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 Latest News
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The Word features the West Somerset Railway
The Railway is featured in the current edition of a leading local magazine. A three page spread with quality colour photographs and a nice write-up appears in the May/June edition of "The Word on Somerset". The narrative includes a brief history together with a description of the today's railway. Also the dedication of all who work on the Railway gets a worthy mention. Look out for a copy in one of The Word's distribution venues. For details of the venues, see
www.thewordonsomerset.co.uk  which also has the online version...
29 April 2010
Details from The Word on Somerset
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Murder, mystery and mayhem
The days are lengthening, the countryside is blossoming, so come and enjoy an evening ride with a difference on a West Somerset Railway steam train. Murder, mystery and mayhem staged by the 'Murder by Appointment' company of actors will keep you entertained, whilst passengers feast on a supper of West Country fish and chips, accompanied by a complimentary glass of wine or fruit juice. To ensure the little grey cells remain active, a delicious dessert will be served on the return journey. There is a bar on the train where further drinks may be purchased if required. The train departs from Bishops Lydeard at 6.30pm on 8 May 2010. To book a place on the Murder Mystery Special call 01643 704996 or visit
www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk .
29 April 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Heritage buses galore during May Day weekend
There will be a vintage bus link between Dunster Station and the village at the May Day weekend. Departures from the station will be at 10.45am, 11.45am, 12.20pm, 1.50pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm and from the Square in Dunster Village at 11.20am, 12 noon, 1.25pm, 2.15pm, 2.50pm, 3.55pm and 4.45pm on 2 May and 3 May. The buses are from the Quantock Motor Services Heritage Fleet and travel on the buses is free. Meantime, Quantock Motor Services have organised an Open Weekend, celebrating their move to a new operating centre at Bishops Lydeard, on Saturday 1 May and Sunday 2 May 2010. The event is based at the new depot, right next to the West Somerset Railway station. A free heritage bus link will operate on both days, connecting the depot with Taunton Railway Station, Taunton bus station, the old depot at Norton Fitzwarren (where some vehicles will be on view) and the outstation at Langley Marsh. A service of 15 minute frequency will run from 9.30am with the last bus for Taunton departing the new depot at 5pm.
28 April 2010
Details from local correspondents and WSR Plc
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The West Somerset Railway in Sherborne
The WSR has been invited to attend the event in Sherborne, Dorset on Saturday 8 May 2010 to mark the 150th anniversary of the railway reaching Sherborne. The Town Council are organising the event and attractions include Steam Lorries and a Fairground organ. Full details at www.sherbornetown.com . The WSR will have a stand in Pageant Gardens, next to Sherborne Railway Station which will be promoting the railway. Volunteer are needed to staff the stand from 10 am to 4pm, in two-hour slots so that there will be a chance to see the attractions. This is a chance for members, especially from the Dorset and Yeovil areas to help promote the railway. If you can spare a couple of hours please contact Robin White or Martyn Snell.
28 April 2010
Details from local correspondent
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By Hastings to Minehead in June
The celebrity preserved Hastings Diesel Unit is to make a return visit to the Minehead Branch. Hastings Diesels say "A Day Excursion to Minehead and The West Somerset Railway on Saturday 19th June 2010. Our summer excursion is to Minehead in Somerset, with our train travelling along the entire length of The West Somerset Railway. This will give the opportunity of through travel from the National Rail network to the preserved line which has been restored as a true country branch line of the old Great Western Railway, and gives constantly changing scenic views of the Quantock Hills, Exmoor National Park and the Bristol Channel throughout its length. At Minehead there should be a break of well over two hours to enjoy a walk along the esplanade or to explore this pleasant seaside town"
More information
27 April 2010
Details from local correspondent
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Applications invited for key Station Master post
Applications are invited for the post of Station Master at Bishops Lydeard Station. Many thanks go to Peter Hendy for standing in on a temporary basis over the Spring Gala and Easter periods at the Railway's southern terminus following the resignation of Ken Davidge. The role of Stationmaster involves supervising and rostering the station staff to perform duties as required and maintaining a close liaison with the Operating, Locomotive and Commercial Departments Staff to ensure the smooth operation of train departures and arrivals and assisting of passengers. Close liaison should also be maintained with WSRA staff and with maintenance teams. Other responsibilities include maintaining the security of the station and control of the allocated station budget and expenditure. The closing date for applications is Friday May 28th and may be sent by e-mail to paul.gm@wsrail.net or by post to Paul Conibeare, The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG. If you would like to discuss the post in advance please contact Paul on 01643 700388.
23 April 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The West Somerset Railway Revisited
A new book of photography of the West Somerset Railway. "The West Somerset Railway Revisited" by Don Bishop is a new photographic album showing the West Somerset Railway at its best, with a wide variety of motive power, including LNER A4 Pacific Bittern, SR 4-6-0 Lord Nelson, LMS 4-6-0 Royal Scot, GWR Castles and Kings and of course, the new-build LNER A3 Tornado. All this, together with the wonderful West Somerset countryside makes this a book that is not to be missed. Support the WSR Association by ordering your copy today from WSRA Sales Dept, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3BX (Tel: 01823 432125 (evenings 01823 339916)). Price: £16.99 (inclusive of postage &packing).
23 April 2010
Details from WSRA
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Point to Point - a new junction for Norton
Network Rail and the WSR have agreed to install a new lead giving direct access to the triangle for trains coming onto the Minehead Branch. The lead will be installed on the very boundary with Network Rail at Milepost 165¼, facing to inbound trains and in time will be worked by a ground frame locked by the Bishops Lydeard - Norton Fitzwarren token. This connection was shown on some early drawings but was then deleted pending Network Rail agreement and approval. The triangle will remain limited to five coaches for internal services which still may not pass the boundary (shown by the distant board in the photo) but the new connection will allow trains passed for the national network to use the triangle directly – the limiting length being that of the Allerford spur toward Barnstaple which will be 330m long when completed. This addition will therefore enable the High Output Ballast Cleaner (HOBC) and Track Renewal Train (TRT) to benefit from the triangle and will allow a full HST set to be turned if the need is ever required making the facility much more attractive for future commercial use. It will in effect create two triangles, the new, larger, version using the existing branch line past Norton Platform rather than the East Chord. Names for Allerford Junction and Orchard Junction have developed over time and become established – there are now further junctions although names will not be considered until installation is complete and they are available for use. However the new lead will provide for the possibility of an 'avoiding line' around Norton Platform so there is plenty of food for thought.
Norton Triangle page
21 April 2010
Details from WSRA
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Lineside photography at the Mixed Traction event
Lineside Photographic Permits will be available for the three day Mixed Traction event on 11-13 June 2010. However they must be applied for by Monday 7 June at the latest and they cannot be issued on the day. The West Somerset Railway hope photographers will respect adjoining land and also drive carefully; and they have issued this reminder:
"Please note that the permits are for WSR property only and not for that of our neighbours who may seek to prosecute in case of trespass. And will photographers please drive carefully. The WSR runs through rural surroundings and the roads to the line are often narrow and twisting with unforgiving hedge banks and trees along them. We all enjoy our hobby but no shot is worth a tragedy. The WSR and the locomotives will be around for a good while yet. An accident victim will not."
Links: Application Form and Mixed Traction Weekend details.
21 April 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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WSR becomes a Visitor Attraction of Quality
The West Somerset Railway is now a Visitor Attraction of Quality. Following an on-the-spot assessment from Visit England on Thursday 15 April, the Railway is now included in the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS). The assessor commented on the very high standard of the Railway. The WSR Plc thank everyone involved with the Railway particularly those on duty on the day. The Railway now await the formal notification which will follow when the assessor has written his report. The picture opposite show Paul Conibeare (General Manager) and Martyn Snell (Commercial Manager) displaying the plaque that the Railway will be entitled to display once the assessment is received.
16 April 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Railway Engineering Apprenticeships
An opportunity for excellent career prospects in Railway Engineering. Somerset College working in partnership with Silver Track Training and the West Somerset Railway are looking to offer a unique and groundbreaking opportunity in the South West which can offer excellent career prospects. The Railway Engineering Apprenticeship is available to 16-18 year olds and offers a fast track way of gaining an industry recognised qualification whilst being paid a wage of £95 per week. Recruitment and information events will be held on 27 April 2010 between 1pm - 7pm, and 28 April between 10am and 1pm, at The Technology Centre, Somerset College, Wellington Road, Taunton. Paul Conibeare of WSR Plc says "We are looking forward to working with Silver Track Training and Somerset College of Arts and Technology in working with new apprentices for the Railway industry specialising in track maintenance as we feel this will have a great benefit for both the National Network and the West Somerset Railway." Fast track apprenticeships start 4 May 2010.For more details email enterprise@somerset.ac.uk or ring 01823 366 555 or visit www.somersetenterprise.co.uk .
15 April 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Planning for the Thomas Weekend
Plans for the Thomas Weekend are making significant progress. The two days of the Thomas Weekend on the West Somerset Railway (3 and 4 July) are two of the most important in the railway calendar, for two main reasons. The first is that it introduces a new generation of young people to real live steam hauled trains, often for the first time. A healthy new generation of enthused young people will help ensure the Railway has a future. The second reason is that the two days generate more income for the railway than any other two day period, providing an injection of income for the important innovations and developments that the Railway needs. This year there are some innovations and new actors! This year, the principal part of Thomas will be played by a Hunslet 0-6-0 tank from the Mid-Hants Railway dating from 1954. It is hoped to have another ex-industrial loco which is very much older indeed and of considerable interest. The Fat Controller will be played by Karl Evans. Karl is professionally involved in the theatre business and has played the Fat Controller at several other heritage railways. He is also the star of all the national Thomas publicity. Publicity leaflets for the WSR event are now available and being circulated, and bookings are being received. The weekend attractions on offer are being upgraded giving even better value for families. Consequently, there are a wide range of tasks needing to be done by volunteers both "front of house" and "behind the scenes". Information about the weekend is now available on the official website and this will shortly be upgraded to make it more interactive. More information.
15 April 2010
Details from Thomas Weekend Planning Group
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Special Events 2010 - an update
The Special Events Planning Team have provided an update on the remaining events in 2010. Class 14 no D9520 has been booked for the Mixed Traction Weekend on 11, 12, 13 June 2010, whilst hire agreements are pending for two other visitors, Class 52 no D1062 and Class 42 no D821. From the home fleet, nos D1010, D832, D7017, D9526 and D1661 are expected to run, along with nos D7523 and D6566 if required. Steam loco BR(W) 2-6-2T no 4160 will double-head with Hymek no D7017 on the Saturday recreated the late steam scene from the 1960s.Two seven-coach and two eight-coach sets will be in use and it is hoped to repeat the on-train catering service seen at the Spring Gala. Advance tickets can now be purchased. The new Late Summer Weekend on 4, 5 September 2010 will see no visiting locomotives. Home steam and diesel locomotives will be selected to fit the GWR175 theme. The timetable will see on the hour departures from Bishops Lydeard and Minehead hopefully headed by steam or diesel on alternate trains. The Autumn Steam Gala (30 September to 3 October 2010) is still at the early stages of planning. However it is hoped to have BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 Odney Manor and GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall as two of the attractions. The Spring Steam Gala was deemed a success with an excellent new timetable and good reliability of guest and home fleet engines. Overall the number of passengers was down but the event made a good profit for the Railway in difficult financial times. The extra day inserted between the Gala days proved to be a success for the railway and it is hoped to repeat this next year.
14 April 2010
Details from Special Events Planning Team
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The 7.15pm to Crowcombe Heathfield
An evening trip by DMU on the southern end of the Minehead Branch including supper at Crowcombe Heathfield Station. The train, a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), will depart Bishops Lydeard Station at 7.15pm on 4 June 2010 and will head for Norton Fitzwarren where passengers can alight at the new platform and view some of the work on the new turning triangle. Then, the train heads for Crowcombe Heathfield Station, arriving at approximately 8.15pm, for a Somerset Supper, which includes a Ploughman's Supper with Cheddar Cheese, Bread and Salad, Somerset Cider and Apple Pie and Cream. After Supper is the Raffle and the chance to look round the award-winning Station - who knows, you may be encouraged to help in future as a volunteer! The train will leave at 9.40pm for Bishops Lydeard arriving by 10.00pm. To book your ticket (£12.50) please visit the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station website at www.fochs.org.uk for the Booking Form and return it to the address shown on the Form.
13 April 2010
Details from Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station
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An update on Williton Footbridge
The present stage in the progress of erecting Williton Footbridge is the dreaded stage of raising the second half of the money. Williton Station Master, Chris van den Arend writes "We started with about £20,000 and are seeking a similar amount again. Our present appeal is doing well. We are seeking sponsorship of £95 per step, (or £48 for half a step, or another amount). Three examples of generosity have struck us particularly. One gentleman said that he used to use the bridge at Trowbridge and would therefore sponsor a step on each side = £190. Another gentleman said he wanted to see the bridge completed and therefore sponsored ten steps = £950! A third gentleman brought his copy of the painting of Southern, West Country Pacific Braunton under our footbridge to be raffled. Following the surveys of both the land and of the bridge steelwork done last November, the plans together with photographs of the original B&ER timber bridge are displayed for the season in our Up Waiting Shelter. Further donations are, of course, most welcome to the Williton Station Fund, c/o Chris van den Arend, 13 Long Street, Williton, Taunton.TA4 4QN."
9 April 2010
Details from the Williton Station Master
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The restoration of GWR BCK no 6705
GWR Brake Corridor Composite no 6705 is currently being restored under contract by Colin Worrall. The work is being funded by the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust. Things are progressing well and all that stands in the way is money! The Trust requires just £30,000 to complete the work described above. Fund raising has begun in earnest, and an appeal is being launched this month to raise enough money to complete the coach. In 2006, no 6705 was rescued from possible scrapping at Steamtown, Scranton, Pennsylvania. Robin White organised the return trip, the carriage sharing a hold with nine brand new Class 66 locomotives on its voyage back to UK. For more about the carriage, please visit the No 6705 page...
7 April 2010
Details from WSSRT
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Spring Steam Gala attracts fewer visitors
Over 7800 visitors enjoyed the 2010 Spring Steam Gala. The Chairman of the Special Events Planning Team, John Cronin, reports "Despite the cold and wet weather which we endured on four of the six days we still managed to welcome 7891 visitors to the Railway for the Gala, some 24.8% fewer than the record number of 10,636 visitors in 2009 which had better weather and the first preservation runs of Royal Scot." However, the Railway is congratulating itself on a big improvement with time keeping with most trains reaching their destination within two minutes of the scheduled time. Only the goods train on the Thursday was cancelled due to the failure of BR 2-6-0 no 78019 which was efficiently put back into order in time for the goods train on the following day. SEPT also acknowledge the help of the Swanage Railway Engineering Team who came across to help fix a broken spring on their Class 4MT no 80104.
6 April 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Celebrating thirty years of the Quantock Belle
Thirty years of dining trains on the West Somerset Railway. Today, Easter Sunday, was the 30th anniversary of the first WSR dining train which ran on Easter Sunday 6 April 1980. For the record, BR(W) 2-6-2T no 4160 worked the outward train and SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton the return working. The Belle was attached to the 5.55pm service train from Minehead, forming a rake of ten vehicles. A rare event saw the Quantock Belle call at Doniford Halt. Richard Knight has been at the helm of the WSRA-operated dining trains for all those 30 years - an amazing contribution to the success of the Railway. Well done Richard and thanks.
4 April 2010
Details from the Quantock Belle folks
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Cutting Back at Tribble Bridge
The next cutting back session will be near Tribble Bridge. Fans of James T Kirk will be disappointed that no Tribbles have yet been sighted nearby but there is always the lineside vegetation to keep in check. The session, on 10 and 11 April, will see the Gang working first on the Down side towards Combe Florey Bridge and coming back along the Up. Cars are more safely parked at Churchlands and then walk back to the work site. The regular gang will welcome new members wanting to get out into the countryside for a day tidying the lineside. For more details, contact the WSR Association on 01823 433856.
4 April 2010
Details from WSRA
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The Fish and Chips Special awaits you
Still time to book for the Fish and Chip Special next Saturday. There are a few seats left on the Special leaving Bishops Lydeard at 12.30 pm on 10 April 2010, bound for Minehead. Take the opportunity to treat all the family before they return to school, work, exams and all things dreary! Either return on the 2.15pm train or spend the afternoon in Minehead and catch the last steam train at 4.05pm, or the final diesel service at 5.35pm. Call the booking office on 01643 704996 to reserve return seats with delicious fish and chip lunch served at your table. Deadline for bookings is 5pm on Thursday 8 April.
4 April 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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WSR Mug for 2010
The WSR 2010 Mug is selling really well. In gold and green with the WSR logo on one side and the celebratory GWR 175 logo on the other. The mugs cost just £4.50 including a free drink, with further refills for a whole year at just 50p. Only available on the WSR trains and only valid for refills on the WSR trains.
4 April 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Mystery of the Brass Numbers
Ten large brass numbers have turned up out of the blue. During the Spring Steam Gala, the brass numbers pictured opposite arrived in a sack outside the General Manager's office at Minehead. No-one at Minehead Station knows from where they came. The numbers, put on BR 2-10-0 no 92203 during the early 1970s and were last seen on the locomotive during 1998 and have not been seen since - until recently. If anyone can help solve the mystery please contact the Railway on 01643 704996 or by email.
2 April 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Exmoor Mystery Tours by rail and coach
Recall those bygone days of a train trip to the coast and a mystery tour by road coach to see the best of the Exmoor scenery. The Railway and Blue Motors of Exmoor combine to offer a really nostalgic day out in West Somerset. The rail and coach excursions run on selected days during the summer of 2010. The outline of the day includes the 10.25am steam train from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster, followed a tour of Exmoor by a classic road coach, returning on the 4.05pm steam train from Minehead.
Full details .
2 April 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The Duke is turned at Minehead
No 71000 now faces London after using the Minehead turntable. Although BR Class 8P 4-6-2 no 71000 Duke of Gloucester is too large to use the turntable at Minehead, the Railway managed to turn the unique locomotive on 1 April by removing the tender and then turning the two vehicles separately before rejoining. The operation, supervised by the WSR's Chief Mechanical Engineer Andy Forster, mirrored the 2009 solution of turning another large steam locomotive, LNER 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado, which itelf returns to the Minehead Branch later this summer. Most of the larger locomotives can be turned at Minehead. Meanwhile the Triangle under construction at Norton Fitzwarren will allow any locomotive or even whole trains to be turned.
2 April 2010
Details from local correspondent
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Milepost renovation project embraces new Euro dictat
Mileposts to become kilometreposts on the WSR. During the recent Gala, eagled-eyed visitors may have noticed that a program of repainting, renovating and replacement of gradient boards and mile posts has been taking place on the WSR. Another regulation has been issued by the gnomes of the European Parliament. All distances quoted on all signs throughout the UK have to be expressed in metric measurements before the start of the Olympic Games in 2012. WSR resident milepost painter Rap O'Foill has made a start at Bishops Lydeard and welcomes any help with this mammoth task over the summer. [Most folks have now noticed the date of this news item!]
1 April 2010
Details from local correspondent
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