Seb Welsh, Chairman of the Railway's Gala Planning Team has news of the Gala Goods...

With the Spring Steam Gala fast approaching, thought has been given to which wagons are available to be used in the train. On Thursday and Friday, the train must be fully fitted to overcome the missing trap point issue at Blue Anchor, whereas on the Saturday and Sunday it can include un braked vehicles due to the train being assisted in the rear up Washford Bank.

We will be running a short representation of a BR pick-up Goods on the first two days, which will then be joined by a selection of GWR era vehicles for the final two days. The train will work authentically with one brakevan only on Thursday/Friday, with two used on Saturday/Sunday to reduce turn around times. The train will be turned at various points on the Norton Triangle, and we can confirm that on the Saturday the GWR end will lead both ways, which will look just right for the motive power working the train that day.

These will be the first Goods trains at the WSR for years, and we hope you will be able to come out, buy a ticket and enjoy the gala atmosphere!

Also, the 'red' PMV no 1464 will be attached to the Taunton end of Set B for the duration of the gala!

Tickets for the Gala are available on the West Somerset Railway website (see link below) and will also be available on the day at station booking offices, and on the trains. The Gala timetable is also available on the website.

The West Somerset Railway has announced the arrival of another visiting locomotive for the four day 2022 Spring Steam Gala Weekend (from Thursday 5 May to Sunday 8 May). Although this engine is a previous visitor, it is particularly special. No 2857 is a Great Western 2‑8‑0 tender engine built in 1918 for hauling heavy goods trains throughout the Great Western network. So it is now 104 years old. It now mostly spends its time on the Severn Valley Railway, and its visit to Somerset is also special because it is the last visit away from the Severn Valley before it goes into a period of overhaul and refurbishment.

The visit has been arranged at very short notice, thanks to considerable support from the 2857 Society who own the locomotive. Arranging the visit of a locomotive like this is no easy task and it will travel down to Somerset by road early in the week. The loco was invited because, sadly, BR(W) 0-6-0PT no 9466 which was due to run during the Gala, has been found to need some urgent maintenance which cannot be completed in time. No 9466 will however be in operation later in the season.

No 2857 will be hauling passenger trains from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard and back throughout the Gala. Aptly, it will also work at least one goods train during the event.

No 2857 ended its working life on the main line working out of Neath in South Wales and was mainly employed on hauling coal trains to London. On each trip it might take over fifty loaded wagons full of coal for the London domestic market. It won't have quite such a tough time in West Somerset but the gradients on the railway will require it to work hard. It promises to be an exciting sight.

Tickets for the Gala are available on the West Somerset Railway website (see link below) and will also be available on the day at station booking offices, and on the trains. The Gala timetable is also available on the website.

The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust has been asked to form a new Heritage Committee for the whole Railway. Trustee Ian Coleby has volunteered to take on the role on behalf of the Trust. The Trust say:

The WSR is a heritage railway and part of its Unique Selling Position (USP) is to provide a heritage experience for the passengers. This includes the rolling stock, locomotives, stations and infrastructure, props (eg period posters and station furniture) and staff presentation. This is important to provide a complete experience for passengers. There can be conflicts with modern safety standards and the need for cost effectiveness. Though not always true, it is often the case that doing things in a heritage fashion can be more expensive or may not meet modern safety or performance standards.

The WSR is fortunate that much of the previous infrastructure was left in situ when the railway was closed in 1971 and that subsequent financial issues have meant that money has not always been available to upgrade certain things. Thus a rich heritage remains and this must be protected. The WSR has never had a consistent or properly thought-through heritage policy and individuals have been left to just get on with things as they see fit. Whilst in many respects that has not been a problem and there are some really good examples of things being done sympathetically, it has resulted in the loss of some of the railway’s heritage and an uncoordinated approach.

There have been attempts to bring some order to this in the past and various attempts at forming heritage teams, but these have all fallen apart for various reasons. This now is a fresh attempt to revitalise this important area of work. The aims of the committee will be to develop an overall, agreed strategy and plan with processes and outcomes. The committee will need to address finance and how best to provide help and advice to those implementing the plan.

Trustee Ian Coleby adds:

The railway now needs volunteers to join the committee to help with this process. If you would like to become part of the team to develop this strategy and plans, then please email or phone Ian Coleby by the middle of May. Ian's contact details are on the Trust's webpage, see link below.

Comment from this website:

This is a major development for our Railway and we wish it well. There are a great many heritage artefacts along the line and running on the line which deserve consideration and protection. We suggest that the actual movement of people and goods along our Railway is a key factor in the definition of heritage, regardless of the age of the train concerned, as such movement preserves the very purpose of the original line and thus its heritage. We hope the new committee can find a way of ensuring this aspect is enshrined in any future heritage policy.

The Friends of Minehead Station team have completed an order for a customer from Swindon. However, the planters - mainly the work of FoMS member Colin Harris - will not be ready to run during the upcoming Spring Steam Gala. Three further examples are under construction, all sold, with even more orders placed.

Staff and volunteers on the West Somerset Railway are gearing up for their biggest special event for almost three years, which will see no fewer than seven steam locomotives in operation.

The Spring Steam Gala is being held over four days from Thursday May 5 and will see an intensive service of ten passenger being run every day, plus two demonstration goods trains.

Some will run the whole length of the line from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard and then to Norton Fitzwarren, while others will provide a 'local' service from Williton. The Railway's Quantock Belle dining carriages will serve breakfasts and lunches, and buffet cars will be open, too.

At Minehead, vintage buses will be in use giving tours of the resort, and visitors to the station will be able to see work and operations in the engine shed.

During the gala, the WSR's fleet of five steam locos - including the newly-arrived Pannier Tank no 9466, still going strong after 70 years - will be joined by two star visiting engines: a bright blue tank engine from the former Caledonian Railway in Scotland and making its first-ever trip to the West Country, and the other a British Rail Standard loco making a return to the WSR from the Severn Valley Railway after 30 years.

Some passenger trains will provide the spectacular sight of being double-headed, with two locos working together, while goods trains will recall the past when heavy loads on steep gradients meant 'banking' engines had to provide extra power at the rear.

Reduced fares are being offered for passengers to travel on up to all four days of the Gala, while children can catch the trains on Sunday May 8 with a grown-up for a bargain £1.

The WSR had to cancel all galas during the first two years of the Covid epidemic, although special Winterlight and Santa trains last December proved a huge hit.

The line will be joining celebrations of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June, followed a week later by a 1960s Diesel Gala on June 9 to 11, which will showcase an array of diesel locos.

The West Somerset Railway's Gala Planning Team say:

Eagled eyed people may have noticed the inclusion of an evening 'Mega Train' in our Spring Steam Gala timetables on Saturday 7 May. Departing Bishops Lydeard at 18.55, you will be able to enjoy a sunset round trip through the Quantocks and along the Bristol Channel with two locomotives working hard hauling an 11 coach train. We are pleased to be able to confirm the train will be hauled by nos 7822 and 75069 on the outward journey and nos 9351 and 7822 on the return.

The West Somerset Railway's Gala Planning Team announce the train times for the forthcoming four day Spring Steam Gala on 5 to 8 May 2022:

We are absolutely delighted to be able to release our public timetable for the upcoming Spring Steam Gala. As you can see, we have planned for an intensive service with plenty of trains to travel behind on your visit. Train hopping has returned following Covid, and now you will be able to plan your days with us. Locomotive allocations will be provided within the Gala Program which will be available on the day. Seven locomotives will be in action all on high mileage diagrams, there will be plenty of opportunity to travel behind your favourite! Highlights include:

• Local Trains from Bishops Lydeard to Williton. Quickly becoming a firm favourite of our events, these trains allow a more intensive service on this section of line and provide a different experience to our full line trains.
• Plenty of trains to Norton Fitzwarren. To enable as many passengers as possible to travel on our rarely operated section, we have provided plenty of choices of trains.
• Return of the Goods. Operating for the first time since 2019, our demonstration goods will be in action every day. This will work two Crowcombe Shuttles on both Friday and Saturday which will be banked providing a chance to see this rare recreation of assisting heavy trains up gradients such as the local Wellington banker turn.
• Express Trains. On each day, express services will work in the Up direction from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard calling at principle stations only, recalling those famous fast services such as the Cambrian Coast Express. Change at Williton the local service for Stogumber and Crowcombe.

The timetable can be viewed at the link below:

The West Somerset Railway Association have published a handy synopsis of the main discussion points and decisions at the charity's recent Trustee Board meeting held on 12 April 2022. Please click or tap the button below for more. In the Members area of the Association website, members can also read the published minutes of the previous Board meeting.

West Somerset Railway Plc have announced a number of vacancies.

• A permanent part-time Events & Communications Manager for 30 hours per week at the Minehead office.
• A permanent part-time Sales & Visitor Engagement Manager for 30 hours per week, working between the Bishop Lydeard and Minehead offices.
• A permanent part-time Senior Administrator for 24 hours per week at the Minehead office.

Closing date for applications for these vacancies is 6 May 2022. For more information and contact details please see the Vacancies page on the official WSR website (click the button below).

It’s been a while since the last update. The delays have been for several reasons including longer than expected lead times for supplies, other work and the impact of the February storms. Click the button below to read the latest update of the 4561 Blog.

Visit Minehead Station on Wednesdays and Sundays in school holidays to meet the Railway's very own Brunel K Beagle. He will make appearances throught the day on the platform at Minehead Station. No ticket is needed to visit the platform and meet Brunel but you will need a standard rover ticket or other valid ticket if you wish to travel on the train.

New train technology is being demonstrated to stakeholders that could make the UK rail network safer for track maintenance workers, train crews and passengers.

Thales is working with Network Rail and the West Somerset Railway (WSR) to run a live demonstration of its Train Protection and Warning System - Continuous Supervision (TPWS-CS). An audience representing Network Rail, RAIB, ORR, supply chain, train operating companies and rolling stock owners will observe the digital, in-cab system put through its paces in real world scenarios on 7 April 2022.

The equipment will be fitted in a day to a classic diesel cab operated by West Somerset Railway (WSR), a heritage railway company, which also manages the track being used for the demonstration. Display boards on the carriages will show guests the train’s position and speed and repeat the driver's-eye view of the cab interface.

The first part of the demonstration will be a series of runs at various speeds under differing restrictions and movement authorities, testing the system’s response and how the train behaves as it approaches a possession applied to the track. The second half will be a presentation of other applications possible for the system.

Click the button below for much more information and quotes...

It has been known for some time that tender T2206, (normally paired with Odney Manor) is approaching the end of its useful life and some years ago an ex-Barry scrapyard tender T2061 was acquired and the chassis rebuilt. The tank was scrapped as beyond repair.

In early 2021 a group of volunteers commenced work on building a new tank, using Swindon drawings, to the original Churchward traditional rivetted design. All visual faces are being correctly rivetted, although some hidden areas in the tank are being welded to provide longevity.

The volunteer team have so far raised the funds for materials through donations, selling scrap and hiring out equipment. They expect to complete the main tank on the tender in early Summer 2022, to a high standard and as historically correct as is reasonably practicable.

To ensure that the work is preserved and gives as long a life as possible, it is important that all the steel surfaces are properly protected. This requires shot blasting of all surfaces to remove any trace of mill scale and the application of a specialist two-coat epoxy resin. The photos on this page demonstrate the difference this treatment could make, adding up to 30 years of useful life.

This cost for this work, using an external specialist company, is £15,000 plus VAT and the WSRA is helping with this.

The WSRA will cover half the cost from its own funds and is inviting supporters to make donations to help raise the remaining £7,500. Please will you help by making a contribution?

Click the button below for more information on how to make the all-important donation...

The West Somerset Railway's Gala Planning Team have announced the second guest for the 2022 Spring Steam Gala. They say:

We are very pleased to announce our second visitor to our Spring Steam Gala (5-8 May 2022) as BR Standard 4MT 4-6-0 no 75069 thanks to our friends at the Severn Valley Railway.

We are very privileged to be 75069's first host since undergoing overhaul 2018. She last visited us 28 years ago so we are very pleased to have her back.

The West Somerset Railway Association have published a handy synopsis of the main discussion points and decisions at the charity's recent Trustee Board meeting held on 8 March 2022. Please click or tap the button below for more. In the Members area of the Association website, members can also read the published minutes of the previous Board meeting.

From a news item on the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust's website...

The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust has published the minutes of its recent Board Meetings, respectively, from January and March 2022. The January Board Meeting was held on Thursday 20 January 2022 and the March meeting was held on Thursday 17 March 2022.

For links to the documents, please click or tap the button below.

From a news item on the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust's website...

The Board of the West Somerset Railway Plc has announced that Bob Meanley will be leaving the Board. Bob has had two periods as a Board Member starting in December 2019. He has made an invaluable contribution through the very challenging period of the pandemic, and during the period when trains could not run through to Minehead as a result of the level crossing closure.

For full details and quotes, please click or tap the button below.

Andrew Warner, a Volunteer at Washford Station has set out a couple of fun challenges:

A Day Rover ticket on the West Somerset Railway this year costs £30, so for those intent on getting their money's worth here are two journey suggestions.

Beware: this is not for the faint-hearted, there are no prizes if you complete the challenge and no legal comebacks if you fail and end up stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Attempt the challenge on a Blue Timetable day (a Sunday when I am staffing Washford station would be good) and cross your fingers all the trains run on time!

JOURNEY No1 (the safer option):

Start at Washford station, take the 10.26am train to Bishops Lydeard (arriving at 11.30am). You have one hour to kill before taking the 12.30pm train from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead (arriving at 1.50pm). You now have 40 minutes in which to dash to the seafront, look at the sea and dash back in time to catch the 2.30pm Minehead train to Watchet (arriving at 3.05pm).

You only have a meagre 21 minutes in Watchet (not enough to do the place justice) before grabbing the 3.26pm train to Blue Anchor (arriving at 3.44pm). Once here you have 62 minutes, which is enough time to walk the promenade, go for a paddle or take afternoon tea at the Driftwood Cafe. But do not miss the 4.46pm train to Doniford Halt (arriving at 5.09pm).

Remember to tell the train guard you want to get off at Doniford otherwise the train won't stop. Likewise, the next train will not stop to pick you up unless you wave ferociously at the driver from the platform. You have just 12 minutes at Doniford (which is quite sufficient considering it is an unmanned halt in the middle of a field) before waving down the 5.21pm train back to Washford (arriving at 5.36pm).

JOURNEY No 2 (the riskier option):

Start at Washford station, take the 10.26am train to Bishops Lydeard (arriving at 11.30am). Then take the 12.30pm train from Bishops Lydeard to Williton.

Before you leave Bishops Lydeard, ask the ticket office to phone Williton to warn the station staff you will be changing trains there. If they do not hold the train for you you could end up being stranded in Williton for two hours !!!

Your 12.30pm train from Bishops Lydeard arrives at Williton at 1.06pm – and the train you want out of Williton leaves from the other platform at 1.07pm. This will involve a mad dash using the up-and-over footbridge.

If you survive this manoeuvre the 1.07pm train from Williton will get you to Stogumber at 1.19pm - and you will have 1 hour and 45 minutes to recover. Once you have alighted at Stogumber you have two choices: (i) consume a large cream tea or (ii) spend the next 1 hour and 36 minutes running from Stogumber station to Crowcombe station (three miles) in order to catch the 2.55pm train back again. Commendable, if not totally worthwhile.

Either way, you need to be on the train that leaves Stogumber at 3.04pm and to get off at Blue Anchor (arriving at 3.44pm). You now have 62 minutes to enjoy the sun, sea, sand and...errr surf (?) of Blue Anchor before catching the 4.46pm train to Doniford - remembering to tell the guard that's where you want to get off, see above – then take the 5.21pm train from Doniford back to Washford (arriving at 5.36pm).

My advice: Choose a day when the weather is good and take your bus pass (Service 28 Taunton-Minehead) just in case. As I like a pint, I'd spend my hour at Bishops Lydeard at the Quantock Brewery (just outside the station), but it doesn't open on Sundays and Mondays.

Figuring this out was worse than doing a Sudoku puzzle. There are 10 stations in total, but the timetable won't allow you to visit more than six (including the one you start and finish at). My total admiration goes to anyone who can come up with a route that does more than six. Of course, running from Stogumber station to Crowcombe station takes your tally from six to seven. And if you alighted at Dunster instead of travelling through to Minehead you would have 49 minutes to run the two-and-a-half miles before the train left Minehead again at 2.30pm! That would also make it seven out of 10.

Andrew Warner is a railway volunteer based at Washford Station on Sundays. Anyone attempting the challenge he has suggested above does so at their own risk.

Here is an update from the folks at WSR Wagons:

On 26 March 2022 a small number of us worked away at a few remaining small jobs on PMV no 1464. The vehicle has been requested for use on a Steam Recreations photo charter on Tuesday 5 April, so we aim to have the van finished on the exterior by then. The primary aim of the working party was to fully prep the exterior for a final topcoat of Craftmaster Crimson. This consisted of ensuring all coach bolts were fully fitted with nuts in place ready for painting. Whilst this was taking place, we decided to have a good tidy up on the inside, as from all our time working we'd made quite a mess with various tools and materials all over the place. Some materials were deemed beyond reasonable use and were discarded. Whilst we had the van empty, a good effort was made to get as much of the flaking paint on the ceiling off ready for painting at some point.

Jeff Price, a West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) Trustee, has news of the Association-funded project for new 'Bristol & Exeter Railway' style signs:

The large and heavy station sign castings have arrived at Minehead.

Minehead's Engineering Department will deal with a funding application to the WSRA for the provision of posts and mounting brackets then undertake the work.

WSR Infrastructure Department will prepare a funding application to the WSRA for the installation of posts and erection of the signs.

The castings are destined for the station platforms at Dunster and Watchet.

An interesting illustrated article - '160 Years of a West Somerset Railway' - is now live on the 'We Are Railfans' website. See link below.

The article also appears on Dovetail Live - a gaming website - to increase historical knowledge and encourage players to play the virtual WSR game.

Great work by 'We are Railfans'.

A big step forward in the reconstuction of GWR Autotrailer no 169. The team say:

Yesterday we went through the final checking and trial fits, today we assembled the main frame of section on the chassis for real. After an early (for us) start we cleared the required space and one of the original vestibule partitions that lay in the way and set about joining the first of the next section sole (bottom) plates in place, soon to be followed by the cross members which have to be assembled prior to the second sole plate to locate it all into the correct position. This is where the earlier trials then pay off and with very little repositioning it all slotted neatly into place. The pictures below show the assembly in various stages of completion with the final shot showing the corner flooring brackets being added. All in all a good start to the next few weeks of fairly intense construction work. Please keep checking back for the latest updates or bookmark G.W.R. Autotrailer 169 News and Restoration Blog [see link below].

A rather special steam locomotive will guest at the forthcoming four day Spring Steam Gala 5-8 May 2022.

We are pleased to announce the first confirmed visiting locomotive to our Spring Steam Gala as Caledonian Railway Class 439 0-4-4T no 419.

Single and multi day tickets available at an advance discount price - click or tap the button below.

Officials at the West Somerset Railway say they are absolutely delighted with the success of their first passenger-carrying services in more than two years to run from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. Big crowds waiting on the station platform cheered as the steam locomotive pulled in with its train of crowded carriages at the week-end

WSR general manager Kerry Noble said:

There was a fantastic buzz of excitement and enthusiasm not just at Minehead but at all our stations along the line. It really was an extremely successful week-end, and it was so nice to see the trains being very busy with many hundreds of passengers. It was a really good start to our season.

Three trains will also run in each direction next week-end, and the popular 'Quantock Belle' first-class dining carriages will provide a Mothers' Day lunch on Sunday, for which tickets are still available.

The next big event then is the official 'Return to Minehead' ceremony on April 2 and 3, with VIPs invited to help celebrate the re-opening of the resort's Seaward Way level crossing, back in use after many months of modernisation work to install new barriers and lights, which then needed emergency repairs after being badly damaged by Storm Eunice.

The Watchet Town Band will play during the opening ceremony, and groups from the WSR as well as a number of local charities and organisations will be staging displays and stalls on the station platforms.

Other attractions throughout the week-end will include children’s entertainment, live music, vintage bus rides around Minehead and guided tours of the engine shed.

Minehead Station has a large collection of 'WSR logo' clothing, donated by volunteers and staff. This clothing is near new and in some instances has not been worn. Some carries the 'Railway Staff' wording.

Minehead Station Master Alan Smithers adds:

It has all been cleaned prior to arrival at the station, but we would recommend cleaning it again as some has been here since around Christmas and may require a little freshening up.

For the full list, please go to HOPS, general documents, section p, stations. We are asking for a donation to be made to the Station Master at Minehead who will allocate any funds to be used toward work on the West Somerset Railway. We also have a printed list at Minehead station, so please feel free to contact the information office on 01643 704996.

The West Somerset Railway Association's 'WSR Journal' has won the Heritage Railway Association's 2022 'Internal Communications' Award.

Ian Coleby and Keith Smith, from the WSR Journal's Editorial Team received the award at the HRA's Awards ceremony on 19 March 2022. Ian Coleby said:

We are very pleased to have this recognition for the WSRA Journal. It is a collective effort not only by the editorial team of myself, Keith Smith, Ian Tabrett, Allan Stanistreet and Nigel Power, but also by those across the entire railway who submit their pictures and articles for publication.

We are very grateful to them all. We consider the Journal to be the glue that binds the various groups on the West Somerset Railway together and helps foster enthusiasm and motivation among the railway family.

And Jacquie Green, WSR Association General Manager, added:

The Journal has been an important part of railway communications since the 1970s and the WSRA is grateful to the current team for continuing that tradition in superb style. This award is a fitting accolade for all their hard work

The WSR's Gala Planning Team on their Facebook page:

Our 2022 Spring Steam Gala - 5 to 8 May - will see some key WSR gala attractions return. One of these will be 'local' trains working from Bishops Lydeard to Williton and return. This will provide a more frequent service between those stations and allow more flexibility in passengers gala visits.

Train travellers will return to Minehead this weekend as the West Somerset Railway celebrates being able to run passenger services back to the resort for the first time in well over a year.

Work to improve and update the level crossing in Seaward Way meant that last season, trains from Bishops Lydeard had to stop at Dunster station and passengers were then treated to a vintage bus ride to complete their trip. Company chairman Jon Jones-Pratt said:

We're obviously very excited that after a difficult time, steam trains can once again run right back in to Minehead. It's a very important step for the railway and for the local tourism industry.

We're extremely grateful to all our staff and volunteers who've worked so hard over the months to make this possible. Our locomotives and passengers coaches have been given full checks and are looking spic and span and as good as they ever have.

A lot of work has been done by our teams at all the stations, which have been spruced up, the gardeners have been busy, and the whole line is looking wonderful.

And one station that is re-opening after being closed for quite a while is Washford, which is back in business following a revamp. At Minehead, volunteers have even designed and built two new locomotives - in wood as planters to add colour to the platform displays.

Engineering trains have used the Seaward Way crossing for several weeks, but the first passenger service will be the 10.15am on Saturday from Bishops Lydeard, due to arrive at 11.35am. That will be followed at lunchtime by a 'Fish and Chips Special' on which passengers with relevant tickets can enjoy their meal on the way to Minehead, and a cream tea on the return journey.

Services continue on Sunday 20 March, and on the following week-end (26 and 27 March) when Mothers Day itself will be marked by running the line's Quantock Belle first-class dining coaches providing a slap-up three-course lunch.

But the big moment comes on the weekend of 2 and 3 April, when the crossing - repaired after extensive damage by 'Storm Eunice' - will be officially re-opened with a civic ceremony attended by community leaders, and serenaded by Watchet Town Band.

Bookings are now being taken for the Mothers Day dining special aboard the Quantock Belle Dining Train.

Full details and online booking for this special day can now be found on the Quantock Belle webpage on the official WSR website.

The Railway have also announced the Quantock Belle team have been joined by 'Purplespoon Events' - more about this on the Quantock Belle webpage.

The West Somerset Railway say:

Galas are back and tickets are on sale now! To celebrate their return, we are offering some special discounts for pre-bookings and children's Gala Sunday ticket for just £1! See the link below for further information and the chance to pre-book!

Posted on the Rail Riders Club facebook page:

We are pleased to announce that the West Somerset Railway are now offering our members a discount on their railway. We now have the three longest heritage railways in the UK onboard and the WSR is our 65th railway/museum as a partner. We thank the West Somerset Railway for coming onboard with us. To be a member of Rail Riders and take advantage of the discounts on over 110 outlets as well as other members benefits visit the Rail Riders website (click the link below)

The WSR's Gala Planning Team have some good news:

At our Spring Steam Gala (5 to 8 May 2022) we will be reintroducing some regular WSR gala features which we've all missed since the pandemic. One of these will be demonstration goods trains and we are planning that there will be plenty of opportunities to see these at our Spring Gala. All attractions are subject to availability and operational requirements. Information on locomotive lineups will follow in good time.

On Saturday 5 March 2022 the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust held its first formal meeting of the 2022 season organised by Ian Camp the Museum's curator. The following report is from the Trust's Facebook page:

The meeting was focused on stewarding the Museum, Gauge Junction, the model railway and the Trust education programme. Special thanks to Mike Thompson, Chairman of the Trust for opening the meeting.

Some of the topics discussed explained the reasoning behind the Trust trying to get the museums at Bishops Lydeard and Blue Anchor accredited and what this will mean to the Trust, the collections and the West Somerset Railway. The meeting also heard about the cleaning regime that is to be put into place to manage the condition of the collection. There was much debate, a big thank you for the constructive comments all which have been noted. The Trust looks forward to hearing from stewards, model railway operatives and those involved in the education programme as the season progresses, no doubt the Trust will need to make changes to the arrangements as we move into the season.

We must mention the delicious cakes that were made available baked by Pam Anson - those attending the meeting were spoiled rotten!

The education team has almost finished putting the final touches to the mailboxes rescued from Taunton Station. The old internal mailbox has found a new life in the Gauge Museum as an 'exploratory' for children. They are encouraged to put their hand inside the mail slot and feel what is inside. It may be pebbles as a reminder of seaside holidays, or grain as reminder of the farming revolution that the railway made possible. Other boxes are a miniature diorama of things the railway carried apart from passengers we can see post, passengers' luggage, newspapers, market produce and pigeons.

The team working on the rebuilding of GWR Autotrailer no 169 say:

We have been very busy since the New Year trying to ensure we are as prepared as possible for the upcoming reassembly work on section 3. We are taking our agreed undercover period commencing 28th March and it is our intention to fully utilise the time allowed to ensure we can complete as much as section 3 as we can and do any preparation and dismantling of section 4 as possible during the indoor period. The 3 roof hoops that we will need have now been glued and mortising for the roof spacers is progressing well. These are being hand made. An additional crossmember for section 4 has been made to a help ensure all is mounted squarely on the frames. Pictures [on the 169 website] show the roof hoops nearing completion and the glueing of a section 4 crossmember. We have also made copious amounts of tongue and groove floorboards that will act as a base for the 25mm ply that is the actual flooring.

For more details and how to help, please click the link below.

Following the completion of the upgraded Seaward Way Level Crossing, the West Somerset Railway are celebrating the return of train services at Minehead Station on 2 and 3 April 2022. The Railway say:

On both days there will be a range of stalls on the platform, representing activities on the Railway, and also representative organisations from the Minehead community. At the time of writing those booked to attend include: Minehead Lifeboat, the Regal Theatre, Minehead Museum and Minehead BID. From the Railway we expect to have representatives from Friends of Minehead Station, Foxcote Manor Group, 5199 Group, WSR Heritage Trust, West Somerset Railway Association, the DEPG and the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway.

Minehead Station shop, and the popular second hand book stall, Readers Halt, will both be open. The Turntable Cafe will be providing refreshments. Admission to the Station is free of charge, and is by way of a 'thank you' from the Railway for all the support it has received from so many people during the last couple of difficult years.

A number of special guests have been invited on the Saturday, for the official Seaward Way Level Crossing opening, which will take place at noon. The Watchet Town Band will be in attendance, as will Brunel the Beagle (from the WSR Senior Management!) and Stormy Stan from the RNLI.

And what better way to arrive at the event - on a train traversing the upgraded level crossing at Seaward Way. See link below for more details.

Bob Preston, Station Master at Stogumber, writes:

Sadly, Roy Amory, a former volunteer and ardent supporter of the West Somerset Railway, recently passed away aged 86. He spent many years repairing and repainting mile posts on the entire length of the line, and more recently was a regular visitor at Stogumber Station. Our sympathy goes out to his family and friends at this sad time. Roy's funeral will be held at Watchet Methodist Church on Tuesday 15th March at 1.00pm

The storm-battered level crossing barriers in Seaward Way, Minehead, have been repaired and put back into full working order thanks to a team of West Somerset Railway staff and volunteers.

Storm Eunice in mid-February badly damaged all four of the barriers - two so much that they had to be replaced - and they all had to be removed by a rail-mounted crane. The road had to be closed briefly several times while the operation was carried out.

A WSR spokesman said a detailed assessment of the necessary work had been undertaken soon after the storm, and experienced technical staff from the railway were then called in to carry it out. He added:

We appreciate how substantial the unexpected repairs were and the carefully-planned and highly-skilled job that was carried out by our team in a very short time.

Through their professionalism, the railway will be fully open for passenger train operation from 19 March, and we have a special 'Return to Minehead' celebration week-end of events on April 2 and 3.