Website upgrade... |
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The way folks access the internet has changed much over the last few years. What once worked and looked OK on desktops and laptops does not always look good or work well on a smartphone or tablet. So, the website has been re-coded to make the pages responsive to the many different screen sizes used these days. Many existing pages will be replaced and will have a new name. After the switchover towards the end of May 2015, please check and edit any bookmarks you may have saved for pages on this website such as this one. Thanks.
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| The Turntable Cafe now offering regular weekday hot lunch menu |
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Alex Tremain and the team at Minehead Station's Turntable Cafe are now offering a regular weekday menu of hot lunches as follows:
Monday - Sausages with Garlic Mash and Red Onion Gravy and Peas £6.40
Tuesday - Steak and Kidney Pie with Mash and Peas £6.40
Wednesday - Mid Week Roast Dinner of Pork or Beef and Vegetables £7.90
Thursday - Lasagnes with a choice of Salad or Crusty Baguette £6.40
Friday - Cottage Pie with Vegetables and Gravy £6.40
In addition the cafe is continuing to sell its range of breakfasts, pies, pasties, sandwiches, cakes, sweets and a range of hot and cold drinks seven days a week.
23 May 2015
Details provided by the West Somerset Railway Plc 
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| An eagerly-awaited train has now arrived at Bishops Lydeard Station |
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Many people have been asking when the train will arrive at Bishops Lydeard Station on the West Somerset Railway. Well, a lot of trains have already arrived this year at the busy heritage railway station near Taunton and now one of the most eagerly awaited trains has indeed pulled into platform two. Clive Goddard, Head Gardener at Bishops Lydeard Station, has delivered his celebrated train following overhaul and repainting during the winter months. Named Resurrection and numbered '40' (years) as this is the fortieth year since the present railway company ran its first works trains, the loco which is now an 0-6-2 stands at the head of three named 'wagons'. The planting has been completed by four ladies from the Station's Gardening Team. The little train, along with the rest of the results of the Team's hard work, is ready to please the visitors to the Station.
23 May 2015
Details provided by the Head Gardener, Bishops Lydeard Station
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| West Somerset Railway Classic Car Run on Sunday 14 June 2015 |
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Hurry if you want to snap up one of the last ten places left on the West Somerset Railway Classic Car on Sunday 14 June. Starting at Bishops Lydeard Station near Taunton and following a delightful 30-mile pre-arranged route taking in gems of West Somerset inland and coastal scenery, the run is open to pre-1980 classic vehicles. Participants can receive further information from the Run Organiser, Robin White at robin215white@btinternet.com or on 01984 656 423. The Run starts from Bishops Lydeard at 11am and the Railway is offering reduced rate travel for a trip on the Railway by participants when they have parked their cars up around Minehead Station.
The Car Run is sponsored by Blue Anchor Bay Garage - a traditional West Somerset business offering car sales and servicing. Part of that sponsorship will be used to provide a £25 prize for the photograph taken of the Run which captures the theme of 'Cars, trains and West Somerset'. Entries to the Run Organiser, please, within ten days of the Run. To help pick your photographic spot(s), the Run guide booklet, setting out the route and timings, can be obtained from the Run Organiser on receipt of an A5 S.A.E. and £2 to cover administrative costs.
23 May 2015
Details provided by the Run Organiser
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| The return of classic Western Region diesels on the Minehead Branch |
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Of the locos running at the Mixed Traction Weekend on 5-7 June 2015, the home fleet of Class 14 no D9526, Hymek no D7017 and Warship no D832 are of course classic WR hydraulics, whilst the home-based Brush Type 4 (Class 47) no D1661 is a former WR machine and the Class 33 no D6575 would have been seen regularly at locations where the Southern Region met the WR such as Exeter St Davids. Of the event guests,Peak no 45060 Sherwood Forester was a regular visitor to the West Country on inter-regional services between the late 60s and 1980s, Class 56 no 56006 represents the first type 5s to operate on the WR, starting in the 1980s when 56s appeared working Mendip stone trains in the Westbury area, and Class 59 no 59003 is one of the original class members that were imported by Foster Yeoman Ltd to work their stone trains from their Mendip quarry at Merehead. No 59003 has been working in Germany for a number of years and has only recently been repatriated to the UK by owners GBRF who are currently finishing off work on the loco at Eastleigh before bringing it to the WSR for its formal re-dedication at Minehead on the Friday of the Mixed Traction Weekend event. It will work down to Minehead, paired with the 56, on the 11.55am from Bishop Lydeard and will then be displayed on the turntable at Minehead for the remainder of the day.
22 May 2015
Details provided by the Special Events Planning Team
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| Support for the WSRA Reform Group is rolling in |
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The Reform Group report they have today received 75 sign-ups for the proposed new resolution to be put to the members at a General Meeting along with and a staggering £765 towards the cost of the campaign. Two documents give all the details. See the WSRA+ blog for links. The first document explains the arguments for the proposed resolution. The second is a sign-up form for those who support the request. Neither is an official WSRA document. WSRA members are strongly encouraged to read these two documents carefully. If the WSRA Trustee Board publish a statement we will post it here.
22 May 2015
Details provided by WSRA Reform Group
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| Model trains, railwayana & collectables valuation day at Minehead |
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Saturday 20 June 2015 will see a new event taking place at Minehead Station on the West Somerset Railway, when Peter Rixon of the long-established firm of Greenslade, Taylor, Hunt will be on site to value model railway items, railwayana and items from the wider field of collectables. There will be no fees for those attending the valuation day although anyone interested in possibly selling items at auction will be able to do so if they wish at a future Greenslade, Taylor, Hunt event. Collectables auctions are held quarterly at the Octagon Sales Room in East Reach in Taunton. The valuation day will last from 10am to 4pm and will take place under the station canopy. Steam trains will be running over the 20 miles of the West Somerset between Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, and Minehead.
West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare commented "It was back in 1997 that we hosted the BBC's 'Antiques Roadshow' here at Minehead Station but we have not welcomed a valuation day since and it is pleasing to be working with Greenslade,, Taylor, Hunt, to offer a day with interest to both collectors of railway related items and the wider world of collectables here. The platform is used for a wide variety of events during the year and we look to make contributions to the visitor interest of Minehead in addition to the many thousands who arrive on the trains during the year."
22 May 2015
Details provided by the West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Weekend refreshment news from Stogumber Station |
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Stogumber Station will not be able to serve their sought-after refreshments on Sunday 24 May due to unavailability of staff. Tom Usher, Station Master of Stogumber Station, writes "Regrettably due to late notification of staff unavailability we will not be able to provide any refreshments at the station on Sunday 24 May. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause to our visitors. The rest of the weekend and Monday we will be operating normally. Travel from the station is unaffected."
21 May 2015
Details provided by Stogumber Station
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| Author of 'Itchybald Scratchet' at Bishops Lydeard Station on Saturday |
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Sue C Medcalf, author of 'Itchybald Scratchet', will be signing copies of the children's books at Bishops Lydeard Station on Saturday 23 May 2015. The series of books about Itchybald Scratchet starts with Itchy facing the twin threats of a badger cull and housing developments by the Upples (the badger name for people). Sue lives in Bishops Lydeard and has an interest in badgers and wildlife in general, along with their behaviour and habitat. Call in during normal shop hours 9.30am - 5.30pm - for a chat with Sue.
21 May 2015
Details provided by the West Somerset Railway Association
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| The WSRA Reform Group seek support for a new proposed resolution |
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The Reform Group have announced a bid to secure sufficient support from WSRA members to request a further resolution put to the membership. Two documents give all the details. See the WSRA+ blog for links. The first document explains the arguments for the proposed resolution. The second is a sign-up form for those who support the request. Neither is an official WSRA document. WSRA members are strongly encouraged to read these two documents carefully. If the WSRA Trustee Board publish a statement we will post it here.
20 May 2015
Details provided by WSRA Reform Group
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| Copies of The Railway Magazine 1959-1960, 1962-1972 |
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Claire Sheppy, a volunteer with the Heritage Carriages Trust, writes "Due to the death of my father, and also another unexpected donation, I have available a set of 'The Railway Magazine' from 1959 until 1972 inclusive, as far as I can tell it is complete except that there seem to be no magazines for 1961. I would like to know whether anyone who might just be considering building a complete set of this long-running magazine, would like to have these, my only request would be that whoever should take them, make a financial donation of some sort to any of the West Somerset Railway organisations of their choice. These magazines as one lot together, are incredibly heavy, but I could either get them down to Bishops Lydeard or Williton, or alternatively should anyone wish to take up this offer, they could come to North Petherton to collect them, at a mutually convenient time." Claire can be contacted by email clairersheppy 'at' yahoo.co.uk
20 May 2015
Details provided by Claire Sheppy
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| The draft minutes of the recent Partnership Development Group meeting |
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The draft minutes of the railway's Partnership Development Group (PDG) meeting on 30 April 2015 have been issued. The document will be presented for approval at the next meeting of PDG due on 25 June. Of interest to railway preservationists is the formation of the Heritage & Preservation Discussion Group as an informal group as a sub-set of the PDG. Mark Smith, Director of WSR Plc, agreed to co-ordinate the Group with his experience as Vice-Chairman of the Heritage Railway Association. Other topics include a discussion about the Plc's lease of the railway and the Plc's approach to commercial activities. To read the draft minutes please click here.
19 May 2015
Details provided by the Partnership Development Group
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| Peter Chidzey is the new WSR Association Chairman |
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Peter Chidzey has been elected Chairman of the West Somerset Railway Association. The recently issued press release continues "He succeeds David Williams, who stated that he did not wish to continue in the role at the General Meeting of Sunday 10 May. Peter has been a Vice-Chairman of the Association and is a director of WSRA (Promotions) Limited, as well as being a volunteer at West Somerset Restoration and on the Quantock Belle dining train. The appointment took effect from the close of the Trustees' meeting of Wednesday 13 May." The full text of the press release can be seen on the official WSRA website or here
19 May 2015
Details provided by the West Somerset Railway Association
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| A statement from WSR Plc about a discussion on National Preservation |
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We have been asked by Geoff Pateman of WSR Plc to post this item after the following comment was posted on the National Preservation website on 18 May:
"Latest from the railway says that Ian Aldridge has been banned by the WSR PLC!!! Reliable source close to trustees tells me and I believe them. Does anybody know anything about it."
The Plc would like it to be known that this comment is simply untrue.
18 May 2015
Details provided by the West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The next Taunton Group meeting to be held on Monday 18 May |
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The next meeting of the West Somerset Railway Association Taunton Group will be held in the evening of 18 May 2015 at the GWSA Club, Station Approach, Taunton. Mr Mike Curtis will give a presentation on Tornado which is coming to the end of its winter maintenance schedule and will be out on the mainline again in June. His presentation will also include the new P2 project Prince of Wales and some merchandise to raise funds for these two projects will be on sale. For this and all the latest news come to the GWSA Club, Station Approach, Taunton by 7.45pm on 18 May 2015.
16 May 2015
Details provided by the West Somerset Railway Association
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| The WSRA Trustee Board: a new chairman and a suspension |
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We understand the Association has a new Chairman and although no official announcement has been made, it seems David Williams has stepped down and Peter Chidzey has taken over. After the 'vote of no confidence' resolution was carried at the recent EGM, David Williams stated he had "no intention of continuing". Rather more surprising, and distinctly worrying, is the news that Trustee Ian Coleby has been suspended pending an investigation. There has been no word from the WSRA despite our requests to all other Trustees. However, Ian Coleby has issued a statement - we leave WSRA members and others to form their own opinion on this development. The official WSRA website is wsra.org.uk and membership commentary can be found at wsra-action.org and WSRA+
15 May 2015
Details provided by local correspondents
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| An update on the Crowcombe Heathfield Station Goods Office Project |
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The Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station have published an update on the Goods Office Project. Writing on the Friends website, John and Carol Oldfield from the Project Team explain "After several problems over the winter months regarding which way forward to go with the stone to be used in the re-build of the Goods Office it has been decided to use sawn & split stone from Capton Quarry (near Williton) as originally planned. The builder is in place to complete the 'metre of stone' for the Planning Officer and when it has been passed by the West Somerset Planning Committee we can go forward with the construction. When this procedure has been completed we will be in a position to put in place the schedule for re-build. Hopefully this will be in the late Summer, early Autumn depending on the timetable for trains and commitments already in place for Crowcombe Heathfield Station. The Project Team along with the Builders will be liaising with the owners of Capton Quarry within the next ten days to finalise arrangements."
14 May 2015
Details provided by the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station
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| BR Peak no 45060 Sherwood Forester heading for the Minehead Branch |
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BR Class 45 Peak no 45060 Sherwood Forester is visiting the West Somerset Railway for the forthcoming Mixed Traction Weekend. No 45060 was built in 1960 - now 55 years old (the same as the last steam locomotive built for British Railway Evening Star!) and weighs no less than 138 tons. It will be moved to the Minehead Branch with Class 56 no 56006 by GBRF. The image, by Don Bishop, on the left shows the loco standing in Swanage Station at that railway's recent diesel gala.
13 May 2015
Details provided by Special Events Planning Team
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| Special fundraising day in aid of Minehead Station defibrillator |
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Sunday 14 June 2015 will see a special event at Minehead Railway Station, the northern terminus of the West Somerset Railway, aimed at raising funds for the purchase of a defibrillator for emergency use if required in the future.
The open day will run from midday to 3pm and the station platform will host a number of craft and sales stands. All of the stallholders are donating a prize for a raffle, proceeds from which will go towards the purchase of the defibrillator and in addition there will be performances by the Tano Taiko Drummers and the Minehead Male Voice Choir plus a Hog Roast, kindly hosted by the Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster, to augment the bill of fayre served at the Turntable Cafe at the station. The station shop and the Friends of Minehead Station's second hand book stall 'Readers Halt' will also be open.
In addition West Somerset Railway passengers who travel to Minehead from Bishops Lydeard station on the 11.05 diesel railcar train and return by the 3.25pm diesel railcar will be able to do so at a special reduced fare of £10.00. Tickets, which will only be valid on these two trains, can be purchased in advance from 01643 704996 or via the website at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.
If anyone would like to support the appeal but cannot come along on 14 June cheques can be sent to the Friends of Minehead Station, The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG, with the word 'Defibrillator' wriiten on the back of the cheque.
12 May 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Class 37 no D6757 will miss the Mixed Traction Weekend |
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Class 37 no D6757 will not be able to attend the Mixed Traction Weekend as the loco failed with generator problems at the Swanage Railway over the weekend and will return to its Barrow Hill base for repairs. The Special Events Planning Team will try to source a replacement but will otherwise adjust the diagrams accordingly. Meanwhile, the Team confirm another visitor the air-braked Class 56 no 56006 will be able to work alone with the WSR's air-braked set of Mk1 stock. This stock will also be used by another visitor, Class 59 no 59003.
11 May 2015
Details provided by Special Events Planning Team
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| West Somerset Railway Association Extraordinary General Meeting: results |
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The results of the voting at WSRA Extraordinary General Meeting on 10 May 2015
Resolution 1 - "Members have no confidence..." For:1178 Against:1127 Abstain:86 - carried.
Resolution 2 - "Review..." For:1317 Against:1010 Abstain:60 - carried.
Resolution 3 - "David Williams shall be removed..." For:1121 Against:1136 Abstain:123 - lost.
Resolution 3 - "Peter Chidzey shall be removed..." For:1086 Against:1141 Abstain:153 - lost.
Resolution 3 - "Nick Nicholls shall be removed..." For:1120 Against:1121 Abstain:138 - lost (the count gave a tie at 1120 so was decided by Chairman's casting vote)
The full wording of each resolution can be found here.
These figures have not been confirmed by the WSRA but we firmly believe are an accurate record of the announced results.
Our earlier comments about the WSRA Chairman, David Williams, were a tad premature. The Association have just published a press release in which David Williams states "...he did not wish to continue as Chairman, and would be stepping down to allow a new Chairman to be elected before the end of the month." He will remain as a Trustee.
More details of the EGM will appear here in due course.
11 May 2015
Details provided by local correspondents and WSRA+
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| WSRA members are urged to vote on EGM resolutions |
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An Extraordinary General Meeting of the West Somerset Railway Association will be held at 2pm on 10 May 2015 at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall. The meeting has been called to consider and vote on five resolutions brought to the membership by a group of concerned members - see this page for details and statements. Members unable to attend may make use of the proxy form but should note the form must arrive at the WSRA office no later than 2pm on 8 May 2015 so time is tight.
7 May 2015
Details provided by wsr.org.uk
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| WSRA Home Counties Group go to Hampshire on Sunday |
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Keith Smith tells us this Sunday sees the return of the annual Basingstoke Festival of Transport run by the Thornycroft Society. It takes place in the War Memorial Park, next to the Council Offices in Basingstoke and is free to enter. The West Somerset Railway Association's Home Counties Group will be there to publicise the West Somerset Railway as usual, and to meet friends old and new. A warm welcome is extended to all!
7 May 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| Join the Murder Mystery Special and solve the crime |
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With the long summer evenings here why not enjoy looking at the Somerset countryside as the shadows lengthen towards sunset? And enjoy exercising the 'little grey cells' on solving a Murder Mystery on a steam train? There are still seats available on the May 30th evening outing for armchair sleuths.
The plot revolves dastardly doings at a summer holiday camp, appropriate for the time of the year. The first scene is staged on the platform at Bishops Lydeard station at 7pm and the train steams out towards Minehead at 7.15pm. It is back around 10.30pm.
As well as the actors going through the story before you have a chance to work out 'whodunit' you will also be able to enjoy a three course meal served at your table. The complete cost is £56 and bookings must be made by 22 May. More information can be seen at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk and bookings can be made online or by calling 01643 704996 (9am to 5pm seven days a week).
7 May 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Roy Pitman |
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John Simms, the Railway's Publicity Officer, writes "We were sorry to learn of the death of Roy Pitman on 5 May after a short illness. Roy and his late wife Mona (together with the black labrador Sooty) were leading lights in the running of Washford Station and the Museum of the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust, with Roy spending a number of years as Station Master. In more recent times Roy and Mona acted as couriers on the trains giving talks to pre-booked parties."
"Living near Bruton Roy's childhood days involved travelling to and from school by the Somerset and Dorset line, kindling a lifelong interest in the route, the trains and the people who worked on it. He spent much of his working life in the Insurance business with his later years spent as an education officer with Royal Liver. Away from railways and work another key interest was football and Roy was for many years a scout for Yeovil Town and in later years Bath City, being a very familiar face around the non-league grounds of South West England."
"Our condolences go to Roy and Mona's family and we would like to say thank you for their contributions over many years to the history and success of the West Somerset Railway."
7 May 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| The 2015 Steam Rally and Vintage Vehicle Rally leaflet and poster |
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The 2015 Steam Rally and Vintage Vehicle Rally leaflet and poster are now available online in PDF format. The leaflet provides an online view of what is on offer at this year's Rally on 1 and 2 August 2015. Click here to download the leaflet. And the poster gives the friends of the Rally a great chance to download, print and display the poster and help to promote the event. Click here to download the poster. Don't forget - new for 2015 is a Combined Ticket for £18 which gives entry to the Rally on 1 and 2 August and entry to the Taunton Flower Show on Saturday 8 August 2015 - buy online here.
5 May 2015
Details provided by the Rally Committee
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| The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust issue their Volunteer Policy |
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At its meeting on 25 April 2015, the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust adopted a Volunteer Policy. As Chris Bolt, the Treasurer of the Trust, explains, "All charities are encouraged by the Charities Commission to have such a policy." To see the policy, visit the website of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust or click here.
3 May 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
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| The latest WSR Journal has been issued to Association members |
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Journal no 149 has landed on the doormats of members of the West Somerset Railway Association. Along with the regular features, are two excellent articles, 'A tale of two Taunton tank engines' by Philip Horton (author of 'The Beeching Legacy' books) and 'Securing a workforce for the future' by long serving WSR volunteer John Glover. From the list of Trustees we learn that John Wood, Chris Walters and David Smart have recently resigned from the Trustee Board. We believe two of the remaining Trustees will be required to stand down and, if they wish, to stand again for election - there will be five vacancies - at the AGM at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall on 25 July at 2pm. Whilst not appearing in the latest Journal, members might also be interested to see a letter to members from the Chairman recently published on the website of the West Somerset Railway Association.
1 May 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| The Free Press once again produce a fine supplement featuring the WSR |
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Once again the West Somerset Free Press have produced a free supplement in newspaper style with masses of information about the West Somerset Railway. The supplement "Full steam ahead - your guide to the West Somerset Railway 2015" follows the pattern of previous issues, covering everything from a potted history of the line, special trains and events, volunteering, a guide to the stations, catering specials and engineman courses. As ever, an excellent production from the West Somerset Free Press providing valuable publicity for the Railway.
1 May 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Free Press
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| Help the Red Cross and enjoy reduced fare on special train |
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The West Somerset Railway is pleased to be working to help the Red Cross in their invaluable work both in Britain and abroad with a reduced fare excursion train on Saturday 16 May 2015. The special steam train will leave Bishops Lydeard station at 11.45am and will arrive at Minehead at 1.10pm. The return train will leave Minehead at 3.55pm. Amongst those travelling will be the Glastonbury Male Voice Choir and the student Jazz Band from Kings College Taunton.
The reduced price tickets are available for advanced sales only priced £12.00 for adults and seniors and £10.00 for children. Bookings can be made via www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by calling 01643 704996. There are no further fare reductions on this special train.
1 May 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Online tickets now available for 2015 Steam Rally & Vintage Vehicle Rally |
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The 2015 Steam Rally and Vintage Vehicle Rally online ticketing facility has opened for business. An Adult Day Ticket for the 2015 event is £10 whilst a Senior Citizen Day Ticket is £8, with free entry for up to four children (0 - 15 years) when accompanied by an adult or senior citizen day ticket holder. Day Tickets purchased online are valid for both days of the event and each online order includes a free Rally programme voucher. New for 2015 is a Combined Ticket for £18 which gives entry to the Rally on Saturday 1 August and Sunday 2 August and entry to the Taunton Flower Show on Saturday 8 August 2015. Buy online at the Steam Rally and Vintage Vehicle Rally website.
30 April 2015
Details provided by the Rally Team
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| The WSR Association's Extraordinary General Meeting on 10 May 2015 |
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Members of the West Somerset Railway Association are warned of possible travel and parking difficulties when heading for Association's Extraordinary General Meeting at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall on 10 May 2015. On the same day, the village celebrates "Somerset Day" with activities and street stalls at Gore Square, and a procession through the village from Lydeard House. Access for cars to the Hall will be hampered and parking may be limited or impossible. The Reform Group advise they have arranged with Dunkirk House for additional parking in the field opposite Westridge Way. Members should also note it will take a long time to gain entry to the Village Hall due to the verification process at the door. Best to plan to arrive quite early. The meeting is due to start at 2pm. More information on the WSRA+ blog.
30 April 2015
Details provided by WSRA Reform Group
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| No 6705 is focus for West Somerset Steam Railway Trust working party |
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On Wednesday 20 April, a working party of West Somerset Steam Railway Trust volunteers gathered in the Swindon Shed at Williton. The objective was to prepare the second side of GWR BCK no 6705 in readiness for an application of an etching primer paint. The other side has already been treated in this way and with the etching primer having a green colour, it looks a tad incongruous for a Great Western coach. Eventually both sides will carry the full cream and chocolate GWR livery. A set of images showing the working party can be seen on the website of West Somerset Steam Railway Trust or amongst the Latest Pictures page on this website.
30 April 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
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| Heritage diesels at work over Bank Holiday weekend - and it's Ladies Day |
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Two of the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group's fleet of heritage diesels will be at work over the coming Bank Holiday weekend, heading the 11.05am from Bishops Lydeard and the 3.25pm from Minehead on 2, 3, 4 May 2015. On the Saturday and Sunday the rostered locomotive will be Class 35 'Hymek' no D7017 whilst on Monday the Class 33 'Crompton' no D6575 will be in action. And a reminder that Saturday 2 May 2015 is Ladies Day at Minehead Station with various sales stands, therapies and sheer pampering to be found on the station platform. There is no admission charge to come on to the station although of course the therapies and sales items have to be paid for. And the BBC weather forecast shows that the weather will be getting warmer again...
27 April 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Time running out for prospective WSRA Trustee candidates |
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Time is running out for prospective candidates wishing to be elected as a Trustee of the West Somerset Railway Association. Nomination forms can be obtained online from the WSRA website and when completed must be sent to (or handed to) the Secretary, West Somerset Railway Association, Brunel House, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton TA4 3RU by 1 May 2015.
27 April 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| Bishops Lydeard Station features on a Rothbury mug |
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An exclusive design showing Bishops Lydeard Station, the southern terminus of the West Somerset Railway, features on a Rothbury mug which is available from the Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard Station at £6 each. A special offer at the Station Shop is Bachmann's model of the WSR's Blue Anchor Station - RRP £34.95 and on offer at only £25.00 whilst stocks last. Meanwhile, a reminder that Oldham Video Productions DVD of the 2015 West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala is on sale at the Station Shop along with many books including "1964: The Last Summer of the Duchesses - Commemorating Events of Half a Century Past" by Alan Castle, "Private Owner Wagons - A Thirteenth Collection" by Keith Turton, and Ian Allan's ever popular "Rail Atlas Europe".
26 April 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| Date set for West Somerset Railway Association General Meeting |
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At the request of a group of WSRA members, a general meeting of the WSRA membership is to be held on Sunday, 10 May 2015, at 2pm in the Bishops Lydeard Village Hall. The WSRA Trustees say in the covering letter to members "This request was properly supported by 400 valid signatures from members, and meets the requirements of the WSRA Articles. The business of this meeting will be the consideration of the resolutions proposed by the members. You can read these resolutions precisely as they were submitted on the enclosed proxy form." For non-WSRA members who might be interested, the details of the five resolutions to be decided at the meeting are shown on a special page on this website, along with a statement by the WSRA and a statement by the reform group who requested the general meeting; both statements were included in the general meeting notice mailed to WSRA members.
24 April 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| Ever thought about volunteering on the West Somerset Railway |
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The West Somerset Railway requires over 1,000 volunteers to continue to provide its services of heritage steam and diesel trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. Mel Hillman, New Volunteer Co-ordinator for the West Somerset Railway explains "To maintain this service we do need to continually recruit new volunteers and to this end we are holding an Open Day on Sunday 10 May with an invitation for potential volunteers to visit and find out more about the opportunities available and how they can help. Advance booking is essential. The programme for the day is:
| 9am | meet in the Gauge Museum on Platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard railway station - introductions/current situation on volunteering |
| 10.25am | travel to Williton in reserved carriage to see signal box in action, some of the workshops and observe station duties. Current volunteers will be present to discuss opportunities within other departments |
| 1.12pm | leave Williton to return to Bishops Lydeard - issue of information packs |
| 1.45pm | arrive Bishops Lydeard and disperse from train |
More details available from Mel Hillman, New Volunteer Co-ordinator, West Somerset Railway, tel no 01643 700384 or email volunteers@wsrail.net "
22 April 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| The Launceston Railway Circle enjoy presentation about the WSR |
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The Launceston Railway Circle was the venue on Friday 17 April for a presentation on the West Somerset Railway given by Steve Jervis, Assistant to the General Manager. Twenty or so people, including the proprietors of the Launceston Steam Railway, were present to hear Steve talk about the WSR in terms of its history, route, stations, running operations, volunteer activities and commercial events. This was followed by an intermission, after which Steve concentrated on specific aspects of the WSR including the Workshops, Permanent Way, Williton Loop and future projects eg the Bishops Lydeard loco ash shelter. Before and during the show, Steve showed the new Spring Steam Gala DVD, produced by David Oldham and now available for purchase in the Minehead shop, to the audience which was favourably received. A short question & answer ensued at the end. Steve would like to thank his hosts for their warm welcome, it was gratifying to see a good turnout and to know the WSR word was spread to an appreciative audience.
20 April 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| The West Somerset Railway goes to Metroland |
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St Albans Church in North Harrow have a railway social group who meet a few times during the year, and at their meeting on Saturday, long serving WSRA volunteer Keith Smith and Derek Tarr, Chairman of Friends of Blue Anchor Station, were invited to give a short talk on the West Somerset Railway under the heading of 'Railways to the Seaside'. Having star billing, and presenting before the half time buffet, a new show was put together by Keith and ably presented by Derek. It was gratifying to see a good turnout and to know the WSR word was spread to an appreciative audience.
19 April 2015
Details provided by correspondent
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| Back to the future for the 2015 Autumn Steam Gala |
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The four day 2015 Autumn Steam Gala takes place on 1, 2,3 and 4 October 2015. The event will mark the 40th Anniversary of the opening of the West Somerset Railway. Although public passenger trains did not begin to operate on the revived West Somerset Railway until Good 28 March 1976, when Lord Montague of Beaulieu flagged away the inaugural train from Minehead to Blue Anchor, the first train movements on the line had begun in the previous autumn. With this in mind it has been decided to make the 2015 Autumn Steam Gala a commemoration of four decades of WSR operations and to bring back locomotives that have worked the Minehead Branch during that period. This will of course depend on availability of potential guests from their home railways and their current serviceability - so sadly there will be no Evening Star to bring back memories of 1989 and early 1990. However given the very long list of locos in recent WSR history, there is potential for an interesting line-up of locos. Advance tickets now available.
19 April 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| The Branch Line Society specials tour the Railway and its sidings |
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A rather unusual railtour took place on Friday 17 April 2015 when the Branch Line Society chartered a special train on the West Somerset Railway. Consisting of three brake vans and headed for much of the day by Class 09 no D4107, the special ran the full length of the line and also visited several sidings including Washford Yard and Minehead's Bay lines and the tracks of the loco department. Class 03 no D2133 was also used at Minehead. A fully booked repeat of the tour is scheduled for 20 April 2015 and expected to again visit Williton North Yard, Washford Yard, Dunster Yard, Minehead Turntable, Dunster West Sidings and the whole of the Norton Triangle.
18 April 2015
Details from local correspondents
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| Just some of the many books available right now at the main WSR shops |
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The two main shops on the West Somerset Railway - at Bishops Lydeard and at Minehead - carry good stocks of mostly railway related books. Here are a few tasters. The part of the route covered in " Along the Route of the ACE" by Laurie Golden is between Salisbury and all 'Southern' points west. After a brief introduction, come the pictures, all in colour; there is no other text but the extremely informative captions more than make up for this. Next, "How a Steam Locomotive Works: A New Guide" by Dominic Wells - a well-written book with lots of easy-to-understand diagrams which will be of interest to the experienced footplateman, as well as the novice. There are nineteen chapters covering such subjects as water management, lubrication, brake systems, preparation and disposal and a host of other pertinent subjects in between. The concluding chapter is a most useful fault-finding guide. Looking at the modern railway, "First Great Western - Gateway to the West" by John Balmforth, this splendid little book tells the story of the franchise from its inception to date, when the company has become a beacon of excellence. To read the full reviews, please see this facebook page.
18 April 2015
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
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| Enjoy a meal on the Quantock Belle First Class Dining Train |
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The Quantock Belle First Class Dining Train service operates on the scenic West Somerset Railway between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead recreating the nostalgic atmosphere of dining out in the days of steam. Diners enjoy good food and great company as the train winds its leisurely way through the beautiful West Somerset scenery between the Quantock Hills and the Brendon Hills, then past the ancient port of Watchet and on towards the coastline at Blue Anchor Bay. Whatever the occasion may be - a cosy dinner for two, a special anniversary or birthday, or just a Sunday lunch out - the Quantock Belle provides a delightful and memorable experience. The Quantock Belle is extremely popular and advance booking is therefore essential. Full details and contact information.
13 April 2015
Details gleaned from West Somerset Railway Association website
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| The Somerset CAMRA Real Ale and Cider Festival 2015 |
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The weekend of 12 and 13 September 2015 are the dates of this year's Somerset CAMRA Real Ale & Cider Festival, held at the West Somerset Railway's Minehead Station platform. The Festival will be open from 11am until 11pm on Saturday and between noon and 4pm on Sunday. The best way to get there is, of course, by train on the West Somerset Railway. Somerset CAMRA plan to have in excess of 100 real ales, several local ciders, perry and a small selection of wine. The local Somerset breweries will, as usual, be very well represented. In addition to these, there will be a wide selection of ales from all around Great Britain, showcasing the incredibly diverse range of tastes and styles produced by our multitude of breweries. More details available on the official WSR website and also on our own Somerset CAMRA Real Ale and Cider Festival 2015 webpage. For Twitter users, search for #WSRCAMRA for latest news about this event.
13 April 2015
Details provided by Somerset CAMRA and West Somerset Railway plc
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| Twenty entries already for WSR's Classic Car Run on 14 June |
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Entries are now coming in for this new West Somerset Railway Event. Run Organiser Robin White said "We are now approaching 20 entries which is very gratifying for a new event which we have only been promoting for a couple of weeks. We already have a stunning range of classics booked on the Run, dating from a 1931 Ford 10 to a 1969 Chrysler Avenger. There are vintage sports cars, saloons, prestige cars such as Rolls Royces and Aston Martins and more humble transport. It should be great fun for both participants and spectators." The Run is open to pre-1980 classic vehicles. It starts from Bishops Lydeard Railway Station at 10.30am and follows a scenic 30 mile route through glorious West Somerset countryside, taking in hidden wooded valleys, the coast and ancient towns and villages, passing close to a number of West Somerset Railway stations, ending in Minehead. An Information Sheet and Entry Form are available.
12 April 2015
Details provided by the Run Organiser
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| GWR 4-6-0 no 4936 Kinlet Hall to be based on WSR for five years |
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An agreement has been reached between the West Somerset Railway and the owners of GWR Hall class 4-6-0 no 4936 Kinlet Hall which will see the loco based on the WSR for the next five years. Although the engine's 'home shed' will be Minehead it will be available for main line work as required and for visits to special events on other heritage railways. No 4936 is presently the oldest working member of the class of mixed traffic 4-6-0s. It was built at Swindon in 1929 and withdrawn from British Railways service in 1964 having run a million miles in that time despite being damaged when it ran into a bomb crater in 1941. During its 35 years of service it was allocated to a wide range of locosheds including Cardiff Canton, Laira, Old Oak Common, Oswestry, Oxley, Oxford, Shrewsbury, Stafford Road, Swindon, Truro, and finally Cardiff East Dock.
10 April 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| New DVD featuring the recent Spring Steam Gala now in stock |
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Another fine video from Oldham Video Productions is now available on DVD from the Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard. The DVD features all the locos in use during the recent 'Steam in South Wales' Spring Steam Gala - nos 70000, 4270, 5542, 5643, 46521, 4160, 3850, 4936, 6960 and 7828. A special bonus feature is a "Driver's eye view with nos 6960 & 4936 hauling an epic twelve coach train from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead." The DVD runs for 1 hour 5 minutes. See a preview via facebook. The DVD is also available from the Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead at £17 plus £1 p&p or Blu-ray £20 plus £1 p&p. By phone 01643 700387 or via the WSR's online shop.
10 April 2015
Details gleaned from facebook by West Somerset Railway Assocation and also from WSR Plc
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| A formal request for an EGM is received by WSR Association |
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A deputation of WSRA members, calling themselves the 'Reform Group', visited the registered office of the WSRA at noon on 8 April 2015 and presented a request for a general meeting of members to decide on five specific resolutions. The request was accompanied by 400 forms in support of the resolutions, each form signed by a WSRA member, as required. The WSRA is now bound by law to arrange the general meeting (popularly known as an extraordinary general meeting or EGM) within the defined timescales. Whilst members wait for the official paperwork to be provided, details of the resolutions can be viewed at www.wsra-action.org along with other documents.
The Reform Group say "Today, 8 April, we presented 400 selected forms from the nearly 900 we now hold to the WSRA Registered Office at Bishops Lydeard, along with a 'letter of request' for the EGM to be held. We have to say a massive, massive THANK YOU to all those who are supporting the call. Legislation under the Companies Act determines that the EGM must follow in a 14 to 49 day window after we present our letter of request and the supporting forms. What this means is that the EGM should be held between late April and late May, allowing, if the motions are carried, the air to clear, and a reformed and supported WSRA to move forward at the 2015 AGM in July." (the full statement can be viewed on the www.wsra-action.org website.)
The WSRA say "Association Secretary Susan Kaufman confirmed receipt of a members' request to convene a General Meeting. 'The next step is to fully verify all of the names and membership numbers. Once we have done that, the date of the General Meeting will be announced. The process will be carried out strictly in accordance with the Association's Articles and following advice given by our legal representatives.'" Read the full official WSRA comment and statement.
When the official EGM papers are issued, the details will appear on an EGM page on this website.
8 April 2015 (amended 16 April)
Details provided by WSRA, the Reform Group and WSRA+
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| The new span for the Monksilver Stream Bridge is now in position |
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Further evidence of progress with the Williton Loop Project can now be seen at the worksite. The structure being manufactured to re-span the Monksilver Stream was drilled and sent away for galvanising. When returned the components were moved to the worksite and assembled in position by the start of the Spring Steam Gala. Writing in the latest 'Online' staff publication, the WSR Plc wishes to record its thanks to the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust for the grant it made in 2014 of £800 towards the capital cost of the passing loop at Williton, and for the promised further grant of £2,000. These grants will support the heritage aspects of the project.
8 April 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Passenger figures to the end of March show increase |
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The West Somerset Railway carried 7,467 passengers in March giving the total for the year thus far of 12,324, some 1,100 up on the same period of 2014. In terms of passenger figures, the four day Spring Steam Gala saw 963 passengers on the Thursday, with 1,231 travelling on the Friday, 1,442 on Saturday 28 March and 920 on Sunday 29 March. The Sunday figure has to be set against the high winds and heavy rain that hit the area through the morning and into the early afternoon, which undermined the offer of the £2 child ticket on that particular day. Overall, 170 passengers fewer travelled compared with the same event in 2014. The visit of the two popular characters, Peppa Pig and Daddy Pig, for younger members of the family on a sunny Easter Saturday brought 1,245 passengers during the day.
7 April 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| The WSR is finalist in the National Coach Tourism Awards |
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The West Somerset Railway is one of five finalists in the 'Heritage Railways' section of the 2015 Coach Tourism Awards. The other four in the category are the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Kent and East Sussex Railway, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and the Vale of Rheidol Railway. The Awards Night and Dinner is being held at the West Midlands Safari Park on Thursday 14 May 2015. Reading through the list of finalists it is also interesting to note that the WSR has well-established working relationships with those in the large and medium sized coach operators and the providers of Holiday Programmes and Day Excursions. The National Coach Tourism Awards recognises excellence and innovation among coach tour operators, destinations, visitor attractions, and tourism industry suppliers. More details
7 April 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Peppa Pig and Daddy Pig to visit West Somerset Railway |
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Children's TV favourites Peppa Pig and Daddy Pig will be paying a special visit to the West Somerset Railway on 4 April. They will be making appearances at Minehead Railway Station on 4 April between 10am and 4pm. As well as meeting them you can enjoy a steam train ride on the railway, free vintage bus ride trips around Minehead sea front from Minehead Station and face painting. To book tickets and to find out more information, call 01643 704996 or visit the West Somerset Railway website.
1 April 2015
Details gleaned from Somerset County Gazette
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