Due to unforeseen circumstances the Steam Trust Museum at Blue Anchor will not be open on Easter Sunday and the Trust are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
30 March 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
Don Bishop, Chairman of the WSR's Gala Planning Team is pleased to announce:
The West Somerset Railway Gala Planning Team are delighted to announce that plans have now sufficiently developed for our 2018 diesel gala for us to make a formal announcement about the event and the attractions we intend to offer for the event which runs from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th June 2018.
We will be having visiting locomotives brought to the WSR by our friends at GBRF from several locations around the country which will be brought together for a single move from Kidderminster SVR to Bishops Lydeard prior to the event. These are planned to be Class 20 nos 20189 amp; 20205 (courtesy of Michael Owen) hauling Class 45 no 45041 Royal Tank Regiment (Courtesy of Peak Locomotive Company), Class 50 no 50035 Ark Royal (courtesy of Class 50 Alliance) and Deltic Class 55 no 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier (courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society). All these visitors are in BR Blue livery, so could this be one of the longest train formations of BR Blue locos together in many a year? These visitors will be joined by the home based Diesel & Electric Preservation Group's fleet of Class 14 no D9526, making its return to traffic after a heavy overhaul, Class 33 nos D6566 and D6575, with D6566 re-entering service after a heavy overhaul, Class 35 Hymek nos D7017 and D7018, with D7018 making its first public runs since a catastrophic engine failure in August 1995 and a full rebuild and restoration by the DEPG team and ever popular Western Class 52 no D1010 Western Campaigner. These are likely to be joined by Class 09 shunter no D4107 for some rare haulage opportunities on shuttles between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren, quite likely in the company of the Class 14 whilst the later is gently run-in for its initial return to service.
29 March 2018
Details kindly provided by the Gala Planning Team
The Friends of Stogumber Station have announced:
At the Easter weekend we will be serving our famous Cream Teas again right through the summer until late autumn.
29 March 2018
Details from Friends of Stogumber Station
The WSR Plc has a vacancy for a Maintenance Assistant - Locomotives, reporting to the Maintenance Team Leader, this is an opportunity to join the Mechanical Engineering department to assist in the day-to-day maintenance of the WSR steam locomotive fleet. Full details
The WSR Plc is also seeking a suitably experienced and enthusiastic individual to join the Permanent Way track team within the Infrastructure Engineering Department. Reporting to the Track Chargeman and assisting with track patrols, track maintenance and operating large plant and Road-Rail vehicles. Full details
28 March 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
The funeral will be at 1pm on Wednesday 4 April at St John the Baptist Church, Symondsbury, near Bridport. Everyone attending is also invited for refreshments afterwards at the Highlands End holiday park. Anyone wishing to attend please email info@sdrt.org
27 March 2018
Details kindly provided by Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust
Historic Minehead Station on the West Somerset Railway is looking for new volunteers to work in the Information office and on the platform.
Duties in the office include answering the phone to customers and dealing with enquiries, such as advising about train fares and running dates along with taking bookings for some special events and advance tickets on standard travel. Some basic computer skills are required but as with all posts, full training is given.
Platform duties involve a certain amount of walking. Main tasks include ensuring that passengers find the train they are looking for, answering enquires about arrivals and departures, and ensuring passengers are safely on the train so that the guard can despatch the train. This role requires some basic fitness, but nothing strenuous. Full training will be given. This role requires a level of responsibility as passenger safety is paramount.
Both roles can be combined as is the case with most volunteers currently filling these roles, but there are opportunities for the less able bodied should they wish to just man the office desk.
Shifts are normally 9.00am start and finish when the last train returns, normally at around 6.00pm. However, split shifts can be arranged if you would prefer to do half days. The railway is open seven days a week during the summer season, and duty shifts are available for all these days.
Interested? Call 01823 433856 or email volunteers@wsrail.net or have a look at the volunteering page
27 March 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
In a post-Gala message to Paul Conibeare (General Manager) and Don Bishop (Chairman of the Gala Planning Team), Ian Coleby, WSR Plc Chairman, writes:
On behalf of the whole WSR board, may I thank you and your teams for an excellent gala. I know that a lot of people have put in a huge amount of time and effort to make sure that the event was a success and their efforts have paid off. The work they have put in, the early morning starts, the late finishings, is all very much appreciated.
Please read the full text of the message.
26 March 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
Steve Sutherland from the Friends of Watchet Station reports:
We wish to thank everyone who came and visited Watchet Station Model Railway Sale last Saturday 24 March during the Spring Steam Gala. We had a terrific turnout and look forward to the next event on 9 June as part of the Diesel Gala.
25 March 2018
Details kindly provided by the Friends of Watchet Station
The annual Coach Tourism awards were presented at a dinner held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Wednesday 21 March 2018. Samantha White and Ally Roe of the Railway's Commercial Department attended the event and received the 'Heritage Railway Coach Tourism Award' on behalf of the Railway. WSR manager Paul Conibeare commented:
The receipt of this top award reflects on the work of everyone on the West Somerset Railway from those who deal with coach company bookings initially and then the station staff and train crews who meet the customers and ensure they have an enjoyable journey and time with us.
25 March 2018
Details gleaned from West Somerset Railway Plc's website
'Enhancing your day out' was the catchphrase on the banners at the West Somerset Railway's stand at the British Tourism & Travel Show at the NEC Birmingham on 21 March 2018.
The stand was staffed by the WSR's Commercial Department folks including the WSR's Marketing Officer, Sam White.
21 March 2018
Details gleaned from West Somerset Railway's Facebook page
The recent weather has been unkind to the road surface on the main A358 Taunton-Williton road close by Sampford Brett Bridge near Williton. Folks planning to come to the WSR's Spring Steam Gala might wish to note the road is subject to light-controlled one-way working. Journeys may take longer during the event.
21 March 2018
Details kindly provided by local correspondent
Seb Welsh of the Bishops Lydeard Station Shop writes:
'With the Spring Steam Gala fast approaching, our model railway department is now prepared, with plenty of new arrivals from Hornby, Bachmann, Heljan and Oxford Rail. We also do still have some of our clearance items available with at least 25% off the retail price.
New arrivals include new Hornby Kings, new Hornby Granges, Heljan Class 14s and part of the new Oxford Rail Structures range. We also still have stock of the Bachmann SR Birdcage coaches, which perfectly complements the recently arrived Hornby H Class.
Our stock of Gaugemaster supplied products have also just been replenished with some new lines included. For all these products and more, be sure to visit our Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard, open all four days of the Gala
20 March 2018
Details kindly provided by the Bishops Lydeard Station Shop
Stogumber Station's new model railway will be on static display at the Gala.
The Friends of Stogumber Station add:
We have reprinted Gil Cox's excellent first cookbook and also printed her new one, both will be on sale at the Gala only at Stogumber Station.
20 March 2018
Details kindly provided by the Friends of Stogumber Station
Geoff Cross has been appointed to the position of Stations Co-ordinator, reporting to Richard Jones Head of Operating.
He will take over the role from Lesley Farthing on 26 March 2018.
Geoff will be continuing to act as Station Master at Crowcombe Heathfield Station.
19 March 2018
Details kindly provided by local correspondent
News from the team at Watchet Station:
Watchet Railway Station is having a secondhand Model Railway Sale to raise funds for repairs and maintenance at Watchet Station, as part of the Spring Steam Gala. On Saturday March 24th in the Pagoda Waiting Room between 10am and 3pm, there will be a selection of secondhand OO and N gauge engines, coaches, wagons, track, cars, buildings, books, magazines etc. Have you any unwanted Model Railway equipment that we can add to our Sale to help us sell to raise funds for our Station maintenance? The Station is open from 22st March with the Gala starting that day. Cash only for sales please and it is free admission. Pop in and see us when you're at the Gala. Contact Steve 01984 633425 or David on 01935 421107.
18 March 2018
Details kindly provided by Watchet Station
An invitation from the folks at Locomotive 5542 Ltd who are restoring GWR Autotrailer no 169 at Williton on the West Somerset Railway:
To everyone visiting the WSR Spring Gala next weekend we extend a cordial invitation to come and see our recent progress on GWR Autotrailer 169 at Williton Works. We will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 9am so please drop by to see, amongst other things, the additional bodywork and roof section now in place.
18 March 2018
Details kindly provided by Locomotive 5542 Ltd
The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust is hosting a number of events under this banner at Washford during the Spring Steam Gala. On Friday 23 March there will be shows of footage of the Somerset and Dorset and from Friday to Sunday there is a promise of good refreshments, gourmet ploughman's lunches and a bar. Saturday night is the rocket gig [link to tickets] with the Jo Burt Band (Jo has a long career including work with Freddie Mercury, Black Sabbath and The Troggs) and there will also be a bar. Funds raised will go towards improvements at the Museum including fitting out the newly acquired BG van for exhibits. Kilmersdon will be in steam on site.
18 March 2018
Details kindly provided by local correspondent
ALL TRAINS CANCELLED [10.39am]
Raveningham Hall waiting at head of the first train from Bishops Lydeard [9.50am]
The folks at the Model Railway in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard have confirmed it will be open on 18 March [9am]
The Railway report some staff unable to get to the Railway [8.40am]
We understand Crowcombe Heathfield Station will not be open [8.20am]
18 March 2018
Details kindly provided by WSR folks
As announced earlier USA-designed Class S160 no 6046 will join the home fleet for 2018 and will work passenger trains throughut the season. No 6046 arrived in Somerset on 15 March 2018 and, following examinations and crew-familiarisations, two days later the loco was moved under its own steam to Minehead. The loco will make an immediate start into service by working the 'Minehead' diagram (starting with the 10.15am from Minehead) on Sunday 18 March 2018.
17 March 2018
Details kindly provided by the loco dept of the West Somerset Railway Plc
David Carter of the Friends of Blue Anchor Station writes:
This year's mug is not of the station but is a reminder of last September's visit by Flying Scotsman. The photo taken by a volunteer from the station shows the train crossing Ker Moor. These limited edition mugs are now available from Blue Anchor Station at a cost of just £4.
17 March 2018
Details kindly provided by the Friends of Blue Anchor Station
The West Somerset Railway have posted the following on their Facebook page:
Due to heavy rainfall, our over-flow car parking at Bishops Lydeard will not be in use this weekend or for the Spring Steam Gala next weekend. Please use public transport where possible or choose to travel from Minehead, Watchet or Blue Anchor where there are hard-standing car parks.
16 March 2018
Details gleaned from Facebook page of West Somerset Railway Plc
Many WSR supporters have expressed disappointment that their efforts were not successful in buying the original Dunster Station sign at the delayed Great Central Railwayana auction last Saturday, 10 March 2018. However, the cloud of not obtaining the sign has a potential silver lining. Following discussions it seems possible to make up three casting patterns for these distinctive Brunellian signs which are a significant part of WSR , GWR and Bristol & Exeter Railway history. To find out more please see the discussion paper.
Robin White has provided an update:
Pledges of funding from WSR supporters has raised the funding for the patterns for casting missing Brunellian station signs in only a day. We now need to push on and raise the estimated £2,000 cost of casting the reproduction signs, which will faithfully reproduce the station signs supplied new to the Railway in 1862/1874 where they are now missing and have not been replaced by original but later GWR signs. A short explanatory paper, updated from that circulated yesterday, is here.
15 March 2018
Details kindly provided by local correspondent
The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust have reminded us:
Please do not forget to buy your mug at the Spring Gala. The mug depicts Sleeping Coach no 9038 There is a limited number and will be on sale at the Trust's museums at Blue Anchor and the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard.
Each mug costs just £5.
15 March 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
The West Somerset Railway is very saddened to hear the news this morning of the passing of Stephen Hawking.
John Irven (former WSR Chairman) recalls the visit of Stephen Hawking to the Railway in August 2014:
He had seen our publicity about having a specially adapted carriage which allowed wheelchair users, including those on powered mobility wheelchairs, to travel alongside their family members in comfort, rather than being consigned in a wheelchair to the guard's van. He wanted to travel as any other disabled passenger but especially with members of his family on a private visit and ride on our steam hauled railway.
14 March 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
Passenger numbers on the West Somerset Railway totalled 189,359 for the 2017 season, an increase over the 186,603 carried in 2016. Commenting in the latest WSR Journal, Paul Conibeare, WSR General Manager, said:
I am delighted with the results for 2017 which shows the hard work put in by staff and volunteers.
13 March 2018
Details gleaned from the West Somerset Railway Journal
The Model Railway at the Gauge Museum, Bishops Lydeard Station will re-open on 17 March 2018 now that the winter engineering work is over. Recently, James Pearson has been testing circuits at the end of the work with Tom Donelly and Matt Jackson working with him. See pictures by Alan Meade on the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust website.
13 March 2018
Details kindly provided by the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
The West Somerset Railway Association have published the latest Journal. Number 160 reveals a welcome new fresh look to the publication - well done to the designer and to the Journal team for this improvement. This Journal includes all the regular items along with a Letter from the Chairman, news of military-themed trains and events, a feature titled 'A Minehead Booking Clerk', and lots more.
12 March 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association
West Somerset Railway Association Retail Manager Kate Beard writes:
Gala time is approaching again and the Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard is busy making preparations for the four day event. As well as our usual good stocks of the latest model railway and die cast items and railway books and DVDs, our book department will be tempting you with its regular promotional offers and carefully-selected out of print and second hand books, with several rare items. We shall also be offering a wide selection of back numbers of historic railway journals including a special offer on Backtrack magazine.
On Saturday 24 March we are pleased to welcome back railway author Allan Stanistreet who will be signing copies of his popular title 'Railways Round Exmoor', reissued last year with a comprehensive update and many colour illustrations.
The shop will be open on all four Gala days from 8.30am to 5.30pm. The cafe will be open from 8.45am
10 March 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association
From Robin White, the Trust member who has been co-ordinating the attempt to acquire the sign and who attended the GCR auction at Stoneleigh:
Regrettably, the Dunster Station running-in board will not be coming home to Somerset. It sold at auction for £1550 to a private collector. The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust is very grateful to WSR supporters who made pledges to allow the Trust to attempt to acquire the sign and hopes that those individuals will drop by soon to see the work of the Trust, particularly at its Museums at Blue Anchor and Bishops Lydeard stations and with GWR Brake Composite Corridor Coach no 6705 at Williton, which, it is hoped, will be in traffic later this year.
10 March 2018
Details kindly provided on behalf of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
Chris Austin, Chairman of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust, writes:
The RAMS team have done a great job in enlarging the archive store in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard and fitting it out with shelving. A working party of museum volunteers - including Ray Clack, Alan Randle, Mary Randle, Derek Blazdell, Geoff Evens and Peter Darke - put back the material yesterday (Friday) and started to prepare the museum for reopening on Saturday 17 March 2018
10 March 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust say:
During the West Somerset Railway's Spring Gala from 23-25 March 2018, be sure to stop off at Washford - we'll have good food available, admission to the museum and workshops will be free and there will be live music on Saturday evening!
Gourmet ploughman's, pasties and cake will be available all weekend and on Saturday evening from 7.30pm, Jo Burt and his band will be performing on site - don't miss it, be sure of your ticket, available from the online shop.
10 March 2018
Details gleaned from facebook page of the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust
A relic from the early days of one of the West Country's busiest railway branch lines and which was rescued when it was axed in the 1970s is to go on public display for the first time. The now-tattered ledger was kept at Minehead station and was used for more than 60 years to record many thousands of items which were found after being left behind by forgetful passengers between 1904 and 1968. The property ranged from false teeth to guns, farm machinery to jewellery, bowler hats to swimming costumes, and picnics to Christmas crackers. The register was originally saved by a railwayman who was afraid that otherwise it would have been dumped when the line was closed, and it has now been handed to the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust, which runs the museum at Bishops Lydeard Station.
Steam Trust chairman Chris Austin and his team of volunteers are carrying out a major revamp of the museum where this historic relic from the branch line's past will be in safe keeping. More on what it reveals can be seen in the latest edition of the West Somerset Railway Journal, free to members of the WSR Association or available from the Bishops Lydeard Station Shop
Download the full text of the WSR's Press release.
6 March 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
There will be opportunities to travel in the Hawksworth Inspection Saloon on all four days of the Great Western Routes and Branches Steam Gala 22 to 25 March 2018. It will be part of the trains departing from Bishops Lydeard at 11.00 and 15.45 and Minehead at 13.45 and 17.40. A supplementary fare of £5, payable on the day of travel, will be applicable for journeys in the saloon which will offer excellent views of what is afoot in the Gala and of the Somerset countryside as spring gets underway and we reach the weekend where the clocks go forward,
6 March 2018
Details kindly provided by local correspondent
John Simms writes...
It is with regret that we have to report the passing of former Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust Chairman Godfrey Baker who died on March 3rd. Godfrey had been a committee member of the Trust since the 1980s and was Chairman from 2007 to 2017. Godfrey will be remembered by all who knew him for his friendly and gentlemanly approach to problems and for his steady patient approach to the work he carried out, including applying his building skills when required at Washford. One of his greatest achievements was being at the helm as the SDRT marked the 50th Anniversary of the closure of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset in 2016 with a year-long series of events along the routes of the lost line. Our sympathies and best wishes go to his wife Pauline and their children
The WSR have also issued this statement...
It is with profound sadness that the WSR announces the death of Godfrey Baker, former Chairman of the S&DRT. Godfrey died at Dorchester Hospice on Saturday 3rd March. Godfrey first became associated with the S&DRT in 1973 when the fledgling group was located at Radstock. He was also present on the first day of the Swanage Railway. Godfrey became a committee member of the S&DRT in 1988 and eventually held the post of Publicity Manager and more recently, Chairman from 2007-2017 when his illness forced him to stand down. Godfrey had many friends both in the S&DRT and the WSR too and I'm sure everyone will wish to send their condolences to his family. Godfrey is survived by his Pauline and their children and grandchildren.
6 March 2018
Details kindly provided by local correspondent and West Somerset Railway Plc
Due to the weather, the weekend's 'Tidy Train' had to be cancelled. Snow on the ground makes collection difficult to say the least. Another date will be fixed later in the year when the evenings start drawing out. With better weather ahead, attention turns to track renewal at Seaward Way Crossing. A small correction to the alignment is required. On Tuesday 6 March 2018, Seaward Way will be blocked from 9.15am until completion of the works due to finish by lunch on Friday 9 March 2018.
5 March 2018
Details gleaned from Facebook page of WSR Infrastructure Engineering
On the Sunday of its Spring Steam Gala, 25 March 2018, the West Somerset Railway is offering the younger audience a special fare offering for children aged between 5 and 17. On that date only any child in the appropriate age range accompanied by a fare paying adult or senior will be able to travel for a flat rate of £2.00 for any return or single journey or the really keen will be able to enjoy a day rover ticket at the same price. The £2.00 child tickets - valid only on Sunday 25 March 2018 - can be purchased at booking offices or from travelling ticket inspectors on the trains on the day.2018.
5 March 2018
Details gleaned from website of West Somerset Railway Plc
We have received news regarding the sad death of WSR volunteer John Betts in the early hours of Saturday morning 3 March 2018 at the age of 81. John was the Booking Office Clerk at Bishops Lydeard on Saturdays for many years and a volunteer since 1997 and would have been the first face that many passengers would have seen before starting their journey. We are sure all WSR folk will join us in sending sincere sympathies to John's family.
We have been advised by his son that John Betts funeral will be held at Yeovil Crematorium, Bunford Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2EJ, on Tuesday 20 March 2018 at 11.20am. No flowers please and donations to the WSRA c/o Forseys in Glastonbury ideally or on the day.
5 March 2018
Details kindly provided by local correspondent via member of the family
On 8 March 1998, Readers Halt opened and to celebrate the first twenty years, anyone who can come down to the station at Minehead on 8 March 2018 will be more than welcome to a cup of coffee and piece of cake. All those who have donated things to sell, those who have bought items and especially those who have opened the 'Halt' over the years are sincerely thanked by the Friends of Minehead Station committee. Come and see what has been achieved. Martyn Snell, Chairman of the Friends of Minehead Station, adds:
Readers Halt was preceded by the late John Richards selling magazines and books off a platform trolley before the late David Perry persuaded the FoMS committee to build Readers Halt. Due to its success, it has been extended once to provide a larger storage area and, during the last few days, sliding glass screens have been inserted in the outer two serving windows to provide better protection from east winds for those hardy souls who open the 'Halt' on all operational days. The money raised over the years has been ploughed back into the infrastructure of Minehead Station to make it a place of which to be proud.
3 March 2018
Details kindly provided by the Friends of Minehead Station
In the light of the extraordinary weather conditions, Great Central Railwayana auctions have taken the sensible decision to postpone the auction today which included the 'Dunster' name board which the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust is hoping to acquire with the assistance of a number of sponsors. The auction is to be run as a telephone / internet auction next Saturday, 10 March, and the auctioneers have the Trust's commission bid.
3 March 2018
Details kindly provided by local correspondent
News from the Boardroom - a regular update on Plc Board meetings. Amongst items discussed in February 2018 were a New Board member, the 2018 AGM, the consultation on the draft Corporate Plan, staff communication and consultation, the Commercial programme, the Rules and Operating Standards Committee, along with reports from the Infrastructure Engineering and the Mechanical Engineering departments. Full report.
1 March 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
