The floral displays are much admired by visitors to Bishops Lydeard Station on the West Somerset Railway. Sadly, a thief has stolen 19 mature plants, all top quality from Bower Flowers of Bridgwater, from the famous and much photographed 'train' feature created by Head Gardener Clive Goddard and his team. The theft took place over the weekend and we understand it may be possible to identify the culprit. Meantime the gardening team are working hard to re-arrange plants to ensure visitors can continue to enjoy the wonderful floral display.

29 June 2016
Details kindly provided by local corrspondent

Steam Dreams announce an excursion from London to West Somerset on 23 August 2016. Steam express locomotive LMS 4-6-2 no 6201 Princess Elizabeth is rostered (subject to the usual caveats). The special departs form London Victoria and calls at Hounslow, Virginia Water, Ascot, Reading, Newbury Racecourse and Castle Cary, then non-stop to the West Somerset Railway. For full information please visit the Steam Dreams website.

28 June 2016
Details kindly provided by Steam Dreams

News from the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust:

Mike Beale is giving two talks about the Somerset and Dorset this weekend. On Friday July 1st he will present 'The Legacy of the S&D' at the Village Hall, Burtle Road, Burtle, Bridgwater, TA7 8NB. Steph Gillett will also be signing copies of 'The Somerset and Dorset Railway Through Time' Start time is 7.30pm. Then on Saturday 2nd Mike will talk on 'The End of the Line' at The Hub, Station Road, Stalbridge , DT10 2RG at 10.30am. All are welcome to come along to either event.

28 June 2016
Details kindly provided by the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust

From a news item on the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station website:

Following the resignation of Station Master David Bartin this week, Station Co-ordinator Lesley Farthing advises that she has appointed Deputy Station Master Geoff Cross as Acting Station Master.

28 June 2016
Details gleaned from the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station

On Tuesday 21 June 2016, local schoolchildren enjoyed a day out on the WSR when a trip by train was arranged for 98 children and staff from Crowcombe & Stogumber CofE Primary Schools. The group enjoyed a sandcastle competition on the beach with ice lollies. The trip from Stogumber to Minehead and back was sponsored by Butlins and the WSR's Andy Norman, John Williams and Angie Scutt (who, along with Steve Bailey) had visited the schools to explain their railway jobs, were on hand to answer the many questions raised by the children who clearly had an enjoyable day of fun and education.

This lovely story comes courtesy of Julie Norman, Headteacher for Crowcombe & Stogumber CofE Primary Schools, via the WSR's Robin White.

25 June 2016
Details kindly provided by local correspondents

Just a few seats left on the Quantock Belle midweek lunch train on Wednesday 29 June 2016, due to be attached to the service train leaving Bishops Lydeard at 12.35pm, steam hauled, and arriving in Minehead at 1.52pm.

A set menu is offered (see below) and must to be booked in advance (vegetarian alternatives are available). To book please contact the admin office on 01823 433856, Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.00pm, or email admin@wsra.org.uk. Ticket price is £42.00 per person inclusive of travel and meals. An at-table bar service will be offered.

• Starter: Chicken Liver Pate with toast and side salad or Orange Juice
• Main: Steak, mushroom & ale pudding served with new potatoes and fresh veg selection
• Dessert: Strawberry Cheesecake

The Quantock Belle will depart Minehead at 2:25pm and passengers may either return with the train and enjoy a small afternoon tea on the way, or maybe spend some time in Minehead before making the return trip on the service trains leaving Minehead at 3.25pm or 4.20pm.

23 June 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

The Fat Controller needs your help at Minehead Station on 1st, 2nd and 3rd July. Travel down in a train behind one of Thomas's friends, from Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) to Minehead.

On the train there will be extra staff to answer your questions and point out interesting facts whilst the on-board Day Out With Thomas colouring activities take place. During your journey you will pass the engine works at Williton and you will get to see trucks being shunted at Minehead Station.

Thomas and his Friends will be at Minehead Station and the Fat Controller will be there to make sure that all engines are being 'really useful'. The Fat Controller needs your help to keep Thomas, Daisy the Diesel and many others running on time. There will be lots of activities taking place here, including free face painting, games and Thomas DVD screenings.

Book your tickets now!

19 June 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The WSRA Promotions Board are pleased to announce that...

Barrie Childs has been appointed Quantock Belle Manager. Barrie first started working with the Quantock Belle team in 1994 and has gained valuable experience along the way. Barrie will work alongside the current manager Richard Knight who after many years of loyal service will relinquish some of the more onerous tasks but continue to work alongside Barrie as Deputy Manager.

The Quantock Belle was active during the recent Mixed Traction weekend serving Full English Breakfasts and hot lunches to hungry passengers. This was a very successful enterprise which we hope to continue at future Galas.

Another new venture was the Wednesday lunch yesterday, served on the 12:35 service train from Bishops Lydeard. Devised in collaboration with the WSR Plc this event is designed to be flexible and give customers choices. Pre-booking is advisable but walk-on seats are available if there are any vacancies. Passengers can either return with the tran, leaving Minehead at 14:20 or stay longer and return on a later service train. Likewise walk-ons are welcome on the return trip where afternoon tea is served. This Wednesday lunch service will be repeated on 29th June and there are currently about 12 available seats. For menu details see our Quantock Belle page.

18 June 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

An invitation from GWR to join the 'WSR Away Day' product launch charter on Sunday 19 June 2016. GWR say:

Running from Taunton to Minehead and return, you will get the chance to sample the longest preserved ine in the country from one of our green Class 150s.

The trip will include a launch party on arrival at Minehead with special guests in attendance and an on-board trolley service with proceeds going to charity. On the return, subject to conditions on the day, there will be a visit to the start of the former Taunton to Barnstaple branch at Norton Fitzwarren.

The special leaves Taunton at 11.15am, Bishops Lydeard at 11.35am, then arriving Minehead at 12.55pm. The return leaves Minehead at 3.15pm, Bishops Lydeard at 4.30pm, arriving back in Taunton at 5.05pm. (Kindly note the revised time of departure from Minehead from that shown on previous news items)

Etickets, available at £25.99 per person, are available to buy at wsrawayday.eventbrite.co.uk

17 June 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

GWR has today launched an all-in-one ticket enabling passengers to explore the West Somerset Railway, with GWR rail and a local bus service fares included.

Instead of customers having to purchase separate GWR rail, Buses of Somerset, and West Somerset Rail tickets, a single through ticket is now available, offering unlimited travel on England's longest heritage railway for the day.

Supported by Visit Somerset and local traders, the ticket will allow customers unlimited access on the West Somerset Railway which operates between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead; return travel on the bus link between Bishops Lydeard and Taunton; and return travel on Taunton bound GWR rail services.

Full press release

16 June 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Subject to time contraints, it is planned for the GWR 'WSR Away Day' product launch charter on 19 June 2016 to traverse the remaining section of the former Taunton to Barnstaple line at Norton Fitzwarren. If all goes to plan, the Class 150 will stop at the WSR's Barnstaple Junction and then travel along the three-quarter mile long section towards the long-lost Allerford Bridge. This section forms the southern part of the Norton Triangle. Please note this part of the day's events is strictly subject to constraints of time and cannot be guaranteed.

Please also note the GWR special will now leave Minehead at 3.15pm (and not 3.25pm as originally stated).

Etickets, available at £25.99 per person, are available to buy at wsrawayday.eventbrite.co.uk

14 June 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

In a new initiative to encourage folks to make more use of the Minehead Branch, the West Somerset Railway have introduced a new ticket covering up to seven days. The ticket is called "Freedom of the Line"

From 13 June 2016 a new ticket will be available aiming to encourage holidaymakers to use our trains for more than one day. The ticket is valid for unlimited travel for up to seven days and sold in three classes only - adult, young person or family.

It is very attractively priced at £25 per adult, £12.50 per young person and £60 per family.

The ticket is not valid during Special Events and cannot be used with any other discount, voucher or pass. No further reductions

14 June 2016
Details kindly provided via local correspondent

Fifty classic cars will take place in the WSR's 2016 Classic Car Run on Sunday19 June 2016.

Cars will gather at Bishops Lydeard Railway Station, near Taunton and then follow a pre-arranged 35 mile route through stunning West Somerset scenery, wooded valleys, seaside, ancient Town and villages, with the Railway and its historic steam trains never far away. The Run ends at Minehead Station, where free parking has been arranged for the afternoon.

The Run Organiser, Robin White robin215white@btinternet.com adds:

I could do with one or two more marshalls for Watchet (to man the Esplanade Gates) and Minehead (to assist with parking on arrival) in each case only from 11.30 until 1.

More information and List of participants

14 June 2016
Details kindly provided by the WSR Classic Car Run Organiser

An invitation from GWR to join the 'WSR Away Day' product launch charter on Sunday 19 June 2016. GWR say:

Running from Taunton to Minehead and return, you will get the chance to sample the longest preserved ine in the country from one of our green Class 150s.

The trip will include a launch party on arrival at Minehead with special guests in attendance; a visit to the start of the former Taunton to Barnstaple branch at Norton Fitzwarren - a first for a GWR Class 150; an on-board trolley service with proceeds going to charity.

The special leaves Taunton at 11.15am, Bishops Lydeard at 11.35am, then arriving Minehead at 12.55pm. The return leaves Minehead at 3.15pm (revised from previous departure time), Bishops Lydeard at 4.30pm, arriving back in Taunton at 5.05pm.

Etickets, available at £25.99 per person, are available to buy at wsrawayday.eventbrite.co.uk

11 June 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The West Somerset Railway is aiming to attract a younger audience to the Sunday of its Mixed Traction Weekend, 12 June, with a special fare offering for children aged between 5 and 17. On that date only any child in the appropriate age range accompanied by a fare paying adult will be able to travel for a flat rate of £2.00 for any return or single journey or the really keen will be able to enjoy a day rover ticket at the same price. The £2.00 child tickets can be purchased at booking offices or from travelling ticket inspectors on the trains on Sunday 12 June.

Click here for full information on the Mixed Traction Weekend.

10 June 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Unofficial information gleaned from Facebook might be of interest to 'Western' enthusiasts.

D1010 should be working the following [on Friday 10 June]: 13:03 ex BL to MD (D1010 joins train at WN), 14:47 MD to BL and 16:55 BL to MD (D1010 remains on rear and detach at WN). All trains will be with D1661 either double heading or top and tail.

Update: We now understand D1010 has failed on shed and will not take part in the event (posted 10 June 2016 at 1.45pm).

10 June 2016
Details gleaned from Facebook messages

Colas have confirmed that Class 56 no 56302 will arrive on Thursday 9 June in time for the West Somerset Railway to move it on to Minehead to stand on display on the turntable on Friday 10 June 2016. On Saturday 11 June the locomotive will come off the turntable ready to be positioned for the naming ceremony due to take place at 1pm. After the naming, it is booked to work top and tail with Class 66 no 66757 on the 3.47pm Minehead to Bishops Lydeard and the return 5.55pm service to Minehead. On Sunday 12 June no 56302 is booked to work three trains starting with the 9.45am Minehead to Bishops Lydeard , 11.55am Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and 1.45pm Minehead to Bishops Lydeard.

9 June 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The Operating Superintendent of WSR Plc, Steve Martin, writes:

Many will be saddened to hear of the passing of Ron Williams.

Ron joined the WSR in 1986 initially training as a guard and joining the company workforce moving on to Signalman and Driver on DMU and Class 04 shunter. During the winter months work on the P Way also occupied his time.

As part of his role in the Operating department, Ron acted for a number of years as our Guards Inspector.

Ron left the company employment in 1996 to take up a post with Butlins, for one of his other great loves Ten Pin Bowling working on the maintenance of the alleys. Ron kept his hand in on the WSR covering signal box turns. He liked nothing better than an evening at Minehead watching the Deer in the fields on Grabbist Hill whilst awaiting a Quantock Belle or similar

Closely related to ten pin bowling was Ron's great love skittles and on retirement of Don Haynes took over the captaincy of the local railway team who he continued to play for up until April this year. Always competitive, Ron would love to take victory from the jaws of a defeat.

As his health started to fade, Ron gave up operational duties and became part of the team at Dunster working the booking office, although retired from guarding, he was always willing to take a train ride to report on train working.

One of Ron's other talents was in the teaching of swimming and many children at St Michaels at Minehead benefited by his skills, he always reckoned his top pupil in the past was Sharon Davies.

Ron was married to Sandy and together they brought up two children.

Always a jovial character and a pleasure to be with he will sadly missed.

This sees the passing of the 'September 19th Four' - Chris and Colin Dowrick, Ian Grady and Ron all sharing that date.

8 June 2016
Details kindly provided by Steve Martin, Operating Superintendent, WSR Plc

A recent tweet by the West Somerset Railway Association states:

The Quantock Belle has today been inspected and received a 5 star rating for food hygiene. Well done to all hard working staff.

Reports elsewhere echo this excellent result:

The kitchen crew and equipment were subjected to a very thorough food hygiene inspection and interview this morning. Consequently we are very pleased to again display a 5 star rating certificate.

6 June 2016
Details gleaned from a Tweet by West Somerset Railway Association and from a post on the National Preservation forum

The route of the planned footpath from the Boat Museum to Govier's Lane Crossing has been marked out on the trackbed alongside Watchet Station. It's all part of ongoing refurbishment of the Museum - which is housed in the former Goods Shed at Watchet - and other developments around the harbourside. A video on YouTube clearly showing the markings reveals the extent of the trackbed to be lost to the new path. It will take in the weighbridge - once used to weigh laden wagons coming up from the harbour - which we hope will be retained as a historic feature.

5 June 2016
Details kindly provided by local correspondent