2010 Archived News

Vintage Bus & Coach Links From West Somerset Railway To Local Shows in July & August

The West Somerset Railway will be running connecting road services to some local events during July and August using coaches and vintage buses from the fleet of Quantock Motors who are appropriately based beside the Railway’s southern terminus at Bishops Lydeard.

The coach will run to Castle Green in the centre of Taunton from where it is a ten minute walk to the Show in Vivary Park.

The return coach will leave Castleway at 3.30 p.m. to connect with the 4.15 p.m. steam train from Bishops Lydeard. There is an upper limit of 50 seats on each day and advance booking from 01643 704996 is strongly advised. The cost is £17.50 for adults, £16.00 for seniors and £10.00 for children aged 5 to 15 which does not include admission to the Flower Show.
Advance booking will not be necessary on Wednesday July 28th and Friday August 20th when the WSR will be running its traditional free vintage bus links from Dunster Station for Dunster Country Fair and Dunster Show respectively. These run to Dunster Steep from which it is possible to take a short walk into the village or to the Show Ground. The vintage buses will meet trains throughout the day.
WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare commented:- “All three of these events are very popular daytime shows and bring increased road traffic to the area.  We hope that some of the visitors will use the train and the road links both to ease some congestion and to enjoy a relaxed day out with us.”

Added 7th July 2010

Although boiler problems precluded its planned appearance at the West Somerset Railway in July the WSR has now received better news of the new express steam locomotive number 60163 “Tornado”.
The engine’s owners the A1 Locomotive Trust have advised the WSR that repair work has progressed well and not only should “Tornado” be available for its pre-planned five day visit between September 13th and 17th but it will also be appearing at two special event weekends earlier in the month.

At an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. today, Crowcombe Booking Office was officially opened by Retired joint Station Masters Walter Harris & Mike Hodge, in front of some 30 railway staff and visitors. Walter Harris bought the first ticket from booking Clerk David Bartin, once Walter & Mike had cut the traditional ribbon.
Young Emily, grand-daughter of Station Master Ted & Jan Cubitt, also presented a posy of flowers to Jean Hodge.
The first members of the general public to purchase tickets were Mr & Mrs Green from

Hereford, [2 return tickets to Minehead and 2 bicycle tickets.] This has been the culmination of some 6 months work. Work began in January during the snow, when paint was stripped, walls repaired and a general clearance of the room. Professional help was given by Ian Palmer with carpentry, and the railway's RAMS group give a great job in making a new ticket window surround and shutter. The rest of the work was undertaken by "The Friends".
Grateful thanks are also due to Graham Robinson for all his help and advice and the time he has taken in training the station staff.

Added 28 June 2010

Inclusive Train Trip Tickets For Saturday August 7 And Sunday 8

Inclusive tickets for the train ride to and admission to the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally will be available on both days of the event, Saturday and Sunday August 7th and 8th. They can be purchased from the booking offices at MINEHEAD, DUNSTER, BLUE ANCHOR AND WATCHET and the costs are as follows:-

Adults £20.00                         Senior Citizens  £19.50

Child (5 to 15) £10.50            Family ( 2 adults and up to 4 children)   £50.00

In addition tickets are available for travel from BISHOPS LYDEARD and admission to the Steam Fayre. These will cost

Adults £9.00                           Senior Citizens £8.00

Child (5 to 15) £5.00              Family (2 adults and up to 4 children)  £24.00

The Shuttle times are:

If you plan to board at WASHFORD, WILLITON, STOGUMBER OR CROWCOMBE HEATHFIELD you should obtain a ticket to Bishops Lydeard and then book a Bishops Lydeard to Norton and Rally admission ticket at the booking office.

And remember that there is a VINTAGE BUS SERVICE RUNNING FROM TAUNTON RAILWAY STATION every 20 minutes or so. Admission tickets for the show can be purchased on the bus and cost £8 for adults, £7 for seniors, £4 for children and £20 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children (aged 5 to 15).

In addition there are still tickets available for the train trip and coach link to Taunton for TAUNTON FLOWER SHOW on SATURDAY AUGUST 7th.  These can be purchased in advance by ringing 01643 704996.

Added 30 July 2010

Book Launch and Model Collectors Fair make for a busy weekend at Minehead Station

Saturday July 31st and Sunday August 1st see two special events taking place at Minehead Railway Station on the West Somerset Railway.
Saturday 31st will mark the launch of a new book from “The Nostalgia Collection.” Entitled “The Beeching Legacy” it surveys those railway lines in Cornwall, Devon and the western parts of Somerset and Dorset that were marked down for closure in the 1963 Report “The Reshaping of British Railways”.  Some of the lines such as the Exmouth branch did not in fact close whilst others such as the Seaton Junction to Seaton and of course the Minehead line have found new life as “heritage railways”, bringing important business to their communities in a different role as tourism attractions. However the vast majority did close and the book illustrates the lines as they were at the time the Beeching axe was wielded and how they are today, be it in use still as railways or turned to other uses such as footpaths.The book’s author is Philip Horton and has 160 pages with nearly 250 black and white illustrations. It costs £19.99 and Mr Horton will be at the Buffer Stop shop at Minehead Station to sign copies and talk about the publication. 

Sunday August 1st sees the annual Train and Collectors Fair taking place on the station platform. Organised by Chris Dyer there will be some 50 tables selling a wide range of trains, toys and collectables between 10.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Admission is £1.35 for adults and £1.00 for seniors and children but holders of West Somerset Railway tickets are admitted for free.
West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare remarked “It will be very much a weekend for nostalgia with our steam and vintage diesel trains operating plus a book of West Country memories going on sale and then a chance to purchase the products of those iconic childhood names like Hornby, Britains, Matchbox and Corgi. And the following weekend we will see the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally taking place at Norton Fitzwarren for another “back in time” day out”.

Added 29 July 2010

The year 1963 will always be remembered as the one when the Sixties really started to swing.
The Beatles and Rolling Stones were topping the charts while the mini-skirt and the Mini car had become the latest fashion accessories. For those with an interest in railways however, 1963 was memorable for the publication by Her Majesty’s Stationery Office of Part 1 of the report ‘The Reshaping of British Railways’ by Dr Richard Beeching, then chairman of the British Railways Board. The term ‘reshaping’ was somewhat of a euphemism as the Report envisaged a radical reduction in the national rail network. Hundreds of stations were to be closed to both freight and passenger traffic, along with thousands of miles of track, while several thousand staff would be made redundant. This book is intended as a record of how the proposals affecting passenger services in the West Country were ruthlessly implemented over a ten year period. Since then, despite the introduction of modern high-speed rolling stock and much track rationalisation, the extent of our rail network has remained basically the same. Train services in the West Country today are therefore still very much Dr Beeching’s Legacy.

When we met in the Community College Hall at Minehead a year ago, I found myself justifying the substantial losses made by your Company in 2008. In the year now under review, the story is very different. In a moment, our financial director will illuminate some of the information contained in our Financial Statements. It makes for more comfortable and encouraging reading.

These better results have not been achieved without cost. The people who rely on the Company as their employer accepted a miserly pay award, and have done so again in 2010.

Historically, the rates we pay are not generous. We are also employing slightly fewer people.

However, it is not just our paid people who made sacrifices. We are all affected by the increased costs of fuel, and many of our volunteers  find the costs of travel to the Railway are increasing faster than their income. I want therefore to begin today by paying tribute and saying thank you on your behalf to everyone who has carried out some task or work for us.

The efforts of our work force are at the core of everything that happens on your Railway. Sometimes they get a little help. Last year this arrived in the form of Tornado. This fabulous new locomotive could not be more aptly named from a WSR point of view.She swept in traffic receipts like a Tornado, and added substantially to our cash, our reputation as a Railway able to handle a super star, and most importantly, our morale and sense of well being.

We also received a more hopeful report from our Civil Engineers regarding the Mineral Line Bridge at Watchet. Extensive repairs are essential, but not immediately required. Thus we have been able to deal with, and catch up with a lot of work elsewhere on our infrastructure.

The Mineral Line bridge repairs will take place in the first weeks of 2011.

You will note that I described the repair as extensive. Change the T in extensive for a P, and we read expensive, and I can but thank you for your generous response to our Bridge appeal. We also need to note our gratitude to the West Somerset Railway Association for they have pledged £50,000 to help with the anticipated £140,000 costs.

The year ended with our receiving the Heritage Railway Association’s premier award. The award is made by a committee of eminent railway managers and the editors of the national railway industry magazines, not an easy audience to please, making receipt of the award for the second time in five years very gratifying indeed.

As we enjoy the best early summer for years, it is hard to remember just how severely the winter now passed affected our ability to attract passengers. The early months of 2010 were a cause for worry. Your Board, ever optimistic, had set ambitious targets but seriously unpleasant weather reduced numbers to our Spring Gala, and by the end of May we were trailing £48000 below budget. However the trend from the end of May has been positive and we are creeping ahead in June.
We have everything to play for as potential customers come to terms with life “post emergency budget” and we enter our busiest 3months period.

Tornado arrives on 12th July

Despite difficult trading conditions, we have been able to continue the development of the locomotive compound at Bishops Lydeard. The long awaited second siding and inspection pit has been installed, and new waste water disposal arrangements have made the site environmentally friendly.

Work continues on no.7828 Odney Manor. I am sorry that it is not complete for you today, but it awaits your inspection at Minehead this afternoon. I am not sure if you will have time to get to the carriage shed to see our new Buffet - its completion is more imminent.

At Norton Fitzwarren, the Association’s project to install a triangle is proceeding apace, and it is my hope that we will one day soon be able to turn you from “facing to back” without your having to leave your carriage seat.

Beyond Norton Fitzwarrren the national network beckons, operation of excursions from elsewhere is routine, high output ballast trains arrive and depart without notice, and a passenger train that sees daytime service to Bristol and beyond stables regularly at Bishops Lydeard over night. Incrementally, we are moving ever nearer to providing a Bishops Lydeard - Bristol service, but we are not there yet and much remains to be done to get the regulatory framework right, and more importantly get the money right.

We are suffering growing pains at Bishops Lydeard. I have recently opened a dialogue with the local authorities with the aim of providing ourselves with additional car parking and other facilities there. The last thing we want is for our heritage railway customers to turn up and find all available car parking filled by commuters on the early train to Bristol.

I suspect that most people hardly give a thought as to what is really involved in running a heritage railway.

A few enthusiasts turn up wearing unsuitable hats and anoraks and by some miracle a train runs.

Well it is mostly a miracle, but a different kind of miracle borne of skilled, hard headed professional often unpaid management, supporting endless, unrelenting hard and often dirty work.

For many years we have wanted to sell tickets from Stogumber and Crowcombe Heathfield Stations. First steps involved the Repair and Maintenance Team (RAMS) preparing the station buildings, the administrators wrote and delivered local instructions and training in revenue management, and yesterday at about 1020hrs the first tickets were sold from the booking office at Crowcombe for over 40years.

Many of you will have seen work progressing on the waiting room at Stogumber, another RAMS project.

For all aspects of Railway work, willing enthusiasts have to be trained not only in the rules that ensure safe working for all,  but also in all that is required to provide a warm welcome and comfortable ride for our passengers.

And of course passengers are all important. It is their cash that turns itself in to paint and sleepers and the restoration of locomotives, carriages, in fact everything that makes the Railway.

We have to accept that not all of our potential visitors share our total enthusiasm for our trains. They may want more from their day out, and your commercial team are reporting good response from new day out packages involving a train ride plus visit to Hestercombe Gardens , or classic coach trip over Exmoor.

Retail purchasing opportunities and catering all add to the “complete day out” concept and of course provide essential additional income.

This combination of shareholder capital, the voluntary work carried out by about a thousand volunteers, and the income generated from trading contribute to make our Railway successful. Each is important and interdependent. Whilst we continue to work together, each contributing according to circumstance and ability, our Railway will be secure for the future. Thank you all for your contribution in what ever form it takes.

Mark Smith
Chairman
26th June 2010

The “Denver Spur” music evening has sadly been cancelled for this upcoming Saturday the 17th July. All those that have pre-booked seats have been informed.

Added 14th July 2010

New Express Steam Locomotive Visit To West Somerset Railway In July Cancelled

The owners of A1 Pacific locomotive 60163 Tornado have just made the West Somerset Railway aware that the locomotive will not be able to perform its publicised duties on the Railway during the week 12th to 16th July due to a fault on the engine which requires immediate attention.

Added 28 June 2010

Courtesy of its owner, rebuilt Bulleid "West Country" Pacific 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton will be in action ahead of its summer working programme and planned main line testing in the autumn. WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare commented "We are disappointed of course that Tornado has been unable to appear at the start of summer but hope to see it on the line for its planned September visit. However Braunton represents another strand in the story of the final development of express steam and we hope that many visitors will enjoy a journey behind it and a day out on the West Somerset Railway. We would like to place on record our appreciation to the owner of 34046 for making it available to us."

Added 1st July 2010

Preparations for the Thomas weekend (3rd and 4th July) are almost complete.  This year, for the first time, some on-train activity for young visitors will provided, supported by members of the West Somerset Railway Trackers Group. All Thomas ticket holder groups will receive a full colour eight page Guide to Events, and young passengers will have drawings and quizzes to complete on the train before they receive their Thomas Certificates.

The first three down trains from Bishops Lydeard are now fully booked, but some seats are still available on other trains.

  Visitors are also very welcome to visit the Minehead station events for a charge of £5.00 adults, £3.00 children aged 2 and over; free for children under 2.  The Fat Controller will be at Minehead all day, where most of the activities will be taking place.

Once again Percy will be shunting the Troublesome Trucks at Washford.  (According to Percy’s driver, the trucks have escaped from Minehead and he has gone down the line to sort them out…).  Visitors wishing to watch Percy in action are invited to stop off at Washford on their return trip, where they will be able to meet Percy’s driver and fireman.

The two guest engines – Thomas from the mid-Hants, and Bellerophon from the Foxfield Railway – arrive at Minehead at the end of the week.  Roly the Road Roller will arrive at the same time!  Thomas will be working within Minehead station limits throughout the event.  However Bellerophon will be hauling a short train to Blue Anchor on both Saturday and Sunday evening. Travel on the train is limited to those staff and volunteers who are participating over the two days as a “thank you” for their efforts.

This promises to be an entertaining, if hectic, weekend – and more qualified volunteers are always welcome to attend. If you are able to help please get in touch with your usual roster clerk.  We really would welcome further help, particularly in the hot weather to enable staff to “have a breather”!

Added 28 June 2010

“Day Out With “Thomas”: The Diesel Train And The 12.40

With the main three train trains from Bishops Lydeard on both days full here is a little more information about the last train of the morning and the 12.40.

The engine heading the diesel train should be D7101 who is referred to in one of the stories as “Bear” because of the growling noise he makes.  “Bear” will also be at work on the 3.10 from Bishops Lydeard and the 1.30 and 4.50 from Minehead.

The first “guest” engine to be confirmed for the West Somerset Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala is the unique Stephenson valve gear fitted LMS “Black 5” 44767 “George Stephenson”. The four day Gala which will be held over the four days September 30th to October 3rd will be the first time the locomotive has graced WSR metals.

LMS number 4767 was completed on December 31st 1947, thus making it one of the very last locomotives to be built before the 1948 Nationalisation that created British Railways and incorporated a number of new design features as ways were sought to improve the already excellent “Black 5”’s.

The most obvious one was the fitting of outside Stephenson link motion rather than the Walschaerts gear fitted to the vast majority of the class but other variations were Timken roller bearings, electric lighting and a double chimney, the last feature being removed in 1953.

44767, as it had become under B.R., was withdrawn in December 1967 and was stored at Carnforth until 1974 when it went to Thornaby and was restored by the North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group in time for the 150th Anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway the following year. It was at this commemoration that the engine was named after the great engineer who built the S&DR and was a north-easterner by birth. Subsequently it was based on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and also worked on main line excursion trains.

Although it may seem a little odd to have a Crewe product at a West Somerset event during the GWR175 Celebrations there are plenty of links in the story. The first reliable steam engine that the Great Western Railway possessed “North Star” was built by the Stephenson Locomotive Works and the “Black 5’s” were a development by William Stanier of the ideas about mixed-traffic locomotive design which he had learned at Swindon before taking over the reins of locomotive design for the LMS.

Added 10 May 2010

Clock Watchers Wanted

As part of an exercise to review timekeeping ahead of the preparation of the 2011 timetable we are investigating how the current timetable works in practice and to do this we need some help please.  If you are travelling as a passenger on a WSR train please compile a report of your journey using the form attached.

We suggest that you print out a copy of the form for use on the train.  When completed either send it to Nigel Adams "Rainbow's End", 439a Topsham Road, Countess Wear, Exeter EX2 7AF or, preferably, save another copy of the form as a Word file, enter the data that you have collected and e-mail it to npa@blueyonder.co.uk. You can also hand it in to Justin in Minehead office who will forward the information on to me.

You don’t have to use a stop-watch – a good wrist watch with a second hand will do and times to the nearest ½ minute will suffice but they do need to be accurate to be of any use.

The more reports that we have and the more people who participate the more useful the data will be.  Send completed forms as soon as possible and by 30th June at the latest.
 
Thank you for your assistance.

Download the reporting form

Added 17 May 2010

The souvenir booklet for the Mixed Traction Weekend between 11th and 13th June will include in its contents the full set of planned locomotive diagrams but just to whet the appetite here are one or two of the highlights for the fans of Maybach Music.

Friday 11th June:-

The day starts with a bang at the Minehead end with an up working for a “Warship” and “Western” double header with D821 and D1010 heading the 0900 departure which will pass the 0800 DMU from Bishops Lydeard at Blue Anchor and the 09.00 behind D7017 at Williton.

And for those who remember when the D800’s hunted in pairs on the “Cornish Riviera” the 13.00 from Bishops Lydeard will be a “must” as both the Class 42’s will be double-heading.

Saturday 12th June:-

From Minehead “Greyhound” and “Western Campaigner” once again have charge of the 0900 and will meet the “Teddy Bear” pairing on the 08.00 from Lydeard at Blue Anchor, possibly promoting the first gricer gallop of the day. The midday from Bishops Lydeard is a super-power pairing of both “Westerns” and D1010 goes back in company with D832 on the 1500 from Minehead. And for the grand finale the 1800 from Bishops Lydeard is another “Warship” pairing which will meet D1062 at Williton for that final bit of barrow crossing exercise.

Sunday 13th June:-

The Class 52 pairing starts its day from Bishops Lydeard at 10.00 and D821/D832 will set off together from that end of the line at 13.00. It’s D1010 and D1062 together on the 14.00 from Minehead or if you prefer to wait until 15.00 you can head south away from the coast behind D821 and D7017.

And of course there is plenty of single headed action to enjoy as well. The Souvenir Booklet with all the details can be obtained by sending a cheque for £3.00 payable to West Somerset Railway to The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG or can be ordered over the ‘phone for £5 by ringing 01643 704996. Discounts on Rover tickets for one, two or three days are available up until close of play on Monday June 7th.

Added 28 May 2010

Lineside photography at the Mixed Traction Weekend

Lineside Photographic Permits will be available for the Mixed Traction Gala event. However they must be applied for by Monday June 7th at the latest and they cannot be issued “on the day”.

As a reminder to all our visitors please note that the permits are for WSR property only and not for that of our neighbours who may seek to prosecute in case of trespass.

We would also ask all photographers to please drive carefully whilst they are in the area. The WSR runs through rural surroundings and the roads to the line are often narrow and twisting with unforgiving hedge banks and trees along them.

We all enjoy our hobby but no “shot” is worth a tragedy. Please help us to maintain a good relationship with our neighbours and enjoy the Railway in its beautiful surroundings.

To apply for a lineside pass please see our Mixed Traction Event pages.

Added 22 April 2010

The West Somerset Free Press is once again producing an insert about the WSR this year. It will be distributed both as part of the main paper and also via the Railway itself.

Good images of the Railway, preferably including staff and passengers as well as engines will be very welcome and should be sent to freepress@internet-today.co.uk marked for the attention of Jerry.

Added 13 May 2010

West Somerset Railway is a Visitor Attraction of Quality

Following a visit from “VISIT ENGLAND” on Thursday last (yesterday), the West Somerset Railway is now a Visitor Attraction of Quality (VAQAS).  The assessor commented on an excellent day and the railway is to a very high standard,  so well done to everyone particularly those on duty on the day.

We await  the formal notification  once the assessor has written his report.

Pictures show Paul Conibeare and Martyn Snell displaying the plaque that the Railway will be entitled to display once the assessment is received.

Added 16 April 2010

Mystery of the Numbers

During the Spring Steam gala, the brass numbers pictured opposite arrived in a sack outside the General Manager’s office at Minehead.  Neither he nor anyone else at Minehead knows from where they came.

The numbers, put on 92203 during the early 1970's and were last seen on the locomotive during 1998 and have not been seen since.

If anyone can help solve this Gala Mystery please contact us by calling 01643 704996 or email us.

Whilst on the subject of 92203 Black Prince, the owner of the locomotive, famous artist David Shepherd, has asked if anyone has any footage of Black Prince hauling trains over the West Somerset Railway, especially smokebox first coming out of Bishops Lydeard. If anyone would like to send Mr. Shepherd their footage of the locomotive please send it to the West Somerset Railway's Minehead Office and we will forward on to him.

Added 2 April 2010

Quantock Motors Running Days, May 1st-2nd 2010

Further details of the Depot Open Weekend, celebrating the move to a new operating centre at Bishops Lydeard, are now available. The event is on Saturday and Sunday, May 1st and 2nd 2010 and is based at the new depot, right next to the West Somerset Railway station.
A free heritage bus link will operate on both days, connecting the depot with Taunton Railway Station, Taunton bus station, the old depot at Norton Fitzwarren (where some vehicles will be on view) and the outstation at Langley Marsh. A service of 15 minute frequency will run from 09:30 with the last bus for Taunton departing the new depot at 17:00. Additional bus tours of the local area may also be available.

A small fee may be charged for access to the new depot. As always, the aim is to make as many heritage vehicles available as possible during the weekend. However, due to the modern fleet requiring crews as normal, Quantock Motors are appealing to the enthusiast community to volunteer as drivers (suitably qualified) and conductors to support the regular crews. Please contact Quantock Motors as soon as possible if you can help.

For more information and details on the Event please see Quantock's website by clicking here

Added 22 April 2010

No 71000 Duke of Gloucester has been turned on the ex-Great Western Railway turntable at Minehead.

Although the unique BR built 4-6-2 no 71000 is too large to use the turntable at Minehead, the Railway managed to turn the locomotive on 1st April by removing the tender and then turning the two vehicles separately before rejoining.

The operation was supervised by Andy Forster, the railway's Chief Mechanical Engineer and was a repeat of the turning of LNER 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado in the summer of 2009.

Tornado is returning to the West Somerset Railway this July and more details can be found by clicking here.

While many large steam engines can, and have, been turned at Minehead there are a few which are just too big for the refurbished turntable recovered from Pwhelli including both Tornado and Duke of Gloucester.

However once construction of the triangle at Norton Fitzwarren is complete this will allow any locomotive or even whole trains to be turned.

Number 71000 now faces London after using the Minehead turntable.

The Pictures were taken by Martyn Snell and show Duke of Gloucester being moved onto the turntable and being disconnected from its tender before being turned separately.

Added 2 April 2010

Braunton waits for a passing train at Crowcombe

What a time was had as the 2010 season moved into top gear with the 175 Anniversary – The Standard Era. Stogumber prepared itself with much cleaning, bustling about and cooking as all the volunteers got ready for one of the years biggest events. What would the visitors make of the new timetable where up trains passed at 3 minutes past the hour and down trains stopped at 29 minutes to the hour? Well judging by the number of visitors to the station it was a rousing success. From the first Saturday to the last Sunday Granddads brought their grandchildren, passer-by’s intending to just look in stayed for hours and photographers braved some cold and wet weather to get that all inspiring shot of really big standard locomotives heading through the station. The new timetable was a brilliant success and as for the limited stop, semi fast expresses (the ones that didn’t stop), in the up direction the comments were 99.9% favourable. Where else can you see a big locomotive, working hard – up hill thunder through a station? For those with the sound recorders the bark of a 9F getting away on the climb to Crowcombe Heathfield was pure 1950s nostalgia.
All the work, Tom, Malcolm and Angie on the platform – Gill, Rita, Lydia, Claire and Jenny in the refreshment room and Lydia’s hours of cooking the night before each day meant all our customers could get hot food, drinks and Lydia’s, now famous, home made sponges (1 photographer ordered and received a whole chocolate cake). Hours and hours of work go into staging a gala even at a small station like Stogumber. But it is all worthwhile when our visitors go away having had a great time. Ken spent many hours at the station doing lots of odd jobs but did manage to grab a few photos that are included on these pages. So to all our visitors I express my sincere thanks, Stogumber was pleased to see you and your smiling faces, kind comments and joy of the occasion, made all the hours spent preparing worth it. Come and see us again as you will always find a warm and friendly welcome on the WSR and especially at Stogumber.

Added 29 March 2010

The Taunton Marathon and Half-Marathon takes place on the morning of Sunday April 11th and the course involves Silk Mills Road and the section of road between the end of this and the Cross Keys Roundabout on the edge of Norton Fitzwarren.

The event is well-established and policed and any diversions clearly signposted but it will be sensible to allow an extra 15 minutes for travelling to the Railway.

Added 9 April 2010

Vintage Bus Links To Dunster For Bank Holiday Weekend

Once again there will be a vintage bus link between Dunster Station and the village on Easter Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Departures from the station will be at 10.45, 11.45, 12.20, 13.50, 14.30, 15.30 and 16.30 and from the Square in Dunster Village at 11.20, 12.00, 13.25, 14.15, 14.50, 15.55 and 16.45.

The buses are from the Quantock Motors’ Heritage Fleet and travel on the buses is free. The service will operate also on May 2nd and 3rd, May 30th and 31st and August 29th and 30th. They will also operate between the station and Dunster Steep on July 28th for Dunster Country Fair and on August 20th for the Dunster Show.

Car Parking At Bishops Lydeard

Due to the recent wet weather the overflow Car Park at Bishops Lydeard will be closed on Thursday and Friday due to standing water in the field. However, parking will be available at Silk Mills Park and ride with a free connecting bus service from Taunton Station, the park and ride to Bishops Lydeard Station.

It is currently anticipated that the overflow car park at Bishops Lydeard will be open for the weekend if it stays dry!

Added 25 March 2010

“Kilmersdon” Available For Second Weekend Of Spring Gala

There is Good news from Washford ahead of the second weekend of the Spring Gala.

“Kilmersdon” has now been given the all-clear by the boiler inspector and so it will be shunting in the yard at Washford during the second part of the Spring Steam Gala.

Added 25 March 2010

If you are staying in the area on Sunday night, March 21st, just a reminder that there will be a DMU to take you back to Bishops Lydeard on Monday morning, the 22nd.

It will leave Minehead at 09.30, Dunster at 09.356, Blue Anchor at 09.42, Washford at 09.50, Watchet at 09.58, Williton at 10.05, Stogumber at 10.17, Crowcombe Heathfield at 10.25 and it is due into Bishops Lydeard at 10.35 from where a connecting bus will go forward to Taunton station. Travel on this train is free to holders of Rover Tickets for either the 20th or 21st or ones with longer duration.

• 92203 Owned by Mr David Shepherd and on loan from the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway.
• 92212 On loan from the Mid-Hants Railway Ltd.
• 6024 On loan from the 6024 Preservation Society Ltd.
• 71000 On loan from 71000 Duke of Gloucester Steam Locomotive Trust Ltd.
• 34046 Owned by Locomotive 34046 Ltd.
• 80104 Owned by Southern Locomotives Ltd and on loan from the Swanage Railway.
• 78019 Owned by Loughborough Standard Locomotives Ltd and on loan from The Great Central Railway plc.
• 5553 Owned by The Waterman Railway Heritage Trust.
• 4160 Owned by 4160 Ltd.

There is still time to book your tickets for all days of the Gala. Why not call 01643 704996 and book your tickets using your credit or debit card.

Added 16 March 2010

 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.

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.

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

Braunton in Operation at Spring Steam Gala

34046 Braunton at Minehead Station

Added 9th February 2010

Splendour of the Somerset & Dorset Railway

A Brand new book will be launched at the Spring Steam Gala called Splendour of the Somerset & Dorset Railway written by Alan & Christine Hammond, and the book has a foreword by Jools Holland. Alan will be signing copies at the Minehead station bookshop at the WSR Spring Gala on the 20-21 & 25-28 March.

With over 230 superb photographs and some splendid personal memories from former S&D staff, together with an excellent essay about the 7Fs written by John Simms it is a must for the railway enthusiast. 

You can pre-order this book, costing £23.00 including posdtage and packing, by contacting our shop direct on 01643 700387 or it will appear in our online shop soon!

Added 9th February 2010

The West Somerset Railway begins it main 2010 operating season with a four trains each way a day service on February 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 20th and 21st.  Trains will leave Bishops Lydeard at 10.25 (diesel railcar), 12.30 (steam), 14.25 (diesel railcar) and 16.15 (steam). From Minehead the departures will be 10.15 (steam), 12.20 (diesel railcar), 14.15 (steam) and 16.00 (diesel railcar).

These arrangements will apply on each of the 7 days EXCEPT Valentines Day (14th for the non-romantics) when ALL trains will be headed by steam engines. So why not make the most of the lengthening daylight hours and join us for a half-term trip through the Somerset countryside?

Added 9th February 2010

92212 to Visit at Spring Steam Gala

A Chance To See The West Somerset Mineral Lines Displays In Watchet Museum During The Spring Gala

If you have an interest in the former West Somerset Mineral Railway and are coming to the Spring Steam Gala there is some good news.

The Museum is approximately five minutes walk from the station at the edge of the harbour and conveniently close to pubs and cafes. Worth a visit if you are interested in the Mineral Line and in the history of this ancient harbour town generally.

And don’t forget our own guided coach tour along the route of the WSMR on March 22nd. For more information o these services please click here

Added 13th January 2010

2009 Was the Record Year for Passenger Figures in WSR’s History

2009 concluded on a happy note for the volunteers and staff of the West Somerset Railway as the WSR was able to confirm that the previous 12 months had been the busiest in the 33 year history of the line.

 “We had already inched ahead of the previous record of 213,000 set in 2007 by the end of November” said WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare, “and our pre-Christmas festive trains such as the Santa ones were also very successful

despite our passengers and workforce being confronted with some less than wonderful weather from the start of the second half of the month. The poor conditions continued also for our operations between December 27th and December 31st but we were still able to welcome a good number of travellers and visitors and overall our final total reached 226,737. Not merely does that beat our 2008 total by almost 23,000 but to put it into a longer term perspective means we are carrying 70,000 passengers per annum more that was the case a decade ago.”
The Railway will next be running passenger trains in February during the half-term holidays but in the few weeks in between there will be much engineering activity along the line and in the workshops whilst the office staff will be sending out mailshots and other information as the WSR looks to further build on its success into the future.
Mr Conibeare explained. “Although we are delighted to have set a new record trading conditions for the year ahead look likely to remain difficult and we will have to work hard to maintain progress for the future. Our Commercial Department attends its first Travel Trade Show of the Year at Alexandra Palace in a couple of week’s time and we are also looking forward to another successful Spring Steam Gala over the two weekends at the end of March. We are very much a 12 months a year business and activity along the Railway never stops.”

Added 12th January 2010