Robin White reports:

A good group turned up on 25 November 2017 to extract and despatch the two non-Railway lamps from Stogumber and plant a newly-cast GWR pattern lamp on the downside of the foot crossing. All was completed by lunchtime, including having the new post in undercoat. It is hoped to have it illuminated for the Carol trains and painted to match the ex-St Ives genuine GWR post on the other side. Thanks to Steve, Paul, Shirl, Amyas, John and Bob who turned out to help and the Station staff who kept the crew sustained with tea, coffee and bacon rolls.

26 November 2017
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

Passenger train operations on the West Somerset Railway resume on Friday 1 December with the Dunster by Candlelight evening services. On Saturday 2 December and Sunday 3 December, anyone wanting to take a twenty mile round trip between Bishops Lydeard and Williton can enjoy views of the Quantock Hills on the Santa Express and Sherry and Mince Pie Special trains. Tickets are also on sale now for the Diesel Railcar train to and from Minehead for the Station Christmas Market on 9 December. Details and bookings can be seen and made at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call the Minehead office on 01643 704996.

25 November 2017
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

The draft minutes of the most recent meeting of the Board of Trustees are available on the website of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust. The meeting approved a revised Volunteer Policy and also Artefact Receipt and Exit forms - electronic copies can be found on the Documents page of the Trust's website.

25 November 2017
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust

The Steam Trust have available special souvenir mugs depicting GWR Sleeping Car no 9038. This is a limited edition of 144 mugs and will not be repeated once all have been sold. These will be available from the Museums at Blue Anchor and Bishops Lydeard or at any events where the Steam Trust have a stand. These can be pre-ordered but must be collected from the Steam Trust (for pre orders please contact David Baker on davidbaker687@btinternet.com or 01392 851752)

The cost will be £5 per mug but for Steam Trust Members with a current Steam Trust Membership card, there will be a 10% discount making them £4.50 each. Steam Trust members will need to produce their membership card when purchasing.

22 November 2017
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust

We understand the former Station Master at Minehead, Alan Scott, died in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, on the afternoon of 21 November 2017. John Simms has provided a few words about Alan's life and his busy time working on the West Somerset Railway.

22 November 2017
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

The West Somerset Railway Plc have announced:

Please be advised, that Graham Jackson has been appointed as the Railway's Safety Officer with immediate effect. Graham will report to the General Manager on all safety matters. He can contacted via email at safety@wsrail.net

22 November 2017
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

As part of its 10th birthday celebrations next year it is planned that Tornado will haul an exclusive Golden Eagle Luxury Trains charter using the Royal Scotsman carriages from Inverness to Penzance as part of a 2,000 mile itinerary.

The tour starts on 15 October 2018. Five days later, on 20 October, no 60163 will haul the train from Crewe to West Somerset subject to confirmation. Next day, the tour continues from Taunton to Penzance behind nos 60163 and 6024.

Read the full details.

22 November 2017
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust write:

It is the intention of the Trust next year to open and staff both Museums on every Sunday, Bank Holiday and Gala day from the March Gala to the last running day in November. We were able to achieve this at Blue Anchor in 2017 (many thanks to those who helped this year) and are hoping to do the same at both Museums next year. In addition the Gauge Museum will be open but not staffed on all running days. In addition the Model Railway in the Gauge Museum will be open for as many days as volunteers can be found.

This will not be achievable without more volunteers. It is not an onerous task; it just requires volunteers to be there and to be able to talk to the visitors. Training will be given. Opening hours are normally between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm (depending on the number of visitors around). If anyone is able to help please contact David Baker on davidbaker687@btinternet.com or on 01392 851752 stating whether you would like to help at Blue Anchor Museum, the Gauge Museum (BL) or the Model Railway.

22 November 2017
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust

The West Somerset Railway Association have published a synopsis of the latest Trustee Board meeting on 13 November 2017. Topics covered include the future of West Somerset Restoration, Board Membership, Subscriptions, the future of the Norton site, and the date of the 2018 AGM.

21 November 2017
Details gleaned from the website of the West Somerset Railway Association

The latest newsletter from the Friends of Minehead Station has been published and reveals the Friends have been very active in their efforts. There is mention of the floodlighting works, still ongoing; a Readers Halt report including the effects of the Antiques Roadshow and Flying Scotsman events; an update from the Gardening Team and the Works Team; and much more. And it seems long-serving FoMS Chairman Martyn Snell is to step down after six years in that post. Martyn writes to FoMS members:

I have made your committee aware that I feel it is a good time for me to consider standing down as your Chairman.

Martyn also reminds everyone about the Christmas Market on Saturday 9 December 2017 on the platform at Minehead Station.

17 November 2017
Details kindly provided by the Friends of Minehead Station

An update on the Rally website from the Chairman of the Steam and Vintage Rally committee, Geoff Garfield, which starts and ends with these words:

Our annual Rally took place on the 5th & 6th August this year, and was again very well attended. Over 6000 visitors came through the main gate.

We look forward to working again with our volunteers, exhibitors and traders to deliver an equally successful Rally on 4th and 5th August 2018.

Read the full update...

15 November 2017
Details kindly provided by the Steam and Vintage Rally

Gleaned from the Minehead Station Christmas Market page on the official WSR website:

We will be running a DMU service [on Saturday 9 December 2017] from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead return on the day of the market for pre-booked passengers only. The DMU shows panoramic views whilst travelling through the countryside to our Christmas Market. The DMU will leave Bishops Lydeard at 12.45pm and return from Minehead at 4.30pm. The cost will be £5.00 per adult, £2.50 per child and £12.00 per family. Tickets for the DMU will be available soon.

14 November 2017
Details by local correspondent and West Somerset Railway Plc

We understand a diesel-hauled diagram is included on 'brown' days in the as-yet-unpublished 2018 timetable.

The dates are all Saturdays:
5, 12, 19, 26 May
16, 23, 30 June
7, 14, 21, 28 July
4, 11, 18, 25 August
15, 22 September.

Departures from Bishops Lydeard at 11.15am and 3.15pm, and from Minehead at 1.15pm and 5.15pm. These are 80 mile diagrams.

14 November 2017
Details kindly provided by Diesel and Electric Preservation Group

John Wood, the Chairman of Locomotive 5542 Ltd, has provided an update on the rebuilding of their GWR Auto Trailer no 169:

Whilst progress on droplights and toplights continues steadily some of our workers have had a chance to turn out attention to doors and floors with the outer tin 'skin' cut 'dimpled' and fitted to the driver's right hand door, and the kindly donated 25mm marine ply has been resized and given a coat of protection ready for laying in the front seating area. Many thanks for the kind offers of hardwood we've received, there's plenty more required for other components so please 'keep them coming'. We hope to be staging some 'Open Days' at our Williton workshop during the WSR Christmas Gala period, so watch out for more details and an opportunity to see behind the scenes of our operation.

14 November 2017
Details kindly provided by Locomotive 5542 Ltd

The West Somerset Railway's 2018 'Steam Engineman' courses are now available to book. Check the dates and details.

The West Somerset Railway offers a range of one day and two day courses to realise ambitions and make long held dreams become reality. Experience the feeling of working steam locomotives. Join the team on the footplate, shovel coal into the firebox, blow the whistle, open the regulator and feel the power. Treat someone special (even yourself) to the thrill of a lifetime learning what it feels like to be a real fireman and engine driver. A really special present or excellent corporate hospitality.

13 November 2017
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The car park in the station yard at Williton has been completely overhauled by civil engineering contractors from Minehead who have dug out all the old dirt and gravel, levelled the surface, compacted it, and then laid a deep covering of tarmac. This will provide a much better area for visitors to park and access the station's facilities, especially those with limited mobility or with a pushchair.

12 November 2017
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

Phase 1 of the lighting changes at Stogumber Station was carried out on 9 November 2017. The new lamp was installed on the corner of the station building to light the car park. This was the lamp for which Minehead Loco manufactured the bracket. The two non-railway lamps have been disconnected. Phase 2 of the work is to dig out the two non-railway lamps and install the new GWR pattern lamp on the crossing down side. This is due to be carried out on Sat 25 November and some more help with the labour would be appreciated.

12 November 2017
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

At the recent Bristol Bath & Somerset Awards, the West Somerset Railway received a bronze award in the 'Large Attraction of the Year' grouping. The winners were judged by a panel of experts. Laura Rawlings from BBC Radio Bristol announced the winners, and the WSR representatives were joined on stage by Marcus Trescothick MBE. WSR General Manager, Paul Conibeare said:

Becoming a finalist in the Bristol Bath and Somerset Awards is a wonderful achievement for the railway, so we are thrilled to accept the bronze award on behalf of the team at the West Somerset Railway. This award highlights the fantastic efforts made by every staff member and we are very proud of this achievement.

Read more...

10 November 2017
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The WSR Plc are offering a three year apprenticeship within the Mechanical Engineering Department at Minehead. The successful applicant will undergo training in a wide variety of aspects relating to the maintenance, repair and restoration of locomotives. Closing date for applications is Thursday 30 November 2017. Full details.

10 November 2017
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The West Somerset Railway have just released the 2018 Diesel Engineman dates. Experience the feel of a working Class 33 diesel electric locomotive and join the Driver in the cab to take the seat and drive the heritage diesel locomotive along the Minehead Branch. Book a place or two online. Great for Christmas presents.

8 November 2017
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The episode of BBC TV's 'Flog It' programme filmed at West Somerset Railway - when presenter Paul Martin rode from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard on the footplate of LMS no 44422 during filming on 11 May 2016 - will be broadcast at 4.30pm on 22 November 2017.

8 November 2017
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Earlier in the year, Station Master Bob Preston carried out a review of the lighting at Stogumber Station and concluded that there should be changes. These are: mounting an additional lamp on the corner of the station building overlooking the car park; removing the two non-railway lamps in the car park and on the down side of the foot crossing to the platform; and planting a new GWR lamp on the down side of the crossing to match the lamp from St Ives which has stood on the up side for some time.

This work is being carried out during November and help is needed on Saturday 25 November, to dig out the old posts and dig a hole for and plant the new lamp. This physical labour is a bit beyond the normal Stogumber volunteers who man the station and provide the public with the cream teas and other refreshments for which Stogumber station is now known. It is hoped that some younger, fitter WSR supporters can offer and hour or two on the day to help. Ample supplies of tea, coffee and bacon rolls will be on hand!

If you can help, please e-mail Robin White at robin215white@btinternet.com. She will be co-ordinating the working party under Bob Preston's management. The working party will start at 10am on Saturday 25 November.

6 November 2017
Details kindly provided by local correspondent and Friends of Stogumber Station

Members of the Institute of Railway Operators were guests of the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group at Williton on 4 November 2017 to learn about the restoration, maintenance and operation of heritage diesel locomotives. This was the third of four organised visits to the West Somerset Railway; the earlier sessions covered signalling and operating.

5 November 2017
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

To ensure passengers are kept nice and cosy on the festive trains in December, and to reduce the number of extremely early starts for our regular loco crews, local brothers Ryan and Liam Pope will be manning their diminutive ex-Caledonia Works Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219, normally based at Washford, to pre-heat carriages at Bishops Lydeard throughout December. The locomotive will be positioned inside the loco compound effectively as a 'stationary boiler' with a pipe connecting it to the carriages stabled in the platforms. And will hopefully provide a bit of interest too. Dave Horton, WSR Head of Mechanical Engineering, adds "Well done Ryan and Liam for coming up with this nice idea!"

4 November 2017
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The West Somerset Railway Association have published a synopsis of the latest Trustee Board meeting on 23 October 2017. Topics covered include Network Rail Carriage Shed, the Journal Editorship, membership subscriptions, Board membership and the future of West Somerset Restoration.

3 November 2017
Details gleaned from the website of the West Somerset Railway Association

On 3 November 2017 the boiler of WSR 2-6-0 no 9351 passed its steam test at LNWR Crewe. It seems this contract will be the penultimate contract boiler overhaul to leave the company, as the company (as part of the Hosking group) will soon focus solely on its own fleet.

3 November 2017
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Dave Horton, Head of Mechanical Engineering, has announced:

It is my pleasure to announce the appointment and promotion of several staff in the Mechanical Engineering department.

Following a review of the organisational structure in early 2017, and subsequent consultation with paid staff, one of the outcomes was that a greater delegation of responsibilities was required in order to (a) spread the workload more evenly in the department, (b) develop the management and leadership abilities of each individual, (c) provide greater focus to overhaul and restoration activities and (d) create a more nurturing environment for volunteers

As such, Gary Brown joins the team as of 1 November 2017 as 'Lead Engineer - Locomotives'; Richard Hiscox is promoted to 'Maintenance Team Leader'; and Colin Henderson takes up the voluntary role of 'Project Engineer - Overhauls and Restoration'.

I am sure you will join me in welcoming all three into their new roles. Some minor adjustments of job titles have also taken place and the new structure of the ME team is illustrated in this chart

More details can be found in this document.

2 November 2017
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The West Somerset Railway Plc have made available a powerpoint document from their presentation to attendees at the recent Stakeholders Meeting. Please note the abridged document rightly lacks certain financial information. It has also been converted to PDF format by this website. Read the presentation

1 November 2017
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc