The West Somerset Railway on the Web

Days Out with Thomas on 29 and 30 June 2002

Why not come along with Mum and Dad and your family and friends to the West Somerset Railway over the weekend of 29 and 30 June 2002 for a Day Out with Thomas and his many friends?

The Fat Controller will be there as well to make sure all the engines behave themselves, and look forward to welcoming you. Lots of friends of Thomas will pull all our trains from Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton). You should buy your tickets in advance to reserve your seats on the morning trains.

At Minehead there will be lots to see and do. “Diesel” and “Percy” will be fussing around the station area, trying to keep the “Troublesome Trucks” in order. “Thomas” or “Duck” will be giving short train rides and will be really pleased to say hello to you!

You will be able to put water in the engines and visit the footplate of" Maud", the cousin of "Mavis". There will also be games and competitions and other attractions on the platform. “Mrs Kyndley” will be serving refreshments in her special coach on Platform 2, “Professor Popcorn” will entertain on Saturday and the “Buffer Stop Shop” will also be open throughout the weekend.

This event is licensed by
Gullane (Thomas) Limited 2002

A comprehensive TIMETABLE will be in operation on both days.

The principal departure times from Bishops Lydeard for Minehead are:

• 9.40 "Duck's Train"
• 10.25 "Henry's Train"
• 11.10 "Sodor Express"
• 12.40 "Daisy the Diesel Railcar"
• 1.40
• 3.05 "Daisy the Diesel Railcar"
• 4.00

The Buffer Stop Railway Souvenir & Gift Shop at Minehead Station stocks Ertl diecasts of “Thomas” and all his friends, plus “Thomas” toys, games, puzzles, books and lots more. There are also books, videos and a wide range of gifts for all members of the family.

Advance booking is very strongly advised, as the event is extremely popular. Tickets can be booked in advance on the following departures from Bishops Lydeard: 9.40am (“Duck”), 10.25am (“Henry”), 11.10am (“Sodor Express”), 11.50am (“Daisy the Diesel Railcar”) and 12.40pm.

You can return from Minehead by any train.

“The Fat Controller” reminds passengers that ALL privilege ticket, free pass and voucher facilities will not apply. Special fares apply to all passengers.

All fares to/from Minehead will be surcharged by £1.00 for all trains departing Bishops Lydeard between 10am and 3pm, which includes a vintage bus ride and a brake van trip with “Thomas”, “Duck” or “Bill”.

By far the best way to see the attractions on offer is to travel by train from Bishops Lydeard (where there is free parking) and intermediate stations (very limited parking). However, admission tickets to Minehead Station ONLY are available on the day: Adult - £4.00, Child aged 3 and over - £2; Child under 3 – free. This includes a ride on a vintage bus through Minehead and a brake van ride behind “Thomas” or “Duck”.

Details of First Southern National connecting bus services between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard (Services 28, 28A & 928) can be obtained by contacting the bus company direct on 01823 272033.

Advance Booking is very strongly advised

You can book train tickets for a train from Bishops Lydeard in the following ways:-

• By telephone, using your Credit Card. Please ring 01643 704996, 9am-4pm Monday-Friday
• By completing and sending the BOOKING FORM
• In person at Minehead Station (9am-4pm, Monday-Friday)

Of course, tickets will be available on the day, but beware, the trains to Minehead get full very quickly indeed...so best be sure and book in advance.