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Anecdotes of the experiences of WSR volunteers needed
Long-standing volunteer John Parsons and WSR Plc Retail Manager Colin Howard have been asked by Silver Link Publishing to compile a book about the experiences of volunteering on the West Somerset Railway. John and Colin are interested to hear from anyone who has been involved with the railway at any time from the early days to the present time - regardless of grade or job or role, in fact, anyone who has an interesting experience to share with others. For further information please click here (PDF opens in new window)
31 January 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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A day for prospective WSR volunteers
The next recruitment and open day for potential volunteers will be held on Sunday 22 April 2012. Lots of different skills are required. Prospective new volunteers could experience supervised work training in a wide range of disciplines from locomotive work to signalling; from working on the trains as a guard or ticket inspector; catering - on the trains or on the stations; retail; booking clerks; track maintenance; restoration and maintenance; publicity; platform duties. Interested folk should leave brief details by email wsravoltrac@btconnect.com or telephone 01823 433856 and the New Volunteer Team will get back with full details. Much more about volunteering can be found on the official WSR website 
31 January 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Refurbished old-fashioned travel trunks for sale
Vintage travel trunks for sale to raise funds for the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust. Renovated travel trunks in various sizes and colours - many from the 1930s - and deal to convert to feature coffee tables or in house storage plus suitcases in assorted sizes and colours. Useful for storage of paper work in lofts or spare rooms. All proceeds from sales will go to the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust . Prices range from £5 to £45. For more details contact Malc Stacey on 01278 425551 or by email.
30 January 2012
Details from local correspondent
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No 5542 - good progress continues with heavy overhaul
The heavy overhaul of GWR 2-6-2T no 5542 is making steady progress. The former WSR-based locomotive is being overhauled at Buckfastleigh by 5542 Ltd. The most recent update reveals the driving wheels have been refitted. Elsewhere on the loco rivetting work has been undertaken in various areas. Work by contractors on the replacement piston and valve components is progressing and on schedule. A range of new administrative requirements during major boiler overhauls has delayed progress a little although much work on the boiler has continued. Full report and pictures here...
30 January 2012
Details from 5542 Ltd
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Cotton rags wanted at Minehead Loco
Wanted - cotton rags for locomotive cleaning. The cleaning gang are appealing for any old bath towels and bed sheets, pillow cases, tea towels and similar. Must be free of buttons and fasteners. Ideally cut into roughly 18 inch squares. Please bring along to the office at Minehead Station. The cotton rags are used to keep the locomotives clean. Please note that man-made fibres and wool are not suitable. All cotton wil be gratefuly received. Remember - clean engines really impress our visitors and also make for great photos...
29 January 2012
Details from local correspondent
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Evening photoshoot during Spring Steam Gala 2012
News of the chance to join an evening shoot on the West Somerset Railway during the Spring Steam Gala. Organiser David Williams explains "It is several years since we have been able to offer an evening shoot on the West Somerset Railway during a major Steam Gala, and I am pleased to be able to announce an opportunity for another go, on Saturday 24 March 2012.The locomotive and stock will be ideal for the setting – GWR 0-4-2 no 1450 and auto coach no178, both in Great Western livery, posed against the backdrop of the classic Great Western station of Crowcombe Heathfield." Photographers will need to book for the photoshoot. Please click here for full details and application form.
29 January 2012
Details from local correspondent
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Spring Steam Gala 2012 leaflet now available
Now available for download this general information leaflet also gives details of train times for the six day event. Download the PDF now and start planning a visit to West Somerset in March for the Spring Steam Gala. Here are the train times for 17, 18, 24, 25 March and for 22, 23 March. Guest steam locos include nos 6024, 71000, 1450 and 80072. GWR 0-4-2T no 1450 will be joined by auto coach no 178 and will provide the popular shuttles throughout the event.
28 January 2012
Details from local correspondent and WSR Plc
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Peppa Pig comes to Minehead Station in May
Come and see Peppa Pig at Minehead Railway Station on 26 May 2012. Peppa be making personal appearances at intervals between 10am and 4pm. Enjoy a steam train ride from the West Somerset Railway stations at Bishops Lydeard, Crowcombe Heathfield, Stogumber, Williton, Doniford, Watchet, Washford, Blue Anchor or Dunster to reach Minehead Station where you see Peppa Pig. Standard fares apply on this day with six trains running in each direction. Book train tickets online or by calling 01643 704996. For more information click here. Peppa Pig © Astley Baker Davies/Entertainment One UK Limited 2003. Download the Peppa Pig poster!
25 January 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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The Somerset CAMRA Real Ale Festival 2012
The 13th Somerset CAMRA Real Ale Festival will be held over the weekend of 8 and 9 September 2012 at Minehead Station in partnership with the West Somerset Railway. Quantock Brewery have kindly agreed to be the main sponsor this year. Somerset CAMRA say "We plan to have in excess of 100 real ales, several local ciders, perry and a small selection of wine. The local Somerset breweries will be very well represented amongst a wide selection of ales from all around Great Britain." Full details including train timetables are on the Real Ale Festival page.
25 January 2012
Details from Somerset CAMRA
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The ArtTrain and the Exmoor Pony Excursion
Announcing a special event for lovers of art and a new day out excursion. The West Somerset Railway have issued details of The ArtTrain. On 19 May 2012 artists and performers from West Somerset, the Quantocks, the Brendon Hills and the ten Parishes will be showing and sharing their art along the West Somerset Railway giving the chance to listen to poetry and music on trains throughout the day. And at stations the chance to take part in a workshop, watch a demonstration, look at art, buy art, devour a cream tea. The ArtTrain is part of the Making the Links in Western Somerset project funded by the European Union and Defra, which encourages creative industries and tourism businesses to work together to try out innovative ideas. A day out of a rather different kind is the new Iron Horse and Exmoor Pony excursion by train and road coach to the Exmoor Pony Centre - the excursion runs in 2012 on 2 April, 28 May and 10 September.
24 January 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Busy during the so-called closed season
Although no public passenger train services are operating on the West Somerset Railway in January this does not mean that life is quiet along Minehead Branch. "We are regularly asked what we do at this time of year", said WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare, "and most of the enquirers don't really believe us when we say that it is one of the busiest parts of the calendar for every one of our Departments. The engineering teams are engaged in track relaying and maintenance of locomotives and carriages whilst other coaches are being deep-cleaned. The signal engineers and the teams who control lineside vegetation have been busy and at each station painting, repairs and cleaning are underway. All of this is being carried out ahead of the resumption of passenger train services on Saturday 11 February. Before those passenger trains start to run we have been sending out timetables, getting other special event leaflets and posters printed and distributed and trying to ensure that when the passenger trains do resume they are busy from day one. None of these tasks are glamorous but they are all essential work which goes towards the continuing success of the Railway. In addition we are attending Travel Trade Shows to which we take information not only about the WSR but also brochures giving information about Exmoor and Somerset generally. The next two of these take place in London and in Manchester. Our timetable and special events information can be found at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk where online bookings can be made, or calls can be made to 01643 704996 seven days a week."
24 January 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Rapid progress erecting new FOMS workshop
The new workshop for the Friends of Minehead Station is quickly taking form. Good progress on Monday 23 January by suppliers Buildings Bespoke has seen the walls and roof in place giving onlookers a very good idea of the finished article. Part of the new building - which is situated next to the turntable - will be used by WSR Catering with FOMS occupying the remainder. With steady progress also being made with fitting out the nearby accommodation block, this part of Minehead Station is beginning to look very tidy indeed as befits a major heritage railway terminus.
23 January 2012
Details from local correspondents and FOMS
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Murder Mystery Specials in 2012
Calling all amateur sleuths - do you see yourself as a Miss Marple or a Jessica Fletcher, Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes. Well, the West Somerset Railway's Murder Mystery season is a must for all amateur crime fighters. As the train makes its way to and from the seaside the actors of "Murder by Appointment" will be staging another new murderous tale to be solved. Passengers will also enjoy fine food "at seat" as the train leaves Bishops Lydeard Station at 7 o'clock - plus of course the unfolding mystery. Bookings open 25 January 2012. Full details here...
21 January 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Standard Class 4MT tank engine for Spring Steam Gala
The Minehead Branch will see another example of the successful Class 4MT tank engines. No 80072 has been booked to attend the Spring Steam Gala which runs over six days on 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25 March 2012. Previous examples of this class on the West Somerset Railway were nos 80104 and 80136. The latter was resident for some time and proved a very useful locomotive hauling heavy trains over the testing Minehead line. No 80072 joins nos 1450, 6024 and 71000 on the Gala guest list, all subject to availability of course. Two local locos recently returned to traffic following overhaul are nos 7828 and 6960. Details of the Spring Steam Gala here...
18 January 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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A new A4 promotional calendar poster
The West Somerset Railway has have produced a new A4 sized laminated colour calendar poster. The calendar features a head-on view of BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 Norton Manor and also shows on which days the WSR is operating in 2012 - and also Special Events dates. Those able to display a WSR 2012 Calendar Poster in a local shop, pub, school or other place, please contact the Commercial Office at Minehead on 01643 704996. Or perhaps print and laminate a downloadable copy...
18 January 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Update on proposed changes to Goviers Lane Crossing
Progress is reported with proposals to modify the arrangements at Goviers Lane Crossing in Watchet. We understand at a meeting last week the relevant parties finalised the proposal and following a slight drawing change the plan is set. The West Somerset Railway Plc are planning a public meeting in Watchet early in February with visuals on display giving those with an interest to see exactly what is going to happen. We hope to bring you more information towards the end of the month.
17 January 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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January is a busy time for promoting the Railway
Busy promoting the WSR far and wide. David McCubbin, the West Somerset Railway's Sales and Marketing Manager reports: "The West Somerset Railway attended the first ever South West Group Show that took place in Bristol on Saturday 14 January. The show came about following a conversation that the WSR had with Tourism South East (TSE) last January when we met with them at the Excursions Show at Alexandra Palace. There are no Group Travel Shows in the south west and so the WSR asked TSE if they would organise a show in the South West, TSE were keen to pilot a show down here and that is how it all came about. They seemed very impressed with how well it went and are already planning the follow up for next January. We met a lot of group travel organisers, coach companies, tour operators and travel agents. We took both the Somerset Jewel of the South West and Exmoor 2012 brochures, both of which were viewed very favourably by those who visited our stand. We have a stand at the Excursions Show at Alexandra Palace on Jan 28 and will take the brochures again for giving out to potential group visitors to Somerset."
17 January 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Literary Festival at Spring Steam Gala 2012
The West Somerset Railway and leading railway publishers - Silver Link Publishing, Ian Allan, Past and Present Publishing, Kingfisher Publishing, Middleton Press and Oakwood Press - are getting together to hold a Railway Literary Festival as a major part of the second weekend of the Spring Steam Gala. The plan is to have an area of Minehead Railway Station dedicated to Railway books with displays and sales stands. The public will have the opportunity to meet the publishers and as many authors as can be persuaded to attend to meet their readers. Signing copies of their respective books for customers will form an important part of the event.
More...
16 January 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Diesel running on the WSR in 2012
Information has reached us about diesel running on the West Somerset Railway on 2012. The Diesel & Electric Preservation Group report various visiting locos and the home fleet will be running at the "Mixed Traffic Weekend" (sic) on 15-17 June 2012 whilst the home fleet only will appear at the "Late Summer Mixed Traction Gala" (sic) on 1-2 September 2012. Additionally in 2012, a diesel locomotive will be in service on 7, 8, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 July; 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 24, 31 August; 9 September. Diesel Driver Experience courses are available on various dates please see www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk for details.
14 January 2012
Details from Diesel & Electric Preservation Group
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The WSR Association Treasurer
Geoff Pateman has been appointed Treasurer of the West Somerset Railway Association. The WSRA Chairman Steve Roberts writes "I am pleased to announce on behalf of the Association Board that at the meeting held on 10th January Geoff Pateman was voted in as a Trustee and Treasurer, a position which we have been trying to fill for some time. Association finances are controlled by the Finance and Membership Sub-Group, which has been ably chaired by Tim Stanger since he joined the Board some months ago. Geoff, as a qualified accountant, will greatly strengthen this area."
12 January 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
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Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee in Minehead
A consortium of organisations under the banner of Minehead Events Group is busy putting together a five day Minehead Diamond Jubilee Festival from Friday 1 June to Tuesday 5 June 2012. The West Somerset Railway will be offering a lunchtime Fish & Chips Special on Saturday 2 June departing Bishops Lydeard Station at 12.30 for a return journey to Minehead. Book on 01643 704996. Online bookings will be available shortly. The Minehead Diamond Jubilee Festival is supported by Minehead Town Council, West Somerset District Council, Minehead Chamber of Trade, Minehead Lions, Minehead Rotary, Minehead Eye, Butlins, Exmoor Tourist Association, West Somerset Railway, Regal Theatre, Minehead Farmers' Market.
10 January 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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Calling all participants of the Wizzer Walk
Time to collect that sponsor money. Wizzer Walk organiser Mike Webber writes "It didn't seem that long ago on November 27th last year that 90 people took part in the West Somerset Railway Walk, also known as the 'Wizzer Walk' between Williton and Bishops Lydeard. For late November the day was very sunny and with moderate temperatures, walkers were able to enjoy the outstanding scenery over that ten mile stretch of line. For those that took part in the walk, just a polite reminder that now Christmas is over, it may be time to approach those wonderful people who agreed to sponsor you. The sponsorship forms allow half of the money to go to St. Margaret's Hospice, the other half to the Heritage Carriages Project or alternatively all the money collected can go to the Heritage Carriages Project (HCP). Just to tempt those raising the money, the prize for the walker raising the largest amount of money for the Heritage Carriages Project will receive this wonderful prize of a painting, kindly donated by transport artist Mike Tunnicliffe. Completed sponsor forms and cheques are payable to the WSSRT and addressed to the West Somerset Railway Walk, Bishops Lydeard Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, TA4 3BX. Happy New Year!"
8 January 2012
Details from WSSRT
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Progress report on overhaul of GWR 2-6-2T no 5542
Work continues at Buckfastleigh both in the boiler shop and on the routine work on the frames and wheels. The replacement plate on the firebox outer wrapper is progressing well; retubing work begins soon; needlegunning work on the boiler barrel continues; descaling of the undersideof the now-inverted boiler. Work on the driving wheelsets should be completed in the next week and
the frames made ready to receive the boiler once again. We are pleased that work continues on schedule and on budget at present. The repaint work on tanks and bunker commences in the next few weeks - let the livery debate begin.
Full report and pictures...
8 January 2012
Details from Loco 5542 Ltd
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Summer evenings at the seaside
Make the most of the light summer evenings with a steam train trip for a few hours at Minehead. Travel on the 4.10pm train from Bishops Lydeard arriving in Minehead at 5.30pm. There will be plenty of time for a walk along the seafront; an evening meal in one of the town's many restaurants, cafes or pubs; or perhaps simply sit on the beach or the promenade before catching the 8.40pm return train. Tickets may be purchased in advance or from the Travelling Ticket Inspector on the 4.10pm train from Bishops Lydeard. This return trip is available on 26 May, 30 June, 28 July and 15 September 2011. Advance tickets are on sale from February 2012. More information...
6 January 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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A brief update on special events...
A possible change to the hourly train service at special events. It appears the Special Events Planning Team are carrying out a review following feedback about the special Event timetable pattern being "too slow and boring". Looking back at the recent Winter Steam Festival an increase in passenger numbers was achieved - no doubt helped by the first public runs of Raveningham Hall and much better weather this year than that experienced at the same event during a very wintry December 2010. On Saturday 31 March the Team plan to stage a one day Special Event to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the original West Somerset Railway between Watchet (now Norton Fitzwarren) Junction and Watchet. The day will possibly have a Victorian theme with the railway between Bishops Lydeard and Watchet returned to how it might have looked in 1862 although the broad gauge is not expected being reinstated! A special timetable is planned for this one day event concentrating trains on the Bishops Lydeard to Watchet section with some through trains to and from Minehead.
6 January 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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Over 200,000 passengers enjoy the WSR in 2011...
The Railway ended the year having carried 208,326 passengers as compared with 214,053 in 2011, a decrease of 2.7%. Writing in the monthly staff newsletter, General Manager Paul Conibeare says "[the total] has to be regarded as a reasonable result in the prevailing economic circumstances." Paul continues "We are competing for the day out and holiday pounds with a host of other family attractions in our catchment area. One of our greatest assets is the professional and friendly public face of the WSR. Work has been going ahead to try to develop more attractive packages for the day out. Apart from our own internal specials such as Murder Mystery and Fish & Chip trains we have increased the number of Exmoor Mystery and Mineral Line outings and the successful first year of the Dunster Castle Express is seeing those being run on Saturdays as well as Wednesdays."
6 January 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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All primed and ready to go...
No 6705 now has a full coat of primer. West Somerset Steam Railway Trust volunteers Greg McNelly and Tim Randle are working on GWR BCK no 6705 to which primer has now been applied after weeks of rubbing down and preparation. Only another six coats of paint to go. Volunteers are welcome Tuesdays to Thursdays to help keep up the good work. Contact Chris Austin for details.
6 January 2012
Details from West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
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