Next year, BBC One's much-loved Antiques Roadshow will celebrate 40 years of touring the country, valuing family treasures, car-boot sale bargains and charity shop finds. On Wednesday 28 December 2016, Antiques Roadshow announced the spectacular list of venues it will visit in 2017.

Antiques Roadshow was first recorded as a pilot show at Hereford Town Hall on 17 May 1977, presented by Bruce Parker with antiques expert Arthur Negus. To mark the historic year, the team will begin recording its 40th series, 40 years from the date of its first recording, on 17 May 2017, at Minehead Railway Station, home of the West Somerset Railway, the longest heritage railway in England.

28 December 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The West Somerset Railway plc recently announced that iconic world-famous locomotive LNER 4-6-2 no 60103 Flying Scotsman will be hauling passenger trains on West Somerset metals in September 2017. Following agreement with the National Railway Museum, Flying Scotsman will arrive in West Somerset on Monday 4 September and run public services from 5 to 12 September, with a rest day on Friday 8 September. Details of ticket sales and how to see Flying Scotsman will be announced in January, with tickets on sale from 16 February 2017. In view of the large number of visitors likely to be coming to Taunton Deane and West Somerset, the organisers are keen to identify supplementary parking in the area.

If you own any land, which has the potential for safe, dry car parking, the West Somerset Railway would love to hear from you. This could include parking at a disused office block or factory. For further information or to discuss the possibilities, please contact Colin Howard, Head of Commercial Services at the West Somerset Railway on 01643 700383 or colin.howard@wsrail.net

28 December 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The 'Steam Coast Trail' Chairman Harry Singer addressed the assembled cyclist, walkers and supporters on the occasion of the 'Community Opening' of the first section of the Steam Coast Trail from Dunster to a point about 300 metres west of Blue Anchor Station at 10am on 27 December 2016. The WSR was represented at the opening by Paul Conibeare and Colin Howard. The last 300 metres to Blue Anchor awaits agreement with the owners of the chalets at Blue Anchor West Beach. Until then, this section is not suitable for wheelchairs or those for whom a rough pebbly surface is a challenge. The Trail provides excellent views of the Railway as it crosses Ker Moor.

28 December 2016
Details kindly provided by local correspondent and WSR Plc

A brief synopsis of the West Somerset Railway Association Trustee Board meeting held on 12 December 2016 is now available on the Documents page of the Association website. The document reveals much discussion about fundraising and membership, and it contains details of progress by the Fundraising and Membership Committee.

23 December 2016
Details gleaned from the website of West Somerset Railway Association

The WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare has issued the following statement:

For several years the West Somerset Railway has hosted a very successful Thomas the Tank Engine event, with the agreement of the Thomas franchise holders, HIT Entertainment and more recently Mattel. Over the years some thousands of visitors have enjoyed the event, with very positive feedback from adults and children. HIT Entertainment and Mattel acknowledged the success by awarding the West Somerset 'Best Themed Event' for the 2014 event and 'Best Overall Event' for the 2015 event, judged on a national basis. However, to our regret Mattel have now indicated that they do not wish to renew our contract for a variety of reasons. Amongst reasons we have been given are that they wish to focus on events with a greater financial profit, and those taking place at sites larger than the platform at Minehead station. We therefore much regret that Thomas will not be visiting the West Somerset Railway for the foreseeable future.

The statement appears here with kind permission of the WSR General Manager.

23 December 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Partner organisations on the West Somerset Railway have come together to form a Project Board to take forward some exciting new developments at Williton which have two main themes. There is overwhelming support for the creation of a new strategic engineering centre together with the opportunity to sustain the station at Williton as a prime example of a Brunel country branch line passing station. The overall project is being developed with the working title of 'Brunel at Williton'. Further details.

22 December 2016
Details gleaned from website of West Somerset Railway Plc

The WSR Plc has developed a formal Commercial Negotiation Programme which is reviewing and negotiating both existing and new agreements with railway partners. Somerset County Council have agreed that the Plc can enter into licenses, leases and memoranda of understanding up to the term of the current head lease which, in 2016, has 74 years to run. It had also been hoped to secure an extension to the term of the head lease with the County Council but this has not proved to be commercially achievable at this point in time. In 2017, the Company will intensify its discussions with railway partners to update existing agreements and enter into new ones where required. More information.

21 December 2016
Details gleaned from website of West Somerset Railway Plc

Eight volunteers from the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust formed a working party on 27 November 2016 to replace damaged covers on Collett BTK no 5131 which had been damaged by the wind in this exposed spot on Dunster Marsh. Serious damage was also discovered to the cover on the adjacent coach, Toplight TK no 2578, which will have to be dealt with in the closed period in January. Invading undergrowth was also cleared to prevent damage and improve access to the coaches.

21 December 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust

The two Barclay shunters nos 578 and 579 (which formerly worked at Puriton's Royal Ordnance Factory) have been a familiar sight to visitors to Minehead Station for many years. On Saturday 17 December 2016, the two were coupled together and, with no 579 leading, set off in the dark for Washford. As part of an agreement between the Washford-based Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust and the WSR Plc, it seems no 578 will remain and work the yard at Washford, and no 579 will receive a cosmetic overhaul before returning in 2017 to Minehead as yard shunter.

17 December 2016
Details from local correspondent and West Somerset Railway Plc

This Saturday, 17 December 2016, the West Somerset Railway will be welcoming a charter from London Paddington. The passengers of the charter will be greeted on Minehead Station by The North Devon Pipes and Drums. We will also have a variety of stalls on the station selling Christmas goodies. The station will be open to all from 12pm until 5pm so feel free to come and visit.

14 December 2016
Details gleaned from website of West Somerset Railway Plc

The Quantock Belle dining train comprising beautifully restored and maintained Mark 1 coaches is owned by the West Somerset Railway Association. In 2017 the dining train will be operated and marketed by the West Somerset Railway Plc.

For enquiries and bookings for the Quantock Belle in 2017, please contact the WSR Plc on 01643 704996 or visit www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

13 December 2016
Details gleaned from website of West Somerset Railway Association

The Facebook page of Locomotive 5542 reports:

The eagle eyed amongst our followers might have noticed that 5542 was recently added to the locos appearing in the forthcoming WSR Winter Gala. We have agreed to remain on the WSR until the New Year to help out with Santa trains and those running between Christmas and the New Year. Those needing a 5542 'fix' will need to take their chances as to when and where 5542 might appear. Hopefully, we will be able to post sightings here so keep a watch out and of course we will be pleased to receive any pictures you take. Seasons Greetings from all on the 5542 team.

12 December 2016
Details gleaned from Locomotive 5542's Facebook page

The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust have issued their latest newsletter - issue no 7.

To catch up on all the Trust's activities and news, please visit the newsletter page on the Trust website.

11 December 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust

Kate Beard, Retail Manager, WSRA Promotions writes:

The Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard is very pleased to announce that Freddie Huxtable, author of the brand new book The Taunton to Barnstaple Line, will be joining us on Friday 30 December, day two of our Winter Steam Festival, to sign copies of his book.

Freddie will be with us from 10.00am to 3.00pm so why not come along to buy your copy before or during your post-Christmas ride on the WSR.

The Taunton to Barnstaple line, also known as the Devon and Somerset Railway, closed just over 50 years ago, and the first few yards of the line now form part of the WSR's Norton Fitzwarren turning triangle. In addition to this connection, the D&SR passed through very similar rolling hills to those on the WSR for much of its length but with the added features of soaring viaducts, tunnels, a classic country junction station and a link to the L&SWR at its western end.

Freddie's new book forms part one of a two volume work with Volume 1 covering the detailed history of the line, the early days and projects and the trials and tribulations of its construction. It traces the decline and closure and looks at what has happened to the trackbed and the station buildings since closure.

Volume 2, due to be published in 2017, will cover a description of the line, its stations, buildings and structures. There will also be chapters on signalling, locomotives and special trains and special events and personal recollections from those who worked on the railway.

Read a review of the book

Contact 01823 432125 or wsrashop@btconnect.com

9 December 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

The Station Shop and Whistle-Stop Cafe at Bishops Lydeard Station have provided the opening times during December 2016.

Contact 01823 432125 or wsrashop@btconnect.com

6 December 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

Work to construct the roundabout at the Station Road / A358 Junction continues. The A358 is now reduced to a single carriageway past the construction site with 3-way temporary traffic lights. At busy times this is now causing significant delays. Anyone coming to Bishops Lydeard for Santa or other seasonal services should allow a little extra time for their journey.

6 December 2016
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

Steam Dreams say:

Last weekend, we were told that unfortunately Princess Elizabeth has had to be withdrawn from its Steam Dreams Christmas trips with boiler problems. The trip on 17 December 2016 from London to Minehead, subject to gauging, will now be hauled by SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton with Raveningham Hall taking over for the journey along the West Somerset Railway!

30 November 2016
Details kindly provided by Steam Dreams

WSR Plc and Minehead Chamber of Commerce have issued a joint statement on the issue of regular passenger services on the Minehead Branch.

The Minehead Chamber of Commerce and the West Somerset Railway Plc both wish to see regular services linking to the national network return to the West Somerset Railway, where they are viable and sustainable and are complementary to the heritage and tourist services established during the 40-year history of progress by the West Somerset Railway since the line re-opened in 1976.

The next stage of fulfilling those ambitions is hoped to be a two-year trial of services on a regular basis linking the national network to the WSR's southern gateway terminus of Bishops Lydeard. It is hoped that trial can commence in 2018 so that the results from it can be taken into account in the next round of railway operator franchising on the national network.

For the full statement please click here.

29 November 2016
Details gleaned from website of West Somerset Railway Plc

At its November meeting, the WSR Plc Board approved recommendations from the Planning Director and Finance Director that will significantly change the way in which the Company raises money for major projects and new investment in order to deliver its medium and long-term plans. The Plc will now pursue a programme of fundraising, alongside traditional methods such as shareholder appeals and joint work with railway partners on the WSR. John Irven WSR Plc Chairman said:

The Plc has an ambitious and wide-ranging programme of new projects, locomotive restoration and infrastructure renewal requirements which require significant investment in the railway. Whilst continuing to work with railway partners and other organisations to raise money, traditional ways of fundraising will not be enough to achieve meet the needs of the railway over the next 5 to 10 years. This new policy will enable the Plc to adopt a more flexible approach to new investment and allow more control over timing and application in relation to our development agenda. Our contemporaries in the heritage railway sector have demonstrated how successful they have been in securing large sums of money for specific projects and there is no reason why the West Somerset Railway cannot do the same.

Read the full recommendations.

28 November 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Steam Dreams say:

Our Christmas tour to The West Somerset Railway is now confirmed to be hauled by not only LMS 4-6-2 no 6201 Princess Elizabeth, but also GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall! On top of that, a special Christmas Market will be held at Minehead Station with more than 25 stalls selling a variety of Christmas Gifts, including a bagpipe welcome! If that doesn't take your fancy, don't forget that we have organised a special carol service in Dunster for an additional £10pp, including a coach transfer to and from the station. Our rostered steam locomotive for Saturday 17 December, Princess Elizabeth, is too heavy for the turntable at Minehead, which means that she will leave us at Bishops Lydeard to be serviced in time for the return journey. The West Somerset Railway are kindly providing us with one of their resident steam locomotives, Raveningham Hall, for the journey along the heritage line! Join the train at London Paddington, Maidenhead, Twyford, Reading or Newbury.

25 November 2016
Details kindly provided by Steam Dreams

The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust are looking for volunteers to assist with the staffing of its Museum on Blue Anchor Station. This is not an onerous task and requires a person to open up the Museum and then to be available during the opening hours to answer any queries. Full training and crib sheets will be available. The Museum is usually open on Sundays from April to October between the hours of 10.30 am to 4.30 pm. The volunteers can spend an enjoyable day talking to enthusiasts and watching the trains go by. Anyone interested in helping should contact David Baker on davidbaker687@btinternet.com or 01392 851752.

23 November 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust

Three heritage railway companies - Bluebell Railway, Keighley and Worth Valley and West Somerset Railway - are today announced as hosting the world's most famous steam locomotive LNER 4-6-2 no 60103 Flying Scotsman in 2017. After weeks of judging, the heritage railways selected were informed on Friday 18 November after a selection process undertaken by the National Railway Museum in partnership with Riley & Son (E) Ltd.

Paul Conibeare, General Manager at West Somerset Railway, said:

We're proud to have been selected as one of only three heritage railways to host Flying Scotsman in 2017 and are looking forward to promoting a successful and safe event.

Read the National Railway Museum's full press release.

We understand the WSR's operating dates for Flying Scotsman will be 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 September 2017, subject to contract.

23 November 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

At the end of the 50th year since the closure of the Somerset and Dorset Railway, the Winter Steam Festival will have an appropriate line up of locomotives with nos 44422, 53808 and 53809 in action with Raveningham Hall holding up the Swindon flag.

The first trains will leave Minehead and Bishops Lydeard at 10.00 with subsequent departures at 10.45, 11.45, 12.45, 13.45, 14.45 and 15.45. The Museums at Bishops Lydeard Station and Washford Station should be open, along with the Williton base of the DEPG, and the Taunton Model Railway Group's club room at Bishops Lydeard Station.

Normal fares and discounts apply including the combined package with GWR and Buses of Somerset. WSR Rover tickets can be bought at 10% discount via 01643 704996 or www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

21 November 2016
Details gleaned from official leaflet by a local correspondent

Don't forget the Christmas Market at Minehead's Railway Station on Thursday 24 November 2016 between 11am and 5pm. The poster says:

A very large variety of market stalls including some Minehead farmers market stalls; treat yourself to a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie in the Turntable Cafe; visit the Buffer Stop Shop; meet Father Christmas between 3pm and 5pm; enjoy the music of the Pipes and Drums, and the Kings College Swing Band.

Download the poster.

20 November 2016
Details gleaned from WSR Plc's Facebook page

The new footpath constucted from Doniford village to Doniford Halt now has a hard surface, completed this month by a local contractor. Also, the newly positioned England Coast Path signpost, with fingers towards Watchet and Kilve, now has an extra finger to Doniford Halt. There is also a notice board at the Doniford end, showing the current times of trains from the Halt. All in all, this project provides vastly improved, and much safer, pedestrian access between the village and the Halt. Many thanks to everyone involved.

17 November 2016
Details from local correspondent

We understand Camstreams - who provide the hosting for the Bishops Lydeard webcam - will close on 30 November 2016. With over three million visits it is fair to say that the webcam project was very worthwhile and certainly helped raise awareness of our Railway. Grateful thanks to everyone involved in providing the service over the last ten years. Discussions about a possible replacement are ongoing and we hope to bring news in due course.

16 November 2016
Details from local correspondent

The West Somerset Railway Association has published a brief and helpful synopsis of the Board meeting held on 7 November 2016.

The synopsis includes news of Trustee appointments to Vice Chairman and Treasurer positions and to the Fundraising & Membership Committee; also decisions affecting the Company Secretary post, the Gauge Museum and West Somerset Restoration.

9 November 2016
Details gleaned from website of the West Somerset Railway Association

The West Somerset Railway has announced the bands that will be providing the music for the Carol Trains from both Bishops Lydeard and Minehead on the evenings of Monday 12 December and Tuesday 13 December.

The Wellington Silver Band will be on the services from Bishops Lydeard on Monday 12 December and from Minehead on Tuesday 13 December.

The Burtle Silver Band will be on the service from Bishops Lydeard on Tuesday 13 December.

The Wiveliscombe Community Wind Band will be on the service from Minehead on Monday 12 December.

For further information or to book please visit the West Somerset Railway website www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or phone on 01643 704996.

7 November 2016
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The ever popular Carol Trains run from Minehead and Bishops Lydeard on Monday 12 December 2016 and Tuesday 13 December 2016.

On Thursday 24 November 2016, the Christmas Market will be held at Minehead Station with market stalls, refreshments, Father Christmas and lots of music.

Go by train to the evening Dunster by Candlelight event on Friday 2 December 2016 and Saturday 3 December 2016.

On selected dates in December 2016 join the Santa Express for a trip to Williton and back.

Or join the Santa Special at Minehead for a trip to Blue Anchor to see Santa.

Enjoy a festive ride on the Sherry & Mince Pie Special on selected dates in December 2016.

6 November 2016
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc

The scaffolding and sheeted fencing has been removed from the Goods Office recently constructed on the Up platform at Crowcombe Heathfield Station revealing a building very close indeed to the long-demolished structure. Well done to the team from the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station who seem to have a long list of tasks as reported on the FoCHS website:

Tis the closed season; the late bustle of autumn half-term gone, no service trains until brief appearances late December and mid-February, seasonal trains through December for Candlelights, Carols, and Santas. In between there's plenty to be going on with; finishing the goods shed, white lining the platforms, painting station buildings inside and out, weeding the track, seasonal planting and de-planting, drainage works and more.

5 November 2016
Details kindly provided by local correspondent and Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station

Colin Harris, a member of Friends of Minehead Station, reports on a fine memorial:

We were given an old bench with rotten slats. Long serving FoMS Volunteers John and Janet Dixon, known by most as Lumber Jack and Jill, and both now sadly passed away, liked to recycle everything, so some good slats were recovered from an old bed. At home, I cut and drilled the slats and made a name plaque. Then back at the Station for painting and assembly and positioning near the lamp hut next to Minehead Signal Box where John and Janet always enjoyed a picnic lunch when working at the Station.

2 November 2016
Details kindly provided by local correspondent