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Latest News
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The next Volunteer Liaison Meeting
The next Volunteer Liaison Meeting has been scheduled for Saturday 13 March 2010 at Bishops Lydeard Primary School at 3pm. Anyone who works on or for the Railway is welcome. These meetings allow the volunteers of the railway to come along and talk to the managers of both the Railway Company and the Association. Parking for the event will be in the school playground accessed via Quantock View.
12 March 2010
Details from WSR Plc and WSRA
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Bill Pertwee makes another visit to the Railway
Another visit by Long-time WSR supporter and well-known actor and author Bill Pertwee. He will be signing his latest book "The Making Of A Legend Dad's Army" in the shop at Bishops Lydeard Station on Saturday and Sunday 27 and 28 March during the Spring Steam Gala. The times are not known at this moment but will be
for the best part of day. The book retails for £12.99.
12 March 2010
Details from WSRA
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GWR 175 Paddington-Minehead-Paddington
Two generations of top link GWR motive power come together in June for an excursion from London to Minehead and return. The UK Railtours special train on 19 June 2010 celebrates the Great Western Railway's 175th anniversary. Western diesel-hydraulic no D1015 Western Champion will head the train from Paddington to Bishops Lydeard, where GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I joins the Western for the rest of the outward journey to Minehead. After three hours at the seaside town, the pair head the return train back to Bishops Lydeard, where King Edward I continues in sole charge back to London. More information 
6 March 2010
Details from local correspondent and UK Railtours
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FoCHS membership hits 50
Just one month from the inaugural meeting of Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station, membership has hit 50. This includes two from Denmark! There is an urgent need for more volunteers at the Station, even on an occasional basis. Full training will be given to those who would wish to do platform duties. However with the better weather nearly upon us there is much to doaround the station and gardens, so if you would like to join a happy team please go to www.fochs.org.uk and contact anyone of the committee, the names of which are on the Contact Us page. You will be sure of a warm welcome.
6 March 2010
Details from FoCHS
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Taking the Slow Train
Perhaps the slowest ever journey from Bishops Lydeard to Williton took place on Thursday 4 March. The Permanent Way team, with Tony Phillips in charge, inspected every culvert between Bishops Lydeard and Williton using the DMU as mode of transport. Starting at 9.15am, the first culverts near Bishops Lydeard were inspected; the DMU left Platform Two at 9.30am under Travelling Signalman regulations. At 5.45pm, when the DMU eventually reached the Williton Down Home, all culverts had been inspected. But one culvert being too high had the ignomy of being reclassified as a bridge.
5 March 2010
Details from local correspondent
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News from Williton Works
A brief news update from West Somerset Restoration at the Swindon Shed, Williton. On 24 February, BR(W) 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall had boiler, ashpan and smokebox lifted and positioned on its frames. Work started in the South Yard about 8am. No.6960 is now back in the workshop to be fitted out, the first priorities being to finalise the position of the boiler. Meantime, work continues with SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton with the axles under the loan tender from Port Line re-tested, this has been cleared for use on heritage railways. A cold boiler inspection has also been undertaken by the insurance company, pronounced satisfactory subject to the test in steam due during the first week of March. This will enable Braunton to take part in the Spring Steam Gala. The support crew are now busily getting the locomotive ready with much elbow grease being expended on cleaning and polishing.
5 March 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Ken takes on WSR Plc Special Projects
Ken Davidge has been promoted from his post as Station Master at Bishops Lydeard. Ken now takes on the role of WSR Plc Special Projects. In this role he will by managing some large long term projects involving IT and buildings. His current work includes upgrading and modernising the computer system at Minehead and this has involved new broadband circuits, replacement computers and new data storage facilities. New broadband connection and hi-speed card readers for the booking offices at Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. Also he will be producing the Station staff training manual. To avoid any confusion Ken will not be lopping trees as this is the role of David Holmes who as Special Projects Officer for the WSRA has undertaken that important role for many years.
5 March 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The Late Summer Weekend event
A new event for 2010 is the Late Summer Weekend planned for 4 and 5 September. It replaces the former Somerset In Autumn event which was held on the last full weekend in October. The move to early September is to try to get away from the colder autumnal weather which requires the use of coach heating, something the heritage diesel locomotives cannot provide. The new event will use only home-based locomotives with the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group's heritage diesels taking the leading role supported by two steam locomotives. The planned line-up of locomotives includes nos D1010, D832, D7017, D6566, D7523, D9526, 5553 and 9351 along with the DMU. No guest locomotives are booked. This event looks very much like a diesel gala with little for the steam enthusiast. Not especially appealing for holidaymakers either, and with no visiting diesels, the event tends towards a very specialist enthusiast market.
5 March 2010
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondent
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Volunteers needed for all WSR Stations
Whatever skill you have or whatever your aspirations, the West Somerset Railway has the volunteer position for you. The Railway faces a very busy season ahead and in particular all the Stations - all ten of them - could do with some more willing volunteers. If you, or anyone you know, would like to volunteer as station staff, please go to that station and make yourself known to the Station Master, or contact Ian Aldridge, the Volunteer Co-ordinator, by phoning 01823 433856. You will receive a thorough training and be made most welcome.
4 March 2010
Details from WSRA
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The 2010 Spring Steam Gala - an update
Four steam trains will run in each direction on Wednesday 24 March. Nos 78019 and 80104 are expected to haul the trains on that day and normal fares will apply (rather than Gala rates). Fans of freight trains will enjoy the Heritage Goods which will work over the whole of the line on Thursday 25 March and Friday 26 March and there will be the return of the "Dunster Shunt" with action in the goods yard on Saturdays 20 and 27 March and Sundays 21 and 28 March. Also on the Gala Saturdays and Gala Sundays there will be shuttles along the line towards Norton Fitzwarren and the famous triangle site, leaving Bishops Lydeard at 11.45am, 12.45pm, 1.45pm and 2.45pm. These will be top and tailed. If you want to know more about any of these workings and the locomotive diagrams involved, the information will be in the Souvenir Booklet which is now at the printers. Cost is £3, either in advance by sending a cheque to West Somerset Railway, The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG or from the stations along the line on the day. Also, please note there will be no Taunton-Bishops Lydeard rail shuttle for this Gala - but of course there is the free bus link. Spring Steam Gala page...
3 March 2010
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondent
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Take two - food on a steam train for Mothers Day
A day out with a difference on Mothering Sunday on the West Somerset Railway. Two trains combining food with a forty mile round trip on a steam train are operating on Sunday 14 March. The Quantock Belle dining train offers passengers a three course luncheon as the train makes its way from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead where there will be an afternoon break at the seaside town for a stroll around before the return journey offers a cream tea to enjoy. For those who regard the British seaside as linked to traditional fish and chips the West Somerset Railway is running a series of Fish and Chip Specials this year and the first will be operating on Mothering Sunday. Book in advance for a fish and chip lunch (a vegetarian alternative is available) will be served as the 12.30pm train leaves Bishops Lydeard together with a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic alternative. Passengers will have a couple of hours in Minehead before returning on the 4.05pm train on which an optional afternoon tea, complete with specially designed cupcake will be served.
2 March 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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David Shepherd to visit the Railway
Artist David Shepherd, famous worldwide for his love of wildlife and steam engines, will be visiting the West Somerset Railway. He will spend the first Saturday of the Spring Steam Gala, 20 March, for a day that will combine two of his passions. David owns former British Railways 9F 2-10-0 no 92203 (which he named "Black Prince", which is a star guest at the Spring Steam Gala on 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 March 2010. Whilst "Black Prince" is working trains on the Minehead Branch, David will be at Bishops Lydeard Station on 20 March where he will be pleased to meet visitors and talk about the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and the vital conservation work which it performs. More information at the WSR Plc website...
2 March 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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New cafe planned for Bishops Lydeard Station
The West Somerset Railway Association has secured a lease, subject to final contract, on a building adjacent to Bishops Lydeard Station. Eventually the building will bring the WSRA's administration and office functions under one roof plus a new buffet/café to replace the current cramped facilities in the shop. This will in turn enable the shop to be expanded, a desire of the WSRA Promotions team for some time. It is also planned to restore the waiting room on Platform 1 (currently in use as an office) as a heritage feature. A good deal of work is now required to plan and design the new café, to be called "The Coal Yard" after the site's original use in earlier railway days, and bring it into use during the first half of the coming season. WSRA's Heritage Director Don Bishop adds "I believe this is an exciting development for the WSRA at Bishops Lydeard and will improve the offering to our passengers and bring additional funds into the WSRA to support the railway as a whole." More details on the WSRA website...
1 March 2010
Details from WSRA
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Sixteen returns to Minehead, please
A good start to the season for the booking clerk at Stogumber Station. Ken Davidge explains "Stogumber Station has started the new season by selling tickets. The first few days were quiet as expected but on Saturday 26 February a 'hen party' arrived - 16 young ladies, all sporting orange wigs" Each of the young ladies bought a return ticket to Minehead. Ken Davidge (by kind permission of the Station Master, his wife) was persuaded to pose with the 16 before they boarded the train. With the Spring Steam Gala looming, Jenny Davidge (the Stogumber Station Master) and daughter Lydia were busy ensuring for the all-important cakes will be ready for the event.
27 February 2010
Details from local correspondent
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A fashion photo-shoot brightens a dull day at Crowcombe
Crowcombe Heathfield Station was chosen by Heartfelt Boutique of Watchet, owned by Mandy Hawkins and Becky Griffiths, as the ideal location for their fashion shoot. Photography was by Martin Hill of Taunton. The station has been promised some prints which will be on show hopefully for the Spring Steam Gala. More pictures in the February Gallery. For more details see the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station website www.fochs.org.uk...
25 February 2010
Details from FoCHS
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The Railway joins the So Somerset campaign
The Railway has joined the newly formed Somerset Tourism Association. The Somerset Tourism Association (STA) is "the driving force behind local tourism" and is currently busy promoting local tourism under the "So Somerset" banner. The Railway was represented on the STA stand at the six day "Boat and Caravan Show" at the NEC in Birmingham from Tuesday 23 February to Sunday 28 February. The new website for the Somerset Tourism Association www.sosomerset.co.uk went live on Tuesday 23 February - So Somerset, So Steam.
25 February 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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900 concrete sleepers received at Norton
More concrete sleepers have arrived for use on the Norton Triangle. Around 900 concrete sleepers were delivered by rail on 22 February in eight Network Rail wagons. During the next few days, the wagons were unloaded at various points, with Class 47 no D1661 acting as shunter. D1661 ran light engine from Williton to carry out the task. The delivery provides a boost to the Triangle Project as tracklaying continues on the former Barnstaple formation and the new East Chord.
25 February 2010
Details from local correspondent
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New book traces local harbour trade
A new series of volumes covering the maritime history of Somerset. The county has a rich and varied maritime heritage, aspects of which are brought to light in "A Maritime History of Somerset Volume One: Trade & Commerce". Many communities depended on the sea for their livelihood, not just for the goods that came and went from their ports, but also for the people who were associated with those transactions. This book contains a wealth of information on the trade and commerce witnessed in Somerset from the sixteenth century onwards, written by a collective of authors (including a section on Watchet Harbour by the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust curator Ian Coleby) based upon original research. Watchet Harbour in particular figures strongly in the fortunes of the West Somerset Railway. The Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead Station will stock "A Maritime History of Somerset Volume One: Trade & Commerce".
25 February 2010
Details from local correspondent
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Vacancies at the Turntable Cafe
A season of culinary delights is planned at the Turntable Cafe on Minehead Station, from early morning breakfast baps to afternoon cream teas. To help make that happen some additional staff are needed. There are vacancies for a relief/assistant café manager to work from three full days each week and also for volunteer café workers who can work regular 4 hour shifts. The café is a thriving and busy place at the heart of life on Minehead station and the work is very rewarding. If you would be interested in joining the team, please contact Jacquie Green, Hospitality and Catering Manager, on 07985 808934 or by email. If you'd prefer an informal chat first, just pop in during opening hours and speak to The Café Manager, Sue Boyes.
21 February 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Ken steps down as Bishops Lydeard Station Master
After more than two years at the helm Bishops Lydeard Station Master Ken Davidge moves on. In recent times, Ken has been increasingly busy with other railway duties at Minehead and he now feels it is time to concentrate on that work. Ken clearly enjoyed his time at Bishops Lydeard as he explains, "I have truly enjoyed my time at Bishops Lydeard. I know personally every member of the station staff, think very highly of each one and offer my sincere thanks for all their hard and dedicated work which has transformed operations beyond recognition. I am confident that their level of commitment to me will be transferred to the new Station Master when he or she starts. Bishops Lydeard is one of the jewels in the WSR's crown, a very busy terminus, and a lively station. I will always see it as my spiritual home and wish all the staff the very best future possible." We understand Peter Hendy will manage the Bishops Lydeard team until a new Station Master is appointed.
20 February 2010
Details from local correspondents
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Classic diesel hydraulic locos for Mixed Traction event
The three-day Mixed Traction Weekend will showcase the Diesel Hydraulics of the Western Region. The event on 11, 12, and 13 June 2010 promises a feast of Maybach music - courtesy of the Western, Warship and Hymek locomotives, all examples of the BR Modernisation Plan which led to the demise of steam haulage on Britain's railways. Western class nos D1010 and D1062; Warship class nos D821 and D832; and Hymek no D7017 will be joined by no D9520, D9526, D1661, D7523, a Diesel Multiple Unit, along with lone steam locomotive, GWR-designed BR(W) 2-6-2T no 4160. All motive power is, of course, subject to availability. Full details...
19 February 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Enjoy Mothers Day on the Quantock Belle
A great way to celebrate Mothers Day. Enjoy a superb three course lunch on the Quantock Belle First Class Dining Train on Sunday 14 March 2010. Depart Bishops Lydeard Station at 12.55pm and journey through the glorious countryside to the coast at the seaside town of Minehead. Plenty of time to stroll along the promenade before the cream tea on the return journey! The all inclusive fare is £42 per person. The Quantock Belle is very popular so don't delay - ring 01823 433856 for reservations.
19 February 2010
Details from WSRA
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Volunteer couriers needed on the Railway
Couriers wanted. Sam Minter, the WSR Tours Officer, is interested in hearing from people who would be able to escort large (100-150 people) coach parties who take trips on the railway. Duties include marshalling of the party onto the train, safety, and giving a talk to the party during their journey. The job is progressive and training is given so no fear about being thrown in at the deep end. It would suit those perhaps stepping down from other duties or those keen to stick a toe in the water and find out more about the Railway. Turns are usually quite short - typically half a day at a time. If you might be interested then please contact Samantha Minter at the Railway Station in Minehead on 01643 704996) or by email.
16 February 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Spring Steam Gala 2010 posters available
Posters are now available to promote the 2010 Spring Steam Gala. Here is another chance for supporters to help bring the attractions at the Spring Steam Gala to a wider audience by displaying a poster in a local shop, library or workplace. There are two downloadable options, a PDF and a Jpeg image for those who can print a small supply. Or copies of the printed A4 poster can be obtained from John Simms of the Railway's Commercial Office. Contact John by email or telephone 01643 700382.
15 February 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The WSR Association Bristol Group to continue
Good news about the WSRA Bristol Group. In the last "Journal", the sad loss of Dave Mills was reported, along with the understandable belief that this may be the end of the previously thriving Bristol group. Earlier requests, during the period of Dave's illness, for someone to take on the group had brought no takers. However, Dave's widow, Jayne, has kindly agreed to continue with the good work that the two of them had achieved over recent years, so the Bristol Group will re-commence in September 2010 at the same venue - BAWA, Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol. BS34 7RG. The programme is now being put together. All previous and new members will be most welcome. The dates of the 2010 meetings can be found on the Diary Page. Meetings start at 7.30pm. For further details please email wsrabristol@aol.com. Your support will be appreciated!
15 February 2010
Details from WSRA Bristol Group
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Wheelchair dimension policy will remain unchanged
The West Somerset Railway Plc policy on the use of wheelchairs and motorised scooters will remain unchanged. The policy introduces strict maximum dimensions for wheelchairs and motorised scooters which seem, to us at this website, unrealistic. We expressed our concerns to the Railway that the adopted maximum dimensions (cloned from UK and EU regulations for new-build trains) are not appropriate for a heritage railway and in fact will deny access to wheelchair-bound visitors with a wheelchair that exceeds the allowed dimensions. In reply to those concerns, the Railway say whilst the maximum dimensions will not be amended, anyone with an oversize wheelchair or motorised scooter wishing to travel can request an individual assessment. The Railway have more information on the official WSR website and this website now has an Access  page.
14 February 2010
Details from www.wsr.org.uk
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