for the layout or the showcase.

29 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The WSR Plc has embarked on a programme of outshopping a number of coaches in the early British Railways carmine and cream livery - a colour scheme that also echoes the first livery applied to the coaches of the fledgling West Somerset Railway back in 1976. TSO no 5030 emerged into the bright autumn sunlight at Minehead on 28 September 2015. It will enter traffic immediately and will appear at the forthcoming Autumn Steam Gala (1-4 October). Only dual-braked coaches will enjoy this livery which differs from the standard chocolate and cream of the main coaching stock used on the WSR. Dual-braking allows these coaches to be hauled by a full range of locomotives regardless of braking systems. It may take some time before a full carmine and cream liveried rake is completed.

29 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

WSRA Trustee Barrie Childs reports "A lovely warm sunny morning at Bishops Lydeard Station for the naming of Class 66 no 66757 West Somerset Railway. John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight, and John Irven, Chairman of WSR Plc, both made short speeches before a curtain was drawn back to reveal the new nameplate. It was a really welcome surprise to see the Douglas Fear designed WSR logo adorning that nameplate. At last, a main line locomotive carries the West Somerset Railway name. Many other heritage lines have previously been honoured with a main line loco naming but WSR has always been passed by, until now. Well done GBRf for taking the initiative. May 66757 roam the rails for many years promoting the wonderful Wizzer."

27 September 2015
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

Watchet Railway Station is having a Model Railway Sale to raise funds for repairs and maintenance at Watchet Station. On Saturday 3 October 2015 in the Pagoda Waiting Room between 10am and 3pm, there will be a small selection of secondhand OO and N gauge engines, coaches, wagons ,track, cars, buildings, books, magazines and more. Cash only for sales please and it is free admission. Pop in and see us when you're at the Gala. Contact David on 01935 421107 or Steve 01984 633425

27 September 2015
Details kindly provided by the Friends of Watchet Station

The WSRA is pleased to announce that at the recent WSRA (Promotions) Ltd Board meeting, Simon Stretton was appointed as Chairman and Jacquie Green as General Manager. Simon Stretton retired in 2010 from a successful career in electronic engineeering, culminating in a role as Chief Information Officer for a leading financial services provider. He has been a volunteer at West Somerset Restoration since April 2011 and provided all the electrical systems for the control of the generator on Jupiter and the electrical distribution throughout the Quantock Belle set. Simon describes himself as being 'a team player and who enjoys building good teams, either as a manager or a participant, matching experience with enthusiasm, perfection with pragmatism. I believe that outcomes must always be fit for purpose even if this sometimes means challenging the requirements.' Jacquie Green has been the WSRA Manager since 1 August 2015, and before that was Head of Hospitality and Catering for the WSR Plc for six years. These appointments follow the recent resignation of Susan Kaufman from the position of Managing Director.

26 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

For those who need to know, LNER 4-6-2 no 60136 Tornado will be chimney first towards Minehead on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the Autumn Steam Gala, and chimney first towards Taunton on the Gala Sunday. Meanwhile, please note the shuttles out of Minehead Station with Peckett 0-4-0ST Kilmersdon will run between 11am and 4pm on the Saturday and Sunday of the Gala.

The pre-bookable fares on the official website are for Gala Rover tickets which allow a full day of travel to suit the ticketholder. However return tickets can be purchased on the day of travel at the Booking Offices or from the Travelling Ticket Inspectors on the trains. For a full round trip over the whole of the line these cost £18.50 per adult, £16.80 per senior and £9.25 per child aged 5 to 15 (except on Sunday 4 October when the child rate of just £2.00 for any journey including rovers will apply if the child is accompanied by a fare paying adult or senior). Of course return and single tickets are available for journeys between any WSR stations. With a return ticket, the holder can stop off once in each direction, so for example it would be possible to travel Bishops Lydeard to Watchet, look around and take a later train to Minehead. Then on the return stop off at Washford.

On Saturday 3 October only, there will be an extra free bus service between Taunton Railway Station and Bishops Lydeard Station. Running from the south side of Taunton Station (note - this is the opposite side to the main entrance) the Crosville buses will leave at 7.55am, 8.55am and 9.55am. They will leave Bishops Lydeard Station at 4.45pm, 5.45pm, 6.45pm and 7.45pm. Whilst not part of the WSR free bus service, visitors might note the First Buses of Somerset service 28 links Taunton town centre, Taunton Railway Station and Bishops Lydeard Station on all four days with a half hour interval service Thursday to Saturday and hourly on Sunday.

25 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

It is announced that West Somerset Restoration, part of WSRA (Promotions) Ltd, the trading subsidiary of the West Somerset Railway Association have made an offer to repaint one of the West Somerset Railway Mk 1 service coaches. This vehicle is part of the existing operational fleet and the repaint will take place at the end of the current running season. It is expected that this vehicle will be SK no 25323 and it will retain its present brown and cream colours. The work will be undertaken at the Williton Workshops during November 2015. It is hoped that this proves to be a successful venture, creating opportunities for the future.

24 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc and West Somerset Railway Association

Friday 24 September 2015 will be the last chance to take up the WSR's 'Fantastic Friday' offer of travel for adults and seniors citizens on a round trip over the whole of the line at a discounted price of £14 as compared with the normal £18.60 or £16.80 whilst children aged 5 to 15 travel for £7.00. The tickets can be purchased at the station booking offices or from travelling ticket inspectors on the trains. The tickets offer a full day to travel as passengers please and among the places of interest to explore are the old harbour town of Watchet, Cleeve Abbey at Washford and the medieval village of Dunster. Or as the weather forecast is okay, a seaside visit to Blue Anchor or Minehead. If you are travelling to Bishops Lydeard the Lethbridge Arms near to the station offers a 10% discount on food to WSR ticket holders. Our next discount? The £2 flat rate travel (including day rover tickets) for children aged 5 to 15 accompanied by fare paying adult or senior citizen on Sunday 4 October 2015, the last day of the Autumn Steam Gala, starring Tornado.

24 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

LNER 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado is a rather special locomotive, being the first express steam engine to be built since the 1960s. Since the completion of the project by the A1 Locomotive Trust it has appeared on television and worked special trains all over the national railway network including the recently opened Borders line in Scotland.

Between 1 and October 2015 Tornado is one of seven steam engines that will be working trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead during the Autumn Steam Gala (it will not be working on other days on passenger services). It will be found at the head of the following trains:
1 October - 9.50am and 2.45pm from Bishops Lydeard and 12.45pm and 5.10pm from Minehead.
2 October - 9.50am and 2.45pm from Bishops Lydeard and 12.45pm and 4.45pm from Minehead.
3 October - 1.50pm from Norton Fitzwarren (limited stop service) and 4.45pm from Minehead.
4 October - 9.50 and 2.45pm from Bishops Lydeard and 11.55am (limited stop service) and 4.45pm from Minehead.

Except where otherwise noted the trains will stop at all the stations along the way. The other seven locomotives due to be in service will be nos 2857, 7812, 7828, 6960, 4160, 4936 and the shunting tank engine Kilmersdon. Discounted Day Rover Tickets can be purchased now from www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call 01643 704996.

23 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The West Somerset Railway is pleased to announce that a new 'Toad' has come to stay on the Railway. No, not an endangered amphibian but a rare Great Western Railway goods train brake van. All goods vehicle types were given telegraphic code names, and brake vans were called 'toads'. Other names for vehicles included 'bloaters', 'crocodiles' and 'dogfish'! Toad brake van no 114751 has had a long life. It was built in 1934 and ended its main line railway service at Leyton in East London. It was then bought privately and has spent the last twenty years in rural Herefordshire. West Somerset Railway volunteer Robin White has now bought the brake van and it arrived on the Railway on Monday 21 September. Robin and the Railway would be interested to hear of its working life between 1934 and the 1990s if it appears in anyones photographs - it always carried the same number. West Somerset Railway Chief Mechanical Engineer Andrew Foster said "We are pleased to welcome Toad no 114751 to the WSR family. It is in excellent condition, having been well looked after by its previous owner. After some minor work it will take up duties in our demonstration goods train used for Gala events and driver experience courses. We are grateful to Robin White for acquiring this very useful vehicle and placing it on long term loan to the Railway."

23 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Steam Dreams are advertising a rather special trip on Thursday 26 November 2015. Running from London Victoria to Dunster and Minehead, this Cathedrals Express also calls at Feltham, Staines, Ascot, Wokingham, Reading and Newbury. Passengers booking to Dunster will enjoy a private Christmas carol service in Dunster's parish church followed by a cup of tea and a mince pie in Dunster Castle; whilst those booking to Minehead can visit the Christmas Market where there will be an array of stalls selling a wide range of crafts, local produce, gifts and much more. Steam Dreams have LNER B1 4-6-0 no 61306 Mayflower as the booked steam locomotive. However, uksteam.info is showing LMS 4-6-2 no 46201 Princess Elizabeth on the London Victoria-Bishops Lydeard-London Victoria leg with a WSR steam locomotive handling Bishops Lydeard to Dunster and Minehead and return.

22 September 2015
Details kindly provided by Steam Dreams and uksteam.info

The Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust's Peckett saddle tank engine Kilmersdon (works number 1788, built in Bristol in 1929) can normally be found shunting at the Trust's Washford Museum during WSR steam galas. However on the Saturday and Sunday of the Autumn Steam Gala there will be a chance to travel behind it for a short distance. Between other train workings the 0-4-0ST will run brake van shuttles in and out of Minehead station for a short trip along the line towards Dunster (but not actually as far as Dunster) and back again. Travel will be in goods brake vans, reviving some memories of enthusiast outings between the 1940s and 70s. Travel on the shuttles will be free for WSR ticket holders or will cost £2.00 for adults and seniors and £1.00 for children aged 5 to 15. Travel on the shuttles cannot be booked in advance. Kilmersdon is of historic interest as it was the last steam engine to work in industrial service in Somerset, working at Kilmersdon Colliery near Radstock until the mine closed in 1972.

22 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

A Great British Railfreight Class 66 will be heading two passenger trains on the WSR on Saturday 26 September 2015. After being named West Somerset Railway, no 66757 will work the 11.05am from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. It will return from Minehead on the 3.25pm departure, arriving back at Bishops Lydeard at 4.45pm. Normal fares will apply including WSR discounts and BR Privilege.

22 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust will have their Great Western Railway coach BCK no 6705 open to visitors on the Saturday and Sunday of the Autumn Steam Gala 1-4 October 2015. Members of the Heritage Carriages Project restoration team will be present at Williton to talk about the work done to date and what remains to be done and will of course be happy to welcome any potential new helpers or accept any donations to help the project along. The Project's 1897 GWR Sleeping Car no 9038 will be on display in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard Station on all four days of the Gala. Also at Williton the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group will be welcoming visitors to the Depot and Heritage Centre. Admission by donation to the DEPG.

Updated 25 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

On 25 September 2015, the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station are once again taking part in the "World's Biggest Coffee Morning" in adi of MacMillan Cancer Support. Join the Friends on the platform between 10.30am and 12.30pm for coffee or tea with delicious homemade cake. Full details here. In other news from the Friends, we understand Dave Salter has been appointed Acting Station Master. And Mike Collins has constructed a very smart box to hold kindling wood to be used in the Crowcombe Heathfield Signal Box.

21 September 2015
Details kindly provided by Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station

A Class 66 heavy freight diesel locomotive belonging to GB Railfreight (GBRF) will be formally named West Somerset Railway on Saturday 26 September at Bishops Lydeard Railway Station at 10.30am. GB Railfreight chose to name the locomotive - no 66757 - West Somerset Railway to symbolise the important relationship the company has with Britain's longest heritage railway line. John Smith GBRF Managing Director commented "We have supported the West Somerset Railway and its affiliated diesel locomotive group (DEPG) with assistance and expertise for many years, and we recognise the high standards of both operation and engineering skills that are present on this heritage railway. Only this year our Class 59 Yeoman Highlander undertook its first public run on the UK rail network on the West Somerset Railway since its repatriation. Saturday's naming celebrates our close working relationship and will serve as a reminder of the good work that the railway does as the locomotive travels up and down the country". GBRF has worked with the West Somerset Railway before, bringing locomotives from their fleet to special events on the heritage line and a Class 73 locomotive was named after a member of their staff during a diesel enthusiasts weekend two years ago. WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare added "We are pleased to welcome our colleagues back to Minehead and honoured that GBRF have chosen to name one of their locomotives after the West Somerset Railway. The locomotive will be seen across the railway network of Britain and will help to raise the profile of this company far and wide."

21 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The West Somerset Railway has now confirmed the appearance of LNER 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado at the Autumn Steam Gala from 1st to 4th October 2015. The locomotive will be running all four days of the event. No 60163 joins nos 7828, 7812, 2857, 4160, 6960 and 4936. Also, Kilmersdon will be in steam at Washford Yard.

20 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

As part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the West Somerset Railway, a GB Railfreight GBRF Class 66 will be named at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 26 September 2015. The loco will then haul the 11.05am service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and the 3.25pm from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. The loco is due to arrive from the main line on Friday.

20 September 2015
Details gleaned from the Facebook page of West Somerset Railway Plc

The Review Panel met on 16 September 2015. This was the first opportunity for the Panel to discuss the written submissions received. The Panel recognised and appreciated the considerable thought and effort that had gone into each submission. Many of those submitting described events and the issues as seen from different perspectives, this the Review Panel found very helpful and informative. A number of themes and concerns were also evident in the submissions which will direct the Review Panel's future lines of enquiry. A more thorough statistical analysis will be now carried out on these submissions. Based upon the narratives, issues and concerns expressed, an initial selection of participants was agreed to be invited to provide further insight and ideas to help the Panel in its review and to come up with its recommendations. It should be noted that the list of participants was not drawn up on status, position or views expressed. Individuals were included where it was felt additional depth could be provided. Depending on the initial interviews the Review may or may not wish to make further enquiries or undertake further interviews. The Review Panel remains confident of completing the program in good time to report by 1 December 2015.

18 September 2015
Details kindly provided by the WSRA Review Panel

Here is an update from the two webcam managers on the poorly webcams. At Bishops Lydeard, the replacement part for the PC has been sourced and awaits the visit of the volunteer Bishops Lydeard webcam manager. At Minehead, the PC here has suffered a major failure and the volunteer Minehead webcam manager says the webcam will be offline for a few weeks. We hope everyone will be patient whilst our volunteer webcam managers work their magic.

18 September 2015
Details kindly provided by the two webcam managers

A dozen staff participated in an alcohol and drug testing session at Minehead on Thursday 17 September 2015. The session was the second of a programme of alcohol and drug testing to be held at random periods and locations along the Railway, to ensure all staff are compliant with the Company policies concerning working whilst under the influence of alcohol and 'recreational' drugs. The picture shows 'Buzz', the Company's resident welder happily taking his turn during the testing session.

17 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The last West Somerset Steam Express of the season is due to run on 19 September 2015. Operated by the Railway Touring Co, this series of trains from London Paddington to Minehead features haulage by two steam locomotives in one day - an express steam locomotive hauls train from London Paddington to the West Somerset Railway at Bishops Lydeard where one of the WSR locos takes the train to Minehead and back. On Saturday, SR 4-6-2 no 34067 Tangmere is expected to cover the main line duty whilst GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall is rostered for the WSR leg of the journey. Times for this excursion can be found on the excellent uksteam.info website.

17 September 2015
Details kindly provided by local correspondents, uksteam.info and the Railway Touring Co

Ian Aldridge, WSRA Taunton Group Chairman, writes "It is with regret that I have to inform you of the death of Rob Perry. His funeral is to be held on 18 September 2015 at the Yeovil Crematorium at 12 noon. Rob had been a member of the Association for 26 years; he attended the Taunton Group meetings; he was also a member of the Great Western Society and was a keen follower of all things railways. He leaves his wife, Betty."

16 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Assocation

For several years the Friends of Minehead Station have set aside funding to help the Company replace the seafront fence at Minehead Railway Station. Martyn Snell, Chairman of the Friends, reports "Wednesday 16 September 2015 is a red letter day for the Friends as the first sections that have been sourced from elsewhere, worked on in Minehead engine shed and now loaded ready to be taken to Crediton for shot blasting and other treatments before returning for installation. During the installation, the present fence sections will be removed, leaving it safe for all concerned, and these sections will be worked on in the Minehead engine shed - thanks to all in there - and the process will be repeated. It is not a quick fix but, hopefully, in the foreseeable future, Minehead Station will sport a refurbished fence of which we can be proud. Thanks for all the liaison within the various departments on the Railway."

16 September 2015
Details kindly provided by the Friends of Minehead Station

Members of the Heritage Railway Association visited the West Somerset Railway on 13 September 2015. We understand the day started at Minehead with location visits arranged at Washford and the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group at Williton. The visitors also enjoyed a brake van trip around the Norton Triangle site. We also understand several of the HRA visitors sampled Somerset CAMRA's fine ale prior to boarding their 12.30pm departure, some of them still with beer in hand. A couple of the participants even declared themselves to be CAMRA members!

15 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc and Somerset CAMRA

The West Somerset Railway have issued the train times for the four day 2015 Autumn Steam Gala from 1 October to 4 October. The times can be viewed on the event page on the official WSR website or on the train times page on this website. The loco line-up for the Autumn Steam Gala currently includes nos 7812, 7828, 4160, 60163, 2857, 6960, 4936.

15 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The West Somerset Railway Plc have asked us to publish details of the next Stakeholders Meeting which will be held at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall on Saturday 24 October at 1.30pm. There will be updates on current issues as well as an input from the HR Department. All staff and volunteers are welcome.

14 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

GWR 2-8-0 no 3850, a regular performer over the last ten years, completed its last duties on the West Somerset Railway on 13 September 2015 by operating the early diagram from Bishops Lydeard. The WSR's Chief Mechanical Engineer, Andy Forster plans to dispatch the loco by road to the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway on Tuesday 15 September. With the boiler ticket due to expire soon and a heavy overhaul looming, the locomotive's owners, Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd wish to operate it for its last few days on that railway.

14 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Later this month, Great Western Heavy Freight 2-8-0 no 3850 comes to the end of its boiler ticket and after around 80,000 miles and nearly 1200 days in steam the loco will be leaving the WSR for a well-deserved heavy overhaul. The owners of the locomotive, Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd, say "We would like to thank the WSR crews and shed staff who have looked after the loco so well over all these years - and all those many thousands of passengers who have experienced the power of this lovely old machine. It was great to see some lovely photos and video clips of the old girl performing so well hauling the incoming Charters in August this year." The full statement is are available as a downloadable PDF document.

10 September 2015
Details kindly provided by Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd

The Secretary of the Partnership Development Group has kindly provided the draft minutes of the meeting ot the Group held on 20 August 2015. Along with the standing items the Group also discussed the appointment of the Group's next chairman; also on-train advertising and the Brunel House lease. The minutes are available as a downloadable PDF document.

The Quantock Belle kitchen carriages Orion and Jupiter will be participating on two days of the four day Autumn Steam Gala providing the ever-popular bacon baps and other all day breakfast style goodies on Saturday 3 October and Sunday 4 October.

8 September 2015
Details gleaned from the Quantock Belle facebook page

The West Somerset Railway will be holding a specially organised recruitment day for volunteer guards and signalmen at Bishops Lydeard Station on Sunday 15 November starting at 10am. Following an initial chat and basic safety briefing, covering both grades, potential guards will have the chance to try their hand at rolling stock inspection, shunting, liaising with drivers, handsignalling, and so on. Potential signalmen will be shown the interior of the signal box and be given the chance to try working the token machines and some points and signals and also be introduced to the outside duties - handsignalling, point machines, and so on. If you want to know more about what is involved before deciding whether or not to attend then please feel free to contact Pete Vile (guards) on peter.vile@wsrail.net or Chris Pratt (signalmen) on chris.pratt@wsrail.net for more details.

7 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

GWR 2-6-2T no 4110 has received a new coat of green and black paint courtesy of a fine effort by the Cleaners of Minehead Locomotive Shed. The paint will help protect the metalwork pending the start of the loco's restoration programme. Andy Forster, WSR's Chief Mechanical Engineer adds: "We would now like to enhance the loco with a pair of replica cab side brass number plates, donations gratefully received addressed to 'Locomotive 4110, West Somerset Railway, The Railway Station, Minehead. TA24 5BG'. We are also trying to source a suitable safety valve bonnet and would like to hear from anyone who knows of one for sale (or donation!). Any condition considered."

7 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The rebuild of the engine for Class 03 no D2133 is progressing well. There have been delays caused by the need to manufacture some new components and unexpected reworking of existing components by the contractors Gardner Marine Diesels. One cylinder block had a historical weld repair and required replacing. The lack of stock bearings has required new manufacture. Rebuilding is due to start mid September for delivery in October. On the Railway's part the overhaul of the flywheel/fluid coupling will require new bearings (£450) and new seal (£1,500) before it is fitted to the returned engine.

4 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Geoff Pateman, Company Secretary of the West Somerset Railway Plc, has asked us to publish the minutes of the Plc's 43rd Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 27 June 2015 at the Hobby Horse Ballroom, Minehead. The minutes are available as a downloadable PDF document which will load into a new browser window.

3 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

West Somerset Railway Chief Mechanical Engineer, Andy Forster, has released this announcement "The WSR has reached agreement with the A1 Trust for the hire of 60163 Tornado to attend it's Autumn Steam Gala from 1st to 4th October 2015. Attendance is subject to the satisfactory conclusion of the transfer arrangements necessary to get the locomotive by rail from York to Norton Fitzwarren following it's mainline excursion on 26th September. The locomotive will be running all 4 days of the event and our thanks go to the A1 Trust for making this visit possible."

3 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Matt Cambourne of the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group writes "Unfortunately we have had to change the allocation on Saturday 12 September due to operational reasons." The final diesel loco allocations for 2015 will be Class 35 Hymek no D7017 on Saturday 5 September, Sunday 13 September and Saturday 26 September; and Class 33 Crompton no D6575 on Saturday 12 September (works 9.30am Bishops Lydeard to Minehead only). Please note the Williton Diesel Depot also open 10am to 4pm on 26 September 2015.

3 September 2015
Details kindly provided by Diesel & Electric Preservation Group

On Fridays in September (4th, 11th, 18th & 25th) Day Rover Tickets will be available at the discounted price of £14 for adults and senior citizens and £7 for children aged 5 to 15. Travel on the trains to suit yourselves and explore the places of interest along the way including the old harbour town of Watchet with its narrow streets, museums and local shops, Washford - the alighting point for Cleeve Abbey and Torre Cider Farm, and Dunster for the medieval village overlooked by the 1000 year old castle and with the Yarn Market building, working water mill and Dolls Museum amongst its attractions. WSR ticket holders can obtain discounted admission to the Abbey and Dunster Castle and if you are going to Bishops Lydeard the village pubs offer discounts on production of your WSR tickets. Buy at station booking offices or from ticket inspectors on the train. Or buy online now.

2 September 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Former Bishops Lydeard Station Master and long time WSR supporter, David Northey, is directing the latest offering from @2K Theatre - Somerset's newest amateur theatre group. Fresh from winning the NODA South West award for 'Best Dramatic Production' for their recent production of "Abigail's Party", @2K Theatre brings "The Titfield Thunderbolt" - adapted for the stage, from the Ealing comedy film of the same name by Philip Goulding.

David explains "Bring along a big dollop of imagination and be prepared to join in with the fun as we work with the good villagers of Titfield to save their branch line from imminent closure. The man from the ministry has to be convinced that this can be done competently despite the dodgy dealings of Vernon Crump and his new omnibus service. A rollocking production of pure hilarity. Audience members are invited to dress circa 1952 and step all aboard for a journey like no other and join in the fun!"

Catch the Titfield Thunderbolt during October at Churchinford Village Hall on the 1st; Monksilver EMN Hall on the 2nd; Tacchi Morris Arts Centre on the 3rd; Stogumber Village Hall on the 8th; Hatch Beauchamp Village Hall on the 9th, and Othery Village Hall on the 10th. All departures are 7.30pm prompt except Saturdays where an additional matinee is performed at 2pm. Tickets and information can be obtained by calling the @2K Box office on 07943 495088 or for bookings at the Tacchi Morris 01823 414141.

2 September 2015
Details kindly provided by @2K Theatre and local correspondent