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 Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally on 2-3 August 2003

Once again the West Somerset Railway station at Bishops Lydeard will echo to the sight, sound and smell of many mighty steam engines as they gather for what will be our 16th Rally. A glittering array of superb machinery will be in action alongside our restored country station on Britain’s longest heritage railway, and 2003 looks like beating all records with some of the country’s finest examples of vintage transport on display. With vehicles as varied as a 1915 Model T Tourer entered by a local owner from Bishops Lydeard to the precocious Morris Minor 100’s entered by drivers across the southwest there is something for the motor enthusiast to see. A sample of other interesting vehicles are a 1935 Alvis Silver Eagle, 1930 Morris Cowley flat nose and a rare 1931 BSA ‘V’ twin. A graceful 1958 Jaguar XK150 has also been entered into the classic car section of the rally. However "The Cat" which returns to Bishops Lydeard will not be recreating the advertising blurb of the year (1958) "You don’t say watch my dust, but watch my rubber as the tyres sing when you drive this speed Queen of the road" Another interesting vehicle in the line up is a 1952 Jowett Javelin saloon car. Made by Jowett Cars of Bradford between 1906 and 1954. The Javelin was powered by a 1486cc flat four watercooled engine with twin carburettors. The event is organised by the West Somerset Railway Association, with support from the Somerset County Gazette and Ian Allan Publishing. Events and Highlights  ·  Full train service on the WSR to stations to Minehead, with steam and heritage diesel locomotives in action  ·  The glory of working Showman’s engines, tractors and road rollers  ·  Sweet music from the fairground and street organs  ·  Horse drawn section  ·  Polished perfection of vintage cars, motorcycles, fire engines, buses, military and commercial vehicles  ·  The power of stationary vehicles  ·  Intensive timetable  ·  Services to Norton Fitzwarren  ·  Bar/Buffet facilities on all trains  ·  Afternoon parades of vehicles  ·  Real ale bar and refreshments  ·  Family fun, children’s entertainments, Morris Dancers  ·  Pre-booked camping available  ·  Regular bus service from Taunton Castle Green Car Park and Taunton Railway Station to Bishops Lydeard Station every 20 minutes from 9.30am  ·  Auction/Auto Jumble on Friday 2 August ONLY (on the Rally Field)  ·  Something for everyone – displays, models, railway art, trade stands, craft marquee and stalls Note that all events listed are subject to availability Opening times on both days - 10am to 5pm Timetable A frequent service of trains will be in operation on the Railway from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, with the GOLD timetable in operation on both days. Times are as follows:- From BISHOPS LYDEARD 9.40am Heritage Diesel 10.25am Steam 11.25am Steam 12.25pm Steam 1.05pm Heritage Diesel 2.10pm Steam 4.05pm Steam From MINEHEAD 10.15am Steam 11.10am Heritage Diesel 12.15pm Steam 2.00pm Steam 3.55pm Steam 4.45pm Steam 5.30pm Heritage Diesel  • In addition to the services above, a special train – "The Severn Coast Express" – will run in connection with the Rally on the Saturday evening. The train is very popular, and advance booking is strongly recommended. Once again, we can offer pre-booked Fish & Chips or Chicken & Chips meals – price on application. The train will depart from Bishops Lydeard at 7.15pm, arriving in Minehead at 8.20pm. The return from Minehead is at 10pm, with arrival back in Bishops Lydeard at 11.15pm. Tickets for the "SCE" cost £10 for adults and £4.50 for children. Rally Admission Tickets Entry rates (per day): Adult £5.00 Senior Citizen £4.00 Child £2.50 Family (2 + 2) £12.00 Weekend Rate: 1½ times the above. Catering There will be plenty of refreshment and catering outlets around the rally site, in addition to a Real Ale Bar. In addition, buffet and bar facilities will be available on all WSR train services during the weekend, serving a range of hot and cold food, tea & coffee and a range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Connecting Bus Service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard On both days, there is a frequent First Southern National bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard Station [Service 28A, Saturday; Service 928, Sunday]. Full timetable details available direct from First Southern National – 01823 272033. In addition, a frequent service of heritage buses will operate from Taunton Castle Green Car Park and Taunton Railway Station direct to Bishops Lydeard Station in connection with the Rally. Further Information Please contact: The Rally Organiser, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3BX, or e-mail the WSRA. Thanks to WSRA for the above copy

Showman's Engine © Dave Mills Fire Station © Dave Mills

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