An unofficial website featuring the West Somerset Railway
News from July 2019
The WSR 1940s Weekend 14-15 September 2019
Recreating 1940s life in West Somerset - the Railway's 1940s Weekend takes place on 14 and 15 September 2019. The WSR will be holding a number of events and displays based around Minehead, Watchet and Washford, including:
A military train loaded with vehicles will run from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard and back each day, then stationed in Minehead's platform each afternoon.
An intensive service of steam trains between stations.
Military and civilian vehicles and displays at most statons and the town of Watchet.
RAF displays at Bishops Lydeard.
A 1940s Dance on Friday and Saturday evenings under the Minehead Station canopy. Friday: the Deane Big Band and the Liberty Sisters; Saturday: the Liberty Sisters and Ricky Hunter.
A 1940s hair dressing pop-up shop.
Land Army, Civilian Life and Home Front displays all along the line.
Uniformed British and American troops - both stationed in the area during the war.
And a rumour that Churchill and other celebrities will make an appearance...
The Quantock Brewery near Bishops Lydeard Station catered for many West Somerset Railway passengers on 27 July 2019, not least because a free pint was offered to anyone with a valid WSR ticket. Judging by the number of shuttle tickets presented the new Taunton service was very well supported. The London-Minehead-London charter passengers were informed about the Quantock Brewery beer festival during their outward journey and many of them attended. The brewery were also pleased to cater for passengers during the unscheduled evening layover at Bishops Lydeard awaiting their 'thunderbird' Class 47 diesel to arrive from Southall. This followed an early request from the folks at the West Somerset Railway that allowed the brewery to muster staff and further supplies for the street food outlets. A great example of the West Somerset Railway and a local business working together to mutual benefit.
31 July 2019 Details kindly provided by local correspondent
WSR Association Board Meeting documents published
The West Somerset Railway Association have published the agreed Minutes of the Board Meeting of 6 June 2019 and a synopsis of the more recent Board Meeting held on 8 July 2019. Click or tap the buttons below.
Four milk churns chained to the fence by the barrow crossing have been stolen from Stogumber Station. If anyone saw anything unusual or suspicious would they please let the Station folk know. The theft has been reported to the Police.
Would you like to know what is under the 'skin' of a wooden bodied railway carriage? Then why not seek out the Autotrailer no 169 marquee at the WSRA Steam and Vintage Rally this weekend? Section 3 (of 4) of our rebuild of GWR Autotrailer no 169 will be on show to give an insight into how wooden bodied carriages of the early 20th century were constructed. Our ever-present marquee will be near the main entrance and not only will you be able to help boost our funds by browsing our huge books and bric-a-brac display for that elusive item you need, but you can also purchase that much-needed tea or coffee with homemade cake as well. We look forward to seeing you there.
29 July 2019 Details kindly provided by Loco 5542 Ltd
Getting excited about the 2019 Steam and Vintage Rally
Some folks are playing 'Spot the Rally Poster' and then retweeting the location of the spot. Buses of Somerset are sporting the Rally poster displayed on the back of the bus.
Meantime the Rally Team are hard at work getting the West Somerset Railway Association's fields at Norton Fitwarren all ready for the 2019 Rally which is held over two days - 3 and 4 August. A day ticket costs just £12, senior citizens £10, and accompanied children are admitted free. Tickets can be bought at the Rally Gate or online until 10pm on Monday 29 July (see button below) or at Taunton Visitor Centre.
There are new ways of getting to the Rally this year - details are explained on the news page of the Rally website (see button below) or a little further down this page.
Amongst all the steam and vintage machinery is the popular food hall - bread, cakes, cheese, marshmallows, pies, preserves, chilli sauce, cupcakes, scotch eggs, gin and fizz, and lots more...
29 July 2019 Details kindly provided by Rally Team
Update on mileage for Class 14 no D9526 on 27 July
Martin Howard, the Chairman of Diesel and Electric Preservation Group Ltd writes:
The diesel loco for Saturday 27 July is Class 14 no D9526 but it will only be doing one round trip, that is, 40 miles. This is due to the incoming mainline steam charter. Hydraulic fans will 'regrettably' have to spend three hours at Minehead waiting for the return trip.
This website was slow to realise the expected Minehead - Williton -Minehead trip for the Class 14 was not possible due to that path being required for the incoming mainline special. Thanks to colleagues at the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group for the alerts. And apologies to diesel hydraulic fans for misleading information previously shown on our timetable pages.
This coming weekend, the new Saturdays-only GWR Summer shuttle service trains starts on Saturday 27 July and will then continue through August and into the autumn on selected dates forming a timetabled link between the national rail network at Taunton station and the West Somerset Railway (WSR), one of Somerset's top tourist attractions. Details of the new service being run as a joint trial venture between the West Somerset Railway and Great Western Railway are outlined below, and the basic itinerary for the day starts as follows:
The party of official and civic guests meet at Taunton station. Time will be very tight but, in addition to a few words to welcome the service by Rebecca Pow MP.
The empty coaching stock arrives from Exeter, followed by short photo-call and the train departs after Taunton MP Rebecca Pow flags away the first GWR shuttle train to Bishops Lydeard.
Train arrives Bishops Lydeard and a brief photo-call on platform 2 with more flag waving and other civic guests present to welcome the first train.
Many of the official party will then depart Bishops Lydeard for Taunton, including Rebecca Pow, but some may want to alight at Bishops Lydeard and stay for an hour and return on the next shuttle to Taunton, or go on to Minehead on the 10.15am steam train and return later in the day.
The WSR will have staff on hand at Bishops Lydeard to help show guests around, including the Gauge Museum featuring the late Peter Barnfield's art exhibition, and the station is being properly decorated with bunting for the day.
The connecting train arrives at Minehead at 11.35am where the station will similarly be decorated and the Mayor, Town Crier and some other civic guests will meet the train.
Trains will run on Saturdays on the following dates - 27 July; 3, 17 and 31 August; 7, 21 September and 5 October. Details of the train service are set out below. These dates will allow for a big influx of visitors to the WSR's special events on Saturday 3 August for the Steam Rally at Norton Fitzwarren, and the WSR's Autumn Steam Gala on Saturday 5 October. Further dates for the shuttle later in the year are still under consideration by GWR and the WSR.
The primary purpose of the new trial is to test the water and attract people from the national network to visit the WSR to enjoy the scenic line and attractions which will bring big benefits to local businesses in West Somerset.
The West Somerset Railway itself is one of the largest tourist attractions in Somerset with around 180,000 visitors a year. For local residents, the new service offers a stress free and sustainable way of Saturday shopping in Taunton as well as a good connection with the national network.
Great Western Railway already offers through tickets from its staffed stations to the West Somerset Railway, and these will be valid on the shuttle train or on the No. 28 bus between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard as an alternative to the shuttle rail service. Tickets can also be bought on the shuttle train from Taunton to any station on the West Somerset Railway. The use of the trains will be carefully monitored and analysed to see if there is a basis for running a service in future years.
For information on the GWR shuttle and West Somerset Railway services, see the railway's website www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call 01643 704996. For information on connecting services from Taunton, see the National Rail website www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950.
GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said:
This new regular, timetabled GWR shuttle service from Taunton to the WSR at Bishops Lydeard is an exciting opportunity for both railways in a joint venture. It is funded through our Customer and Community Improvement Fund as a trial, and we hope that visitors, enthusiasts and local residents will use the new Saturday service this year so that we can jointly evaluate its success.
Taunton MP Rebecca Pow comments:
I am a firm believer in innovation and in partnership, and it is great to see GWR using their Customer and Community Improvement Fund to link mainline trains to the West Somerset Railway on Saturdays this summer. It is great for Taunton, for Bishops Lydeard and for Minehead, and I hope the trial is a great success. In December this year, we will see the biggest timetable change for 40 years on the GWR mainline with faster, more frequent services, but it is great to see that there is also a push to improve our local services too and I commend the staff and volunteers at the WSR for putting together the bid that secured the funding.
Jonathan Jones-Pratt, chairman of the West Somerset Railway plc added:
The new GWR shuttle link is another good reason to visit the West Somerset Railway this year. Coupled with great scenery, the friendly welcome and our steam trains, and you have an unbeatable day out. We are proud to be running our heritage steam trains alongside their Great Western successors.
Taunton shuttle timetable for 2019 - please check on the websites prior to travelling as times will vary for WSR special event weekends, or ring 01643 704996.
Saturdays 27 July and 3, 17, 31 August and 7, 21 September and 5 October
GWR Taunton dep
09.39*
10.28*
12.10*
15.37*
16.36*
GWR Bishops Lydeard arr
09.56
10.45
12.26
15.54
16.53
then change trains...
WSR Bishops Lydeard dep
10.15
11.00
12.40
16.20
WSR Minehead arr
11.35
12.20
14.00
18.00
WSR Minehead dep
10.05
14.30
15.25
WSR Bishops Lydeard arr
11.30
15.52
16.50
then change trains...
GWR Bishops Lydeard dep
10.03*
11.45*
12.53*
16.09*
17.11*
GWR Taunton arr
10.22
12.05
13.10
16.26
17.28
* On Saturday 3 August the GWR shuttle trains will leave Taunton and Bishops Lydeard up to four minutes earlier and call at Norton Platform to serve the Steam and Vintage Rally.
Joining the GWR Bishops Lydeard shuttle at Taunton Station
Advice for those folks planning to join or leave the GWR shuttle train at Taunton Railway Station:
Tell the GWR gateline staff that you are catching the Bishops Lydeard shuttle and they will admit you to Platform 2, where you can pay on the train. On some trips, with a longer layover at Taunton, a West Somerset Railway Ticket Inspector will go to the gateline to sell tickets as people come through. Passengers arriving from the WSR at Taunton should retain their shuttle ticket and show it to the GWR gateline staff who will then let them through the barriers.
24 July 2019 Details kindly provided by WSR Taunton Link Team
First Aid boxes checked and replenished
Rita Jervis and Steve Jervis spent the morning visiting Bishops Lydeard, Crowcombe Heathfield and Stogumber stations to inspect the various First Aid boxes and replenish as necessary. Staff are reminded to inspect their station or departmental First Aid boxes and report any defiencies or out of date stock to firstaid@wsrail.net or telephone Kerry at 01643 700408 who will pass the message on.
24 July 2019 Details kindly provided by Steve Jervis
Taunton Rail Shuttle Tickets now available online
The new GWR summer shuttle service linking the national rail network at Taunton Railway Station and the West Somerset Railway starts on Saturday 27 July 2019. The full list of dates for 2019 are 27 July, 3, 17, 31 August, 7, 21 September, 5 October. See below for train times.
With timings and dates of operation finally resolved (in rather less time than the 18 months normally taken for timetable and pathing planning for trains on the national network) tickets for the Taunton shuttle trains can now be found at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk in the Events and Experiences section of the site. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of travel from the Travelling Ticket Inspectors on the shuttles.
Returns on the Bishops Lydeard - Taunton shuttle are £6.00 for adults and seniors and £3.00 for young people aged 3 to 17; singles cost £4.00 and £2.00 respectively. Please note that WSR discount travel schemes do not apply on the shuttles but can of course be used on WSR trains for travel between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead.
Taunton shuttle timetable for 2019 - please check on the websites prior to travelling as times will vary for WSR special event weekends, or ring 01643 704996.
Saturdays 27 July and 3, 17, 31 August and 7, 21 September and 5 October
GWR Taunton dep *
09.39*
10.28*
12.10*
15.37*
16.36*
GWR Bishops Lydeard arr
09.56
10.45
12.26
15.54
16.53
GWR Bishops Lydeard * dep
10.03*
11.45*
12.53*
16.09*
17.11*
GWR Taunton arr
10.22
12.05
13.10
16.26
17.28
* On Saturday 3 August the GWR shuttle trains will leave Taunton and Bishops Lydeard up to four minutes earlier and call at Norton Platform to serve the Steam and Vintage Rally.
GWR 0-6-0PT no 9466 is a surprise Steam Rally visitor
GWR 0-6-0PT no 9466 will be a surprise operating guest exhibit for the West Somerset Railway Association's Steam and Vintage Rally at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August 2019, courtesy of a no-cost deal struck between the South Devon Railway, the West Somerset Railway Plc and WSRA, along with 9466's new owner Jon Jones-Pratt.
As a red route engine, no 9466 is restricted to the Norton - Bishops Lydeard section of the WSR but is likely to head the empty stock of the evening Somerset Coast Express from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren on Friday 2 August 2019. The Somerset Coast Express is a special excursion for those folks involved in the Rally. The loco will then bank the excursion from Norton to Bishops Lydeard, then cut off and return to Norton.
Over the Rally weekend, the loco will spend some time on static display and footplate visits, plus will also share duties with Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219 on brake van duties on the Barnstaple Branch section of the Norton Triangles helping to raise more funds for the WSR's current £250,000 track appeal.
Click or tap the button below for 'two days for price of one' online tickets for the Rally.
Jon Jones-Pratt, Chairman of West Somerset Railway Plc, has written to shareholders about an Extraordinary General Meeting being held in August. Click or tap the button below for the full letter. Here is part of the message:
The board is currently experiencing some very time consuming problems, both in terms of carrying out a major re-structuring process and bringing an Annual Account and Report together. We simply do not think it will be possible to produce meaningful accounts and have them audited in the time scale currently required by the Company's Articles of Association.
We are therefore asking you to agree to a change in the Articles to facilitate a short delay in completing them. The wording of the change is specifically chosen to allow this. This requires us to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting and details and a copy of the formal notice are included in the enclosed agenda.
Jon adds:
You will have seen the previous notice issued about the re-structuring of the Board so, once the formal business of the EGM is completed, we shall provide you with a more general update on the current state of your Railway, some of the challenges we face in the weeks and months ahead - and of course there will be opportunities for questions.
Rail renewal fundraising reaches one fifth of target
The West Somerset Railway Association, in partnership with WSR Plc and the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust, have updated the running total which today stands at £46,792.21 - that's 19% of the target of a quarter of a million pounds. A truly excellent effort. Around a tenth of this amount has been raised via the online donation page. Donations may also be made in other ways. For more information, please click or tap the buttons below.
Full independent track survey for the West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway has commissioned a full independent track survey of the complete line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, to be carried out by a fully qualified heritage railway civil engineer.
Jonathan Jones-Pratt, the WSR Plc Chairman commented:
This is to ensure that a proper audit and independent evaluation is made of the work currently being carried out on our track infrastructure, so as to provide absolute assurance and transparency for those people who kindly support us with donations. The survey will also enable us to clarify all of the core assets involved along the track in a greater level of detail than we have today.
The evaluation will be carried out using a traffic light system to identify which of the assets require most immediate attention versus those that can be maintained over a longer term basis. It will also help ensure the West Somerset Railway is maintained to fully meet the requirements of the Light Railway Order, both now and into the future.
One of the key objectives for the railway has been to restore the previous 'red route' status which allows the heavier and celebrity locomotives, such as Flying Scotsman, to use the line, giving the railway much needed publicity and additional revenues. This survey will enable the Board to accurately assess the work needed to restore red status to the line. Jonathan Jones-Pratt adds:
The output from this survey is expected to be a 5-10 year plan that can be delivered by teams of volunteers and a core group of paid staff working together to raise overall standards on the railway. The Board will empower these people to 'get on with the job' by giving them sensible budgetary guidance and being prepared to listen and react to support the various initiatives arising from this survey
This initiative is part of a much wider strategy to raise standards across all areas of the railway; to achieve best practice in all areas of maintenance and repair; and to restore pride in the overall operation of the Railway by bringing in fresh new people who are best qualified to provide the railway with the right level of detail and assessment.
Now that the completed locomotive has been handed back to the West Somerset Railway Plc, the West Somerset Railway Association has added the final entry in the blog detailing the overhaul of the unique WSR 2-6-0 no 9351.
Good news from the West Somerset Railway Association
The West Somerset Railway Association are keen to share two pieces of good news:
Firstly, WSR 2-6-0 no 9351 has today been returned to the WSR Plc in Minehead. After a little more gentle running-in the loco is expected to return to traffic within a few days. The overhaul of this locomotive was a truly collaborative venture. The boiler was overhauled at LNWR Crewe and the bottom end was overhauled at Minehead. The re-assembly and refurbishment of a suitable tender were then completed at West Somerset Restoration in Williton. The total cost of the re-assembly and tender work was just short of £30,000, which has been funded by donations from supporters and by the WSRA. Ryan and Liam Pope of West Somerset Restoration accompanied no 9351 during the light engine move back to Minehead on 12 July 2019.
Our second piece of good news relates to our own locomotive, GWR 'Small Prairie' 2-6-2T no 4561. We have today received a cheque for £20,000 towards the cost of the restoration of the loco, from Garfield Weston Foundation. This is a result of the work of our Trusts and Foundations fundraiser Kate Williams. Kate has also sourced £5,000 from the Veronica Awdry Charitable Trust and £15,000 from the Pilgrim Trust for this project and means that the total now held in donations and pledges for restoring 4561 is over £120,000. We still need more, but we are well on the way and now that 9351 has been returned to Minehead the team at Williton will be able to turn their attention to 4561.
The ever-popular WSRA Steam & Vintage Vehicle Rally will take place at Norton Fitzwarren on 3 and 4 August 2019. This year, there are new ways to get to the Rally.
On Saturday 3 August you can travel free on the new Great Western Railway shuttle from Taunton Railway Station, and return later. Trains will leave Taunton at 9.35am, 10.27am, 12.10pm, 3. 37pm, and 4.36pm.
On Saturday 3 August and Sunday 4 August, you can travel free on a 1967 Vintage Bus which leaves Taunton Bus Station at 10am, 11.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm. Stop at Norton Fitzwarren (outside the Co-op) at 10.20am, 11.50am, 2.20pm and 3.50pm. The bus will also take you back to Norton Fitzwarren village or Taunton Bus Station.
On both days, you can travel on the West Somerset Railway. There are trains from Minehead, with a special early service at 8.45pm. There is also a free, regular shuttle train to the Rally from Bishops Lydeard where there is free car parking.
Or travel by car to the free Rally car park off the B3227 at TA4 1BH.
Don't forget that WSR ID card holders get in to the Rally free.
12 July 2019 Details kindly provided by Rally Team
A statement from the Erlestoke Manor Fund
The Erlestoke Manor Fund have made a statement on their Facebook page:
On Sunday 7th July our locomotive 7802 Bradley Manor suffered a broken piston rod whilst working the 10.15 passenger train from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead on the West Somerset Railway.
The WSR dealt with the situation very promptly and recovered the train and failed locomotive to Bishops Lydeard.
Unfortunately the locomotive has suffered significant consequential damage and has been withdrawn from service for an investigation and further examination prior to repair. It is likely that the locomotive will be out of service for a considerable period.
Bradley Manor is normally based on the Severn Valley Railway but has been on hire to the WSR for this summer season.
The Erlestoke Manor Fund add:
Further updates will be posted in due course and the Fund would like to thank all those who have sent messages of support at this difficult time.
Rail link between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard starts end of July
The West Somerset Railway and Great Western Railway have announced a joint venture of Saturday trains starting on 27 July 2019 and through August and into the autumn forming the basis of the new GWR summer shuttle service linking the national rail network at Taunton Station and the West Somerset Railway.
Trains will run on Saturdays on the following dates in 2019:
27 July
3, 17, 31 August
7, 21 September
5 October
These dates will allow for a big influx of visitors to the WSR's special events on 3 August, the Steam Rally at Norton Fitzwarren, and the Autumn Steam Gala on 5 October.
Details of the train service are set out below. Further dates for the shuttle later in the year are still under consideration by GWR and the WSR.
The primary purpose of the trial is to attract people from the national network to visit the WSR and enjoy the scenic line and attractions which will bring big benefits to local businesses in West Somerset. The West Somerset Railway itself is one of the largest tourist attractions in Somerset with around 180,000 visitors a year. For local residents, the new service offers a stress free and sustainable way of Saturday shopping in Taunton as well as a good connection with the national network.
Tickets can be bought on the train - there is a flat fare of £4 each way (£2 for children) - although Great Western Railway already offers through tickets from its staffed stations to the West Somerset Railway, and these will be valid on the shuttle train or on the No 28 bus between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard as an alternative to the shuttle rail service. Tickets can also be bought on the shuttle train from Taunton to any station on the West Somerset Railway. Book online at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
The use of the trains will be carefully monitored and analysed to see if there is a basis for running a service in future years.
For information on the GWR shuttle and West Somerset Railway services, see the railway's website: www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call 01643 704996. For information on connecting services from Taunton, see the National Rail website: www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950.
GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said:
This new regular, timetabled GWR shuttle service from Taunton to the WSR at Bishops Lydeard is an exciting opportunity for both railways in a joint venture.
It is funded through our Customer and Community Improvement Fund as a trial, and we hope that visitors, enthusiasts and local residents will use the new Saturday service this year so that we can jointly evaluate its success.
Jonathan Jones-Pratt, chairman of the West Somerset Railway plc said:
The new GWR shuttle link is another good reason to visit the West Somerset Railway this year. Coupled with great scenery, the friendly welcome and our steam trains, and you have an unbeatable day out. We are proud to be running our heritage steam trains alongside their Great Western successors.
Timetable for 2019 - please check on the website prior to travelling as times will vary for WSR special event weekends, or ring 01643 704996.
Saturdays 27 July and 3, 17, 31 August and 7, 21 September and 5 October
GWR Taunton dep
09.39
10.28
12.10
15.37
16.36
GWR Bishops Lydeard arr
09.56
10.45
12.26
15.54
16.53
then change trains...
WSR Bishops Lydeard dep
10.15
11.00
12.40
16.20
WSR Minehead arr
11.35
12.20
14.00
18.00
WSR Minehead dep
10.05
14.30
15.25
WSR Bishops Lydeard arr
11.30
15.52
16.50
then change trains...
GWR Bishops Lydeard dep
10.03
11.45
12.53
16.09
17.11
GWR Taunton arr
10.22
12.05
13.10
16.26
17.28
Note: Change at Bishops Lydeard. Also, on 3 August, trains will call additionally at Norton Fitzwarren for the Steam Rally - times to be confirmed.
West Somerset Restoration's complete overhaul of the wheelchair accessible carriage no W80736 Lorna Doone is making good progress and should be outshopped from the workshop at Williton by the end of July. The overhaul of this vehicle is yet another project funded by the Friends of Minehead Station.
8 July 2019 Details kindly provided by the Friends of Minehead Station
Dates for diesel running on the Minehead Branch
The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group have kindly provided details of diesel running for the rest of the 2019 season.
Sat 6 Jul - Class 37 no D6948 - last day on the WSR - running 60 miles
Tue 16 Jul - Class 35 nos D7017 and D7018 - Quantock Belle Evening Dining Train - Book through the West Somerset Railway
Sat 20 Jul - Class 33 no D6566 - running 60 miles
Sat 27 Jul - Class 14 no D9526 - running 60 miles
Sun 4 Aug - Class 35 no D7018 - running 60 miles
Mon 5 Aug - Class 35 no D7018 - running 60 miles
Sun 11 Aug - Class 33 no D6566 - running 60 miles
Sat 24 Aug - Class 35 no D7018 - running 60 miles
Sat 14 & Sun 15 Sep - 1940s Weekend - possible diesel use as required
With repairs done, the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust have announced the powerful SDJR Class 7F 2-8-0 no 53808 will now be on display at Washford Station on Saturday 6 July 2019, and next day will haul the Trust's special train.
Visiting Class 37 'Growler' no D6948, owned by the 'Growler Group' will soon have its last runs on the Minehead Branch.
On Saturday 6 July 2019, the popular diesel locomotive will head the 11am from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, then the 1.25pm Minehead to Williton and the 2.22pm Williton to Minehead, with its finale being the 3.25pm from Minehead back to Bishops Lydeard. These trains on 6 July 2019 are public service trains for turn-up-on-the-day passengers along with those with valid season tickets or valid tickets booked in advance.
The day before - Friday 5 July 2019 - is the Growler Group 'members day'. The Group have arranged a special treat with a departure at 9.40am from Bishops Lydeard to the less used Norton Fitzwarren end of the line. The train will then depart Bishops Lydeard at 11am to Minehead. There is an afternoon 'fill in' return trip from Minehead to Williton before the train leaves Minehead at 3.25pm for the return to Bishops Lydeard. The fare for Growler Group members is £15, payable on the day. Non members can join on the day. Information taken from the Growler Group Facebook page. Please note this is a special service.
3 July 2019 Details kindly provided by local correspondents
West Somerset Railway Plc announces re-structure of Board
The West Somerset Railway (WSR) Plc is pleased to announce a complete re-structuring of its existing Board following a comprehensive business review by the Chairman, Jonathan Jones-Pratt. The review included an external safety & operational compliance audit, a full review of overheads and staff structure and a detailed financial investigation.
Jonathan Jones-Pratt comments:
The focus is now moving from 'turn-around' to 'recovery' but for shareholders and staff we owe it to them to be transparent. The results of the review highlight some critical business failures which have resulted in significant financial losses accruing to the Plc. Results for the 15 months to 31 March 2019, when published, will illustrate the extent of the sharp decline in the financial condition of the Plc.
Click or tap the link below to load the full press release.
The West Somerset Railway Association has updated the blog detailing the overhaul of the unique WSR 2-6-0 no 9351 including a useful piece detailing the next stage:
The next part of the testing program will be weighting the locomotive and tender to set the springs to provide correct loadings on all wheels. Then some light engine runs Williton to Crowcombe and return will be undertaken between the service trains to prove the bearings, valves and lubrication are all doing what is expected. The firebox and tubes will be kept under close observation for any emerging leaks or fizzes. Once 9351 has had a couple of days running with no issues, the brick arch will be installed and some further loaded ECS test runs will be conducted. Then if all is well, 9351 will be handed over to the Minehead loco and be back into front line service as part of the WSR home fleet, just in time for the peak summer season.
