The date and venue of the next West Somerset Railway Association Annual General Meeting has been announced:

The 26th WSRA AGM will take place on 4th September at 10:00am in the Crowcombe Village Hall. There will also be a remote attendance option, details to be announced closer to the time. For those who attend in person, we are hoping to arrange a visit to Williton to view 4561 and the progress of the restoration work. Details will be announced nearer the time and are dependent on COVID restrictions in place at the time.

Meanwhile, the Association needs more Trustees:

The WSRA needs more trustees. People with a passion and a vision for the WSR, aligned with an understanding of the duties of a charity trustee to safeguard the charity and its assets and to deliver on its objects for the benefit of the community. It's not always an easy position and sometimes difficult decisions need to be made, so an objective outlook is essential. You will need to be able to work with a diverse range of people, not all of whom you will agree with all of the time. You will need to be able to focus on shared aims and objectives and work your way through differing opinions about how to achieve them!

To be eligible for election as a Trustee you must be over 16 years old and have been a WSRA member for at least a year. Being a Trustee can be a very rewarding role, especially when a project plan comes together, the funding is realised and the railway benefits. There are still huge heritage projects on the railway that need WSRA support and input and for that we need a full compliment of Trustees. Please consider whether you have the time and skills to help make a difference.

Nominations for Trustee will open on 6th July and the nomination form is available for download from the members' section of the WSRA website, or by direct request to jacquie.green@wsra.org.uk

The West Somerset Railway (WSR) Gala Planning Team is pleased to announce that two small gala events are being planned for September and October 2021 as Government Covid restrictions are hopefully further eased. These will be the first enthusiast gala events held at the WSR in almost two years since the winter steam event in December 2019. The Team say:

The first gala will be held on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September which will be a true 'Mixed Traffic' weekend complete with diesel-only haulage on the Friday, plus a mix of steam and diesel on the Saturday, and then a more normal steam-only service will operate on the Sunday.

Diesel locos planned to run for the September event are: Hymek Class 35 no D7018 and Crompton Class 33s nos D6566 and D6575, plus maybe one 'guest' diesel loco that is under discussion, but subject to budgetary constraints following the limitations enforced on the railway by the Coronavirus pandemic.

On the Saturday, the home-based WSR steam fleet of former GWR locos in Large Prairie no 5199, Mogul no 9351 and Manors nos 7822 Foxcote Manor and 7828 Odney Manor will join the diesels, and some of these locos will also haul the Sunday services.

All trains are expected to run between Bishops Lydeard and Blue Anchor and Dunster stations, plus maybe a couple of workings over the little used Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren section.

The short section between Dunster and Minehead will be unavailable, however, as engineering works continue on the renewal of the Seaward Way level crossing at Minehead, but a heritage bus link will be provided for passengers to travel on to Minehead if desired.

Then, a couple of weeks later, the WSR plans its long awaited and ever popular 'Autumn Steam Gala' on three days between Friday 1st and Sunday 3rd October inclusive. Once again, the home-based steam fleet of former GWR locos will be in action with Large Prairie no 5199, Mogul no 9351 and Manors nos 7822 Foxcote Manor and 7828 Odney Manor will give a distinct British Railways Western Region branch line feel.

The Gala Planning Team also hopes to bring in a guest steam loco to join the line-up too, but this cannot be guaranteed at this stage, so would be visitors are advised to check the WSR websites and social media pages for updates.

As with the 'Mixed Traction' weekend, WSR steam trains for the October 'Autumn Steam Gala' are planned to run between Bishops Lydeard and Blue Anchor and Dunster stations, plus maybe a couple of workings over the little used Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren section.

The short section between Dunster and Minehead is also likely to still be unavailable then as engineering works continue on the renewal of the Seaward Way level crossing at Minehead, but a heritage bus link will be provided for passengers to travel on to Minehead if desired.

A breakfast meal is planned to be available for advance bookings on the Quantock Belle dining train, which will be attached to some trains during this weekend.  

The WSR has repainted most of its coaching stock into a variety of liveries during the lockdown period, and it is planned to run a Maroon, Red/Cream and Choc/Cream sets for these galas in order to recreate some authentic scenes of BR Western Region secondary and branch lines.  

Tickets are not yet available because the WSR awaits to hear what the next stages of easing Covid restrictions might be so that seating plans can be worked out. These will be released as soon as possible, but not before Monday 19 July 2021.

A couple of announcements from the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group:

The Class 14 'Teddy Bear' no D9526 will soon be heading southeast to the Kent & East Sussex Railway for the rest of this year.

Since our earlier announcement about dates, the WSR have had confirmation of a mainline railtour that will run through to Dunster on 14 August, so there will not be a diesel-hauled service on that day. Sorry about that. The revised date for the diesel haulage is now 7 August.

Friday 25 June 2021 is 'National Cream Tea' day. Sadly, Stogumber Station's celebrated Cream Teas will not be available on the day, But good news! The Station is open all weekend from 10am so why not celebrate with a Stogumber Cream Tea! Simply irresistible and a lovely tea garden to sit and enjoy it in too, with the odd passing steam train. Mmmm...

Sad news of the passing of Pat Langan who died peacefully last week at the care home in Williton where he had resided for a year or so. John Jenkins writes about Pat and his time on the West Somerset:

Born in the early 1950s into a commissioned Army Officer's family, he grew up in Evercreech and spent much time on the S&D in the locality, both before and after closure.

Following an Army career as a junior NCO he'd been a WSR employee for 17 years from 1996 to 2013, and for the last ten years of his WSR career he had very much been part of the S&T Dept, whilst remaining Deputy Ops Superintendent. Known for no nonsense, as a brilliant organiser we accomplished much during his time. The boot of his car resembled a small S&T store, and many a job was saved through last minute recourse to it.

He pretty well organised all the 20 miles of cable laying, and although we finished the last bit after he'd retired it was done to his principles. In true Army style he was a hard worker, impatient of prima donnas, fools and slackers, and I often wondered what he'd have made of recent events. There would have been much colourful language I'm sure - directly applied in person when he felt necessary. He had few days off - and our joke was that when Pat had a week off the rest of the railway could 'stand at ease'.

Volunteers from the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) are making final preparations to send the Group's BR Brush Type 4 Class 47 no 47 077 North Star on hire to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for the next two years. After receiving some 'tlc' from the team last weekend, the loco is positively gleaming and showing off the excellent paintwork applied by West Somerset Restoration in 2019.

The loco recently passed its Vehicle Inspection and Brake Test (VIBT) examination and the loco moved to Bishops Lydeard on 21 June 2021. Next is the long 300 mile road trip to Grosmont. DEPG banners will be attached to the loco cab ends when 'on the road'.

The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust has published the minutes of the recent meeting of the Trustees held on Thursday 20 May 2021.

Click or tap the button below:

For full up to date details of services consult the official WSR website at west-somersetrailway.co.uk/timetables (or click the button below). This year trains do not run every day of the week. At the moment, the plan is as follows - from 5 June trains will run to Blue Anchor and then from 16 July trains will run to Dunster with a bus connection to Minehead. There will also be a regular train out from Dunster (bus from Minehead) to Watchet and return. Trains will run up until the end of October, but at the moment it is intended that all trains will be 'excursion trains' offering a pre-booked out-and-back journey. Some walk up tickets may be available depending on take up. There are a range of catering options on offer including fish and chips, and cream teas, and, of course, tea and coffee, and a served service from the bar. Booking is available on the internet (click the button below) or by phoning 01643 704996 during normal working hours.

The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust has announced the appointment of Martin Brown as a Trustee joining the Board.

Initially, Martin will take on Board responsibility for the restoration of the Trust's heritage carriages, working alongside and continuing the excellent work of former Chairman, Chris Austin.

For the full story on the Trust website, please click or tap the button below:

The future of the West Somerset Railway Association owned Quantock Belle dining train now seems to be in some doubt according to Association Chairman Mike Sherwood writing to Association members in the latest WSR Journal (no 173):

I must prepare you to specifically consider the question of the possible disposal of the QB set when we get to the AGM. We have been in discussion with the WSR Plc for many months and once they have honoured the 2021 bookings they can currently see no future in the operation of a dining train as they cannot see a way to turn a profit.

Mike adds:

I may be forced to...ask for your permission to sell the QB set off the WSR.

The full statement can be read in the latest Journal. The Quantock Belle set is owned by the Association who had operated the dining train since 1980 but its membership voted to transfer the commercial operation to the WSR Plc in accordance with the Coombes Report which had recommended the Association shed its commercial activities.

The arrival, unloading and fixing of the new Seaward Way level crossing REB (Relocatable Equipment Building) containing switching for the new level crossing and associated signalling. The building arrived at 8am on Friday 11 June 2021 after a road journey from Saltash, Cornwall, where it had been fitted out. The REB was built in the Republic of Ireland and completed in Northern Ireland.

The West Somerset Railway Association have published a brief report of the Trustee Meeting held on 8 June 2021. Click or tap the button below to load the webpage from the Association's website.

After the West Somerset Railway Plc had two formal appeals turned down following the recent rejection of its second round bid to the Government's Department of Culture, Media and Sport's (DCMS) Second Round for 'Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage' (CRFH) financial support, the WSR Plc has launched an emergency 'SOS' funding appeal for £1 million to see it through to next May.

The WSR's first CRFH bid, made jointly by the WSR 'family', was very successful when the railway was granted £864,900 last October, and the final instalment of that grant of £86,490 was paid just before Easter this year.

The WSR Plc was confidently hoping to receive a further DCMS grant of up to £432,200 from its CRFH scheme, which was the permitted maximum under bidding guidelines for the Round 2 bid. At a recent (virtual) meeting of the Railway's Partnership Development Group, Plc Director Steve Williams said that the bid had been rejected as the Railway was now considered a commercial organisation and not a 'not for profit' organisation.

This would have provided further funds to help the former GWR branch line recover from the enforced closure of the railway since March 2020 during the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic.

As a result, the WSR Plc has announced the launch of a new £1 million 'SOS' funding survival appeal of its own in order to see it through to 2022 and beyond.

A joint statement by West Somerset Railway and Somerset County Council on the situation with the upgrade of the level crossing at Seaward Way, Minehead.

Following resumption of services in May, we're delighted that visitors are once again enjoying the very special experience offered by the West Somerset Railway.

Though it is disappointing that installation of the Seaward Way Crossing could not be completed in time for the summer as hoped, due mainly to the impact of the Covid emergency, WSR is ensuring there will still be a service the full length of the journey from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. Passengers will travel by bus between Minehead and Dunster, until the crossing is operational later in the year. In keeping with the unique traveller experience offered by the WSR the journey will be by vintage bus at weekends.

We are keenly aware of the importance of this service to local businesses in Minehead which is why the WSR is providing this bus service.

This is a complex project involving a number of agencies and equipment suppliers and it has unfortunately been hit hard by the Covid crisis. There have been supply chain issues for some key parts and most of the specialist rail contractors needed for this work are also currently required by Network Rail for vital works across the main UK network. Initial planning started in 2018 and the design was completed in 2020. It was finally approved by the Office of Rail and Road, the regulator, in February.

A great deal of preparatory work has already taken place, including a significant amount of work off site. Despite the difficulties, it's anticipated the crossing will be operational in time for the festive season.

The dates agreed so far for the popular Diesel & Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) owned Class 35 Hymek no D7018 running are 17 July, 31 July, 14 August (please note this date was previously wrongly listed as a week later), and finally 25 September. In addition, the Group hope to run both of their Class 33s in multiple on 21 August as a tribute to the 60th birthday of the pair.

New faces for the WSR Plc Board of Directors as announced in 'The Platform' (click the button below for full details). Arthur Diejomoah (Human Resources); David Fisher (Commercial); John Gibbins (Civil Engineering); and Bob Meanley (Mechanical Engineering).

Meanwhile, Justin Kerr-Peterson has resigned as Director and has withdrawn as General Manager(Designate). Jonathan Jones-Pratt will continue as Acting General Manager, supported by Kerry Noble who takes the role of (temporary) Assistant General Manager. The role of Operations Manager will be taken up shortly by Malcolm Dean. Clive Robey takes up the job of temporary Site Manager, Seaward Way Level Crossing.

Preparatory work is underway for the upgrade of Minehead's Seaward Way Level Crossing. The concrete base will be ready for the REB (Relocatable Equipment Building) due for delivery within the next ten days. Also, the route of the trench for the troughing has started. A fuller report on the background and the current situation appears in the latest 'The Platform' newsletter (click or tap the button below).

The draft minutes of the Partnership Development Group meeting held via Zoom on 26 May 2021 are now available. Click or tap the button below to download and read.

Lots of really useful topical information about the West Somerset Railway can be found in the June 2021 edition of the new electronic newsletter. Topics include:

• The Railway is running again
• Board and management changes
• Minehead Seaward Way Level Crossing
• News from the WSRA
• News from the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust
• Items in brief
• News from the Mechanical Engineering Department
• News fron the DEPG
• Station news
• West Somerset Railway 2021 Funding Appeal

Click or tap the button below to view The Platform newsletter...

The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust board has announced that Mike Thompson will take over the role of Chairman of the Trust from the date of the next AGM. During the interim period, Mike will work alongside Steve Williams in his current role as acting Chairman to effect a smooth transition of duties. Steve will remain on the board as Vice Chairman and Company Secretary.

The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust has just published a Souvenir Booklet to the new look Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard. Packed with historical information and images from the museum's displays it also records the history of the Model Railway Group the Trust's 1897 sleeping car and outlines the education and learning programmes within the museum. Priced at £2, it is available from the Museum on days when trains are running. If you want a copy by post, please write to Chris Austin, 20A Park Road, Bromley BR1 3HP, enclosing a self-addressed and stamped A5 envelope with a 'large letter' stamp (£1.53 second class), and allow two weeks for delivery.