West Somerset Railway Latest News

West Somerset Railway Latest News
Free Castle Visits And Beer Festival During The First Weekend Of The Gala March 20th And 21st
		Apart from the delights of the Gala itself visitors to the Railway on the first weekend of the Spring Gala may be also be interested in the following. On both days Dunster Castle is offering free admission to the historic building and its grounds. There is a twenty minute walk between the station and the village but for those with an interest in the history and culture of Britain the exercise will be well-rewarded.
And on Friday, Saturday and Sunday there is a Real Ale Festival at the Ship Inn at Porlock Weir with a wide selection of local and national beers on sale. There is BBQ all weekend, and on the night of Friday 19th you can get cod and chips plus a pint for a fiver. Saturday night features live music from Rough Justice. More info from 01643 863288 or see www.thebottomship.co.uk. Added 5 March 2010
More Gala Information
		Wednesday March 24th will see a red timetable in action with four steam trains a day in each direction. It is intended that the two engines at work on that day will be 78019 and 80104 and normal fares will apply rather than Gala rates. So if you are coming down on that day for all or part of the second weekend you can enjoy something of a preview day or use the WSR to get to your accommodation if you are travelling by public transport. For fans of freight trains operation the Heritage Goods will work over the whole of the line on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th and there will be the return of the “Dunster Shunt” with action in the goods yard on Saturdays 20th and 27th and Sundays 21st and 28th.
Also on the Saturdays and Sundays there will be shuttles along the line towards Norton Fitzwarren and the famous triangle site, leaving Bishops Lydeard at 11.45, 12.45, 13.45 and 14.45. These will be top and tailed. And if you want to know more about any of these workings and the locomotive diagrams involved the information will be in the Souvenir Booklet which is now at the printers. Cost is £3, either in advance by sending a cheque to West Somerset Railway, The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG or from the stations along the line on the day. Added 3 March 2010
Wildlife Artist And Railway Enthusiast David Shepherd – “The Man Who Loves Giants” – To Visit West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala
		Artist David Shepherd, famous worldwide for his love of wildlife and steam engines, will be visiting the West Somerset Railway on the first Saturday of its Spring Steam Gala, March 20th for a day that will combine two of his passions. For the past four decades David has owned a British Railways “Standard 9F” class steam locomotive which he named “Black Prince” when he purchased it from British Railways. The engine is currently based on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway but it is one of a number of engines hired in especially for the Steam Gala which takes place on March 20th and 21st and between March 25th and 28th.
However whilst “Black Prince” is taking its turn at working trains between Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, and Minehead David will be spending the day at Bishops Lydeard station where he will be pleased to meet the press and the general public and talk about the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and the vital conservation work which it performs. Mr Shepherd is well known for his support for conservation work with critically endangered mammals including elephants and rhinos but the Foundation is also currently very active in the battle to save the world’s remaining wild tigers whose population has continued to decline rapidly in the face of development and poaching. West Somerset Railway General Manager, Paul Conibeare, will be greeting David at the Railway and commented:- “David Shepherd is one of the finest artists of the 20th and early 21st centuries and his paintings and prints are some of the most popular images both in galleries and on household walls. However what makes him a very special man is the continuing support that he has given to the things he loves and particularly to the battle to keep many wonderful animals alive in their natural habitats. As railway lovers the volunteers and staff of the West Somerset Railway plus our many Gala passengers will relish “Black Prince” at work but as David so rightly points out a steam engine can be replaced - a vanished species, no matter how great or small cannot. We therefore very much hope that visitors will take the time during their day to meet David, learn of the work of his Foundation and offer support.” Added 2nd March 2010
Cold War Torpedo Boat on view
See a film about the restoration of this vessel at www.zagreusfilms.com		Currently berthed in Watchet, near Minehead in Somerset, the 1950’s Motor Torpedo Boat HMS Gay Archer will be open for tours throughout February. Admission is free however as this project is self-funded any donations would certainly be welcomed. As well as getting an insight into the covert ‘cloak & dagger’ operations of Coastal Forces this is also a great opportunity to discover how the vessel was discovered and at restored. To secure a tour please contact the owner and restorer, Paul Childs telephone 01278 429233 or 07980 029938
Added 17 February 2010
Braunton in Operation at Spring Steam Gala
34046 Braunton at Minehead Station		The latest locomotive to be confirmed for the 2010 Spring Steam Gala is resident Bulleid Pacific 34046 Braunton. After ultrasonic testing of the Axles on the tender, which have been passed fit for duty, the locomotive will be in use of all six days of the March Gala. For more information please see our Spring Gala Page. Tickets for the Spring Steam Gala are already on sale and you can call 01643 704996 and as of the 15th January tickets will be available online via ticketsweb and this can be accessed by clicking the link below
Added 9th February 2010