Kate Beard, the Retail Manager at WSRA Promotions, advises of the opening times for the Station Shop and the Whistle-Stop Cafe at Bishops Lydeard during November 2015.

Sunday 1 November 9.30am to 6.00pm
Saturday 7 November 11.00 to 3.00pm
Saturday 14 November 11.00 to 3.00pm
Saturday 21 November 11.00 to 3.00pm
Saturday 28 November 11.00 to 3.00pm
Sunday 29 November 9.30am to 5.00pm

Contact details 01823 432125 or shop@wsra.org.uk

31 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

The Turntable Cafe at Minehead Station will be open between 10am and 2pm Monday to Sunday in November and December with longer hours during the Christmas Market (26 November), Dunster by Candlelight (4 and 5 December) and Santa Trains from Minehead (19, 20, 22, 23, 24 December). It will also be open for its normal hours 27 December to 1 January including the Winter Steam Festival (28 and 29 December).

And starting on Monday 2 November there will be hot meals on sale at lunch time. If there are any coach parties or groups in the area who would like to eat in the cafe which is adjacent to the coach parking in Minehead they will be welcome but please call 01643 700404 to advise that you are planning to come in if you are bringing a group.

30 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The Secretary of the Partnership Development Group has kindly provided the draft minutes of the meeting ot the Group held on 15 October 2015. Along with the standing items the Group, Cllr Jean Adkins was unanimously elected as Vice-Chairman; also Steve Williams presented the Plc 3-Year Business Plan (which will appear on the Plc website and on the unofficial WSR website). The minutes are available as a downloadable PDF document.

28 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

David Baker stepped down as Vice Chairman at the PlcLC October Board meeting but remains as a Director of the Company with specific responsibilities as Share Registrar and lead Director on commercial matters. David has been associated with the railway for many years and has been Vice Chairman since October 2013.

John Irven Plc Chairman said:

I would like to pay tribute to David in his role as Vice Chairman and particularly for his leadership and commitment during my absence through illness earlier in 2015. David has extensive experience on and knowledge of, the railway and we wish to retain that as we move through a period of development and change particularly in relation to improving the commercial operation of the PLC.

A process for selection and appointment of the new Vice Chairman will be considered and agreed at the Plc Board Meeting on 21 November 2015.

28 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

From the Chairman and Secretary of the Rally Committee...

Ian & Wendy have had to step down from these key roles due to a number of personal and family reasons. We are looking to fill these voluntary posts in the near future to allow a handover period before they leave in the spring.

The Chairman's role includes coordinating the event itself and the committee, chairing the monthly meetings, ordering resources (marquees, toilets, public address system etc.) and liaising with WSR plc and other relevant parties to enable this fantastic show to go ahead.

The secretarial role includes taking and distributing the minutes of the monthly meetings, coordinating the online ticketing, answering emails and monitoring the website and Facebook accounts. If you are interested in part or all of these roles please contact Wendy at wsrarally@gmail.com for more information.

The Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally is an important event in the WSR calendar showcasing the railway as a whole and this year was extremely successful with record numbers and profits.

28 October 2015
Details kindly provided by Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally

The WSRA announces the appointment of one new Trustee and the resignation of three WSRA Trustees, Ian Coleby, Nigel Adams and Barrie Childs.

The press release continues...

Mr Frank Courtney, who is a well-known and respected figure up and down the railway, has agreed to join the board as a co-opted Trustee and Director. Frank is the Managing Director of an International Consultancy and has had many roles on the West Somerset Railway, including that of guard, Project Manager for the Thomas the Tank Engine Events and most recently as mediator in negotiations between WSR organisations. His appointment will be put to the members at the next AGM.

Ian Coleby leaves to take up another appointment on the West Somerset Railway and we wish him well in that.

Nigel Adams and Barrie Childs were elected by the membership at the AGM in July and have only attended three Trustee meetings. It is a matter of some regret that their resignations deprive both them and those who voted for them of the opportunity to make their points and fight for their particular points of view.

The Articles of Association require a board of between six and ten in number. There are now seven Trustees and no further appointments will be made in the foreseeable future, allowing for a period of consolidation.

28 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

With just a week left in the paint shop at Williton before the next coach is due to come in, it was all hands to the paint brushes for the Heritage Carriage Project team to complete the external painting of GWR BCK no 6705 before the end of the month. Those in the picture from left to right are Greg McNelly, Roger Legg, Tim Randle, Ray Clack and John Peach. A larger image can be found here

26 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust

From a document supporting the planning application for internal changes to the historic Willition Signal Box, which is a Listed Building.

The West Somerset Railway is undertaking a scheme to restore the original track formation at Williton Station which will again see the east platform used to its full capacity. As part of this work a large amount of interlocking changes and electrical safety improvements need to be made within the signal box to allow for the realignment of track. The majority of this work will take place underneath the operating floor in the signal box, at ground level; an area not accessible to the public for their own safety and to protect the safety critical apparatus inside. Additional instruments are needed on the block shelf and four levers need to be shortened to comply with ORR operational standards. There will be no partial or complete demolition of the listed building or buildings attached. The highway tarmac and track formation directly outside the building will be relaid from a maintenance point of view but will be reinstated using timber check rails as per the current assembly to reflect the heritage of the site.

26 October 2015
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

The WSRA Taunton Group meets on the 1st Monday of the month at the GWSA Club Station Approach, Taunton, Somerset TAI 2EV 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start unless stated otherwise, we do not meet on Bank Holiday Mondays but will meet one week later (see notices). Forthcoming events include on 2 November a slide presentation from the archives by Ian Aldridge 'The WSRA from the early days up to the mid eighties'; then on 7 December a slide presentation by Peter Triggs 'Steam in the West' with the possibility of talks on Tyseley and their Specials, plus the Ffestiniog Railway. The next Photo Competition is 4 January 2016 so get snapping - all photos should be taken in 2015 and submitted preferably on DVD, memory stick, slides or photographs maximum ten pictures per category - 'Steam', 'WSR Steam', 'Landscape', 'Modern Traction and other forms of transport'. More details to follow. Contact Ian Aldridge WSRA Vice-Chairman 01823 430194 or email ianaldridge62@talktalk.net

26 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

Ray Waldron at West Somerset Restoration sends congratulations to Ryan Pope following a successful hydraulic test for boiler of Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219 was carried out at Williton on Friday 23 October 2015. To the delight of owner Ryan Pope, who is restoring the loco, the boiler held 240 psi without problems. Ryan now has a steam test booked for the first week in November and if successful, Ryan - one of the apprentices at West Somerset Restoration's Williton base- will then be able to fit the boiler to the chassis. Who knows - the little loco might well running by Christmas.

24 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Restoration

A joint effort by members of the WSR Plc's Commercial Department and Exmoor Tourism attended the recent Group Travel and Leisure Show at the NEC Birmingham. John Simms (Publicity Officer) and volunteer Martyn Snell were joined by Antony Brunt from Exmoor Tourism for the event. Martyn reports the team had a productive time at the show.

24 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Steve Martin, WSR's Operating Superintendent, writes "Supporters of the Railway will be saddened by the news that Ian passed away on Saturday 10 October 2015 after a short illness. Ian joined the WSR around 1979, originally working with the Bristol and Bath Group of the WSRA when they had stewardship of Watchet station. Ian then became a regular volunteer at Minehead working on the locomotive and operating side, passing out as a guard in 1983. He then became a signalman, initially at Blue Anchor and Williton and later at Minehead. On the locomotive side Ian passed out as a fireman, regularly firing Bagnall tanks with the likes of drivers John Green, Don Haynes and David Rouse. Ian also assisted the railway by running the shop and buffet at Minehead for a year before being replaced without the opportunity to build on his initial success. As the railway grew Ian joined the operating department paid staff as guard/signalman with Permanent Way duties in the winter. Many a tale he would tell of working 10 coaches with BR 9F no 92220 Evening Star in 1989 with no TTI and having to sweep the train out the end of the day. Ian eventually left the WSR for a job in the health service before retirement, although over recent years Ian's cheerful face could be seen on the station at Dunster. Alongside his day-to-day involvement with the operating department Ian was a keen supporter of the 5542 loco group and alternated work on the loco with work on their two auto coaches. Away from the Railway, Ian was a strong socialist and served on the local town and district councils. Always proud of his Scottish roots, Ian was always delighted when Rangers were doing well. Ian enjoyed a game of skittles and was part of the railway team which was called away from a game to deal with the great flood of Minehead in 1996 Ian is survived by his wife Myra and daughter Michelle." Our thanks to Steve Martin for his permission to re-use his words first published on the WSR staff website. Ian's funeral will be 12 noon on Thursday 29 October at Taunton Crematorium. There will be a gathering afterwards, details and venue to be advised.

20 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Recent gala events at the West Somerset Railway have been enhanced by the presence of Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway Coach no 4 which has made appearances in a splendidly restored external condition. Initially this was confined to movements in the yard at Washford Station on the West Somerset Railway, home to Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust but more recently it has travelled the line in August 2015 to Norton Fitzwarren to appear at the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally and to Minehead where it featured in the Autumn Steam Gala. With the 50th anniversary of the closure of the S&D falling in 2016 the SDRT's team of workers would very much like to see the coach able to carry passengers once more, ideally by the start of March when the West Somerset Railway is holding two special weekends to mark the anniversary of closure. However for this to be achieved there is the small matter of £29,000 to be raised, primarily to pay for the costs of upholstery in the compartments. Coach no 4 itself was originally constructed at the Highbridge Works in 1886 and continued in railway service until withdrawal in 1930. It then spent the next 56 years as a sports pavilion at Templecombe before being rescued by the Trust and taken to Washford. Apart from financial help the Trust would also be happy to welcome woodworkers, metal workers and painters to the workforce as it has three more vintage carriages to restore plus various vintage wagons to maintain. Any potential volunteers can reach the Trust via their website www.sdrt.org or 01984 640869. Cheques in support of the restoration of no 4 (payable to Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust) should be sent to Number 4 Appeal, Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust, The Railway Station, Washford, Watchet, Somerset, TA23 0PP.

20 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The present level of extra discount for advanced purchases of Rover Tickets for the 2016 Spring Steam Gala will end on 31 October 2015 so if you are looking for some cheaper Somerset and Dorset atmosphere half a century after the line closed there is some extra money to be saved. From 1 November onwards there will be discount to be had by advance booking - but not so much! After 1 November 2015 the Advance fares for the Spring Gala will be as follows: One Day Rovers Adult £25.20 (on day £28), Senior £22.70 (£25.50), Young Person (5 to 17) £12.60 (14.00), Family (2 adult and 2 young persons or 1 +3), £68.40 (£76.00), 2 Day Adult and Senior £38.70 (£43.00) Young Person £19.35 (£21.50), 3 or 4 Day Adult/Senior £54 (£60) Young Person £30 (£27.00), 6 Day Adult/Senior £76.50 (£85.00) Young Person £38.25 (£42.50). The 6 Day will cover both the Commemorative Weekend 5-6 March and the Gala Weekend 10-13 March. For the current advance fares see www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.

16 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

As always David Oldham has worked quickly to produce the DVD of the recent Autumn Steam Gala and it will be on sale from The Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead station from Saturday 17 October 2015 priced £17. If you can't make it to the shop it can be ordered for £18 including post and packing by ringing 01643 704996 or if you prefer sending a cheque to West Somerset Railway Plc, The Buffer Stop Shop, The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG. It might also make a nice Christmas gift for someone.

16 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Paul Conibeare, WSR Plc General Manager, writes "Just a reminder that the next Stakeholders Meeting is Saturday 24 October 2015, 2pm at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall. All welcome, and as usual a wide and varied Presentation will take place and the chance for any questions you may have."

16 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Stogumber Station on the West Somerset Railway has established an excellent reputation for its home made refreshments, both with passengers on the WSR who enjoy a picnic is the station gardens and walkers in the Quantock Hills taking enjoying the fare as part of their day out. Now the Friends of Stogumber Station have published a booklet of recipes for the home made cakes which have proved so tempting to those calling at the station. Compiled by Gil Cox there are 20 pages of recipes (some 35 in all) plus information about how to join the Friends and an answer to a regularly asked question about a tree at the station which is linked to a recipe for jelly. Copies of the booklet can be obtained for £2.50 by calling in at the station (which is open on days when trains are running on the West Somerset or by post for £3.50 including p&p from FOSS, 1 Archers Grove, Stogumber, Taunton, TA4 3AJ. Cheques should be made payable to Friends of Stogumber Station and proceeds will go to further enhancing the station where the latest long term project is restoration of the former cattle dock. The booklet will also be on sale on the evening of 31 October 2015 when Stogumber Station will be hosting the pre-bookable 'Scream and Steam' event on the WSR. Pre-bookings for 'Scream and Steam' can be made via www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or 01643 704996.

13 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Former Chairman of the West Somerset Railway Plc, Chris Austin, will be signing copies of his second book "Disconnected! Broken Links Britain's Rail Policy" during the WSR's Winter Steam Festival. Chris will be signing in the Bishops Lydeard Station Shop on Monday 28 December 2015 and next day at Minehead's Buffer Stop Shop. The book, co-authored with Richard Faulkner and published by Ian Allan is due to be released on 19 November 2015 and looks at lines that have reopened or are planned to reopen, and those that should have been retained. It also reveals the real stories behind some of the most controversial closures and draw some important conclusions for today's transport planners and politicians. They also pay tribute to some of the whistleblowers of earlier years, without whose intervention, the railway would be much smaller than it is today. As well as the closure of key routes that would add value to the network today, the authors look at the loss of many city centre stations that have stretched capacity at the remaining stations and inhibited the growth of services.

12 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

On Friday 9 October, Hymek no D7018, which is in the latter stages of a major overhaul, was successfully restarted for the first time since the locomotive suffered a catastrophic engine failure while hauling the Quantock Belle in August 1995. The Williton-based Diesel and Electric Preservation Group say the engine started easily and ran smoothly, with only a few minor, and easily rectified, snags. The team went on to make several starts in different combinations to test the various control circuits. Next day, several more starts were made to check out the transmission and associated controls. For about 25 minutes, two Hymeks were actually running together a few yards apart. More work is needed with the transmission, and a lot of work remains to be done with the locomotive itself, but the overhaul team have made a major and significant leap forward in bringing the locomotive back to traffic. See the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group website for the full story and for several videos taken on the day.

12 October 2015
Details kindly provided by Diesel and Electric Preservation Group

Chris Osment, a long serving volunteer and signalling specialist writes, "The Silk Mill - Williton token, although the last new section to be introduced on the line (1970), appears to have been produced from a new blank. By contrast the Williton - Blue Anchor token (introduced 1964 with the closure of Kentsford box) was been totally re-engraved, suggesting that it did not re-use a Williton - Kentsford token, so the 'original' token may not have come from the Minehead Branch at all. Curiously the Williton - Kentsford token at Blue Anchor Railway Museum has also been completely re-engraved, despite that section existing since 1933, suggesting that it might be a later replacement for a lost or damaged token." See picture

11 October 2015
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

Robin White, owner of GWR Toad brake van no 114751, reports "WSR supporters will have seen that more steelwork has been removed from the verandah of Toad no 114751. After the rotten floor had been stripped out from the verandah, it was possible to inspect the supporting steelwork and the side panels. Andy Forster and I concluded that, while it was perfectly possible and safe to replace the floor without any steelwork repairs, given that the brakevan is intended to be a long term WSR resident, it was sensible to deal with corrosion in these areas now, before the floor is re-fitted. '751' is, therefore, receiving the ministrations of 'Buzz' the WSR welder. I am also pleased that the craft skill of hot riveting, which the team at Minehead have, will be used where appropriate in these repairs, preserving the heritage appearance of the van. During its time in the Leyton breakdown train, the van had a number of cupboards and internal fittings added. As a first step in the process to return the van to its 1934 condition, a working party or two is planned in November to remove these items. If there are any WSRA supporters who would like to join me in this work, please be in touch via robin215white@btinternet.com. The van retains its stove, and I would expect to be testing that on the same day, and the roof is sound, so we should be warm and dry in our work whatever the weather!"

11 October 2015
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

Great teamwork on the West Somerset Railway during the evening of 8 October 2015. A charter train was organised by the WSR Plc with guard and signalmen, using the Quantock Belle coaches and catering provided by WSR Association, with help from the WSR Plc's catering team, and the locomotive and crew provided by the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group. All working together for the benefit of the West Somerset Railway and guests. A great time was had by all!

10 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

A Halloween Spooky Spectacular - take a ride on the 'Steam and Scream' train on Saturday 31 October 2015 from Bishops Lydeard to a spooky Stogumber Station where a host of events and attractions will be waiting. Passengers will have an hour to enjoy a Halloween Treasure Hunt, a Halloween-themed 'goody bag', Mac the Wizard and Westeria the Witch, a Halloween fancy dress competition, fireworks, balloon modellings and other Halloween-themed crafts. Exmoor Zoo's Animal Roadshow will be there, too. There are still seats vailable on the 5.10pm departure from Bishops Lydeard Station. Passengers wil find a Halloween activity pack on the train to help build the atmosphere! More information

9 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The WSRA Board met on Tuesday 29 September 2015. It was agreed not to pursue the offer of a number of former camping coaches due to their poor condition and the difficulties removing them from the current site; also to look at alternative proposals for the future of the existing WSRA camping coach at Blue Anchor which is deemed beyond economic repair. TSO no 4419 was reported as being outshopped and made available for use on the Railway on short term agreement with WSR Plc pending negotiations over a longer term agreement. Membership benefits were discussed and changes agreed - full details will be published in the next issue of the Journal and on the website. A proposal by Promotions to appoint an additional Director was endorsed. Health & safety, finances, stone trains, publicity, a report from the Company Secretary and the Association's website were also discussed. A copy of the report of the Trustee meeting can found on the WSRA website.

8 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

A reminder from the Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard. Manager Kate Beard says "We are always keen to receive donations of railway or transport books and DVDs in order to boost sales in our shop. We are also happy to be offered any official railway publications, publicity or tickets from the eras prior to the 1980s, as well as any small artefacts. All profits are ploughed back into maintaining and improving the West Somerset Railway. If you can help, please bring any donations to the Station Shop or contact Kate on 01823 432125 or wsrashop@btconnect.com "

8 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

Memories of the Somerset and Dorset Railway will be invoked in miniature form at the West Somerset Railway's Spring Steam Gala event in March 2016 which will mark the 50th anniversary of the closure of the much missed S&D in March 1966. The Taunton and District Model Railway Group's 4mm scale recreation of Bath (Green Park) Station has won many awards for its quality and interest and the TMRG club room at Bishops Lydeard Station will be open on selected dates during the Gala. Meanwhile in the adjacent 'Gauge Museum', housed in the former goods shed, there will be an N scale model of Burnham-on-Sea Station (the original closed to regular passenger traffic in 1954 but excursion traffic continued into the 60s) built by Alastair Knox, and brought in courtesy of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust, also operating on selected dates. Meanwhile the continuous run 4mm scale model on the upper floor of the Museum will no doubt feature appropriate locos and stock.

The Spring Steam Gala will take place over two weekends with the first weekend (5 and 6 March 2016) being a commemoration of the closure, and a traditional style gala taking place between 10 and 13 March 2016.

Discounted Rover Tickets for the Gala can be purchased online at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by calling 01643 704996.

8 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

After seven years at the helm Jeff and Wendy Cousins are stepping down from managing the Friends of Minehead Station's 'Readers Halt' second-hand book and magazines stall. Volunteer(s) to take over the role are being sought and if anyone is interested in this they are welcome to see Jeff and Wendy at the 'Halt' on Wednesdays and Saturdays until the running season is over. Apart from keeping the volunteer helpers rostered and looking after the stock it is necessary from time to time to go to collect stock (and some bequests are numerous and heavy). 'RH' is the main source of income for FoMS and its proceeds have funded most of the many improvements made to the station since FoMS was formed.

7 October 2015
Details kindly provided by the Friends of Minehead Station

John Simms, WSR's Publicity Officer, is quoted in an article in the Somerset County Gazette: "It went really well, we had just short of 4,955 passengers over the four days which is a bit of an increase on last year. I think Tornado really brought the crowds out to see us, and looking ahead we have already had bookings in for the spring gala next year. We had a really good mix of families and keen trainspotters out with us and we had a very good take up on our special offer on the Gala Sunday of a £2 flat fare for children accompanied by an adult. Plus there was some lovely weather, particularly in the afternoons." The Railway also reports up to the end of September, nearly 150,000 passengers have travelled on the line in 2015.

7 October 2015
Details gleaned from Somerset County Gazette and from WSR Plc

Ian Aldridge Taunton Group Chairman writes " I am pleased to confirm that David Oldham will be giving the October presentation as planned at the WSRA Taunton Group meeting on Monday 5 October at the GWS&A Club Taunton at 7.45pm, the presentation will include WSRA footage with scenes of the Vulcan and the 19 Spitfires to finish the evening. For an evening of great entertainment and good company why not join us. Ian Aldridge Taunton Group Chairman. ianaldridge@talktalk.net 01823 430194"

3 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

An all day breakfast service will be available on the 9.50am from Bishops Lydeard, the 11.55am from Minehead, the 1.15pm from Bishops Lydeard and the 3.45pm from Minehead during the weekend of the Autumn Steam Gala (Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 October 2015). The 'Plated Full English' breakfast is £5. Also on offer are Breakfast Baps with egg, bacon or sausage at £2.50 (one filling), £3.00 (two fillings) or £3.50 (three fillings); and burgers, cheeseburgers, cream teas, tea and coffee. This service is provided by WSRA Catering.

2 October 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

Sorry for the continuing lack of webcam coverage. The webcam managers are doing their best to rectify the problems. Please be patient. At Minehead, a temporary replacement PC was recently installed but it now seems to be having problems. At Bishops Lydeard, the replacement motherboard has been sourced and awaits fitting. Both webcams are dependent on the volunteer webcam managers and we are grateful for the time and money they spend on the webcams to enable us to enjoy the views. Please be patient. Update: delighted to say the Minehead webcam is now back online.

2 October 2015
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

Ex-BR Mk I TSO no 4039 spent many years standing on the Goods Shed headshunt at Minehead providing a buffet facility before being removed in March 2007 to the Exmouth Model Railway attraction where it formed a similar role. Now comes news that the carriage is on the move again following the closure of the Exmouth attraction. It is headed west to the Lappa Valley Railway in Cornwall where, we understand, it will continue its long standing catering role. The facility at Minehead Station was briefly covered by a Mk III buffet car before the purpose-built Turntable Cafe was opened in 2008.

1 October 2015
Details kindly provided by local correspondent