West Somerset Railway Plc Chairman Jonathan Jones-Pratt announced a number of significant staff changes on Thursday 29 November 2018 with two new appointments in key roles and a significant, but sad, departure too.

WSR Plc Head of Finance, Finance Director and Company Secretary Richard Maw has resigned from all three posts he held with immediate effect for personal reasons.

Danny Scroggins, known to many already via HOPS (Heritage Operating Processing System) will be joining the WSR soon as Safety and Compliance Officer and his role will include a full review of the WSR's Safety Management System (SMS) and other safety reviews, and to ensure best practice standards are achieved.

Bob Meanley, well known from his sterling work over the last quarter century at Tyseley loco works, is joining the WSR team as Acting Chief Mechanical Engineer. His appointment is one of the first steps in a high-level restructuring plan begun recently on the WSR.

Full story

30 November 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Railcam's partnership with the West Somerset Railway goes from strength to strength with a roll out of host of upgrades in time for the Santa Season. Announcing the upgrades, Railcam say:

Two brand new cameras have been installed at the delightful Williton station, and we have also upgraded the cam at the members favourite, picture postcard, Blue Anchor. All three cams will be sound enabled and bring our coverage up to 5 locations and 7 cams, Bishops Lydeard, Blue Anchor, Crowcombe Heathfield, Minehead (x2) and Williton (x2). While on site our team have also taken the opportunity to replace the camera at Crowcombe Heathfield with the one recovered from Blue Anchor. Limited internet at Crowcombe Heathfield means we can only provide a non-sound set up but we hope to increase the quality of the video stream from this lovely location.

Paul Conibeare, WSR's General Manager, adds:

We are delighted with the final cameras fitted this week, the partnership with Railcam continues for the good benefit of both businesses, what better way to watch our steam trains operate during December than from the comfort of your own home!

Williton - looking south Williton - looking north railcam.uk website

30 November 2018
Details kindly provided by railcam.uk

The overhaul of GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I overhaul continues at Minehead. The chassis is currently being reassembled following the rewheeling earlier this this. It is intended the chassis will be complete before the boiler returns. Current work is focussed on rods and motion, plumbing of the air brake system and yet more painting.

The 6024 Preservation Society has published a brand new website with many photographs and videos showing the locomotive at the WSR, a line it first visited over 20 years ago now. The website is at www.6024.com Additionally the society has social media sites at:

Facebook Twitter Instagram Website

29 November 2018
Details kindly provided by 6024 Preservation Society

In a news item on the BBC website, Jon Jones-Pratt, WSR Plc Chairman, talks about the recovery plan put in place following the recent inspection by ORR (Office of Rail and Road) which identified a significant number of areas requiring action with focus on qualifications and record keeping. Jon also mentions the need to improve the relationship between the Plc (who run the railway) and the main support group, the West Somerset Railway Association. Meanwhile the structure of the new Plc board is changing with each member getting a specific portfolio responsibility, such as compliance or health and safety.

The WSR decided to close for three months from January following the audit by ORR. The closure will only affect 17 days in February when a service normally runs, but the tracks will be in use for engine testing and general maintenance work. Sadly, the popular Spring Gala in March 2019 has also been affected.

The news item also mentions the bid to Great Western Railway to run a connection between the WSR's Bishops Lydeard Station and Taunton's mainline station over 50 days during the peak season. A decision by GWR is expected in the new year.

Footnote: the WSR will be running all trains as planned during December including Santa trains, Carol trains, Dunster by Candlelight trains, the Winter Steam Festival and 'red timetable' dates between Christmas and New Year.

BBC news item

28 November 2018
Details gleaned from the BBC website

Kinlet Hall and Thornbury Castle Ltd have purchased WSR-based Class 09 no D4107 from 4160 Ltd. The new owners say:

The engine has been a good old workhorse for the WSR and since our offer was successful we have signed a long term deal for the engine to remain at the WSR. We will also be naming the old girl Ellie May - plates have been drilled for fitting, hopefully, in December.

28 November 2018
Details kindly provided by Kinlet Hall and Thornbury Castle Ltd

A West Somerset Railway Gift Voucher is just the ticket for Christmas or any other time of the year. A WSR Gift Voucher can be exchanged for WSR train tickets, goods from the shop at Minehead Station and at Bishops Lydeard Station, for WSR Plc shares (minimum share purchase £100.00), and for Steam and Diesel Engineman Courses. Vouchers - £20 £10 and £5 - are available and the best way to purchase is by phoning the Minehead shop on 01643 700387.

27 November 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The latest Newsletter from the Friends of Minehead Station (FoMS) provides an excellent insight into recent activities at the largest station on the West Somerset Railway. FoMS Chairman Martyn Snell reports the completion of the amended floodlighting of the station to meet the requirements of the local planning officers. The new lighting will be used during the Christmas period. Martyn also mentions the new storage shed which will help FoMS improve the tidiness of the station. The Newsletter carries the story behind the removal of the flower bed nearest the canopy. FoMS have a busy Facebook page @fomswsr for the latest happenings.

27 November 2018
Details kindly provided by the Friends of Minehead Station

The West Somerset Railway held their annual Long Service Awards presentation on Saturday 10 November 2018 at The Quantock Brewery in Bishops Lydeard.

WSR Plc Chairman, Jonathan Jones-Pratt, presented awards for 10, 20, and 30 years long service to 39 volunteers and some of the WSR's staff too. Two other 'Significant Contribution' awards were also presented to John Robinson and David Bagshaw for their continuing support in the Human Resources department. Jon Jones-Pratt comments:

Our volunteers and staff are essential to the WSR as they are all here because they want to help and support the railway. That makes working and volunteering on the West Somerset Railway an invaluable asset and, of course, is critical to the future enhancement and success of the Railway.

Full story

20 November 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Volunteers are needed for two Tidy Trains to be in December, one train on 10 December and the second on 11 December. Each train starts at Bishops Lydeard at 9am, and aiming for a 4pm finish. Any staff with PTS and safety footwear would be gratefully welcomed. Anyone wishing for volunteer for this task should contact Rhiannon via email ieadmin@wsrail.net or leave a message on 01643700400.

20 November 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

John Wood of Locomotive 5542 Ltd has kindly provided an update on progress with the rebuilding of ex-GWR Autotrailer no 169 at Williton.

Work on Autotrailer no 169 continues steadily at Williton with recent progress on the floor and roof. Hoops and stretchers are now fixed in position along half of the carriage and the next of the repaired galvanised sections is ready to be fitted in the next few days. 25mm Plywood flooring has been fitted along with assembly work on the side panels. Section 3 of the main framework is well advanced in our workshop with the 150mm (6 inches) square entrance door jambs being the next major component receive attention shortly. An interesting find was made when removing the hinges of the old doorposts where the carpenter tasked with fitting the original door hinges some 90 years ago appeared to be short of some thin packing so used a Players cigarette packet instead.

GWR Autotrailer no 169 GWR 2-6-2T no 5542

18 November 2018
Details kindly provided by Locomotive 5542 Ltd

The West Somerset Railway has won a funding grant from Hinkley Point C Community Fund to deliver a Community Cohesion Project as part of the drive to mitigate the impact of the construction of Hinkley Point C on the local Somerset Community.

The Railway is now recruiting for a Community Engagement Manager to manage and deliver the project as the West Somerset Railway Association explain:

The role of Community Engagement Manager is key to the success of the project and we are looking for somebody able to operate effectively at all levels, including board level. The ideal candidate will be a confident self-starter able to manage and organise their own workflow and deliver the project objectives.

The Community Engagement Manager will work on behalf of the railway to forge closer links with the community and meet the community cohesion criteria set out in the project. They will seek out and develop relationships with new and potential partners for community benefit and enrichment. The role will reach beyond the timescale of this project and has the potential to deliver a lasting legacy.

Full details

16 November 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

The Railway's Gala Planning Team have reported the following on their Facebook page:

We have now finalised our 2019 gala dates and plans and we are pleased to be able to give advance notice of these here as follows:

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June 2019 - 40th anniversary of reopening to Bishops Lydeard. Mixed steam and diesel event.

Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 June 2019 - 'Vintage diesels to the seaside' - diesel gala and beer festival. Please note amended date.

Sunday 23 June 2019 - Mixed traction day.

Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 October 2019 - 'Western steam' - Autumn Steam Gala.

Sunday 29 and Monday 30 December 2019 - Winter Steam Festival.

Planning is now underway to bring these events together and updates will appear on this page as things develop.

16 November 2018
Details gleaned from Facebook page of the WSR Gala Planning Team

There are lots of trains on the West Somerset Railway during December. Santa trains, Carol trains, Dunster-by-Candlelight trains, Winter Steam Festival and lots more after Christmas. And don't forget the Christmas Market at Minehead Station on 1 December.

Events page

16 November 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Stogumber Station will be open as usual from 27 December 2018 to 1 January 2019 inclusive, with a welcoming warm fire and festive fare. Come along for a hot drink with mince pies and shortbread. The two day Winter Steam Festival with at least three steam locomotives in service is on 29 and 30 December 2018. Use the link below to find out more and book tickets.

Winter Steam Festival Stogumber Station

15 November 2018
Details gleaned from the website of Stogumber Station

Jon Jones-Pratt, WSR Plc Chairman, has written to staff, volunteers and supporters of the Railway, on recent matters and forward plans.

In the light of our recent ORR (Office of Rail & Road) inspection visit, I am writing to you all again in order to explain a number of key changes that have been made, or will be made, following our most recent Board meetings and how these significant changes will affect our Railway to the overall good of the WSR over the coming months and years. This letter is going to all who are employed, volunteer or support the WSR plc in helping us to run the railway.

The full statement can be read by tapping or clicking the button below.

Full statement

14 November 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The West Somerset Railway are holding a Christmas Ball for staff and volunteers. The ticket-only event is being held at Minehead Rugby Club on 17 November 2018 from 7pm until late. Tickets cost £22 each and includes a welcome drink, a three-course meal and music. Dress code is 'smart'. This is a ticket only event for volunteers and paid staff of the West Somerset Railway. Full details from Sam or Kerry

Full details

12 November 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Ian Coleby and Rodney Greenway have resigned as Directors of the West Somerset Railway Plc. The Plc have published statements on the official website.

Ian Coleby's resignation Rodney Greenway's resignation

9 November 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The Chairman of WSR Plc has written to shareholders, staff and volunteers:

Shareholders, staff and volunteers will be aware that the railway recently received an inspection visit from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the government body responsible for maintaining and monitoring safety standards in the railway industry. We have now received a letter from the ORR which outlines the steps they require us to take. The ORR will be publishing their own public statement about the visit, so it would not be appropriate to pre-empt that. However, we can say that whilst we have been allowed to retain our licence to operate we have a significant number of important actions to take. We will be receiving a follow up visit from the ORR inspector in March, next year, to ensure that the various actions have been undertaken.

The Board have taken the view that the railway should close completely from 2nd January until 1st April next year. This will mean that the Spring Gala and the proposed ACE Event will now not take place. There will also be no trains during the spring (February) half terms. The Board consider this short period of closure as essential, both to give infrastructure teams additional time to undertake maintenance but also to allow paid and volunteer staff to focus on qualifications and effective record keeping. It is also clear that from a commercial point of view we need to refocus our operation and business processes. We have already begun discussions on the way forward.

Changes are needed in several fields and the Board are committed to undertake this in the most sensitive and constructive way possible. The Directors are determined to ensure the long-term future viability of the railway, and all the actions we will be taking are focussed on that objective.

Jonathan Jones-Pratt, Chairman

6 November 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The Turntable Cafe report:

We will be open throughout November and December everyday 9.30am to 2pm serving our usual menu of delicious food plus a new addition to our menu on days where we aren't running any services. On these days we can now offer All Day Breakfast consisting of 2 Sausage, 2 Bacon, 2 Eggs, Beans, 2 Slices of Toast and mug of Tea or Coffee £6.50. Excitingly we will also be introducing a Giant Yorkshire Pudding with Mash Potato, Sausages, Peas and Gravy later on in the month of November.

The Buffer Stop Shop will also be open everyday 9.30am to 3.30pm (except Thursday 8 November) offering a great selection of toys and gifts.

4 November 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Kate Beard writes:

Now the main season is coming to an end, our regular customers and supporters may like to know that the shop and cafe will be open on Saturdays 10th, 17th and 24th November from 10.00am until 3.00pm. Why not pop in and have a nice warm drink and a cold snack and browse through our extensive range of models, books and toys in readiness for Christmas! Our end of season sale on model railway is continuing until the end of the year with 15% off the RRP of all locomotives

Shop webpage

3 November 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

Last Monday, 29 October 2018, was the inaugural running of the 'Three Chefs Express', a unique service on the Quantock Belle Dining Train featuring 3 local Exmoor chefs. With a black tie dress code, six course meal and specially selected drinks menu for the occasion, the night was certainly a jewel in the crown of the Quantock Belle which has been run successfully throughout the year on a number of Sunday lunch and Saturday evening outings.

Claire Lynch, a regular caterer on the train was joined by John Bradley, from the award-winning Dunkery Beacon Hotel and Justin Reeves of Reeves Restaurant to produce a spectacular menu. The courses ranged from a Dunster Elderberry Sorbet, complete with Wicked Wolf Exmoor gin to Vietnamese poached duck leg, all prepared, cooked and served from the train's galley. In addition an experienced and enthusiastic army of volunteers were on hand to efficiently serve, including those behind the bar offering a wine list chosen to suit the menu and a range of beers, liqueurs and soft drinks.

A clear, cold evening became the ideal setting on the train's last voyage to Minehead and back before Christmas Sunday Lunches begin in December. On board a true fine dining atmosphere entertained passengers with one dining pair - former volunteers on the 'QB' themselves for many years - commenting afterwards:

Each of the six courses served was a triumph of taste and presentation, the like of which I never ever expected to witness from a Quantock Belle seat. The experience was further enhanced by every diner adhering to black tie dress code and a well-chosen special beverage menu. Very well done to all those folk involved. Please repeat this 'one-off special' at the earliest opportunity

In addition to a number of Christmas dates, a special Dunster by Candlelight train with catering by Purple Spoon, is taking place on Friday 7 December. Tables of four are still available to book online or by contacting Joe or Nora in the Commercial Department on 01643 700398.

Book online

3 November 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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The WSR Wagon Restoration Group have issued number 5 of their bi-monthly newsletter 'Plaustra' - tap or click the link below to find out what these folks have doing recently...

Plaustra no 5

3 November 2018
Details gleaned from the WSR Wagon Restoration Group's Facebook page

The West Somerset Railway Association has published a brief synopsis of the Trustee Board meeting held on 29 October 2018, along with the agreed redacted Minutes of their September meeting. To read more, please click or tap the buttons below.

Synopsis Agreed Minutes

2 November 2018
Details kindly provided by local correspondent