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DAY OUT WITH “THOMAS”” JULY 4th & 5th
		Saturday and Sunday July 4th and 5th sees the return of the famous little blue tank engine and his friends to the West Somerset Railway and a special timetable will be in operation. “Thomas” events mean that there will be lots of small and excited visitors on or about the Railway and on both Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th the first three trains from Bishops Lydeard have been sold out.
However there are still seats available on the following trains from that end of the line which can be bought on the day.:- 11.50 (“Daisy the Diesel Railway), the steam trains at 12.40 and 13.40, the diesel railcar at 15.10 and the steam train at 16.00. Train times from Minehead are at 11.05 and 11.55 (both steam), diesel railcar at 13.30, steam at 14.20, 15,.15, and 16.00, diesel railcar at 16.50 and steam at 17.40. There are seats available on all of these. The last train on which a full round trip can be done is the 14.20. “Thomas” himself doesn’t travel the whole length of the line, but gives short rides in and out of Minehead station during the day. If you travel to (or from) MInehead by WSR train your ticket also includes a ride behind “Thomas”, a trip round the town on a vintage bus and entertainment on the platform which includes three shows each day by Professor Popcorn. If you prefer to drive to Minehead and simply pay to come on the platform the costs are adults £4.50 and children aged 2 and over £3.00. The gates on Minehead Station will open at 10.30. and the prices quoted include the ride behind “Thomas”, the vintage bus trip and the entertainment. If you would like the steam train ride but don’t have small children we would suggest catching either the 12.40 or 13.40 from Bishops Lydeard and taking one of the last two trains back from Minehead. The scenery through the windows is the same and you will be travelling “after the rush hour”. Added 3rd July 2009
Free Entry for WSR Staff Members to this Years Steam Rally
		Volunteers with a valid WSR photo ID can come along to the Rally on Saturday 1st August 2009 or Sunday 2nd August 2009 and can obtain entry free of charge. Please note any guest/s accompanying them must pay the normal entrance fee. On Saturday evening the 1st August 2009 from 8.00pm Volunteers who hold a valid photo ID card can obtain free entry to the Rally site along with one guest and partake in refreshments (at very reasonable prices)
in the Rams`s Head Beer Tent. The Beer Tent is run by Mike Barrett and the Tavern Wenches, we hope to have a barn dance and you are welcome to join us. For more information on the West Somerset Railway Association Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally please click here Added 2nd July 2009
The Return of “Day out with Thomas”
		After a break of a year the famous little blue tank engine is back on the West Somerset Railway this year for the weekend of July 4th and 5th. If you haven’t been before this is how it works. “Thomas” gives rides in and out of Minehead Station whilst his bigger friends including “Gordon”, “Henry” and “Daisy the Diesel Railcar” run the trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead.
When “Thomas” needs to take some water his place may be taken by “Ben” or “Bill” who will be otherwise occupied with “troublesome trucks” while Sir Topham Hatt tries to keep all in order. Professor Popcorn will perform his magical music show three times on each day, there will be games and competitions and outside the station two vintage buses, rather like “Bertie” or “Bulgy” will offer rides around the town. Mrs. Kyndley is very proud of her new café by the turntable and the Buffer Stop Shop has plenty of tempting things on sale. If you are coming down to Minehead on a train in the morning in the morning you will need to book it in advance. Your train fare includes the journey to and from Minehead, a trip behind “Thomas”, the vintage buses and the other entertainment. For fares and bookings click here….. Alternatively if you would like to drive directly to Minehead, where the station will open at 10.30 a.m. and pay on the gate (£4.50 for adults and seniors, £ for children aged 2 and older.) That will give you the bus and “Thomas” rides plus the entertainment. If you want to know more or book on a train from Bishops Lydeard please call 01643 704996. Added 17th June 2009
Special Dining Train Seats Available
		A Special Dining train is being run on the 27th June and there are several tables remaining with individual seats being sold at the price of £40.00 per person. The cost of your ticket includes a three course meal, afternoon tea on the retun and rail travel. The train leaves Bishops Lydeard at 12:05 and returns from Minehead 16:45.
There are three tables of four and three tables of two available and tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis.To book on this special train please call Justin on 01643 700398. Added 15th June 2009
An MBE for Iris Horn of Stogumber Station
		Iris Horn, Station Master of Stogumber Station on the West Somerset Railway, has been awarded the MBE. The award, as described in the Queen's Birthday Honours, published today, is for "voluntary service to the Rail Industry in Somerset". Iris moved to Stogumber over fifty years ago, with her railwayman husband Harry. When the Minehead Branch was taken over as a heritage railway, the Horns continued to look after the tiny station, and when Harry passed on a few years ago
Iris carried on the work. A very worthy award to a truly lovely and hard working lady. Congratulations, Iris. Added 15th June 2009
Old Steamer arrives on the West Somerset Railway
		The West Somerset Railway, in partnership with Cotleigh Brewery, is please to announce the arrival of our very own beer. Old Steamer is a bright golden beer, smooth and malty with a background honey flavour offering a refreshing citrus smooth finish.
Available on the West Somerset Railway trains, Old Steamer will be pleasing our customers throughout the 2009 season and beyond. Added 18th May 2009