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 Latest News
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Planning consent for Williton footbridge
Planning Permission and Listed Building consent for the erection of the ex-Trowbridge footbridge at Williton Station has been agreed by West Somerset Council. In fact, the consent includes the replacement of the Booking Office chimney, presumably demolished by British Rail. A matching chimney on Bishops Lydeard Station will provide the perfect template. Work will commence after completion of the footbridge. The steelwork repairs on the footbridge are complete and the bridge has moved to the paint shop. Now that the Planning Application has gone through, Williton's workers can prepare the ground for the bridge foundations and extra able bodied help would be most welcome. The eventual lengthening of the Williton loop will make the footbridge even more necessary. A loan, which closed the gap on the cost of the present work, needs to be repaid and funds must also be raised for the timberwork for landing and stairways. Therefore further donations are sought and welcomed at the Williton Station Fund, c/o 13 Long Street, Williton, Somerset TA4 4QN.
30 September 2010
Details from the Williton Station Master
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The next Bristol Group meeting
Broad gauge is the topic of the WSRA Bristol Group meeting on Tuesday 26 October 2010. Entitled "London to Bristol by broad gauge" the presentation is by Brian Arman, a man of the cloth and a most authoritative person on matters Great Western having spent many years at the GWR Church of St. Marks in Swindon. Brian has amassed an immense collection of pictures of the broad gauge railway and this being Part I it will cover the tracks from Paddington to Bristol, with Part II, Bristol to the West Country, booked for the meeting on 22 February 2011. All meetings are held at the BAWA Club, Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol BS34 7RG commencing at 7.30pm with "News on the Line" followed by the guest speaker at 7.45pm. Admission is just £2 or £10 for the 2010/11 season. Further information from Jayne Mills at wsrabristol@aol.com.
30 September 2010
Details from the WSRA Bristol Group
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A change of Chairman for the Railway Company
The new year will see a new Chairman for the West Somerset Railway Plc. Current Chairman Mark Smith (pictured left) writes "You may recall that initially when I was invited to become Chairman of the Company Board, I thought it would be sensible for me to serve in that role for a temporary period only. That was a little over two years ago. At their Meeting on Saturday 25th September, the Company Board accepted my resignation as Chairman, and elected Humphrey Davies in my place. These changes will take place on 31st December 2010. I have accepted the Board's invitation to continue to serve as a director. I am extremely grateful to all friends and members for the support and encouragement that you have given me in the last couple of years, and hope that we can continue to work together to ensure the ongoing development and improvement of our Railway. In the meantime, we have an impressive line up for the Autumn Gala, the 'phones will soon be busy with Christmas booking enquiries, we have much to do. Mark Smith"
29 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Autumn Steam Gala 2010 - an update
A brief update on the details of the four-day Autumn Steam Gala. The Autumn Steam Gala starts early on Thursday 30 September and ends in the evening of Sunday 3 October. The standby loco at Williton is now expected to be SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton whilst SDJR 2-8-0 no 88 will be at Washford throughout the Gala and may demonstrate the Whitaker tablet exchange apparatus. The coaching sets A, B and C will be chocolate and cream liveried whilst set D will be mixed (maroon and choc/cream). Some variety for the Goods trains - on Thursday from Bishops Lydeard it will be a ballast train (five hoppers and BR van) and from Minehead it will the heritage goods stock. The heritage goods will form the Friday Goods from Bishops Lydeard whilst it will be a mixed train from Minehead on the Friday. The Norton Shuttle on the Saturday and Sunday will be formed of a BR van, a TCL coach and a GW Fruit D van. GWR 2-6-2T no 5553 will perform the popular Dunster shunt, using the heritage goods stock, on the Saturday - please note there is no Dunster shunt on the Sunday. At Minehead, upon arrival, most locos will use the turntable - the souvenir brochure indicates the 180 degree turns to change the direction of the loco, whereas other turns will be 360 degrees for display purposes. Finally, for now, please note due to unloading problems Nos 4566 and 4953 are the wrong way round than as advertised. They will be bunker or tender first respectively on the 9.20am goods and 10am passenger departures from Bishops Lydeard and then turned 360 degrees upon arrival at Minehead for display purposes, thereafter the locos will face the direction as advertised for the rest of the event. Full details of the event on the Official WSR website and on the Autumn Steam Gala page on this website.
29 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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A Station Master needed at Doniford Halt
A vacancy has become available for the post of Doniford Halt Station Master. The station is entirely different from all others along the line in that not all trains stop and there are no ticket office or other facilities. The main jobs required at the station are keeping the grounds tidy and the waiting room in good order. For more information please contact the General Manager at paul.gm@wsrail.net or write to The West Somerset Railway plc, The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5BG
29 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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All set for the 2010 Autumn Steam Gala
The four-day Autumn Steam Gala is almost upon us. Preparations are just about complete for the Autumn Steam Gala which starts early on Thursday 30 September and ends in the evening of Sunday 3 October. The Special Events Planning Team have managed a nine strong locomotive list with eight from the drawing board of Swindon Works - nos 6024, 5029, 4953, 4566, 5542, 5553, 4160, 9351 - a fitting tribute during the 175th anniversary of the Great Western Railway. Adding contrast is guest engine LMS 4-6-0 no 44767. Another Derby machine, SDJR 2-8-0 no 88, will be standby loco. [Update: we now understand No 88 will be at Washford throughout the Gala and may demonstrate the Whitaker tablet exchange apparatus] Full details on the Official WSR website and on the Autumn Steam Gala page on this website.
27 September 2010 [Updated 28 September]
Details from WSR Plc
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Heritage Carriages Project at the Autumn Steam Gala
A chance to find out more about this important Project. On the Friday, Saturday and, possibly Sunday, of the Autumn Steam Gala, the Project's Claire Sheppy or Jennie Dunse will be in the Waiting Room at Williton and will be happy to explain more about the Project. On the same days, the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust Heritage Carriages Project display board will also be on display at Williton Station, showing two drawings prepared of GWR TK no 5856, the full corridor third coach built to diagram C 67 lot 1527, which it is proposed to be the next in line for restoration, once GWR BCK no 6705, currently at Crewe, has come to Somerset. For more information visit the Trust website
26 September 2010
Details from WSSRT
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A worthwhile two days for the WSR at the NEC
A busy, tiring and successful two days for the Commercial Team. At the Group Leisure and Travel Trade Show at the NEC, Birmingham on 22 and 23 September 2010, the team of Antony Brunt (Exmoor Tourism), Chris Austin, John Simms (WSR Publicity Officer) and Martyn Snell (WSR Commercial Manager) made contact with 102 potential customers, most being new, making the effort thoroughly worthwhile. A good investment for the future. This was the last such event for Martyn who retires soon, giving us a chance to thank Martyn for his tireless work for the Railway and also for his great support to this website.
25 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Autumn Steam Gala Souvenir Programme now available
The souvenir programme for the Autumn Steam Gala is now available. The stock was received from the printers on the afternoon of 24 September and copies sent by train to the WSR stations for immediate sale. Costing £3, the quality full colour production contains details of the loco rosters, the turntable workings, a background essay about the GWR and the guest engines and an overview of what to see and do along the line. It can also be ordered over the phone with reduced price rover tickets for the event which are on sale to telephone callers (01643 704996) before close of play on Monday 27 September. All now seems set for the four day Autumn Steam Gala on 30 September to 3 October 2010.
24 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Steam in 2010 on video at Taunton
A fine steam video show for the next Taunton Group meeting. The forthcoming WSRA Taunton Group meeting is on Monday 4 October at the usual venue - the Snug Bar, GWRSA Club near Taunton Station - starting at 7.45 pm. This month, the ever popular Karl Jauncey and Dave Richards from Preserved Steam on Video who will present another excellent show of mainline steam action from 2010 with plenty for GWR fans to savour. Entry is free but a donation to cover expenses is appreciated.
24 September 2010
Details from WSRA
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Great gardening brings top awards for Clive
A great evening for a WSR volunteer gardener at the Taunton in Bloom awards. The WSR's Clive Goddard (seen here on the left in company of the Mayor of Taunton, Jefferson Horsley) had great success at the Taunton in Bloom presentations on 22 September 2010. Clive's work at Taunton Station won First and Second Best Railway Station Display; and his work at Bishops Lydeard Station won First Best Public Access Site and also First in the Best Voluntary Organisation categories. Thanks, Clive, for all your hard work and congratulations on your awards.
23 September 2010
Details from local correpondent
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The Norton Shuttles at the Autumn Steam Gala
During the last two days of the four Autumn Steam Gala, a steam shuttle will operate on the Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren section. On Saturday 2 October and Sunday 3 October, the shuttle will depart from Bishops Lydeard at 11.45am; 12.45pm; 1.45pm and 2.45pm for the six mile round trip to Norton Fitzwarren, where passengers will be able to view the latest work in progress at the Norton Fitzwarren Triangle. Each shuttle train will be topped and tailed by a steam locomotive. Please note it is not possible to join or leave the train at Norton Fitzwarren. The round trip takes around 37 minutes. More details of the Autumn Steam Gala
23 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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A new book to be launched at the Autumn Steam Gala
A new West Somerset Railway book is being launched during the Autumn Steam Gala. Written and compiled by Paul Conibeare and Colin Howard, and published as part of the Nostalgia Collection, the book is a 48 page paperback overview of the railway with 60 black and white and colour pictures. It costs £5.99. Paul and Colin will be signing copies on all four days of the Autumn Steam Gala between 10am and 4pm. A reminder that Richard Derry will also be signing copies of his Irwell Press titles on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Minehead and there is a book sale at Blue Anchor.
21 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Watchet folk to be polled on footbridge costs
A poll will be held in Watchet over costs of footbridge repairs. The local authorities are responsible for maintaining the footbridge over the Railway at Watchet Station, the structure never passing to the West Somerset Railway. Now closed over a year ago, West Somerset Council now have no funds for essential repairs to, or replacement of, the footbridge but have agreed to fund a poll of Watchet residents to see if local electors will foot the £130,000 repair work. Meantime the footbridge, which should provide a safe route for pedestrians, remains closed, with many people using the railway platform to access Goviers Lane Footpath Crossing, which was recently upgraded by the Railway to modern safety standards.
21 September 2010
Details from West Somerset Free Press
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Come and see roof hoops being bent by steam
Roof hoop no 5 for Autocoach no 169 has been bent by steam at Williton on 18 September. Nos 6 and 7 will be steam bent in the Williton shed on 2 and 3 October during the Autumn Steam Gala. Come and see how it is done. Meantime, after a spell at Bishops Lydeard, the frames of Autocoach no 169 now back at Williton on Saturday 18th September. Thanks to the painting carried out by team members during the summer, the frames are now ready to receive the driver's end structure being rebuilt in the Williton Shed. See Autocoach no 169 website for more information.
20 September 2010
Details from local correpondent
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New Volunteer Coordinator appointment
At the last WSR Association Board Meeting, Mel Hillman was appointed to the post of New Volunteer Coordinator. Mel will report to Steve Roberts (WSRA Joint Vice Chairman) and replaces Ian Aldridge. Ian took on this role on a temporary basis a while ago and the Board is very grateful for the effort that he has put in to this activity during this time. Ian continues as a Director and Trustee of the WSRA with responsibility for Health and Safety and as a Director of Promotions. Mel was responsible for volunteer coordination at Yeovil Hospital before he retired and so has a wealth of experience that the Railway can draw upon.
20 September 2010
Details from WSRA
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Powderham Signal Box to be recreated at the Gauge Museum
An upgrade to the Gauge Museum signal box exhibit will bring little bit of South Devon railway life to Bishops Lydeard. Project Manager Tim Stevens explains "The small signal box exhibit in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard is being upgraded to create a working replica of Powderham signal box, one of the GWR's tiny "break-section" boxes between Exeter and Newton Abbot. As well as being able to pull the levers and work the signal in the Museum, visitors will on selected occasions be able to watch a full signalling demonstration, re-creating the atmosphere of a busy summer Saturday, complete with train sounds. The Powderham team consists of Tim Stevens (Project Manager), Ian Coleby (Gauge Museum Curator) and Mike Hanscomb (Technical Support). Over the winter a new block shelf will be fitted, signalling equipment installed and the lever frame refurbished. Any help and support will be most welcome, both with the installation work and with the signalling demonstrations. Please contact Tim Stevens on 01778 349003 or Ian Coleby at Bishops Lydeard."
18 September 2010
Details from local correspondents
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News about GWR 2-8-0 no 3850
No 3850 will be out of action until later in the year. Mike Solloway of the Dinmore Manor Locomotive Fund, owners of the heavy goods locomotive, explains "In late August, during a routine seven day exam, it was discovered that a frame extension bolt on the left hand side of the locomotive had come loose, further investigations soon proved that the problem was a little more indepth and required the locomotive to be withdrawn from traffic for further assessment. We have now concluded that the best option will be to bring our programme of annual winter maintenance forward and to combine the required maintenance with the repairs required to the locomotives frames. With this in mind 3850 is to move shortly to Tyseley Locomotive Works where both a wheeldrop and facillities of our own are available to enable our volunteers to further assist with the required works where possible further reducing costs. If you want to join us or find ways in which you can help then please contact us at dinmoremanor@hotmail.co.uk."
17 September 2010
Details from Dinmore Manor Locomotive Limited
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No 4953 is added to the Autumn Steam Gala line up
Another powerful ex-GWR 4-6-0 locomotive joins the Autumn Steam Gala list. The addition of GWR 4-6-0 no 4953 Pitchford Hall - a popular visitor to the West Somerset Railway's Spring Steam Gala earlier this year - to the list of engines appearing at the 2010 Autumn Steam Gala completes a good range of former Great Western Railway locomotives at this event which celebrates the 175th anniversary of the GWR itself.
16 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Special events in first half of 2011
Make a date in the diary for the first two special events of 2011. The very popular six day Spring Steam Gala will take place on 19 and 20 March and 24 to 27 March 2011. A theme will be announced very soon and, as always, the event will present a great line up of visiting locomotives. A little later, the three day 2011 Mixed Traffic Weekend will be held from 10 June to 12 June and the Railway say "Stand by for some surprises for this diesel/steam gala, always popularwith our diesel enthusiasts."
16 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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A busy weekend in prospect
September 2010 is turning into a Big Engine month for the Minehead Branch. On the weekend of 18 and 19 September, Great Western 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle will be working the Minehead steam diagram (starting with the 10.15am from Minehead) whilst LNER 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado starts the day heading the 10.25am from Bishops Lydeard. To add to the merriment on Saturday 18 September, an HST charter is due at Bishops Lydeard at 11.00am and Minehead at 12.16pm - just in time for passengers to make a swift transfer to 12.20pm headed by Tornado. WSR will be selling tickets on the in-bound HST for WSR services. The HST will leave Minehead at 4.55pm and Bishops Lydeard at 6.15pm. On the Sunday is the book launch by Paul Atterbury of "The Antiques Roadshow" in the Station Shop at Minehead.
14 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The Railway helps start the Tour of Britain race
The West Somerset Railway provided the flagman and a steam whistle to start Stage Four of the 2010 Tour of Britain cycle race. Minehead Station formed the perfect backdrop, whilst the approach road and car park was transformed overnight into a starting grid, complete with stage, crush barriers and flags. The Chairman of the West Somerset Railway Plc, Mark Smith, was on hand to present the race leader's jersey to the current leader. Mark later raised and lowered the national flag to start the race upon a shrill blast from the whistle of nearby SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton. By midday, all the paraphernalia had gone, to be erected at Teignmouth for the race finish later in the day.
14 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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A vacancy for a Commercial and Marketing Manager
The West Somerset Railway requires an experienced Commercial and Marketing Manager. This is an exciting opportunity, which is varied and challenging and an integral part of one of Britain's best and longest heritage railways. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing and managing marketing programmes for existing and future promotions ensuring the smooth operation of all commercial and marketing activity, along with managing the commercial team including both salaried and volunteer staff. More at the West Somerset Railway website.
14 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Heritage carriage measuring up continues
Preparing drawings of the heritage carriages continues apace. Jennie and Mike Dunse and Claire Sheppy are once again measuring the heritage coaches during September. The priorityis GWR TK no 5856. Claire describes the draughting work, "Doing the drawing itself is the comparatively easy bit, it is the puzzling over all the dimensions, working out which ones are the correct ones, and then making sure that they total to the stated length of the coach, helped by a page of reconciliation calculations, to the nearest one eighth of an inch - a large tolerance in engineering terms but not when working with wood. And as with the original GWR drawings, all dimensions are taken and drawn in feet and inches." More at the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust website.
13 September 2010
Details from WSSRT
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Dunster Station needs a Station Master
The post of Station Master at Dunster Station has become available. The Railway say "The post will be responsible for the functioning of the Station and Ticket Office at Dunster and ensuring that it is available at all practical times as shown on the Timetable as well as to provide information on fares, train arrivals and destinations throughout the Railway. The Station Master also must also make sure that the Station remains clean and tidy and presents a positive image of the Railway and offer a warm and inviting ambience to all vistors, passengers and volunteers so as to promote the Railway as one of the country’s leading heritage railways. The position would suit somebody that lives locally but this is desirable but not essential. Applications should be in writing to the General Manager at paul.gm@wsrail.net or The West Somerset Railway plc, The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5BG"
13 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The Mineral Line Bridge at Watchet
A historic railway bridge in Watchet is in need of repair. The Mineral Line Bridge was built to carry the 1874 Minehead Railway over the existing West Somerset Mineral Railway. Frederick Furniss, the Minehead Railway's contractor, estimated the cost of the new bridge at £863 15s 9d. Now, the repairs are costed at £200,000. Built of wrought iron, supported on masonry abutments, the 135 year old bridge was well constructed but now, following detailed examinations, needs attention to help it continue to carry trains well into the next century. Preparatory clearing work has commenced ahead of the main engineering work planned for early 2011 which will require line closure. The West Somerset Railway Plc is seeking financial help for this work and further information can be obtained on 01643 704996 or by email.
13 September 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The right engine is back on the right line
An old favourite is due back on the Minehead Branch. John Wood, Chairman of 5542 Ltd has announced "We are pleased to announce that agreement was reached at Minehead today that sees 5542 back on the WSR from Mid September until Mid November. It will join the 4 day Autumn Steam Gala line up and then take up a range of duties until 14th November." Update: No 5542 will arrive on the WSR after 26 September due to an unexpected visit to the Severn Valley Railway's Autumn Steam Gala later this month.[posted 10 Sep 2010]
5 September 2010
Details from 5542 Ltd
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Bishops Lydeard is the 2010 Best Kept Station
The Best Kept Station Awards were held on 4 September. At 2.40pm, at Bishops Lydeard Station, WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare and Steve Roberts (WSRA Vice-Chairman) presented the awards to the winners. The Best Kept Station in 2010 is Bishops Lydeard Station which, thanks to the skilled hand of Clive Goddard, also claimed the Best Floral Display Award. A worthy Best Kept Station runner-up is Minehead Station, whilst the most improved is Crowcombe Heathfield Station. Meanwhile, Blue Anchor Station's gardens were judged the Most Attractive, with Stogumber's claiming the Highly Commended Award. Magda Davies, Stations Liaison Officer, adds "Congratulations to all the winners. Many thanks, as always, to the Judges, David and Jennifer Bailey, who spent a lot of time re-visiting all the stations, trying to decide the winners." David Bailey explains "The choice was even more difficult this year, as all stations continue to improve each year."
5 September 2010
Details from WSRA
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Steam locomotive to start Cycle Race
On 14 September 2010, Stage Four of the 2010 Tour of Britain Cycle Race starts outside the Railway Station at Minehead at 10.15am. The race will be started by the train engine standing at the seafront sounding its whistle. The 10.15am departure from Minehead will be delayed to allow passengers to watch the start of the race and then board the train. The Race then heads for the Brendon Hills before returning, via Washford, to the coast at Blue Anchor at around 11.15am, then Watchet before heading back to the hills via Ralegh's Cross. Stage Four ends at Shaldon near Teignmouth. There will be an extra diesel train service on the day from Bishops Lydeard departing at 8.30am stopping on request only at intermediate stations arriving at Minehead at 9.35am in good time for the start of the Race.
4 September 2010
Details from WSR plc
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Another hectic August for the Railway
The month of August once again proved very busy for the WSR. Reporting in the September Online newsletter, the Railway say "We carried over 41,000 passengers in the usual hectic 31 days of August and this lifted the year to date figure to 154,293 compared with 167,041 at the same point of 2009. However, this is the third best year to date total at the end of the eighth month of the year in our history and only fractionally behind where we were at the same point of 2007, our second-best ever. Back in 2000 we carried 154,000 in the whole year."
4 September 2010
Details from WSR plc
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