The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust will be at the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally at Norton Fitzwarren. The Trust say:

The Trust will be at the Rally, less than a week away now, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday the 6th and 7th August, as will the sleeping car and 6705. We will have our gazebo there too, with displays and books for sale. Volunteers will be setting up on Friday 5th and stewarding on the two days of the show. Please do visit if you can. If you are interested in helping out in any way, please contact Chris Austin at austinca2@googlemail.com.

31 July 2016
Details kindly provided by the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust

Nominations closed on 29 July 2016 with ten candidates, as follows:

• Magda Davies
• Will Foster
• John Glover
• Frank Houlding
• Bill Knell
• Alex de Mendoza
• Nigel Power
• Michael Sherwood
• Simon Stretton
• Paul Whitehouse

Each of the candidates will be asked to compose 250 words about themselves and complete a simple skills audit, which will be published on the WSRA website in due course and mailed to members with the Journal.

The WSRA's Annual General Meeting will be held at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall on Saturday 22 October 2016 starting at 2pm.

30 July 2016
Details gleaned from the West Somerset Railway Association website

The Bishops Lydeard Station Shop and Whistle Stop Cafe's Facebook page says:

For the first time in several years Kingfisher Publications have produced a DVD on our latest Gala on WSR. Due in any day!

30 July 2016
Details gleaned from the Station Shop's Facebook page

The Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally is just over a week away. The event on 6 and 7 August is being promoted by the Rally Team who report:

Here is the Rally ad on the back of a bus running now in Somerset for the final week before the event. Have you seen this? We also have an advertising campaign on Heart Radio 102.6FM starting tomorrow (30 July) for the next week. Listen out for us!

Day tickets purchased online are valid for both days - visit the Rally Ticket page to get your e-tickets for the Rally.

29 July 2016
Details kindly provided by The Rally Team

The West Somerset Railway are pleased to announce that the 2017 Gala dates have now been confirmed, and are as follows:

• Spring Steam Gala - Thursday 27 April to Sunday 30 April
• Diesel Gala - Friday 9 June to Sunday 11 June
• Late Summer Weekend - Saturday 2 September and Sunday 3 September
• Autumn Steam Gala - Thursday 5 October to Sunday 8 October
• Winter Steam Festival - Friday 29 December and Saturday 30 December

More information, including timetables and locomotives will be confirmed once known. Tickets will be able to purchase for the event as soon as the prices are confirmed.

29 July 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

As the Late Summer Weekend event this year is very close to the 40th anniversary of reopening to Williton in August 1976 the Special Events Planning Team have on top of the normal mixture of home based steam and diesel hauled services with workings to Norton Fitzwarren included in the timetable for the weekend a couple of reminders of how things were in the early days of the railway.

On Saturday evening there will be a 6.15pm departure from Minehead to Blue Anchor as reminder of those Wednesday evenings when the Sunset Special ran from Minehead, a chance for an evening beer, in connection with this working an additional DMU will operate at 7.45pm from Minehead for those who wish to use the Blue Anchor train or have a later evening in Minehead.

On the Sunday there is a reminder of how the afternoon services operated for a number of years in the 1980s. The 1.45pm from Minehead runs steam hauled to Williton where it terminates and the loco runs round and returns to Minehead. The DMU operates the 1.45pm from Bishops Lydeard as far as Williton where it connects with the Minehead service before returning to Bishops Lydeard.

Tickets for this event over the weekend of 3 and 4 September 2016 are available from the Late Summer Weekend page

29 July 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The West Somerset Railway, has confirmed the first guest engine for the 2016 Autumn Steam Gala held between Thursday 6th and Sunday 9th October.

The locomotive in question is GWR 57XX Class 0-6-0PT no 4612 which is visiting courtesy of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, making a return visit.

Tickets for the Gala are available from the Autumn Steam Gala page.

Locomotive 5542 Ltd also wish to remind folks that their GWR 'Small Prairie' no 5542 is also attending...

26 July 2016
Details kindly provided via West Somerset Railway Plc

BBC Somerset say:

Want a day out on the West Somerset Railway? Make sure you're listening to us on 95.5 FM, 1566 AM and Digital Radio on Monday July 25th!

We've got two tickets to give away for the West Somerset Railway.

Listen to Claire Carter at Breakfast on Monday 25 July to find out how you can get your hands on them.

24 July 2016
Details gleaned from BBC Somerset's Facebook page

The folks who run the wonderful West Somerset Railway wish to remind us:

Don't forget, all through the summer we will be issuing children passengers with a free children's activity sheet - featuring Brunel K Beagle - and pack of crayons. These will be handed out at the booking office when you buy your ticket.

If you have bought your tickets in advance, don't worry, just show your ticket at the booking office when you get here or show them to the buffet car staff and they will have activity sheets for you.

We hope you all have a great summer and are able to spend some time with us.

22 July 2016
Details kindly provided via West Somerset Railway Plc

Word reached the Railway a short while ago that a supplier of castings in the north of England had a quantity of good-quality reproduction GWR bench seat supports with he was prepared to sell at a reduced price. Negotiation ensued and it appeared that, for a quantity, a price of £75 per casting was possible, around half the normal price. Several stations, in particular Dunster, Watchet and Stogumber, were interested, but the offer was only available for a short time and most stations could not go through the necessary internal processes in time. At this point WSR Plc Finance Director, Chris Bolt, (who recognises a bargain) stepped in and authorised the purchase of 21 supports. It should be noted that they come in threes, to support a ten foot long bench. The GWR only supplied three-support, ten foot benches. The two support, six foot bench is a modern creation for the enthusiast garden. Now the WSR Association stepped in and made their van available. Normally used to a potter round the West Somerset lanes, it never the less performed faultlessly on the 370 mile round trip to Nottinghamshire. The bench supports are now in the care of the RAMS team at Bishops Lydeard, who will now supply the matching woodwork (to a GWR specification) and paint the benches as required by the stations.

If any WSR supporter would like to sponsor on support (£75), all three for a bench (£225) or the necessary woodwork (around £100 per bench), then please be in touch with WSR Stations Co-ordinator Lesley Farthing statco@wsrail.net or the relevant Station Master. It is also likely that this process will release some ex-Southern Railway benches in use at WSR stations (obtained from Chatham and North Devon in the 1980s). If any other heritage railway project or private enthusiast would like to make an offer for those, please also be in touch with Lesley.

22 July 2016
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

A new Station Master for Stogumber. The WSR Plc has asked Alan Bines to take over the position following Tom Usher who leaves to devote more time with Locomotive Services on the main line. This means Alan cannot continue as Chairman/Treasurer of the Friends of Stogumber Station, as Alan explains:

Following changes, which will be ratified at the AGM to be held during the Autumn Gala. The new Chairman will be Peter Cox, who needs no introduction from me, being one of the most senior and respected volunteers on the Railway. Those of you with PTS passes will know Peter as the PTS Instructor/Examiner. The new Treasurer will be Colin White, our Friday volunteer, Colin is a Cambridge University Test Paper setter and marker with Mathematics as his speciality so we should be in good hands. The Secretary role will be Gil Cox who has served unofficially in this role at the AGMs for several years now. Finally as Station Master, I have asked Bob Preston, our project manager responsible for all the beautiful upgrades of the last three years, to be the Assistant Station Master. I believe this makes for a great team and look forward to keeping Stogumber the best loved Station on the line.

21 July 2016
Details kindly provided by the Friends of Stogumber Station

Retail Manager Kate Beard tells us that on Saturday 30 July she is holding a one day sale of bus and tram themed books, including some specialist works on European Light Rail. Most of these are in 'as new' condition and will be reduced in price by up to 50%. There will also be a number of reduced maritime books. Kate says:

Don't forget we stock a wide range of rail and transport books, model railways and diecasts. Why not combine a trip to our shop with a mid-summer day out on the WSR and enjoy the beautiful Somerset scenery from the train. We are always happy to look after customers' purchases until the end of the day to avoid the need to carry around heavy bags

19 July 2016
Details kindly provided via West Somerset Railway Association

The Railway Touring Company has advised the WSR that unfortunately due to a lack of available steam locomotives they have had to cancel the next West Somerset Steam Express due to run on Saturday 23 July 2016.

The next West Somerset Steam Express is scheduled for 13 August 2016.

18 July 2016
Details kindly provided via West Somerset Railway Plc

Sunday 17 July 2016 saw the volunteer Permanent Way Gang at Stogumber Station laying a short section of track alongside the former Cattle Dock.

There are long term plans to restore the Cattle Dock to its former self, complete with cattle pens, and possibly have a suitable railway vehicle stabled alongside.

18 July 2016
Details kindly provided by local correspondents

The Rally Team have announced:

All of the available space for exhibitors and traders for the 2016 Rally is now full, so we are unable to accept any more applications for this year. We will start planning for the 2017 Rally in January 2017

Don't forget Day Tickets purchased online - just £10 per adult and £8 per senior- are valid for both Rally days.

18 July 2016
Details kindly provided by the Rally Team

The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group's Class 33 no D6575 has been withdrawn from service so that the Crompton can be properly prepared for her appearance at the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway's Gala at the end of July. No D6575 will then appear at the Steam Fayre & Vintage Vehicle Rally at Norton Fitzwarren.

Meanwhile the DEPG plan to withdraw Class 35 no D7017 from service on Monday 25 July ahead of axle ultrasonic tests. This is ahead of the Hymek's possible visit to the Mid Norfolk Railway in early September.

In other news, Class 52 no D1010 Western Campaigner is due to work the diesel diagram on Saturday 13 August and then appear at the WSR's Late Summer Weekend event on 3 and 4 September. And for 'Teddy Bear' fans, Class 14 no D9526 will work the diesel diagram on 30 and 31 July.

15 July 2016
Details kindly provided by the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group

Now in its 34th year, the annual Toy & Train Sale at Minehead is still proving as popular as ever but from last year, major changes have taken place and the show moved to a new and excellent indoor venue at the Minehead Eye but which is still just a stones throw from the previous home of the event until 2014, at the WSR's Minehead Railway Station. Getting there by train is clearly the best way! The event is held on Sunday 31 July 2016.

14 July 2016
Details kindly provided via West Somerset Railway Plc

There will be an exhibition to mark the 50th Anniversary of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset at the Museum of Blandford Forum between July 18th and August 17th. Opening times are 10.30 to 16.30, Mondays to Saturdays. This is part of the rolling programme of events during 2016 organised by the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

13 July 2016
Details kindly provided by the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust

The Railway Touring Company have announced:

We are pleased to announce that due to other steam locomotives having issues at present...our West Somerset Steam Express tour on Saturday 16th July will now be hauled by 46115 Scots Guardsman.

Some spaces available so if you would like to book to travel behind this locomotive please follow the link below to our website in order to place your booking.

Book for the West Somerset Steam Express.

12 July 2016
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

The West Somerset Railway Plc have announced the appointment of a new Commercial Director

It is with pleasure that we can announce that as from 1st July 2016 Ian Harrison has been appointed to the WSR plc board, with the portfolio of Commercial Director.

This follows the retirement of David Baker, who continues as share registrar, and after advertising and interviewing candidates for the vacant position.

Ian brings a wealth of experience to the role, with a background as mechanical engineer who moved into senior commercial and financial management in industry, consulting and the health service. Ian has been a volunteer on the West Somerset Railway for some years and is currently a passed fireman. Our chairman John Irven said 'I am very pleased that Ian will be joining us to provide invaluable support to the commercial and management team of the WSR as we continue to develop existing and exciting new commercial activities for the railway. Please wish Ian every success in his new role.'

12 July 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The Rally Team have booked a fine advertising space in Castle Bow, Taunton for the 2016 Rally banner. An excellent spot right in the middle of the busy town centre.

Why not book your tickets online now, and get two days for the price of one.

12 July 2016
Details kindly provided by the Rally Team

Claire Sheppy, WSSRT Trustee, has provided an update of recent Trust activity:

Work on GWR BCK no 6705 continues apace with much work being done on varnishing of the internal compartments. We have also seen a rise in the number of volunteers, and at the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust board meeting held on 4 July 2016, after balloting the various volunteers for their views, have decided upon the recommencement of work on the toplight third coach number 3639, which has been sitting under a tarpaulin at the one end of the Swindon shed for some time.

More on this update can be found on the Trust's website.

9 July 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust

The WSR Journal Editor, Richard Jones, writes:

The Summer issue (No 153) of the WSR Journal - the quarterly magazine representing all of the West Somerset Railway - has just been published, and Association members will very shortly be receiving their copy in the post. This issue has very much a fresh 'new look' to it, and contains a wide range of articles, news, features, reports and photographs.

The copy date of the Autumn issue (No 154) is 1st August, and contributions (including photographs) for possible inclusion therein are very welcome - please send to wsrjournal@gmail.com.

8 July 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

The meeting of the Partnership Development Group (PDG) scheduled for 14 July has been postponed to 8 September. The reason is that there are several development group meetings due in July, the outcomes of which will impact on further discussions at the PDG.

8 July 2016
Details kindly provided by the Secretariat of the Partnership Development Group

The West Somerset Railway Association Chairman Frank Courtney writes in a recent email newsletter:

I am pleased to invite you to a Members Consultation Day on Sunday 24 July 2016. The objective of this day is for the Trustees to gain the opinions of the members on the way forward for the WSRA. You will shortly receive in the mail a Consultation Paper, which we strongly urge you to read before you come on 24 July. The paper can also be downloaded here.

Members are requested to ensure their comments on the Consultation Paper are returned by 1 August 2016

6 July 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

An announcement by WSR Plc states:

Over the next few weeks, the 11.05 departure from Bishops Lydeard and 16.20 departure from Bishops Lydeard may need to be retimed. Please ensure you check the website news stories, phone the office on 01643 704996 or check Facebook or Twitter before travelling for updates. Details of affected days will be advised shortly.

6 July 2016
Details gleaned from Facebook

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"

This new ticket aims to encourage holidaymakers to use the 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

6 July 2016
Details kindly provided via local correspondent

Watchet Carnival - always a popular and colourful event - will be held on Sunday 31 July this year. An enjoyable way of getting to and from the Carnival is by train - the railway station is right in the centre of the town near the harbour. A poster on Facebook lists a few of the attractions:

Traditional fete from noon to 6pm; Aerobatics display over the hrbour at 12.30pm; Carnival Parade at 1pm; BMX stunt team, Falconry display; Street entertainment; plus lots more for everyone to enjoy.

The best times for trains to Watchet Carnival from Minehead leave at 10.15am, 12.30pm, 1.20pm and 2.25pm, and in the other direction, trains leave Bishops Lydeard for Watchet at 10.25am. 11.05am, 11.45am, 12.35pm and 2.35pm. For more details about train times, please see this page.

5 July 2016
Details gleaned from Facebook

WSR volunteer Robin White writes:

Staff will be aware that I have been asked to conduct a review of all aspects of the Operations Department with a view to recommending changes to strengthen our Operations function for the years ahead. Any changes I suggest will first be considered by the Operating Executive Committee, and, then, where necessary, by the WSR Plc Board before they are implemented. I am very much at the information gathering and thinking stage, and would welcome thoughts and comments from all Operating Department staff and volunteers, and all WSR supporters. The easiest way to contact me is by e-mail at robin215white@btinternet.com. All comments will be treated as confidential.

5 July 2016
Details gleaned from a recent Operating Notice and reproduced with permission by West Somerset Railway Plc

During the first weekend in August every year, the West Somerset Railway Association run a very successful Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally held at the Norton Triangle fields just to the west of the village of Norton Fitzwarren near Taunton. The event attracts well over 5000 visitors over the weekend.

The Rally Team need help at the event with public car parking; exhibitors gates; public ticket offices; arena marshalling; on-site exhibitor traffic marshalling; directing visitors on the Rally site; admin assistance and 'runners'; refreshment tent assistants; programme sellers; and help before and after the event setting up fences, tables, chairs, road signs, on-site signage and so on. Please see the Steam Rally website for more details and the application form which is also available here.

5 July 2016
Details kindly provided by the Rally Team

The 2016 Rally will be held at Norton Fitzwarren which will echo to the sight, sound and smell of many mighty steam engines as they gather for what will be our 29th Rally. A glittering array of superb machinery will be in action and 2016 looks like beating all records with some of the country's finest examples of vintage transport on display. Rally Day Tickets bought online are valid on both days so buy now!

3 July 2016
Details kindly provided by the Rally Team

News from the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust:

There will be a four mile walk along the former trackbed of the Somerset and Dorset Railway on Saturday 30 July. Using what is now the North Dorset Trailway and led by Jonathan Edwards of the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust it will start at Spetisbury station (with drinks and home made cakes courtesy of the group restoring the station) at 11.15am and finish at the site of Blandford Forum Station. En route there will be talk about the history of the line and local anecdotes concerning it. For more information or to express an interest contact Jonathan via 0208 864 8332 or elfnjim@icloud.com

3 July 2016
Details kindly provided by the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust