 Latest News
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Update from the Friends of Minehead Station
The Friends of Minehead Station continue bring great improvements to the seaside terminus. Their latest newsletter describes the new roller blind afront the Readers Halt along with new book storage areas. Readers Halt is the major fundraiser for the Friends - donations or a helping hand always gratefully received. The new workshop provides much more space to work and store. And all the while, the day-by-day maintenance continues, with the gardeners, the painters, the woodworkers, the lineside trimmers, the fundraisers and all involved in Readers Halt.
More about the Friends of Minehead Station...
29 February 2012
Details from FOMS
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Goviers Lane Level Crossing - latest proposals
Around fifty local people viewed the latest proposals at a recent meeting in Watchet. Representatives from the local councils and the West Somerset Railway displayed drawings and artist's impressions of the chicane-based design for the troubled Govier's Lane pedestrian crossing. A black and white drawing of the proposed layout is available here as a PDF file. We understand comments are welcomed by the councils and the Railway before the design is finalised and submitted for approval by the Office for the Rail Regulator. Construction could start during the summer at the earliest.
Update 29 Feb: An artist's impression is available here.
28 February 2012
Details from local correspondent and WSR Plc
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New book: GWR locomotives on the main line
In this forthcoming publication WSR volunteer Peter Darke features the work of a prolific lineside photographer. "Great Western Locomotives on the Main Line: Scenes from an Edwardian Railway" shows A N M Garry's superb photographs of GWR locos and trains on the main line between Paddington and Oxford, and Paddington and Swindon, in the years 1905-8, with most photos taken at Taplow and Slough. Lots of 'Singles', 'Dean' and 'Standard' Goods, 0-6-0STs and brand-new 'Prairies', 'Cities', 4-4-0s, 'Stars' and 'Saints'. Peter will be signing copies of the book at Minehead Station from late morning on 23 March and during the day at Bishops Lydeard Station on 24 March. The book is priced at £16.99 and is published by Ian Allan on 15 March 2012.
27 February 2012
Details from local correspondent
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Out and about with the Home Counties Group
The first of the 2012 schedule of WSR illustrated talks gets under way on Friday 2 March. Keith Smith of the WSRA Home Counties Group will be visiting the Bracknell Railway Society. Meeting at the Society Headquarters, Pinewood Centre, Wokingham Without, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 3AQ for a 8pm start, Keith looks forward to being joined by any WSR member. Turning to fundraising issues, the Home Counties Group would like to build up a stock of good railway and other transport related books for sale on their stand; donations very welcome - please contact Keith via this website.
27 February 2012
Details from WSRA Home Counties Group
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Book signings during the Spring Steam Gala
Kate Beard of the Shop at Bishops Lydeard Station has arranged book signings for the upcoming Spring Steam Gala. The first Gala weekend will see Ian Coleby (The Minehead Branch 1848-1971) on Saturday 17 March and John Parsons (Saving the West Somerset Railway- The Branch Line That Refused To Die) on Sunday 18 March. Then on Thursday 22 March it is the turn of Colin Robins (You Can’t Take The Steam Out Of Me), followed on Friday 23 March by Mike Oakley (Somerset Stations. Then…and Now). The second weekend features Peter Darke (Great Western Locomotives on the Main Line) on Saturday 24 March and Alan Hammond (Return Ticket to Minehead) on Sunday 25 March. These will all take place at The Station Toy and Model Shop, Bishops Lydeard.
27 February 2012
Details from WSRA
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Driver for a Fiver at the Spring Steam Gala
A chance to driver a steam locomotive for just a fiver. A steam "Driver for a Fiver" will be available at Minehead Station during the Spring Steam Gala using one of the West Somerset Railway's home based steam locomotives. On Saturday 17 March and Sunday 18 March between 10.30am and 4.30pm; and again on Saturday 24 March and Sunday 25 March between 11am and 3.15pm. The price is £5.00 per person (no concessions) - please note the minimum age is 16. Tickets for "Driver for a Fiver" are sold on the day on a first come first served basis from the Ticket Inspector on the platform at Minehead Station. Full details 
27 February 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Brake Van rides during the Spring Steam Gala
A unique opportunity to travel in the brake van of the Heritage Goods Train enjoying uninterrupted views of the line. The Heritage Goods Train consists of pre-1960s freight vehicles (including box cars and War Department open wagons) that would have been seen throughout the country in days gone by. Eighteen places are available for a single journey on the 9am departure from Minehead on Thursday 22 March 2012 arriving at Bishops Lydeard at 10.31am; three brake vans available. The next day, there are eighteen places in three brake vans for the single journey from Bishops Lydeard ar 8.20am to Minehead arriving at 9.30am. Supplementary fare per passenger is £15.00 (no concessions); this is a supplementary fare to a Spring Steam Gala Rover Ticket; those who have already purchased a Spring Steam Gala Rover Ticket please quote the six digit ticket number when calling to buy the Brake Van Ride ticket. Brake Van Ride tickets must be booked in advance with a card by calling 01643 704996. Places are sold on a first come first served basis.
27 February 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Spring Steam Gala activities at Williton Station
The Williton Station website has published news of attractions at the station during the Spring Steam Gala. During this year’s Spring Steam Gala the Swindon Shed will be open to the public and it is hoped that a display of classic cars will take place. Trade stands and stalls will be in the Shed and the station staff will be providing teas, coffees annd snacks. The Rolls Royce Sentinel diesel shunter no DH16 will be giving "Driver for a Fiver" rides along the new track from the South Yard to the headshunt in the North Yard. The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group will also have their heritage centre open to the public during the Gala.
Update: we have no official word but we understand the diesel shunter rides will not take place, not at Williton or at Minehead (but see above news item)
26 February 2012
Details from Williton Station
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No 6705: painting work party soon....
Update on the Heritage Carriages Project. Chris Austin of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust reports "Using parts from the Leeds coach [no 5929], the vacuum pipe has been restored on BCK no 6705 and tested satisfactorily. Painting will resume shortly with paint kindly donated by the WSR Association. A working party to apply the next coat of paint will take place on Sunday 4 March from 10am to 4pm. Volunteers and new recruits welcome. Please contact Chris Austin
at austinca2@googlemail.com if you are able to join us." Meanwhile, Toplights nos 2578 (third) and 7740 (composite) have been moved
from Minehead to Dunster West for storage pending an application for funding for their restoration.
25 February 2012
Details from West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
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Volunteers needed for West Somerset Railway events
The West Somerset Railway is currently looking to recruit volunteers for two special events in the summer. Help is needed to with setting up for Day Out with Thomas held on the weekend of 7-8 July 2012 and for the Steam Rally in early August, and helping during the events themselves. If you are able to help please contact Mel Hillman via the Volunteering pages.
22 February 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Hestercombe Express 2012 package includes heritage bus
Enjoy a relaxing day out with the West Somerset Railway and Hestercombe Gardens - a rail travel adventure combined with the beauty of the internationally acclaimed Hestercombe Gardens. In 2012 a heritage bus will provide the road link between Bishops Lydeard Station and the Gardens. The Hestercombe Express runs every Wednesday from 2 May to 26 September inclusive and also on selected Saturdays.
Further details
20 February 2012
Details via Facebook
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Watchet 150 - times of the Auto Train now available
The Auto Train will make four return trips between Bishops Lydeard and Watchet on 31 March 2012. On that day the folks at Watchet Station are celebrating 150 years since the original West Somerset Railway commenced services to and from Taunton. The Friends of Watchet Station are organising a Victorian theme for this day with staff and passengers dressed in Victorian clothes where possible. Back in 1862 when the first train arrived in Watchet a brass band played with flag-waving schoolchildren and of course local dignatories in attendance. Bunting and the like decorated the Station and the whole town took part in the celebrations. The plan is to replicate that scene as closely as possible. The times of the train on 31 March 2012, including the Auto Train times, are available here.
19 February 2012
Details from local correspondents and WSR Plc
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Govier's Lane Crossing - public meeting announced
A public meeting is being arranged at Watchet. West Somerset Railway Plc Chairman Humphrey Davies advises "We are arranging a public presentation of the proposed Govier's Lane Crossing development. The meeting is planned for 23 February 2012 at the Phoenix Centre in Watchet between 10am and 1pm." As previously reported, visuals will be on display giving those with an interest to see exactly what is going to happen at the busy pedestrian level crossing near Watchet Station. West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare commented "The stakeholders, the WSR and the Council have been working together on the plans and we expect to resolve the ongoing problems with the Goviers Lane crossing. However input from local residents will be very important and welcome in finalising the plans before the work begins and we hope to welcome and hear from as many interested residents of Watchet who are able to attend the display and presentations."
14 February 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Grand Opening of the Whistle Stop Cafe
Visit the much improved cafe at Bishops Lydeard Station. The new Retail Supervisor, Kate Beard (pictured left), and her volunteers worked many long hours over the past month to expand the dining area, and have re-named it the Whistle Stop Cafe. A traditional brown and cream paint scheme and new tables and chairs and improved flooring complete the new, brightened look. The WSRA (Promotions) Ltd Directors sponsored the grand opening on 9 February 2012. It was a bright, sunny winter's day, and Susan Kaufman, the Promotions Managing Director welcomed the WSRA Trustees, WSR plc guests and volunteers associated with the shop, buffet and station. Kate Beard and Peter Hendy, Bishops Lydeard Station Master, then officially opened the doors - and the guests were introduced to the Whistle Stop Cafe and enjoyed a gala lunch. There were many favourable comments on the improvements planned and carried out by the volunteers, and the WSRA hope visitors enjoy the welcoming and comfortable Whistle Stop Cafe.
More information about the Grand Opening
13 February 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
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Ryan reaches another benchmark...
Ryan Pope, an apprentice at West Somerset Restoration, has now reached another benchmark in his career development. On 12 January 2012 Ryan was awarded a City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Engineering for Manufacturing Technology, with two credits and one distinction. Peter Chidzey, the WSRA Education Officer, says "Keeping heritage engineering skills alive is an important goal of the WSRA to preserve vintage technology and supporting Ryan and Duncan through their apprenticeships is one of the many ways the WSRA Trustees support this."
More information
13 February 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
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News from the Heritage Carriages Project
On 12 February 2012 a working party began to dismantle GWR corridor third no 5929. This work on the "Leeds" coach will provide components for GWR BCK no 6705 and for the other historic coaches. The coach proved to be in worse condition than thought, but most of the components are recoverable and it has been possible to record accurately how the timber framework was constructed. The space cleared will be taken by the Toplight coach (GWR Brake Tri-composite no 7538) from Chinnor, due shortly.
More information about the Project
13 February 2012
Details from West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
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Thomas returns to Minehead in July
Thomas and his Friends will be at Minehead. Sir Topham will be there to make sure that all engines are being really useful. He will need help to keep the trains running on time. Daisy the Diesel and many others will be there. There will be lots of things to do and watch, including free face painting, games and DVD shows. Refreshments will be served in Mrs Kyndley's Tea Room, there will be free rides behind Thomas or one of his friends and and engines being turned on the turntable. The Troublesome Trucks will be shunted. The Buffer Stop Shop will be open throughout the weekend.
More information
9 February 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Driver for a Fiver at Spring Gala
A chance to try your hand at the controls of a Class 14 diesel hydraulic locomotive at Minehead Station. No D9526 will be in action at Minehead during the Spring Steam Gala whilst would-be drivers form an orderly queue, each get ready to part with £5 to take the engine along the length of the main platform road. Places are sold on the day on a first come first served basis. A steam engine was considered but all are required to work trains during the Spring Steam Gala. The Driver for a Fiver runs between 10.30am and end at 4 o'clock and held on 17, 18, 24, 25 March 2012.
More information
9 February 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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News from the WSRA Home Counties Group
The West Somerset Railway Association Home Counties Group are about to start a period of activity. The HCG's Keith Smith reports "Starting with our usual February jaunt to Big Screen Steam. This takes place at in the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, The Ambassadors, Woking, where the stand is in the foyer for the afternoon and evening film shows on Saturday 11 February. In three weeks time I am giving the first of my booked talks on the WSR - watch for announcements nearer the time."
7 February 2012
Details from WSRA Home Counties Group
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SDJR theme for Autumn Steam Gala
A possible Somerset and Dorset theme for the 2012 Autumn Steam Gala. A report on the official website suggests the West Somerset Railway is considering commemorating the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of through trains on the lamented Somerset and Dorset Railway. The WSR say "We do not usually have a theme for the Autumn Gala but this year will be different. Mike Arlett, author of books about, and lifelong devotee of, the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway that September 2012 would mark the 50th Anniversary of the ending of long-distance through passenger trains over the S&D including the Pines Express. Their diversion via Oxford and Basingstoke marked the beginning of the end for the Dorset which closed in March 1966. We are advancing invitations to engines representing classes that worked over the S&D and some machines that actually did so in their own right, so this is definitely one to put in the diary." The Autumn Steam Gala will be held on 4, 5, 6, 7 October 2012
6 February 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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The new unofficial discussion group opens for business
A new Yahoo discussion group has emerged. A review by the moderators led to the demise of the original group much to the disappointment of the moderators and the 280 members especially after enjoying twelve years of lively and informative discussion. The original group had been hosted in turn by OneList, eGroups, Yahoo, Topica and latterly Yahoo again. But from the ashes comes the successor. Created on 1 February 2012 by new moderators Robin White and Paul French, both long time WSR supporters and volunteers, the new group - WSR-Unofficial-Forum  - promises to continue the online platform and allow the discussion to continue. Thanks Robin and Paul for stepping forward. Feel free to join up and join in...
4 February 2012
Details from WSR-Unofficial-Forum
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Preparing for the Watchet 150 celebrations
Join the Friends of Watchet Station celebrating the 150th anniversary of the opening of the West Somerset Railway. There will be a Victorian theme at Watchet Station on 31 March 2012, with staff and passengers dressed in Victorian clothes where possible. Back in 1862 when the first train arrived in Watchet, a brass band played, schoolchildren waved flags; local dignatories stood proud; bunting hung all around the Station and the whole town took part in the celebrations. The Friends hope to replicate as much as possible. On 31 March 2012 a brass band will again play to welcome the celebration train arriving at 9.45am - this is expected to the GWR 0-4-2T no 1420 with the Auto Coach. The train will stand at the platform for about twenty minutes whilst speeches are made. The train will make several journeys between Bishops Lydeard and Watchet during the day. Part of the wider community celebration include a market on the Watchet Esplanade. The local Knights Templar School, local traders, shops, cafes, pubs all invited to take part. Further details
2 February 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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An update on progress at the Norton Triangle
Much activity has been taking place on the Norton Triangle. The West Somerset Railway Association's Norton representative, Ian Aldridge, has kindly provided an update which deals with progress with the inner and outer triangles, work on locking-in trains, new trackworks at the Platform and at Allerford Junction, remedial work at Orchard Junction, the recycled ballast operation and important work ensuring safe use of the land for grazing stock.
Updated: 5 February 2012 (link removed)
Details from WSRA
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