Eagerly awaited by countless youngsters, the bright blue tank engine known as "Thomas" has returned to West Somerset in readiness for the two-day weekend of fun on 5-6 July - the "Days Out with Thomas" event.

Most of the trains from Bishope Lydeard to the event at Minehead are now fully booked.

More information...

25 June 2003 
Details from local correspondent

On Saturday 21 June the Friends of Minehead Station held a very successful Barbeque with a Concert by the Teign Valley Stompers on the platform at Minehead Station. The ever popular trad jazz band almost raised the very roof they were helping to raise funds to repair! Blessed with a fine warm evening the event attracted a capacity audience and both the food and the drink ran out before all demand was satisfied.

23 June 2003 
Details from local correspondent

One of our regular correspondents, Jon Tooke, who is also a Guard, Lamp Repair Man, Safety Instructor and Character, is helping to raise funds for GWR "Small Prairie" no 5542, by selling a large number of Railway items on the E-Bay auction web site. The net profits, that is after fees and commissions, will go directly to the Treasurer of 5542 Ltd.

Have a look at this E-Bay page for an example...

15 June 2003 
Details from local correspondent

The S&T department has been sorting out the electrical store at Williton and found something which to many people would be classified as "modern" signalling equipment. We have in our store a large number of relays as spares. Most are BR specification 50 volt plug-in type, but we also have a number of 12 volt shelf relays. These relays have test dates that show they were tested at Reading S&T works during the 1950's. We did, however, find one that still had the original manufacturer's test date. The relay, like some of the others we have, was made by Westinghouse Brake and Signal Co. Ltd.

What shows that this piece of "modern" signalling equipment is many years older than the locomotives which run on the WSR is the test date of 12th December 1938! There is no other test label on the relay so it may be safe to assume that it operated without a fault during it's time on the big railway and was never a need to retest it. We have no idea where this relay was acquired from although it is most likely from somewhere on the Western Region.

The tester's initials appear to be either GLT or GH. If anyone knows of a tester who may have been working at Westinghouse during that time, we would be interested hear about it.

15 June 2003 
Details from WSR's S&T Department

We understand the preserved diesel-hydraulic Hymek D7076 - scheduled to visit the WSR and appear at the "Swindon Heritage" Diesel Gala on 8-9 August 2003 - will not now make the trip south. The reasons for the cancellation are not entirely clear. Until we get the official story, it would be wrong to speculate, except that it is almost certain the much expected visit of this popular machine is off.

7 June 2003 
Details from local correspondent.

Green Express Railtours paid their first visit to Minehead on Saturday 17 May when Fragonset’s no 47709 arrived at the head of thirteen maroon West Coast Railway coaches bringing 668 passengers into the town - the heaviest passenger loading on an excursion onto the WSR to date. Quite a remarkable sight. In addition, nos 5224 and 7820 were heading the service trains, no 5542 on "Footplate Experience” in the Norton Fitzwarren-Bishops Lydeard section and no 4160 on a 50th wedding anniversary charter. Another rather busy day.

7 June 2003 
Details from WSR's OnLine

On 7-8 June, the S&T Department were able to carry the first phase of a renewals programme on the point rodding at Blue Anchor. This is a two part programme to re-align the rodding and replace worn and damaged equipment. Our work for the first phase involved replacing all the old nuts and bolts on the point and facing point lock rodding. It is believed that some of the bolts may not have been moved since the crossing loop was lengthened in the 1930's by the GWR. There is certainly no record that any work was carried out on the point rodding at the same time as the level crossing gates were renewed in 1955.

For the full story and more pictures, CLICK HERE

10 June 2003 
Details from WSR's S&T Department

Passengers aboard the "Fish and Chip" special on Saturday night were treated to superpower in the shape of a Western Region express diesel-hydraulic locomotive, no D1010 "Western Campaigner". By a strange coincidence, around forty or so members of the Somerset CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) were amongst the "diners", and enjoyed non-stop "Western" haulage in each directions...

10 June 2003 
Details from local correspondent.

The Railway management have asked us to pass on a message of thanks to the many supporters of the Railway who rallied to the cause during the crisis and "...thank all the people on duty for sticking at their posts, working additional hours, and keeping our customers and passengers on our side...and as so often happens on the WSR, a bit of adversity brings out the best in people, a case of 'the tough get going'".

10 June 2003 
Details from WSR Plc

The hospitalisation of GWR 2-6-2T no 5542 following the failure in service on Sunday would appear to be short-lived as the owners seem to have found replacement parts which will be fitted in two weeks or so. A spokesman explained what they found upon inspection at Williton, "...upon dismantling the left hand piston head was found to be cracked in four places and fell in two parts when removed, thankfully the bore received only very minor damage. The right hand piston was then examined and found to be well on its way to the same fate...".

Furrowed brows at the temporary loss of a front line locomotive have been soothed today by the scheduled arrival of BR 4MT 2-6-4T no 80136 from Crewe. The Standard was delivered by road to Bishops Lydeard - and faces smokebox towards Paddington.

10 June 2003 
Details from local correspondent and 5542 Ltd

GWR 2-6-2T no 5542 suffered piston damage whilst heading today's 10.25am from Bishops Lydeard. Initially the problem was detected by the loco crew near Stogumber and after inspection, the loco and train continued at reduced speed to Williton, where after further inspection by engineers, no 5542 was failed and withdrawn from service. The owners, 5542 Ltd, have provided this reassuring message "...every effort will be made to rectify the fault in the shortest practical time..."

An interesting shuffle of loco duties and trains led to the "Western" no 1010 running light engine to Williton to take the stricken 10.25am on to Minehead. Later, "Crompton" no 6566 appeared at Williton piloting no 4160 at the head of the "Quantock Belle". No 6566 was removed and no 4160 - on it's last day in service before overhaul - continued to Minehead. The DMU was also brought into service.

A correspondent who was on the 10.25am explained that many passengers were genuinely concerned for no 5542. He went on to congratulate the many WSR hands who helped smooth a potentially difficult day, especially those who arranged an impromptu tour of the Williton Sheds for passengers on the 10.25am.

8 June 2003 
Details from local correspondent.

Ex-BR(W) "Large Prairie" 2-6-2T no 4160 bows out of service on 8 June after ten years of sterling service on the West Somerset Railway with a total of over 50000 miles on the clock (reliable sources correct this to 86,000 - a WSR record). The withdrawal is for the statutory ten year overhaul and the loco is expected to be back in service before too long.

As if to make a point, no 4160 was failed on the penultimate day of working with a collapsed fire. Nothing serious and the fire was quickly rebuilt. As a precaution, the load was lessened by the removal of two coaches. The train, the 4.05pm to Minehead, left Bishops Lydeard somewhat late and for the severe climb to Crowcombe Heathfield was assisted by GWR 2-6-2T no 5542.

7 June 2003 
Details from local correspondent.

The Diesel & Electric Preservation Group's monster diesel-hydraulic no 1010 "Western Campaigner" was in action on 7 June as part of the scheduled DIESEL RUNNING DAYS with a perfect performance and acclaimed great success. The loco recently enjoyed a day of testing on the Norton section - arranged in advance of the "Cross Country Weekend" and for the first time since preservation the "Western" was allowed to legally exceed the 25 mph speed limit. As expected the shaking down it received at the higher speed limit on the Norton section identified several potential reliability problems which had previously remained undiscovered and which were addressed before she returned to traffic.

7 June 2003 
Details from local correspondent and WSR's OnLine

The July 2003 issue of "Railway Magazine" has an interesting Caption Corner featuring a rather familiar picture of a soldier and machine gun at Crowcombe Heathfield watching a Class 47 approach on a through train. Take a look then at the May 2002 Caption Corner on this web site and you may notice a similarity...

It's good to know this web site is at least one year ahead of one of the more established monthly railway "glossies". It is a shame that the magazine has failed to acknowledge either the photographer, our own Tim King, or this web site, or indeed the West Somerset Railway. Of course, it is just possible that someone else took the same picture...

Update: it seems the photographer was contacted by RM and permission obtained for the picture to be used. This is good to hear.

7 June 2003 
Details from local correspondent

Well at least the frames - which emerged from Minehead Shed wrapped up against the elements. Beneath the sheeting, all has been painted and the frames now await the boiler. Local observers noted wooden pallets stacked on the footplate - kindling for the boiler when it does arrive to be re-united with the rest of the locomotive.

6 June 2003 
Details from local correspondent

The first coat of blue paint, the famous Prussian Blue colour, selected by the present owners, has been applied to parts of the tender.... very blue.

Prussian Blue was of course the livery applied to locos and coaches of the much-loved Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway, although no 88, being a goods loco, was rendered in black, retaining this colour through ownership by LMS, BR and latterly the current owners the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust.

6 June 2003 
Details from Curtis E Nuse

On Tuesday 3 June the 2.10pm train from Bishops Lydeard was passing alongside the beach at Blue Anchor whilst a particularly nasty assault was in progress. Police are hoping that a passenger on the train may have unwittingly witnessed or taken pictures or video which may help them identify the assailant. They have appealed for passengers on the train to contact the police in Taunton. All WSR staff who were on duty have already been identified from the rosters and signing on books, and will be contacted by the police direct.

Update: a local man has been arrested [Source: Somerset County Gazette and local correspondent]

6 June 2003 
Details from Curtis E Nuse

Dashwood Nare Productions Ltd, were due to be filming the Railway on Friday 6 June. They are an independent TV production company . Filming will include travelling by train, an interview with the Crowcombe Heathfield Stationmasters, Blue Anchor signalbox - and a helicopter will track the train from the air. Channel and broadcasting dates will be published as soon as we know them.

6 June 2003 
Details from Curtis E Nuse

The Railway needs advice from a civil engineer who specialises in soil mechanics to advise whether the up side of the cutting is in need of protective work to ensure its ongoing stability. Mark Smith, the Railway's Managing Director, would be delighted to hear from anyone with the right civil engineering background who might be willing to enjoy half a day alongside the line and give us some informal advice. Contact Mark Smith at the Minehead office on 01643 704996.

6 June 2003 
Details from Curtis E Nuse

The return visit of two locomotives is eagerly awaited especialy with the imminent withdrawal of BR(W) 2-6-2T no 4160 for the standard heavy overhaul after ten years of sterling service on the WSR. A GWR locomotive, no 4936 "Kinlet Hall" which visited in 2001, in due to arrive in mid-July, and the BR Standard Class 4MT 2-6-4T no 80136 - a very popular loco - should return in June for a third successive year of service in Somerset. These will join visiting GWR 2-8-0T no 5224 already on the Railway, and resident engines, nos 5542 and 7820. A powerful collection for the heavy trains of the summer timetable.

1 June 2003 
Details from local correspondents

Much work has been going on at Bishops Lydeard on some of the various wagons resident on the Railway. A few of the largely unnoticed vehicles are of considerable historical importance whilst others make up the occasional demonstration goods trains or merely help to give the Railway that the old-world atmosphere.

A small group of serious wagon restorers have so far tackled the GW Starfish ballast wagon and the SR open wagons. The GWR "Toad" brake van is also lined up for attention.

Help has also come from the youth arm of the WSRA, the Trackers and the Lydeard-based Special Projects Team.

1 June 2003 
Details from local correspondent.

The Chairman of the Association reports "We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Ian Aldridge as Station Master at Bishops Lydeard. Ian will take up his appointment on the 12 May. For many years Ian has been involved with the railway and is well versed in the railways activities. He has also been involved with the restoration of no 5542. I am sure you will all wish Ian good luck in this position and support him in looking after the operations at Bishops Lydeard."

1 June 2003 
Details from WSR's OnLine

One of the Railway's volunteers, Steve Huddy, has created a new online photo library at steve-huddy.fotopic.net where Steve has begun to upload many of his excellent and topical images of the Railway. Steve also runs the monster Trains, Ferries and Buses web site, along with the monthly West Somerset Express Newsletter. In his spare time (!), Steve is a qualified Travelling Ticket Inspector and is currently undergoing Guard training.

31 May 2003 
Details from West Somerset Railway Newsgroup on TOPICA

Drive a WSR train from the keyboard of your PC? You could soon with the Mark Sexton's virtual recreation of the Railway which he hopes to release via an Australian company, AURAN. You can see some screenshots of the early work at photos.yahoo.com/mark_sexton. Mark hopes to make a 'driveable' version of the route available through the Auran website once it is complete, releasing Minehead to Blue Anchor initially.

31 May 2003 
Details from local correspondent

In an upbeat Chairman's Report, Chris Austin, delights in revealing a very successful year for the Company in 2002, and applauds the hard work by the back room people along with the front line faces.

In financial terms, the passenger income exceeded £1 milion for the first time, and the retail operations covered 7.5% of the overhead costs of the Company.

A record number of passengers were carried - 172457 in total. That is 2% up on the previous record of 2001, and three times the number carries twenty years ago and "a striking measure of how far the Railway has come in that time".

Chris Austin explains that the success has enabled the Company to provide for the repair of No 53808, along with the renewal of the platform canopy at Minehead - the latter works extended by the "conflicting requirements of environmental and safety regulations".

There is a call for shareholders to take up further shares to help with the development of the Railway. The Company continues to seek grants from National and European funding. One of the interesting projects mentioned is the need to improve locomotive servicing facilities at Bishops Lydeard.

The Report concludes by noting the illness of the Chairman, Dennis Taylor, and the appointment of Chris Austin as Acting Chairman. [Since the Report was written in March, Dennis Taylor has resigned the Chairmanship, remaining as Director, and Chris Austin has been appointed Chairman.]

24 May 2003 
Details from WSR Plc

The Crowcombe Heathfield Station Staff have announced that all but a couple of seats are sold on their chartered steam excursion, the "Strawberry Special". On 13 June, over 200 passengers, including the new Chairman of the Railway Company, Chris Austin and his wife Georgina, will enjoy a silver service evening meal - and strawberries of course - aboard the Special as it runs from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return.

Over £300 worth of prizes have been donated to the on-board draw, including a Family Return Ticket from the WSR Plc and two First Class Return tickets from Taunton to Paddington from First Great Western.

Forward thinking lot at Crowcombe Heathfield - they have already booked a charter train on 18 June 2004 and another in 2005. Meantime, the Lad Porter was seen today polishing the newly arrived, specially commissioned "Strawberry Special" train headboard that will adorn the rostered locomotive, GWR 2-6-2T no 5542.

24 May 2003 
Details from local corrspondent

Carriage boards were so common in the days of steam that many of probably did not give them a second glance, save to check the trains identity.

The team at the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard made a very graphic contribution to the recent Cross Country Weekend by making and providing a set of Carriage Boards for two rakes of coaches to add that "authentic" look - one for "The Cornishman" and one for "The Devonian".

The Cornishman and The Devonian Carriage Boards 
© Steve Huddy 

19 May 2003 
Details from The Gauge Museum

Most seats on most trains from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead during the "Days Out with Thomas weekend on 5-6 July 2003 need to be booked in advance. The event is simply so popular that the Railway prefers to offer seat eservations to avoid a bad start to a good day out.

It seems that "Henry" is quite a crowd -puller as his train, the 10.25 from Bishops Lydeard, is FULL already - on both days!

There are plenty of seats still available on the other trains from Bishops Lydeard - contact the Railway on 01643 704996 for details.

17 May 2003 
Details from WSR Plc

Here is a great chance to enjoy the glorious Somerset countryside whilst helping to keep part of the forty-six miles of lineside in good order...

Cutting back is a necessary part of good lineside management and works wonders for wildlife into the bargain. The Railway is very proud of the conservation work it undertakes, and was rewarded recently with the announcement of three County Wildlife Sites within the Railway fencing.

Cutting Back usually takes place on the second full weekend of each month, and the dates for the next few months are 17-18 May, 14-15 June, 12-13 July, 9-10 August, 13-14 September and 11-12 October.

Please contact David Holmes for more details.

15 May 2003 
Details from WSRA

At its AGM last week, the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust launched a new initiative - the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust Heritage Grant. The Trust will give grants to assist projects along the branch that are designed to enhance the period atmosphere of the line. The idea is to be able to provide that little bit of extra money to enable things to be done properly and in a GWR manner rather than in a less than satisfactory or modern way. For example, a grant may be able to provide money to enable a team to restore a platform trolley, to install a GWR style station seat (rather than a modern one) perhaps to enable modern lighting to be replaced with replica gas lamps, or to enable a team to restore a GWR wagon. The possibilities are endless, but it is emphasised that the project must be about providing a GWR Minehead branch ambience.

The grants will be administered by the Trust committee, who will meet periodically to consider the applications and to decide who will get what money.

The aim of the grants is not totally altruistic. Whilst enhancing the period atmosphere of the line is most important, it is hoped that the grants will raise the profile of the Trust along the branch and encourage extra members. In fact, the additional members are essential if this project is to get going. The committee have allocated a small sum initially to get things moving, but it is hoped that eventually the project will almost become self funding. Further details and application forms are available from the Trust's archivist grant co-ordinator, Ian Coleby.

13 May 2003 
Details from WSSRT

The original nameplate from the Great Western Railway "Castle" class loco "Dunster Castle" made a brief visit to West Somerset recently, visiting Dunster Station, where it is pictured with the original Bristol & Exeter Railway station "running-in" board, being held by a local - and strong - volunteer.

Later, the nameplate was at the centuries-old Dunster Castle itself, where Katie James from the Railway and Nick Coates of Dunster Castle, are pictured with the Castle in the background.

It was good to see at least the nameplate in superb condition - sadly never again to adorn the long-lost locomotive that once sped the fastest trains on the old Great Western Railway.

13 May 2003 
Details from WSRA, Somerset County Gazette and local correspondent

GWR 4-6-0 no 5051 "Earl Bathurst" worked all day on the Saturday, and in the morning the "Quantock Belle" dining/kitchen coach was attached for the VIP luncheon on the return from Minehead after the Voyager naming ceremony.

EWS diesel no 67010 "Unicorn", ex-BR Peak no 46035 "Ixion", no 5051's support coach, RES no 47732 "Restormel", a Travelling Post Office van and a NKX van ran in convoy from Bristol to Bishops Lydeard and arrived early Saturday morning. The "67" was berthed on display in platform three, whilst nos 46035 and 47732 worked service trains throughout the day. The TPO and NKX van were stabled in the sidings at Cotford all weekend.

After the naming ceremony and the VIP lunch, Virgin Supremo Chris Green travelled aboard the 2.45pm ex BL and conversed with the staff during the journey. He alighted at Dunster to retire to the Luttrell Arms Hotel in Dunster.

After his first official duty as WSR chairman, Chris Austin, with Robin Bush, was presented with a replica "Somerset Voyager" name plate by Chris Green

All visiting and resident locos performed faultlessly on the Saturday, and all services which at times were very busy, ran to time.

Lots of pictures - CLICK HERE.

13 May 2003 Details and words from Jon Tooke

Following a spell away from the action due to an illness, the Chairman of the Railway Company, Dennis Taylor, is making more appearances around the Railway as his convalescence continues positively. However, Dennis has indicated that he will take a less active role in future and at their meeting on Saturday 26 April the Board unanimously accepted his proposal that Chris Austin be appointed Chairman. Happily Dennis has agreed to continue as vice-chairman. More...

6 May 2003 Details from WSR Plc

The Railway survives on the goodwill of hundreds of volunteers who give up their time to help out in all manner of tasks, some operational, some not. The Railway is urgently in need of some new blood for the following events or tasks:

3 May 2003 Details from WSR's OnLine

The West Somerset Railway Association are intending to run GWR no 5542 to Crowcombe from Bishops Lydeard after a presentation by the owning group Locomotive 5542 Limited on the evening of Monday 2 June.

The Shop and the Gauge Museum should be open before our talk, which is due to start at 7.45pm, so it may be worth arriving a little early. The Buffet Car on the train should also be available.

Draw tickets will be sold on the night for two footplate rides - one to Crowcombe, and the other on the way back, on the loco, subject of course, always to the driver's agreement...[we are assured this agreement will be forthcoming!]

With "Cinders" as the main subject matter, it will be a very special evening. WSRA Members and non-members are welcome to come along - who knows you might end up on the footplate...

Further details can be obtained from Peter Darke by Email or by telephone (01984-656222).

19 May 2003 
Details from WSRA

Please note there are some changes to the timetable for
27, 28 and 29 May 2003 from that previously published.

There are more trains on these days which will give the Railway the chance to analyse this new arrangement with a view to planning the 2004 timetable - yes work on 2004 really does start now. The new times have been dubbed "Gold Plus" but this may not be the final official title.

Click here for the Timetable Changes...

2 May 2003 Details from WSR Plc

Here is a fine chance to work on the West Somerset Railway and be paid for it, as explained in the WSR's OnLine newsletter...

"A part-time signal and telegraph technician is needed to support Kevin Weston and the volunteer S&T teams. Experience working on the S&T installations of types in use on the WSR either as a volunteer or professionally will be helpful."

The Department urgently needs someone for maintenance work. This will be a part time paid position, employment details from Mark Smith, Managing Director, West Somerset Railway, Railway Station, Minehead TA24 5BG (telephone 01643 704996) or technical details about the job by email from Kevin Weston MIRSE, Signal Maintenance Engineer, West Somerset Railway.

9 May 2003 Details and words from WSR Plc

One of the active members of the WSR steam fleet, ex-GWR "4575" Class 2-6-2T no 5542, has been booked to star at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway’s Steam Gala on 6-7 September 2003. The engine is expected to be joined by another "small prairie" tank, no 5552, together with GWR 57xx 0-6-0PT no 4612 and the Beattie well tank no 30587.

7 May 2003 Details and words from WSRA

A volunteer Travelling Ticket Inspector, Rodney Greenway, has produced a small number of copies of a rather nice screensaver of scenes from the West Somerset Railway. The pictures are mostly taken by Rodney himself. The screensaver will install and run quite happily on most Windows operating systems.

The "West Somerset Railway Screensaver" is one sale at the Station Toy & Model Shop on Platform Two at Bishops Lydeard Station for just £4.99.

3 May 2003 Details from local correspondent

Good progress on the restoration of "West Country" class no 34036 is reported from Williton Works. The final sections of plate work for the firebox repairs are being welded into place at the beginning of this month. This just leaves the staying of the throat area and finishing off plug holes and boiler mounting seatings to be completed by Roger Pridham of Tavistock, before the boiler is moved back to Williton.

The boiler will not be placed immediately on the locomotive frames, but set on the boiler trolley for work to progress on cab fittings and associated pipework. This will also give easy access for making up and fitting the cladding in due course.

3 May 2003 Details from WSR's OnLine

Severn Valley-based ex-GWR 57xx "Pannier" 0-6-0PT no 5764 – which was a guest at the Spring Steam Gala – has been hired by the Railway again to star as "Duck" at the Railway’s "Days Out With Thomas" event on 5 & 6 July.

Until recently, reports suggested the WSRA's own "Pannier" loco no 6412 - currently on loan to the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway for the summer - would return briefly for the "Thomas" weekend for the "Duck" role.

1 May 2003 Details from WSRA

The Railway will enjoy the visits of no less than three trains from the main rail network in a week. The eagerly-awaited visit of a Virgin Trains Class 220 Voyager no 220008 on Saturday 10 May will enter virgin territory indeed with the first ever excusrion down the old Minehead branch by one of these ultra-modern trains. On arrival at Minehead, the Voyager will be ceremonially named "Somerset Voyager". The following day, the same train does a repeat performance. Both Voyager trips run from Bristol Temple Meads and will raise money for the very worthy RNLI. One week later, a Class 47 hauled excursion, "The West Country Seaside Express" will head for Minehead from Leeds, Huddersfield and Stockport.

29 April 2003 Details from WSRA

The original control equipment for Sea Lane crossing was installed during February/March 1975 and commissioned just before the first train ran on the WSR. Over the years, the equipment been subject to time, weather and various forms of animal life (although located in a "sealed" cupboard, some rodents can get into the smallest hole). The salt air atmosphere had also corroded some of the relay contacts, in the last few years two relays had failed completely. Due to the age of the equipment, replacements were difficult to obtain and the decision was taken to provide completely new equipment in a new location case. The road lights and rail signals were retained although new cable was installed. The new equipment was designed to comply with the current level crossing requirements using BR standard relays and components. More...

29 April 2003 Details from local correspondent

Following a meeting last year between Dr Peter Beedon (County Wildlife Officer) and the Managing Director of the WSR, agreement was reached for the County Wildife Service to survey certain lengths of the Railway with a view to being designated as County Wildlife Sites.

The sites were originally suggested by David Bailey, WSR Volunteer and instigator of the popular and established Wildlife Trains.

The survey work was completed over the winter and the designations confirmed in March.

The Sites are 1) between Watchet and Doniford - important for coastal flora including pyramidal and bee orchids 2) between Washford Station and Old Cleeve Bridge from the WSR northern boundary fence to and including the northern verge of the A39, also mainly for the specialised flora including masses of early purple orchid and a rare pea and 3) a stretch of railway lineside and beach at Blue Anchor.

29 April 2003 Details from local correspondent

Repairs have been carried out to no 5051 at Tavistock Junction, following its failure on the main line charter on Saturday 3 May, and the engine is scheduled to move from Plymouth direct to Bishops Lydeard on the evening of Friday 9 May, together with its support coach (which will be worked from Barton Hill to Plymouth in a van train).

The diesel convoy (comprising Peak no 46035, an EWS 47 and 67) will arrive at Bishops Lydeard from Bristol Barton Hill early on Saturday morning 10 May, and return back to Bristol - together with no 5051 and support coach - on Sunday evening 11 May.

The Class 220 Voyager that will be named "Somerset Voyager" at Minehead Station at 11:00 on Saturday 10 May will now be unit no 220 001, not 220 008 as originally planned. The unit will arrive in Bristol from Central Rivers Depot early on Saturday morning 10 May.

Both the "Peak" no 46035 "Ixion" and the visiting Class 47 diesel will be working trains on the Railway, whilst the guest Class 67 will be on static display at Bishops Lydeard.

On the Satuday, an additional service will run. The 6.06pm all stations from Minehead to Bishosp Lydeard will be headed by no D1010 "Western Campaigner".

7 May 2003 Details from WSR Plc

The failure of GWR "Castle" 4-6-0 no 5051 "Earl Bathurst" at Plymouth last weekend during the double-headed steam excusrion from Bristol, "The Mayflower", created some concerns amongst the Railway's supporters, as the loco is due to appear at thos weekend's Cross Country Weekend as the guest steam engine. It will be recalled that LMS "Jubilee" 4-6-0 no 5690 "Leander" was originally pencilled in for that role, but it was recently withdrawn for repair. A repeat dispappointment possibly loomed...

But, the problem has been completed and the "Earl" will make the journey from Devon to Somerset on Friday, arriving on the Railway late in the day, when a great sigh of relief will be heard around Bishops Lydeard and Minehead.

7 May 2003 Details from WSR Plc

Reliable sources report confidently the visit of ex-BR 'Peak' class diesel-electric no D172 "Ixion" to the West Somerset for the Cross County Weekend of 10-11 May 2003, along with ex-GWR 'Castle' 4-6-0 no 5051 "Earl Bathurst".

It seems the BR Rail Blue liveried diesel will leave Crewe overnight on Friday 9 May to arrive next day in Somerset, possibly calling at Bristol to collect a Class 47 - another example of latter-day diesel-hauled Cross Country services.

The method by which no 5051 gets to the WSR has yet to be worked out with the appropriate authorities.

Both no 5051 and D172 are making return visits to the Minehead line and will make a interesting contrast with the modern 'Voyager' unit.

28 April 2003 Details from local correspondents

The Somerset County Gazette reports "One of the new breed of Virgin cross country trains will have its first run on the heritage West Somerset Railway line during a special celebration weekend."

"Voyager number 220008 will be named Somerset Voyager at Minehead Station by Somerset historian and Channel 4 Time Team regular Robin Bush on May 10 before leaving for Bishops Lydeard."

"Passengers will be able to test out the train's qualities on the journey or on a shuttle service between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard the following day."

25 April 2003 Details from Somerset County Gazette

The Taunton Group of the West Somerset Railway Association have arranged a Special Train. Running during the evening of 5 May, the DMU is due to leave Bishops Lydeard at 6.40pm (members are asked to assemble at 6.30pm), and then to call at Williton, Washford and Minehead for visits to the workshops at each site. The bar - and buffet for light refreshment - will be open, with alcohol served from Minehead on the return journey due to arrive at Bishops Lydeard at 10.30pm.

The WSRA are asking for donations of at least £3 from WSRA members - surely a bargain, as is the minimum donation of £5 from non-WSRA members who are also very welcome...for a return trip to Minehead of an evening...

Further details from Peter Darke at peter.darke@virgin.net or by phone at 01984 656222.

20 April 2003 Details from WSRA

Virgin Trains Press Office have issued the following Press Release:

"Virgin Trains is to run two charity trains from Bristol to the West Somerset Railway at Minehead to raise money for the RNLI. A £4m Voyager train will visit Minehead on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May, giving passengers the unique opportunity to travel direct by train from Bristol to Minehead. At Minehead the Voyager will connect with the West Somerset Railway’s Cross Country steam and diesel gala. On the Saturday the train will be named Somerset Voyager. Tickets for the trains are £20 and all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the RNLI. Tickets are available from the West Somerset Railway. The railway can be contacted by writing to West Somerset Railway, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG or telephoning 01643 704996. Payment can be made to West Somerset railway by credit card, debit card or cheque."

"On each day the Voyager will leave Bristol Temple Meads at approximately 0800 and depart from Minehead at approximately 1630. Once timings have been confirmed they will be available from the West Somerset Railway or on the internet at west-somerset-railway.co.uk"

And of course we will bring more details here...

10 April 2003 Details from Virgin Trains Press Office

On 10, 11 May 2003, the West Somerset Railway will host a novel event celebrating the "Cross Country " trains - through services that traversed the tracks of many Railway Companies and led to very interesting workings indeed. The tradition continues today with the train operator Virgin Cross Country to the fore with workings such as Dundee to Plymouth. And so it is fitting that Virgin Trains have chosen the WSR event to bring along one of their new Virgin Voyager trains to be formally named "Somerset Voyager" at Minehead. Many other attractions, including visits by other current main line trains and locos, are planned. News of one of these specials, the Voyager-formed Bristol to Minehead on the Saturday, is eagerly awaited especially as limited number of tickets are available on each day. The Bristol-Minehead working is a charity fund raising train for the RNLI and on the Saturday it will do a trip over the whole of the line on which visitors to the event can travel. On Sunday it will shuttle between Minehead and Williton.

The WSR Plc have also announced that English, Wales and Scottish Railways (EWS) are providing a Class 47 which will appear pulling a preserved Peak locomotive - two types of diesel that are typical of recent motive power of Cross Country trains.

We will post further details here just as soon as confirmation is received.

5 April 2003 Details from local correspondent

The movement of the visiting locos to the West Somerset for the Cross Country weekend seems likely to create a bit of a spectacle...

The proposal is to add GWR Castle no 5051 "Earl Bathurst" to the convoy of diesels from Bristol, Barton Hill to Bishops Lydeard.

The motley collection will be led by ex BR class 46 no 46035 hauling a class 47 example, followed by an English, Welsh, Scottish class 67 diesel-electric and "Earl Bathurst". There will also be four mail vans bringing up the rear, departing Barton Hill after an early breakfast on Saturday 10 May. The same group will retrace the route on the Sunday evening. The reason for the four mail vans might provide an interesting debate for the techies...

1 May 2003 Details from U N Attributable

Primroses grow 173½ miles from Paddington....but willow, ash, sycamore and blackthorn have been eradicated by the Cutting Back gang who visited this weekend to dramatically improve visibility for road and railway drivers alike at Leigh Woods Level Crossing. The entire stretch from Roebuck to Leigh Loop has now been cleared and is already deep in this spring's crop of Primroses.

20 April 2003 Details from Tree Fella

Following on last year's successful introduction of Wildlife Trains on the WSR, Sunday 13 April 2003 saw the first of this year's. Chartered by Somerset Wildlife Trust the train was a 'sell out' and passengers enjoyed a day of immense variety ably brought to their notice by David Bailey's knowledgable and witty commentary.

On arrival at Minehead two groups of passengers took advantage of the opportunity to look round Minehead Station's own Wildlife Garden under the leadership of the local WSRA/SWT members who have established this important local amenity on land which would otherwise be a time consuming responsibility for the WSR.

It was pleasing to see the County's Wildlife Officer among the passengers as he was largely instrumental in the designatiuon of three stretches of the WSR as County Wildlife sites last month. This designation not only underpins the sensitivity with which the WSR manages it linesides but opens the doors to possible grant aid in future. It also enables the WSR to hold it's head high and defend itself openly when the occasional ill informed criticism of tree felling etc. hits the local press.

What is often not appreciated is that special trains such as this open the eyes of people who live within easy reach but beyond the direct influence of the railway, and who would otherwise never have visited the railway, to the delights the WSR has to offer.This is especially important in cases such as the County Wildlife Trust which has many members who are influential in county affairs. This can benefit the WSR in all sorts of ways beyond their having realised the potential for days out with their family.It is difficult for those of us who are so involved in the WSR to understand that there are folk right on our doorstep who still do not realise just how big, and long, and professional and enjoyable and important to the local community and economy the WSR is!!!

Altogether a very successful start to a new Wildlife Season and commendations are due to all involved in organising and running the event.

20 April 2003 Details from Anon

The recently restored Class 14 diesel-hydraulic no D9526 enjoyed a special run on Saturday 12 April - the "Teddy Bear Re-launch" - and later proved to be a Really Useful Engine when it assisted the Crompton-headed 4 o'clock ex Minehead into Williton Station after the Class 33 had failed just outside the station limits.

At the platform, the reason for the failure of the Crompton was found to be a minor problem and the locomotive was successfully re-started. By this time, the "Teddy Bear" had been coupled up and to avoid further delay, the two locos hauled the train onward to Bishops Lydeard. Apologies for the earlier editorial-inserted statement that the Crompton was hauled "dead" to Lydeard. Nevertheless, love 'em or hate 'em, Teddy Bears really do come in handy...

20 April 2003 Details from local correspondents

The three day Spring Steam Gala was a huge success with 5600 passengers being carried compared with 4800 in 2002. All the visiting engines performed well, the only problem being with no 4141 before its last scheduled trip on the Sunday, and the full line-up was nos 4141, 4160, 5224, 5542, 5764, 5786, 6412, 7820, 30053 and 41312. EWS no 67006 became the second of the Class 67 to work onto the WSR when it brought in the Hertfordshire Rail tours excursion on Saturday afternoon with 497 passengers aboard. The 67 was low on fuel on arrival and 67006 is definitely the first of the type to be refuelled at Minehead - first on a heritage line?

5 April 2003 Details from WSR Plc

On the whole, the extended Gala Weekend was a great success. Timekeeping was excellent with the "little" engines coping well with the ambitious timetable. Trains of between four and eight coaches were mostly full but not overcrowded which must have been welcome for the average visitor. The diesel-headed through train from Finsbury Park was the exception to the steam-hauled "branch line" variety as Class 67 no 67006 powered thirteen coaches to Minehead and back. An amusing rumour that it had insufficient fuel for the return trip to London has yet to be proven. One or two worrying but minor mechanical failures failed to spoil the fun and with standby locos at both Minehead and Lydeard, services ran like clockwork.

Lots of pictures of the event can be found via the Newspix page.

4 April 2003 Details from local correspondent

Reports suggest the ex-BR diesel-hydraulic "Hymek" no D7017 owned by the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group and based at Williton is to receive full yellow ends to match those carried by sister no D7076 which is due to visit later this year

Also suggested is the cosmetic painting on one side only of the other Williton resident "Hymek" no D7018 which is undergoing a lengthy and extensive overhaul. Thus the rare sight of three similarly liveried "Hymeks" may be possible during the summer.

10 April 2003 Details from local correspondent

The bonnet section of Class 14 D9526 was re-fitted on 5 April 2003. This is the last major item to be installed prior to the return to service on Saturday 12 April.

Most of the team involved are pictured (see right), apart the photographer. All of the test running has been conducted with the bonnet off in order to monitor the engine etc. The exhaust system and other piping normally supported by the bonnet was held by a temporary structure made of dexion.

It is planned to complete painting of the loco during the forthcoming week.

5 April 2003 Details from local correspondent

The new 2003 WSR mug (pictured on the right) is for West Somerset Railway staff only.

It is of aluminium construction and is designed to keep the drinks hot, similar to the thermos principle. It comes with a cap to keep the contents even warmer. They are only available to Staff from WSR buffets.

1 April 2003 Details from local correspondent

The West Somerset Railway Association's ex GWR Pannier 0-6-0PT no 6412 was seen on the evening of 30 March, passing through Taunton still in steam, just a matter of hours after arriving at Bishops Lydeard with the 4.50pm ex Minehead.

The loco was of course en route to the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway at Toddington whwre it will be on loan for the early season before returning to play as "Duck" at the summer "Thomas" event on the West Somerset.

Oh, by the way, the Pannier was not steaming through Taunton on the rails but was taking it easy on a road low-loader...

1 April 2003 Details from local correspondent

The owners of LMS 4-6-0 no 5690 "Leander" have regrettably had to withdraw the engine from the Cross Country Event, on 10,11 May 2003, due to continued leaks in the firebox which require further attention. And so the long-awaited visit of a Midland red engine continues. A replacement and appropriate and "guest" steam engine is being actively sought by the Railway.

25 March 2003 Details from WSR Special Events Planning Team

The trimming of the lineside is vital for proper conservation of the flora and fauna that abounds on the longest nature reserve in Somerset.

And what better way of seeing the wildlife than aboard one of the several Wildlife Specials being lined up for 2003. A train chartered by the Somerset Wildlife Trust runs on 13 April - tickets at £10 each are available only from the Trust ( ring 01823 451587).

Another popular event is the Wildlife Special organised by the Friends of Minehead Station on 17 May - tickets are £11 each for this evening train along with the public Wildlife Specials from Bishops Lydeard on 18 May and 14 June. You can get full details from the Minehead Office on 01643 704996.

2 March 2003 Details from WSR Plc

The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group's Type 1 Class 14 Locomotive no D9526 is scheduled to be re-launched into traffic on the WSR on Saturday 12 April 2003, for the first time since 1994, with a four-coach train Special - including a buffet car - leaving Bishops Lydeard at 11.35am and arriving at Minehead at 12.45pm. The return trip leaves Minehead at 1.40pm with arrival at Bishops Lydeard at 2.55pm. The Return Fare is just £10 for the Special - a forty mile round trip - or even better value is the Day Rover at only £12.

23 February 2003 Details from Diesel and Electric Preservation Group

Reports suggest the popular ex-British Railways Standard Tank no 80136 will return to the Railway in April or May when repairs being carried out at Crewe are completed. The loco is likely to stay in West Somerset until at least 2005. The Class 4MT 2-6-4T first appeared on the line as a Spring Steam Gala guest in 2001, and quickly became a favourite with footplate crews and passengers alike. A perfect design for hauling the lengthy summer trains over the severe West Somerset gradients, the return of no 80136 will be welcome sight...

12 January 2003 Details from local correspondent

The WSR Plc report that the owner of the Fireless loco, Bagnall Fireless 0-4-0F no 2473 "Huntley & Palmers no 1" which has been parked for a good few years down the Norton road wishes to dispose of it to a group or individual able to give it a good home. The missing parts are safely in store so restoration is a distinct possibility.

Anyone able to take it over and carry out the restoration should contact Mark Smith at Minehead (01643 704996) for more details.

2 March 2003 Details from WSR Plc

Local collector Chris Dyer will be reviving a tradition this year when he brings back the Minehead Toy and Train Sale. The event, expected to attract dealers from all over the UK, will be back on the timetable after a gap of several years, but at a new venue. The sale, scheduled for 10 August, will be held on the platform at Minehead Railway Station and is being promoted in conjunction with West Somerset Railway.

Chris, who is based in Minehead, said he expected the combined resources to attract large numbers of visitors. "There has always been a strong public demand for the return of the Minehead sale, not to mention keen interest from traders who always found it a well-supported and busy event."

28 February 2003 Details from Somerset County Gazette

Virgin Trains is generously providing one of its four-car Class 220 Voyager units, No 220 008, to the WSR for use at the CrossCountry Gala Weekend on 10-11 May. The unit will be renamed "Somerset Voyager" in a special ceremony at Minehead Station at 11:00 on the Saturday – which promises all the usual glitz and sparkle of a Virgin naming ceremony! Thereafter, the Voyager will operate normal service trains on both days – WSR Rover Tickets will be valid for travel on these services.

A special timetable will be in operation over the weekend – and Rover Tickets can be purchased in advance at discounted prices. The Voyager will also be joined by ‘guest’ LMS 4-6-0 No 5690 "Leander", together with two other WSR steam engines, Nos D1010 "Western Campaigner" and D6566 – and, hopefully, by a Class 45 ‘Peak’ and a Brush/Sulzer Class 47.

23 February 2003 Details from WSRA web site

Sunday 23 March is a special day for a group of enthusiasts who have waited 24 years to celebrate the restoration of a steam locomotive which was once a familiar sight in Taunton and West Somerset. A special train will leave Bishops Lydeard for Minehead along the West Somerset Railway and will carry many of those who have supported the project financially over the years and their guests in celebration of the achievement of returning a once derelict steam engine to full working order.

17 March 2003 Details from Locomotive 5542 Limited

Small Prairie ex-GWR 2-6-2T no 5553 suffered some damage when it was involved in a minor collision whilst on the Cheddleton line in Staffordshire. Engineers at the Churnet Valley are working hard to effect repairs in time for no 5553 to make its scheduled journey to West Somerset for the Gala. The loco was a popular WSR visitor during the Autumn Gala in 2002. GWR 0-6-0PT no 5786 from the South Devon is now booked for a whistlestop visit - just in case no 5553 is unable to travel...

15 March 2003 Details from local correspondent

Lumber Jack has kindly sent a picture of the suberb looking track and trackside on Washford Bank just west of the accommodation bridge known by some as "Halscombe Bridge" and points out the various efforts in the vicinity over the last few weeks. First, the whole trackbed and track have been replaced, the ditches on the top of the cutting cleared out, the "water chute" repaired and restored, the mechanical flails have trimmed the cutting sides within reach and the Lengthsmen have already hand-cleared the scrub on the nearside cutting top. An excellent collection of works that whilst occuring all the time at various place along the line, rarely happens in the same stretch at the same time...

14 March 2003 Details from local correspondent

The West Somerset Railway featured heavily in Jon Kay's report about the allegation that the "Thomas The Tank Engine" stories have too many train wrecks and is putting kids off going on normal trains. There were some good shots of Minehead Station and on the train. The Railway's Martyn Snell popped up for a few words. The feature was on the tail end of the 6 o'clock news on BBC One on 11 March.

12 March 2003 Details from local correspondent

Among the routine responsibilities of the Friends of Minehead Station is the upkeep of the land between the line and the boundary fence from the station buildings as far as the level crossing at Seaward Way. This area is kept free from litter, the drainage ditch kept clear and the grass kept mown but otherwise nature reigns. Careful timing and management produces the optimum results and we now boast 138 identified species of flowering wild plant and a proportional variety of insects, birds and mammals – the latter including badger, fox and otter – YES, otter. Not many stations can boast that! Today saw another milestone in the planting of the 200th tree in the embryonic hedge at the ‘country’ end...

Back in 1998 a leylandii hedge was planted alongside the market site, leaving the stretch alongside the play area, where the fence is in need of regular repair. The solution was obviously another hedge, but leylandii would be unsuitable here as the public path which parallels the fence is an important viewing area, beloved of photographers and nostalgic locals, and providing a first glimpse of the line for many a holidaymaker who may not otherwise have realized there was a railway at Minehead.

The choice was therefore to go for the natural look and as two FOMS members work also on local nature reserves a ready supply of local saplings was available free; the management plan on the reserves dictating the removal of large numbers of regenerating ash, oak, field maple, hazel, hawthorn, holly, spindle, hornbeam, and whitebeam.. With bramble and briar, buddleia, tutsan and sycamore already growing in places on site work started three years ago on establishing the new hedge. Although it still looks patchy in places it has already proven its worth in reducing damage to the fence and intrusion of litter from the nearby supermarket and fast food outlet. It looks good, provides home for many birds and insects and a fabulous crop of blackberries in the autumn.

12 March 2003 Details from local correspondent

On 6 March 2003 the Railway's Signal & Telegraph Gang were at Sea Lane Level Crossing, Dunster taking delivery of their new crossing cabinet which arrived by rail from Williton behind no 33048. The short works train included the travelling crane which was used to lift the cabinet to the waiting base by the trackside. The cabinet is used to control the road traffic lights and railway signal lights as trains approach and pass over Sea Lane. The opportunity was taken to lift unused signal posts laying at the same location and remove for renovation and eventual re-use elsewhere. For more pictures, visit the SEA LANE page.

The Gang then moved on to remove the old bracket signal at Dunster West Level Crossing, but this relic of the twin single lines between Dunster and Minehead seems happy where it is...for pictures visit the DUNSTER WEST page.

6 March 2003 Details from local correspondent

The South Devon Railway-based ex-GWR 0-6-0PT no 5786 is lined up to visit the Railway for the Spring Steam Gala on 28-30 March - a precautionary step as the re-visit of GWR Small Prairie 2-6-2T no 5553 is subject to repair work being completed in time.

Either way, it is good to see the Railway is being pro-active is seeking to a huge collection of smaller engines for the Gala which has a Branch Line theme...

5 March 2003 Details from local correspondent and U N Attributable

Thursday 27 March 2003, the day before the Gala, will also see trains running that will be available to the public and for the arriving enthusiasts. There will be a morning run between Minehead and Williton in addition to the afternoon departures from Minehead for Bishops Lydeard at 2pm and 4.50 pm with a Bishops Lydeard to Minehead at 3.30pm.

2 March 2003 Details from WSR Plc

Confirmed! The visits by the ex-LSWR M7 0-4-4T No 30053 from Swanage, ex-GWR 0-6-0PT no 5764 from the Severn Valley, and ex-GWR ‘Small Prairie’ no 5553, owned by the Waterman Railways Trust and currently at Cheddleton, to the Spring Steam Gala on 28-30 March 2003. Two other engines – Ivatt 2-6-2T no 41312 from the Mid-Hants and ex-GWR ‘Large Prairie’ no 4141, currently at Llangollen, are also expected to attend the event. Hopefully we shall see eleven engines in steam at the GALA.

29 January 2003 Details from WSRA

There will be two special workings on 27 March 2003 - the day before the main Spring Steam Gala. A Down train - steam hauled - will leave Bishops Lydeard at 3.30pm, which will connect with First Southern National buses from Taunton Railway Station (Station Road) at 2.10pm (service 28) or 2.39pm (service 28A). For those already in possession of a two or three day Gala Rover ticket, travel on the 3.30pm steam train will be free, else, normal fares apply. There is also one Up train leaving Minehead at 4.50pm. Both trains call at all stations en route.

Subject to availability, the Railway expect to field nos 4141, 4160, 5224, 5542, 5764, 6412, 7820, 30053 and 41312, and hope that at least one more loco to be added to the list.

12 January 2003 Details from WSR plc

In an extremely miserable rainy day, with water dripping everywhere from the platform canopy, the Wednesday FOMS working party were cracking on today with the refurbishment of the Minehead running in board. This was taken down by a party of six some weeks ago and has been given a new frame, sealant and a repaint. Being extremely heavy it will be reinstalled with the help of the Operating Department crane, hopefully in two weeks time. Meanwhile, in the workshop, Ken Mardell was sanding a new video storage unit made for use in the Minehead Buffer Stop shop. See News Pix page.

5 March 2003 Report from local correspondent

Lumber Jack reports, "On Saturday 1 March around 30 stalwart volunteers turned up to staff the Annual Tidy Train, which trundles the length of the line collecting the debris from PerWay and S&T activities for sale to a scrap merchant, and the proceeds of the WSRA Cutting Back Gang's efforts for sale to a log merchant; together with the worst of the lineside litter that has accumulated in a couple of notorious blackspots."

"Meanwhile the volunteers slaved to load some 35 tonnes of logs and 25 tonnes of rail chairs in ever worsening weather and then unload the logs at Dunster before the eventual cold and sodden return to Bishops Lydeard at 8.20pm that evening was effectively unrecorded - apart from the indifferent picture attached."

"It was therefore hardly surprising that only about 10 volunteers turned up on Sunday 2 March to complete the collection of rail chairs, about another two tonnes, and then unload the whole lot into waiting skips - a less than glamourous, but essential, activity. At least the weather was kinder and the task was finished by lunchtime. So what did the volunteers do then? Go home and have a hot bath and relax after two days hard labour? No! WSRA volunteers are made of sterner stuff. They had a hurried sandwich or two and decamped to Crowcombe Heathfield to clear a bit more of the invading scrub on the down side of the approach from Bishops Lydeard."

"As a footnote, on the Sunday, 30% of the workforce were ladies, who had also worked all of the Saturday..."

3 March 2003 Report from local correspondent

One of the nicest of official duties for the Managing Director is to present a Silver Pass to long-serving volunteers and members of staff. On 2 March 2003, Mark Smith trekked out to Watersmeet Bridge to meet up with the Permanent Way Gang and interrupted their work to present no less than three Silver Passes. The picture shows from the left, Pat Hayes, Mick England and Roger Hayes having just received their Silver Pass for loyal service from Mark Smith (behind).

3 March 2003 Details from local correspondent

Each Spring, a largely unseen event happens as the tampers and the flails roam the rails, ensuring the permanent way is in good order and trimming the ever-rampant foliage on the adjacent cuttings and embankments. This year’s visits will take place in the week beginning 10 March with ever chance the line will look its very best when thousands of visitors and passengers arrive for the Spring Steam Gala.

2 March 2003 Details from WSR Plc

Bishops Lydeard Station will be "transformed" into Yeovil Junction on the evening of Saturday 29 March for a photographic session. It is hoped to have two locomotives - ex-LSWR "M7" 0-4-4T no 30053 and ex-GWR 2-6-2T no 5553 - representing the joint nature of the steam days at Yeovil Junction, in steam and posed in suitable photogenic locations around the Station. The Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard will wheel out several items of Southern Railway origin to help create the effect. And a uniformed porter has been signed up as a member of the cast...

Starting at 7.30pm, the photo shoot costs just £6.00 per photographer. Just turn up on the night.

24 February 2003 Details from local correspondent

The "steam" focus during the CrossCountry Gala Weekend on 10-11 May 2003 will be ex-LMS ‘Jubilee’ Class 4-6-0 No 5690 "Leander", which has just returned to steam after heavy overhaul at Bury.

This is certainly the first time a ‘Jubilee’ has run on the Minehead branch and – resplendent in LMS red livery – is sure to be a popular attraction on the line.

The photograph on the right is ©Ray Brown and courtesy of www.jubilees.co.uk.

22 February 2003 Details from www.wsra.org.uk

Alan Grieve reports from Minehead: "Some time ago FOMS were able to provide the Friends of Kidderminster Town Station with the 20 ton weighbridge from the Travis Perkins yard in Minehead, which had been offered to us by Travis Perkins but there was nowhere on Minehead Station we could place it. Since then they have kept in touch and, having recently been fortunate enough to receive lots of items from Birmingham Moor St. Station, which is being refurbished, they offered us a twelve drawer GWR Ticket Cabinet which they had no use for. I had already realised that the existing Ticket Cupboard in Minehead Booking Office would probably not hold all the tickets for the start of the 2003 season . And so a trip to Kidderminster saw the cabinet collected."

"After a few weeks drying out in the FOMS workshop we were able to free a number of drawers which were stuck and refurbishment work began. It has now been painted and Gordon Harris has applied a scumble (brush grain) finish which the Kidderminster lads tell me was the correct decor. The cabinet now sits proudly in Minehead Booking Office and is already providing much needed extra drawer space and putting the existing furniture to shame."

"Incidentally the Friends of Kidderminster Town Station have a good interesting website at www.kfriends.org.uk."

24 February 2003 Details from local correspondent

On 15 February, the completed rebuilt boiler of no 5193 was returned from the boilermakers, Pridham of Tavistock, and lowered by crane into the frames of the former GWR "Large Prairie" tank engine. It will be recalled that no 5193 is being restored as a "Small Mogul" complete with tender, as an example of a locomotive designed by the Great Western Railway but never actually built.

The Railway Company add "..other recent work on the project has included the fabrication of a new cab and the likelihood of an entry into traffic later this year remains good."

22 February 2003 Details from WSR Plc web site

A local correspondent writes, "I thought your readers might like to know about the excellent book by Tom Quinn, 'Tales of the Old Railwaymen'. It contains some of the best black and white railway pictures I have seen, and includes a chapter on the late Harry Horn who persuaded me to join the WSRA many years ago. The book is published by David and Charles" [ISBN: 0-7153-0544-1 and costs around £17.99 at, for example, www.bigfamily.co.uk or perhaps at the Railway Shops at Minehead and Bishops Lydeard]

21 February 2003 Details from local correspondent

All day breakfast will be available on the following services:

19 February 2003 Details from local correspondent

Official sources suggest the popular excursions from Bristol to Dunster and Minehead in connection with the annual Dunster by Candlelight event are now not likely to run in 2003. The "Candlelight Express" has for several seasons been organised by Cheshire Railtours using a chartered HighSpeed Train. Now it seems that First Great Western who have previously provided the HST have pulled out of the charter business leaving Cheshire Railtours with a trainload of passengers but no train. We can only hope that a solution can be found...

16 February 2003 Details from local correspondent

Ex-Great Western Railway 2-6-2T no 5542, Peckett 0-4-0ST no 1788 "Kilmersdon" and the Stothert & Pitt Steam Crane are all expected to bein steam at Washford this coming Tuesday, 18 February, for part II of theThorough Boiler Examination.

All are welcomed to witness the "event"...

16 February 2003 Details from Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust

A Minehead correspondent reports Mark Smith and Richard Jones in deepest conclave with three members of the Virgin Trains public relations team for no less than four hours yesterday. They emerged from the office for some detailed inspection and measuring of the platforms and were overheard discussing fine and wet weather options. Confirmation of attendance at the Cross Country weekend - 10-11 May 2003 - by three generations of Cross Country trains is reported to be the goal of today's discussions...more anon.

12 February 2003 Details from local correspondent

A steam-hauled Tidy Train will run on Saturday 1 March but could be the only such in 2003. This is due to the low amount of materials to collect from the lineside reflecting an increasing tendency to collect and dispose of material on a more regular basis leading to a neater, tidier and safer railway.

This years train will run from Bishops Lydeard, leaving at 9.30am sharp. We will collect from Combe Florey (chairs), Turks Castle (logs), and Washford Bank (chairs andsleepers) plus any other materials that come to light. We shall run on to Dunster to offload the logs before returning to Lydeard about 5 o'clock.

Chairs will be offloaded into skips in the yard at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday evening, or more likely Sunday morning, so a few able bodies would be welcome on Sunday. We will also be cutting back at Crowcombe on Sunday 2 March.

Please come along to help if you are available - ensure you have a valid and current WSR Plc pass.

9 February 2003 Details from WSRA

5542 Ltd report:
"No 5542 had travelled 987429 miles in service for the Great Western Railway and British Railways. Keep track of her progress as she approches her millionth mile of service to the British public. If you would like to win a Limited Edition print of no 5542 on shed at Moorswater together with sister loco no 4566 then enter our 75th birthday 'Mileage' competition. Just email your estimate of the total recorded lifetime miles of no 5542 at the commencement of duties on 2 August 2003. The nearest to the actual figure will win the print. Maximum number of entries per person is five. Closing date 30 April 2003. No correspondence will be entered into, and the Chairman's decision is final."

9 February 2003 Details from 5542 Ltd web site

In 2002, the On Train Catering Department introduced a novel idea whereby customers could buy a special pottery mug for just £5, which then entitled the purchaser to free tea/coffee/lemonade for the whole of the season - as long as they produce their mug! This excellent idea is being repeated for the 2003 season – with no price increase! The offer is available on all WSR operating dates in 2003, from the start of services on 22 February until 4 January 2004. All you have to do first is visit one of the Railway’s buffet cars, handed over your £5, and the mug is yours…!

9 February 2003 Details from WSRA web site

Railwaves report...
"We're now over half way along the route in terms of scenery construction and placement - with the process speeding up all the time as more "generic" items are added to our library. We have been developing the route in more detail than we originally anticipated would be possible and are now looking towards a release in the early summer of this year."

For more on the excellent progress of the forthcoming West Somerset Railway Train Simulator visit the Railwaves.com web site at www.railwaves.com.

8 February 2003 Details and images from Railwaves

A chance to view two steam locomotives and see the parts usually reserved for the crew. Visit the footplate, chat to the driver and ask all those questions about steam engines you always wanted to.

Recently restored locomotive GWR 2-6-2T no 5542, along with Peckett 0-4-0 'Kilmersdon', will be available for your close inspection, together with other examples of recent wagon restoration work. Shunting demonstrations will take place during the day. There are also two restored signal boxes and various other museum items of railway interest to view. Admission is by a small donation to Washford projects. Light refreshments will be available. All items and events subject to availability.

This event is staged jointly by The Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust and Locomotive 5542 Limited.

2 February 2003 Report by 5542 Ltd

Hertfordshire Railtours are running a Merrymaker on Saturday 29 March 2003 to the West Somerset Railway for the Spring Steam Gala, from London Finsbury Park, Ealing Broadway, Slough and Reading.

The Merrymaker train will run right through to Minehead, giving a break at the resort of over three hours. In addition you can travel on the WSR Steam trains at half price, so you have total flexibility at minimum cost. We will give you timetable details on the day to enable you to plan your afternoon as you wish. The Merrymaker will call at Bishops Lydeard and Dunster in both directions, widening your options still further.

Classic buses. These will run, free of charge, between Dunster station and the picturesque Dunster Village, notable for its castle, parts of which date from the 13th century, and 18th century working waterwheel.

The Standard fare to Minehead is only £24.50 (Junior £12.25). First Class Gold is £89.00 (£336 for a party of four) including the Great British Breakfast, morning coffee and a four course dinner.

 · London Finsbury Park depart 07:40 arrive back 21:35
 · Ealing Broadway depart 08:20 arrive back 20:55
 · Slough (for M25) depart 08:40 arrive back 20:35
 · Reading depart 09:10 arrive back 20:10

1 February 2003 Details from Hertfordshire Railtours

A historical document - sure to interest many - is undergoing expert conservation at Somerset County Council's Museums Service. It is a "Journal", belonging to the Bishops Lydeard Station Master dating from 1890 to 1920 and was saved from destruction by a railwayman at the time of the closure of the Minehead Branch in 1971.

Now in the care of the Curator of the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard, the sixty page document will be returned in time to be placed on view during the forthcoming Gala on 28-30 March. Thereafter, it will be available for viewing by appointment only.

Also just arrived is a Great Western Railway poster from the 1930s advertising the then newly opened Minehead Swimming Pool - perhaps the present Railway should produce a poster for the replacement AquaSplash fun pool?

13 February 2003 Details from the Gauge Museum

Very busy behind the scenes, this joint WSRA/WSR Plc Department, sets out to promote the Railway for educational visits. Members of the Department ensure visiting school parties get to see, discuss and experience a wide range of topics to help with the requirements of the National Curriculum - including Art, Drama, History, Geography and of course Science.

Recent activities have involved a mock World War Two Evacuees carriage, with the visiting schoolchildren being encouraged to wear period clothing, with a talk from a real evacuee relating his own childhood experiences.

The Department are attending a event at Crealy Country Park near Exeter on 14-16 February to further promote this "backroom" activity which does so much to enrich the knowledge of our children and, at the same time, helps safeguard the future of the Railway with the prospect of new volunteers...

13 February 2003 Details from the Gauge Museum

Fine weather and a bumper turn out meant that the WSRA Cutting Back Gang this weekend opened up the green tunnel that the cutting through Turks Castle had become in recent years.

The job proved greater than anticipated as the jungle had hidden exactly how much timber there was 'our side' of the fence - a fence which stretches further away from the running line at the summit of the hill than anyone could have imagined, and which was not apparent on the recce.

Nonetheless all the Down side was cleared and heavy inroads made into the overgrowth and undergrowth on the Up side.

See the NewsPix Page for before and after shots from the North, a few of the gang taking a refreshment break - and I defy anyone to say it was not well earned - and the unwarranted (but not unwelcome) intrusion into the proceedings of a certain Birthday Jolly in honour of a certain Sentinel.

Suffice it to say that a vast amount of saleable timber resulted from our efforts so the item relating to the Tidy Train on 1 March is very apt - there will be a lot to load - but 'many hands make light work' as they say. And don't forget the unloading on the Sunday...

Also, the Cutting Back Leader, David Holmes, would like to add, "All in all a very good weekend, with lots achieved - the very scenery changing...perhaps we ought to advise Railwaves that their scenery model is out of date! Please record my thanks to all involved and to Martin & Gill for giving up their garden for a car park!"

10 February 2003 Details and story from Lumber Jack

The Williton-based Sentinel shunter 0-4-0 DH16 - maintained by the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group - was thrirty-nine years old on 8 February and celebrated on the day with a run from Williton to Crowcombe Heathfield and back. The Rolls-Royce engined locomotive had a tanker and a "Toad" brake van in tow during the climb of about 350 feet to the summit at Crowcombe Heathfield.

For more pictures of the Birthday Bash, please see the NewsPix pages.

8 February 2003 Details from DEPG and local correspondent

The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust report...
"On Tuesday 4 February, Washford became the venue for an impromtu diesel Gala! On the Tuesday, the Trust's Ruston shunter was busy moving Kilmersdon in preparation for a boiler examination, whilst Class 25 D7523 "John F Kennedy" and the ex-ROF Barclay shunter operated the PW train. The following day, Wednesday, there were long faces all round, as the Barclay failed to start, despite the persuasive influence of several experts! "

For more on this intriguing tale, please visit the
Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust website

8 February 2003 Details and images from SDRT

A set of nearly thirty slides has been unearthed which show the line "sleeping" in 1972. This was just a year of so after the line was closed by British Railways. As can be seen in the "appetiser" picture of Bishops Lydeard (right), the encroachment of nature had begun but still had a good three or four years of growth to go before the railway pioneers started to reclaim the track for eventual re-opening.

The remainding slides will be scanned and processed in the coming weeks, and then provided to this web site for display next month.

The copyright of the pictures has not been established - if anyone can help, please email us.

4 February 2003 Details and image from local correspondent

This is the time of year when much effort is put into generating new business for the railway during the coming season - and longer term too.

Staff visit many tourism shows and talk to coach operators and 'Days Out' organisers, such as the programme secretaries of local clubs and groups - W.I.s, Pensioners' Associations and the like. There are also events for Tourist Attractions to meet and swop brochures and talk about mutual co-operation.

All this effort is driven by the redoubtable John Simms and has paid off handsomely over the years.

This year's hectic programme of such events kicked off at Weston-super-Mare on Saturday 1 February with the 13th Bakers Dolphin 'Days Out' Show - as a coach operator with a catchment area covering most of North Somerset this is an ideal event as we are in comfortable reach, for a day out, of all the clubs and similar in that area.

The picture shows John Simms and assistant 'ready for action' just prior to the arrival of the first coach load of potential customers.

2 February 2003 Report by Lumber Jack

OK, we all know the West Somerset Railway does not have a tunnel in the usual sense, but it seems that nature has created one at Turks Castle, between Stogumber and Williton which will receive the attention of the Cutting Back Gang over the weekend of 8-9 February 2003.

The site is a narrow steep, short cutting where the trees have grown together over the track to form a tunnel. The aim of the weekend will be to clear as much as possible off the top of the cutting, one side on the Saturday and the other side on Sunday. All hands are welcomed - please EMAIL if you fancy a day or two in the countryside.

Confirmation that a Tidy Train is needed on 1 March is awaited from Minehead. There are a few logs plus some sleepers from Combe Florey and the results of the re-lay at Washford. Watch this space for news.

2 February 2003 Details from local correspondent

A bit of a play on characters and personalities in a well-known story book, but we thought you'd like to learn about how the Friends of Minehead Station (FOMS) restored a Douglas Truck and how they'd like to find a new home for the historic vehicle...

For full story, pictures and contact details,
please CLICK HERE

28 January 2003 Details from FOMS

A much improved web site has been launched for the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group at www.freewebs.com/depg/ and is a very valuable addition to the family of WSR-related sites on the Internet and promises to bring us much more information about the goings-on at Williton where the DEPG are based.

The site is stuffed out with technical details of the various items of motive power along with a super gallery section showing off these beasts in glorious colour.

27 January 2003 Details from DEPG

On Sunday 12 January Trevor Barnett at the helm of D7523 transported brash from the Cutting Back Gang's efforts in the cutting just down from Watchet Station out to Doniford for burning, where the smoke from the fire would not upset the local residents.

On one of several trips he spotted a saleable log among the brash and admonished the bonfire crew to make sure it was saved for return to the log pile at Watchet.

So, on his next trip he was presented formally with 'his' log - the picture shows Janet Dixon making the presentation.

27 January 2003 Details from local correspondent

Kevin Weston writes:

"At 7am on Friday last, John Madeley, my predecessor as Signal Engineer for the WSR, died. His funeral will be at North Curry Parish Church on Friday 24 January at 2.30pm with a burial in the churchyard."

"John came to the WSR around 1988 after taking early retirement from BR. Since John Jenkins left in 1983, the work of the WSR S&T was seen by many as something that was not that important but it was tolerated. As a professional signal engineer, John Madeley gave the S&T the credibility that it had been lost since 1983. His first project was Minehead signal box in 1990, together with the associated works for Seaward Way crossing in 1992. This proved to be a turning point for signalling on the railway as it was then seen that signalling on the WSR was a requirement if the railway was to expand. This was followed with Crowcombe in 1994. I came to the WSR in 1996 as Maintenance Engineer and I took over from John as head of department in 1997. We continued with the opening of Bishops Lydeard in 1998, John carried on as our locking designer and tester for this project. His last major work for the railway was designing and testing the locking alterations at Williton for the new ground frame."

"John was born in 1931 and he started to work for BR(WR) S&T Department in 1948 (the story is that he was officially employed by the GWR during 1947 but that he did not start work until 2 January). I am not sure if this is true but I have no reason to doubt it. He rose through various grades in the drawing office at Reading, becoming a Section Leader (New Works) in 1971. His greatest challenge was the relocking of Shrewsbury Severn Bridge Junction (180 levers) in the 1960's. The then moved to the Bristol office as a Principal Technical Officer, where his work was the day to day maintenance and alterations to lever frames in the west of England area. He was also involved in running courses on design and testing of locking."

"I had worked with John on a number of occasions on BR. During my time on installation and maintenance, I assisted with John's testing of several lever frames where alterations had taken place. The first I can remember is the alterations to Yeovil Junction (about 1980) where I first observed how John was able to go through the frame without seeming to think about it. I was also able to assist him when he carried out a maintenance test on Westbury North (99 levers), there was no panic about him and he was able to fit in between trains and use some of the train movements to perform tests. His manner of testing frames had not changed when he came to the WSR."

"Since his retirement, he continued to carry out consultancy work, his last was as part of the team here at DEG designing the new signalling for the Belfast to Bangor line."

"His non-railway activities included playing the organ at various local churches."

"He was a true railwayman and I know that he will be sadly missed by all those who knew him."

23 January 2003 Report by local correspondent

A very busy day on 15 January 2003 for the FOMS work party, finishing off the Blue Anchor platform barrow ready for delivery, and a start made on decorating the Managing Director's office. Meantime, paint was stripped from a twelve drawer GWR ticket cabinet which we were kindly given by the Friends of Kidderminster Town Station (SVR) who had salvaged it from Birmingham Moor Street. This will be put into use in Minehead Booking Office by the time the annual ticket supply arrives from Dunster next month, thereby relieving the pressure on the existing drawer space which we have outgrown with the explosion in passenger numbers in recent years.

The picture on the right shows Doug Carter, Fred Bland, Gordon Harris and Ken Mardell (from left to right) hard at work in the FOMS workshop preparing the cabinet for painting. The Kidderminster lads say that the correct finish is 'brown scumble' so we are going to have a go at getting it right! We haven't found any markings on the woodwork but the hinges are stamped GWR.

15 January 2003 Report from FOMS

The January OnLine reports: "December 23rd was the third anniversary of the arrival of the boiler at Roger Pridhams in 1999! Hopefully we shall see it back at Williton during the first half of 2003 when we shall be able to make a start on fitting all the cab controls and associated pipework. Meantime work continues on the chassis - the lubrication pipework is virtually finished at long last, thanks to the dedication and patience of Jack Randle aided and abetted by Pete Wootten. Parts for the mechanical lubricators and drive linkages are progressing steadily, preliminary checks have been made for alignment of the slide bars, and all the main parts for the fabrication of the tender frame stretchers and dragboxes have been delivered..."

9 January 2003 Details from WSR OnLine

The WSRA-owned ex-GWR 0-6-0PT no 6412 arrived back at Bishops Lydeard at about 2.15pm on Tuesday 31 December - it had travelled from the Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Railway at Toddington in light steam to allow the loco to run to Williton on the same day. No 6412 departed Lydeard at around 5.15pm with coaches "Aries" and "Phoenix" from the "Quantock Belle" set - also needing attention at Williton Works before the new season. The WSRA plan to have no 6412 available for WSR use by 14 February.

2 January 2003 Details from WSRA

Reports on the WSRA web site suggest that verbal approval has been received from the Severn Valley Railway for a first time visit by one of its two GWR 57xx 0-6-0 pannier tanks – either no 5764 or no 7714. On the cards too is the possible return of three engines – GWR ‘Large Prairie’ no 4141 (from Llangollen), GWR ‘Small Prairie’ no 5553 (Waterman Railways Trust) and the Ivatt ‘Mickey Mouse’ 2-6-2T no 41312 (from the Mid-Hants line). Also being targeted is the Drummond M7 0-4-4T no 30053, which is expected to return to steam after overhaul on the Swanage Railway early in 2003. All being well, this will be the first time that an M7 has been seen on the Minehead branch.

More on the SPRING STEAM GALA.

2 January 2003 Figures from WSRA web site

When the last trains ran on 31 December, the Railway had carried 172,457 in 2002, thus setting yet another new record!

This is an excellent reward for all those who have given time and money to help the Railway in a thousand different ways since reopening in 1976. The Railway has lost several long-serving people to the great waiting room in the sky in the last year or two, and I believe our lost friends will be looking down with broad smiles on the success of their "baby", now at the very top of the heritage railway league.

1 January 2003 Figures from WSR OnLine

Until end of January 2003, early birds can get a useful discount on Rover Tickets for the 2003 Spring Steam Gala which is held on 28-30 March 2003. A booking form is available on this web site on the SPRING STEAM GALA 2003 page. But you MUST be quick as this discount is available during January...

1 January 2003 Details from WSR Plc