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» Lots more news about the Railway can be found at » the official WSR website and also at » www.wsr.org.uk
Volunteers with a valid WSR photo ID who come along to the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally on Saturday 1 August 2009 or Sunday 2 August 2009 will obtain entry free of charge. Please note any guests accompanying them must pay the normal entrance fee. On the evening of Saturday evening 1 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, a barn dance is planned and all are welcome to join in.
» Full details of the Steam Fayre & Vintage Rally
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Posted: 2 July 2009
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A Day Out with Thomas event is planned for 4-5 July, and will be lots of fun for everyone.
The Fat Controller writes "Come along with your family and friends to the West Somerset Railway over the weekend of 4 and 5 July for a Day Out with Thomas and his many friends...
I will be there as well to make sure all engines behave themselves, and look forward to welcoming you.
Lots of friends of Thomas will pull all our trains from Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) to Minehead.
You should buy your tickets in advance to reserve your seats on the morning trains. At Minehead there will be lots to see and do.
Engines will be fussing around the station area, trying to keep "Troublesome Trucks" in order. Thomas, Bill or Ben will be giving short train rides and will be really pleased to say hello to you!
You will be able to put water in the engines. There will also be games and competitions and other attractions on the platform. "Mrs Kyndley" will be serving refreshments in her cafe alongside Platform 2, and the "Buffer Stop Shop" will also be open throughout the weekend."
More volunteers are needed to help on the platform at Minehead. If you are available for either day and would like to help, please contact the commercial office at Minehead, 01643 700383, or 01643 700398.
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Posted: 22 June 2009
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The 2009 Rally at the WSRA's Norton Fields on 1 and 2 August will be following the same format as the first Norton Rally - building on the foundations laid last year. This year, the Rally will have a large steam section featuring full size and miniature traction engines and, possibly, a steam boat for the first time. Vintage cars, motorcycles, fire engines, military and commercial vehicles will be on show, all sections being well supported. Stationary engines will line the approach to the main arena areas.
Vintage wagons will provide a back drop to the fields and it is hoped that modern traction will be on view for the first time. The Pump Trolley Experience will be available on one leg of the triangle.
Entries for the model tent have exceeded all expectations giving a chance for the model makers skills to be displayed.
There are numerous activities for children ranging from traditional roundabout to entertainers and a magician.
Entries for the popular craft tent are ensuring some thing for all tastes and these are supported by traders offering all one expects of an active Rally.
The vintage buses will be running from Taunton Station, but this year we will have our own station platform with a DMU service providing a shuttle from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fields. The 9.25am train from Minehead will be a through train to Norton.
Opening times 10.00am to 5.00pm on both days.
To run the event we rely on a small band of volunteers, and we would like as much help on the day. Any one who would be willing to join the team on the Rally days will be very welcome and they are requested to contact humphrey@sand.eclipse.co.uk who will ensure they play an important role.
» More information...
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Posted: 17 June 2009
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Ian Aldridge, Volunteer and Youth Co-ordinator for the WSR writes:
As the WSR Volunteer Co-ordinator it has been my pleasure to nominate railway volunteers for awards and to be present at award ceremonies when the volunteers have won.
This year has marked the 25th Anniversary of Volunteering and has been chosen as the Year of the Volunteer. The Somerset District Councils have been running a competition to find the Best adult, Youth and Group of Volunteers in their Districts. I entered nominations for the adults and youth section in the Taunton Deane District and the Group nomination in the West Somerset District.
I am pleased to say that we had two winners for the railway on Monday the 1st June Walter Harris and Mike Hodge collected the Group winners certificates on behalf of all station staff at Crowcombe Heathfield. This ceremony took place at the Volunteer Centre in Friday Street Minehead. On Friday the 5th June Youth Volunteer Jacob Fuller was presented with a certificate and Shield as the winner of Taunton Deane`s Youth Section. The presentations took place at the Old Municipal Offices in Taunton.
Congratulations to all members of staff at Crowcombe and to Jacob Fuller and my commiserations go to Harry Kirkland the nominated adult. The competitions had a really outstanding set of nominations to choose from, which made the task of the judges harder than they would have liked. However not only have volunteers been recognised nationally they are being recognised locally.
On both occasions it was humbling to see and hear disabled people being recognised for the voluntary service to the community. Keep up the good work and if I can help in any way please do not hesitate to contact me at the Association office. If you know of any one else who would like to volunteer for the railway I can be contacted on 01823 433856 or email me on wsra@btconnect.com
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Updated: 8 June 2009
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On Saturday, 6 June the Quantock Belle First Class Dining Train will be making a special evening trip to Minehead and back behind Tornado. This special train is in honour of the Railway Founders and the 30th Anniversary of the first through trains from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard.
There are a few tickets left for this event that are now on offer for £22.50 per person. This includes the roundtrip fare, and the following menu:
Homemade Watercress Soup or Fruit Juice |
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Ham and Beef Ploughman’s with seasonal salads |
(cheese available on request) |
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Lime & Ginger Cheesecake or |
Strawberries and Cream |
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Coffee and Tea with Mints |
Smart dress is essential. If you are interested, please contact Susan Kaufman, 01823 431311, » manager@wsra.org.uk as soon as possible.
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Posted: 1 June 2009
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There will be a short afternoon service at Bishops Lydeard Station on Sunday 7 June. During the service, to be held on Platform One, the Vicar of St Mary's Church at Bishops Lydeard, Michael Wishart, will bless the Railway, Bishops Lydeard Station and visiting steam locomotive Tornado. Please note Platform One will be reserved for the service for about an hour from 2.20pm.
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Posted: 31 May 2009
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Thirty years ago a dedicated group of people watched the first steam train run from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. Enthusiasm ran high on that day, and a small group of people, realising early-on the Railway’s potential, led the West Somerset Railway to become the premiere tourist attraction in the South West.
To honour the 30th anniversary of the founders, the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) is sponsoring a reception, and special dining service aboard the Quantock Belle on 6 June 09. Over 30 of the original volunteers, plus their guests, will gather in the Bishops Lydeard Museum on Platform 1 for a celebratory drink, and board the WSRA’s own special dining train, the Quantock Belle, for a journey to Minehead. And even better, a special visiting engine, Tornado, A1 Class Pacific Locomotive 60163 will take them on this nostalgic trip. A major news story in itself this year, Tornado, is the first new steam engine built for use in Britain since the 1950s, and has delighted crowds since its launch in 2008. So, on 6 June, the founders of the West Somerset Railway will be travelling behind the newest steam engine on the rails. Although nostalgic stories about the early days of the Railway will abound, this group is sure to be thinking ahead and planning an even brighter future!
The sadness over the last daylight train between Minehead and Taunton in 1971 sowed the seed for what was to become the current day West Somerset Railway. According to David Holmes, the current chairman of the WSRA, ‘Efforts to get the Railway off the ground commenced in earnest in 1974 with the first organisational meeting of the West Somerset Railway Association, chaired by John Pearce. All the activity that we are so proud of today is directly attributable to this group of founders, and on behalf of the WSRA members today, I want to offer them our sincere thanks.’
‘In the early days, we were so poor that we had to have a whip round to raise funds to purchase the coal!’ recalls John Pearce. ‘It took enormous dedication to be a volunteer in those days, as often tools and equipment were brought from home, and the Railway was managed from the members’ kitchen tables.’ Now, the West Somerset Railway has an extensive timetable, and many special events of delight to railway enthusiasts and the general public alike.
Although the West Somerset Railway is now a thriving business, it has not lost its volunteering spirit. Upwards of 900 volunteers offer their services doing all of the jobs on the Railway from driving the engines, maintaining the track and signals, to selling the tickets and working as stewards. Many of the original founders are still active volunteers today. The WSRA, a registered charity, has over 5000 members, whose subscriptions and generous donations have allowed the Railway to go from strength to strength.
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Posted: 30 May 2009
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Taunton Deane Borough Council has granted Planning Approval for the four coach platform at Norton Fitzwarren allowing the WSR Association to start work on the project.
Time is tight and the WSRA's contractors – John Luffman Trading - have accepted the challenge and hope to have the platform finished and ready for use for the Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally in August.
Final approval to use the platform will be required from the Office of Rail Regulation.
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Posted: 30 May 2009
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A new initiative will celebrate the pioneering attitude of the founding members of the West Somerset Railway Association.
Plans are being finalised for a special train - using the Quantock Belle stock - to be run for invited guests to celebrate "Founders Day" on the evening of 6 June.
It is hoped that invitations will be sent out in the next week to those members who were around in the early days and who laid the foundations for the successful Railway we see today.
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Posted: 16 May 2009
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The next WSR Association Volunteers Day will be held on Sunday 17 May. With a 10.45am registration for 11.00am start, the venue is the Gauge Museum on Platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard Station. Tea and coffee will be provided, but a packed lunch should be brought as the day will end at around 5.21pm.
Vacancies exist for Travelling Ticket Inspectors (TTIs); On Train Catering including the luxury dining train, the Quantock Belle; Cleaners to become Firemen; Signalmen (these should preferably live within a 25 mile radius of the railway and be able to give week day cover); Permanent Way Gang; Cutting Back Gang; Signal & Telegraph Technicians; Office Staff; Booking Office Staff; and Shop Staff. Also. staff for Engineering ∓ Restoration Projects at various locations, along with Repair and Maintenance Staff. Of course you may have other skills that we need such as IT; Accountancy; Raffle Ticket Selling; Publicity; On Train Courier, and Education.
We are sure that the WSR has a volunteer post to suit you, so why not contact us today to find out more and help us run one of the most successful tourist attraction in the South West and have fun doing it. For further information contact Ian Aldridge on 01823 433856 please leave a message if Ian is not available, or email » wsra@btconnect.com and Ian will get back to you as soon as possible.
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Posted: 20 April 2009
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A volunteer is needed to clean Brunel House, Bishops Lydeard once a fortnight. Areas to be included are the lobby, meeting room, loo, 2 offices and a canteen area. If you are interested, or would like more details, please contact Susan Kaufman, 01823 431311, » manager@wsra.org.uk. Your help will be most appreciated!
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Posted: 12 March 2009
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The WSR Assocation Members Day on 8 March has attracted huge interest with over 600 due to attend. And with 90% of Members wishing to travel from Bishops Lydeard, the WSRA organisers are asking Members and Guests to use the DMU to prevent overcrowding on the steam-hauled trains.
The first three coaches at the Minehead end of steam-hauled trains will be reserved for fare-paying passengers, with the rear five coaches available for Members.
Departures from Bishops Lydeard for Minehead are 10.25am, 11.08am (DMU to Williton and back), 12.30pm, 12.55pm DMU to Minehead, 2.25pm, 4.15pm and 4.57pm DMU. The Norton Shuttles leave Bishops Lydeard at 9.47am, 10.35am, 12.15pm & 4.23pm.
The WSRA sincerely apologise to all Members who wished to attend but had their applications turned down, which was necessary to avoid exceeding train capacity.
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Posted: 6 March 2009
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The WSRA will be offering a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate Course on Thursday, 2 April. This is a one-day course, and will be free of charge to all railway staff and volunteers.
If you are interested, please contact Susan Kaufman by 16 March: 01823 431311, » manager@wsra.org.uk, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3BX
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Posted: 3 March 2009
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The Members Day has proved so popular with every place now taken. Over 600 Members will enjoy the day at the Railway on 8 March. An extra DMU turn has been arranged - the third train set on the day. Please note that no more bookings are being accepted.
More trains for the WSR Association Members Day on 8 March. Due to the enormous uptake of WSRA Members wishing to attend Members Day on 8 March - in excess of 600 - the Association along with the WSR are revising the timetable on the day by incorporating a 4 car DMU to make up three trains for the day and give greater flexibility. For those waiting for tickets, in fact no tickets will be issued - the pink application form which Members sent in to the WSRA office will be returned to them. The pink form and membership card will be the pass to travel for Members. Full instructions for the day and the departments that can be visited will be sent out with their return letter along with an amended timetable. For further information, please write to Ian Aldridge, WSRA Volunteer Coordinator, at WSRA, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Somerset TA4 3BX or » by email...
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Posted: 17 February 2009
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At the West Somerset Railway Association Committee Meeting on 13 February, David Holmes was elected Chairman of the Association. David had been Vice Chairman for some time and is also well known as the Leader of the Special Projects Team and the Cutting Back Team. David is also a Director of the WSR Plc.
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Posted 14 February 2009
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Update: No more bookings are being taken for the Members Day. Ian Aldridge, WSRA Volunteer Coordinator, explains "It is with regret that further booking for the WSRA Members Day have been withdrawn as from 10 February due to the overwhelming number of bookings, the limited availability of locos and rolling stock. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to members affected by this decision."
Posted 8 February 2009: More trains for the WSR Association Members Day on 8 March. Due to the enormous uptake of WSRA Members wishing to attend Members Day on 8 March - already in excess of 600 - the Association along with the WSR are revising the timetable on the day by incorporating a 4 car DMU to make up three trains for the day and give greater flexibility. For those waiting for tickets, in fact no tickets will be issued - the pink application form which Members sent in to the WSRA office will be returned to them. The pink form and membership card will be the pass to travel for Members. Full instructions for the day and the departments that can be visited will be sent out with their return letter along with an amended timetable. For further information, including a booking form, please write to Ian Aldridge, WSRA Volunteer Coordinator, at WSRA, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Somerset TA4 3BX or » by email...
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Updated 10 February 2009
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The WSRA Vice Chairman, David Holmes writes "Many of you may already be aware that Robin White has resigned as Chairman of the WSRA Committee due to pressures in his business and personal life. Robin’s tenure of the post has been relatively brief but occurring as it did during a difficult period for the WSR was not short of challenges. Robin will be missed about the railway. As Vice Chairman I will now undertake the responsibilities of Chairman until the Committee has had the opportunity, to consider and appoint a new Chairman. Please be assured Association staff and members will be kept informed and told of any changes as soon as possible. During the short period of transition the day to day business of the WSRA will continue as normal. If you have any particular questions or comments then please do not hesitate to get in touch, David Holmes, WSRA Vice Chairman, 28 January 2009"
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Posted 28 January 2009
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Photographer Tony Whitby has been recording the line, its locomotives and operations for many years and, during this period, has acquired a remarkable archive of colour illustrations portraying the line. This is a new all-colour album showcasing the West Somerset Railway; as with other all-colour albums, the book will include c1000 words of introductory text allied to c85 colour illustrations. It will be available from Bishops Lydeard shop from 8 May 2009 at a cost of £13.50 and £1.50 for postage and packing. Tony Whitby will be signing books on 9 May 2009 in Bishops Lydeard Station Shop.
(amended 12 February 2009)
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Posted 27 January 2009
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A date for the diary. On Tueday 24 February from 9am to noon. A Pancake Breakfast event at the WSRA's Brunel House Meeting Room at Bishops Lydeard. Only £4 per person – get 'em while they’re hot! Genuine American Pancakes with maple syrup; Bacon; Orange Juice; Coffee or Tea. All proceeds for the Quantock Belle.
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Posted 25 January 2009
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Applications for the Locomotive and Rolling Stock Officer post on the WSRA Committee will need to arrive by 31 January 2009. The officer will manage the current WSRA locomotive and vehicle fleet and associated budgets whether in operation, under maintenance or repair, or hire elsewhere or awaiting overhaul; and the associated recruitment, training, retention and organisation of volunteer staff and close liaison with WSRA paid engineering staff. All enquiries, and completed applications, to the WSRA Chairman, Robin White.
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Posted 22 January 2009
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Update: 19 February 2009. Please note that applications are now closed.
The West Somerset Railway Association is accepting applications for this challenging post until 6 February 2009. If you would like to be a part of the Williton Restoration Team and have the skills to update job control systems to include:
| » | monitoring hours of engineering staff in relation to job cards and timesheets
| | » | monitor budgets
| | » | manage industrial sites
| | » | generate computer based reports
| | » | implement and monitor health & safety requirements
| | » | act as a customer liaison
| | » | work with volunteers
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then, this post could be for you! The location is Williton Restoration Works. This is a temporary part time (30 hours per week) post and will be reviewed as a permanent post in line with commercial development of the business. The salary is £14,560 per annum pro rata for 30 hours. For further information, contact Gareth Winter, Engineering Manager on 01984 633547. The closing date for applications is 6 February 2009 - to apply, send a CV to the Williton Restoration Works, Roughmoor Industrial Estate, Williton, Somerset TA4 4RF.
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Updated 19 February 2009
Posted 21 January 2009
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Update 16 May 2009: This event has been cancelled.
The West Somerset Railway Association will be promoting a nostalgic evening of 1940s style fun at Minehead Station on Saturday 6 June 2009.
This event will feature a special 1940s themed Quantock Belle dining train with extra non-dining seats.
Musical entertainment will include AJ's Big Band with a special vocalist act The Stage Door Johnnies, and other special live music.
The event committee need to recruit some volunteer support for activities to help make the event a success. If you are willing to help, please contact Susan Kaufman, manager@wsra.org.uk or 01823 431311. The committee would welcome new members or volunteers willing to help with set-up/tear-down; 40s theme decorations; programme/publicity; Minehead Station access.
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Posted 21 January 2009
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Working during the coldest weekend of the winter and with the agreement and approval of Network Rail, volunteers from the WSRA Cutting Back and P.Way gangs have removed years of undergrowth from the ditch between the original Barnstable Line formation and the Up Exeter to Bristol Main Line.
The short section of branch trackbed is due to be transferred to the Association in the spring for incorporation in the triangle works currently ongoing. The heavily overgrown ditch will mark the new boundary between the WSRA land and Network Rail and needed to be cleared before the transfer could be completed.
This is the second occasion when WSRA volunteers have been permitted to work on Network Rail land – the first being the removal of artefacts from the original Taunton steam shed site. Whilst the work is carried out to strictly agreed Methods and does not involve working ‘on or near the line’ Network Rails’ approval is a reflection on the professionalism of WSRA volunteers
Brambles, overgrowth and tree stumps have been removed. Further work is planned to lift the willow roots out of the ditch and prevent re-growth. This work, which will require the use of a mechanical excavator, will be undertaken by John Luffman Trading and is likely to involve the attendance of a Network Rail supervisor due to the proximity to the Main Line.
The trackbed behind the ditch was cleared by a bulldozer just before Christmas to allow access to the ditch and means that subject to final grading the entire triangle is now ready for progressive ballasting during the spring of 2009.
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Posted 3 January 2009
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The West Somerset Railway Association has announced plans to build a four coach platform at its Norton Fitzwarren triangle site in time for the 2009 Steam Fayre – due to be held on August 1st and 2nd.
The station, which will be an un-staffed Halt, will lie alongside the existing West Somerset Railway. Its main function will be to bring visitors to the site, although it is likely to have a role to play in future Gala events, and at busy times may be used for overspill car parking with a shuttle to Bishops Lydeard. It will be built on the trackbed of the original down line constructed in 1936 but lifted in the 1970s. The site has most recently been used by the HOBC to discharge ballast before the line into the triangle site was completed in April last year.
Norton will be the eleventh station on the 22 mile line giving the WSR more stations than any other Heritage line and more stations in Somerset than Network Rail. As a new station it is required to comply with current regulations and standards, although the WSRA do not consider it will be necessary to include a painted yellow line 600mm from the platform edge!
Exploratory discussions have been held with the Office of the Rail Regulator, Taunton Deane Borough Council, the Environment Agency and Somerset Highways in addition to the local Parish Council. All have signalled their approval in principle and the WSRA has now entered a Planning Application with Taunton Deane Borough Council.
» Full story...
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Posted 31 December 2008
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Following the success of the first volume published in 2000 and recently reprinted, The Nostaglia Collection presents a second edition, West Somerset Railway Past and Present Volume 2, featuring comparisons of the Minehead Branch as it was and as it has become in latter years.
The past images include a variety of views, both of the line when it was still in British Railways (Western Region) ownership and featuring the early preservation years. Some scenes have changed dramatcally since the line opened in March 1976, and this book also serves as a record of progress as the Railway has evolved into one of themost successful heritage lines in the country.
The book has been compiled by the Railway's Journal Editor with help of several long-standing members of the WSRA and WSSRT, and will serve as an interesting companion to the first volume.
The book will cost £16.99 and will be launched to coincide with the second weekend of the 2009 Spring Steam Gala.
It is available to order now from the Association Shop at Bishops Lydeard and will be despatched directly following the Spring Steam Gala.
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Posted 31 December 2008
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One of the most successful features of Bishops Lydeard in recent years has been the 'Wheel Tapper’s Buffet' at the northern end of the shop. With very limited space and facilities this has produced a significant contribution to the visitor experience at Bishops Lydeard and WSRA funds through the hard work of its volunteer staff under the guidance of Retail manager, John Pearce. The WSRA has been examining for some time a number of ways to build on the success of these facilities and believe that we have found a way forward for the 2009 season.
Buffet car 3058 is due to come out of service train use at the end of the 2008 season. It would require some repairs to allow it to continue in service in 2009 and the WSR plc have concluded that it is more sensible to concentrate efforts on finishing the conversion of another vehicle as the new third buffet car for service trains. Buffet 3058 is the oldest of the three buffet cars in service and much has been learned since 1989 when 3058 was converted. The WSR plc has no immediate plans to put 3058 back into service train use and so the WSRA has requested that this vehicle temporarily form the new buffet at Bishops Lydeard.
The vehicle would be parked on the buffer stops of the Quantock Belle siding adjacent to Bishops Lydeard signal box. Arrangements are being made for a connection to mains drainage to be available at this location. The use of 3058 will provide more and better seating for customers and the ability to offer a wider range of food, including cooked breakfasts and other meals. I know that it will be a wrench for existing staff to leave the shop environment but I also know that the spirit of camaraderie will transfer to the new arrangements.
A further advantage of this change will be that it will release additional retail space in the shop building so that the existing retail operation can be expanded.
It is expected that arrangements for 3058 will be confirmed at the WSR plc Executive meeting on 12 January 2009. It is intended to have the new buffet open in time for the 'Member’s Day' on 8 March 2009 and in full operation for the March Gala. The most important thing will be an enthusiastic cadre of volunteer staff to carry on the success of the buffet. Subject to the Exec meeting in 12 Jan, there will, therefore, be a meeting for all interested persons at Bishops Lydeard at 2.30pm on Sunday 18 January 2009. Please come along if you can. This will be an interesting and rewarding way to help the WSR and WSRA at Bishops Lydeard. Please consider if you could offer even a few hours each month to help staff this facility.
This is a further step towards a permanent, purpose built cafe at Bishops Lydeard in the future.
We can almost smell the bacon rolls already...!
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Posted 29 December 2008
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WSRA members are invited to spend a day on the Railway as guests of the Association and Company Directors on Sunday 8 March 2009. Access to the service trains will be entirely free of charge to holders of either a current Association membership, or current Company Staff ID card, for the member and one guest. In a letter to WSRA members, WSR Plc Chairman Mark Smith and WSRA Chairman Robin White say "This is a great opportunity to show off our wonderful Railway to friends and relatives who support us, or who might join in the work we enjoy. We will have to ask you to obtain journey tickets in advance so that we can ensure sufficient seats. You will also be made welcome should you decide to visit by car or other transport."
The Chairmen continue "Your directors are very conscious of the support received from so many members. On this special day colleagues acting as guides will be available on trains and at various locations along the line to talk to you and to give you access to the behind-thescenes aspects of our operations, and to show you our plans for future developments." Further details will be avaiable on the Railway websites, from Minehead and Bishops Lydeard offices by early February and on the day on the Railway.
Normal catering services will be operating on the trains with the usual range of hot and cold drinks, food and confectionary available at staff discounted rates to card holders.
Attendees will also learn about how to become involved as a Volunteer. The Railway is ever busier and there are many vacancies and opportunities for skilled and unskilled work. "Our guides will be able to tell you how your Railway's training schemes can lead novices and laymen to a high level of competence often supported by WSR qualifications."
For those prospective Volunteers who may be deterred by the thought of training; there are an equal number of very attractive unskilled tasks which can make a significant contribution to the Railway.
The Chairmen also understand and accept, for some members, volunteering is not an option, due to personal circumstances or distance - but such folks are just as welcome as the focus of the day will be on sharing and showing off our very special Railway with all members. Mark and Robin conclude "We very much look forward to meeting you on Sunday 8 March 2009."
For further information, including a booking form, please write to Ian Aldridge, WSRA Volunteer Coordinator, at WSRA, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Somerset TA4 3BX or » by email or print out the » online form and send it to the above address...
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Posted 29 December 2008
For further information, including a booking form, please write to Ian Aldridge, WSRA Volunteer Coordinator, at WSRA, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Somerset TA4 3BX or » by email...
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The Quantock Belle coach Aries is about to undergo a major mechanical overhaul at Williton Works.
The comprehensive project plan includes the following tasks to be carried out by the Quantock Belle team, West Somerset Restoration and WSR Plc - remove connecting door; remove interior panelling at gangway end; remove top weather strip; remove top mountings; remove adjacent floor section and bearers sufficient to release gangway buffing cotters; remove gangway faceplate, diaphragm etc; remove gangway timber blocks; remove as necessary steel panelling to undertake structural visual assessment and agree, with Plc CME, amount of material to be replaced. The task list continues - cut out and replace corroded steel sections; provide material sections for above fabrication work and produce new gangway timber blocks; inspect and refurbish all removed items to a suitable standard for refitment; clean and protect all non replaced steel work; rebuild and paint.
Concurrent with above the Quantock Belle team will undertake a complete repaint, following rub down and local repairs, of both sides, roof and Taunton end.
Quite a challenge which has to be finished ready for the Spring Steam Gala. Any assistance, skilled or otherwise, that can be mustered will be much appreciated. Working parties will be each Tuesday and Thursday, starting at 9am, and on many other days on an ad hoc basis.
The project leader, Brian Lee can be contacted on 01984 624885 or by email at » brianlee12@aol.com
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Posted 29 December 2008
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The 2008 Norton Fitzwarren Development Fund Draw was held at Bishops Lydeard Station on 15th November 2008 at 1.00pm
| Position | Prize | Name | Ticket No | Town |
| First | £1,000.00 | Mr Fogwill | 038881 | Sidmouth |
| Second | £500.00 | Mrs Kirkby | 119745 | Rochdale |
| Third | £200.00 | Mr Robinson | 144808 | Taunton |
| Fourth | £100.00 | Mr & Mrs Yeoman | 020262 | Clevedon |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Wright | 125104 | Barnstaple |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Eaton | 035652 | Tiverton |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Mera | 044472 | Gillingham |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Whitmarsh | 030484 | Stoke Gifford |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Dady | 124100 | Grays |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Ker | 053288 | Ludlow |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mrs Barker | 149561 | Scunthorpe |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mrs Rodyer | 120550 | Lichfield |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Smith | 083736 | Dorchester |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr & Mrs Legg | 100888 | Taunton |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Cookes | 011049 | Warwick |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Rees | 037312 | Baltonsborough |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Sparks | 149281 | Ilminster |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mrs Pellett | 039814 | Canterbury |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Bulley | 124724 | Plymouth |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Jones | 128424 | Rugley |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Kellew | 130876 | Wales |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Hill | 030758 | Burton On Trent |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mrs Breed | 120444 | Bridgwater |
| Fifth | £50.00 | Mr Cowdrey | 129617 | Ringwood |
The draw raised over £18,000 for the Norton Fitzwarren Development and we would like to thank all those who took part.
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Posted 29 November 2008
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The West Somerset Railway Association report work in progress to level the Allerford length of the old Barnstaple branch prior to ballasting.
The works have revealed the original formation was widened on the Up side using locomotive ash - probably from Taunton shed. This is more likely to have occurred during the installation of a second track in the 1930s.
The formation rises sharply as it approaches the remains of the bridge over Allerford Lane and the formation is being lowered slightly to reduce the slope - the extra material being re-used to widen the trackbed to accommodate the ten foot requirement between tracks on what will eventually become a siding and a headshunt.
» Lots more about the Norton Fitzwarren Triangle Project...
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Posted 22 November 2008
 On the Barnstaple formation
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The planned move of the RAMS painting facility from the roller-shutter BG stationed in the Goods shed siding at Bishops Lydeard, which had been planned for this winter, is likely to be delayed for at least another year.
The need for the move had been driven by the need to release the BG so that it could be refurbished to replace the existing BG used by the Signal and Telegraph department, which is in poor condition. The WSR plc have now reviewed the coming year’s work program in the light of the need to write a tough budget for 2009. Refurbishment of the BG will not now take place in 2009 and the plc have confirmed that the BG can continue in WSRA use until Easter 2010.
It is, therefore, not sensible to install the container workshops in Bishops Lydeard car park which were to have replaced the BG until next winter at the earliest. Refurbishment of the wooden GWR vans which are to replace the decaying portacabin will continue during 2009.
At the request of the WSRA Committee, the WSR plc have given the Taunton Model Railway Group (‘TMRG’) notice to leave the site they occupy on Bishops Lydeard station to the north of the goods shed at the end of 2009. Competition for space at Bishops Lydeard is fierce and the WSRA Committee believe that better use can be made of the TMRG site.
The present licence for TMRG runs out in August 2009 and TMRG had been promised at least 12 months notice by the WSR plc. TMRG have been given notice to expire on 31 December 2009, which is a 14 month period of notice and a 4 month extension on the present licence.
The WSRA Committee will be developing proposals during 2009 to ensure that this site makes a significant contribution to the Railway and the Association from the start of the 2010 season.
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Posted 14 November 2008
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Just right for those wanting a leisurely lunch after Christmas.
On 30 December 2008, the West Somerset Railway Association are offering an extra special Quantock Belle luxury dining train.
For just £34 per person, the special will leave Bishops Lydeard around lunch time. En route to Minehead, a three course Roast Beef Lunch will be served at the table. And on the return trip, mince pies!
Ring 01823 433856 for reservations...
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Posted 13 November 2008
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Have you got time to spare and are looking for a fresh challenge? We know you have an interest in Heritage Railways and their preservation and promotion. Although we have been successful in recruiting to other posts, we are still looking for a Treasurer.
We are looking for a qualified accountant (chartered or certified) to join the Board and to take responsibility for the financial affairs of the Association. We are entering an exciting period of change and development over the next five years. We want somebody with drive and enthusiasm to help us to deliver this agenda.
Interested? Want to talk about it before going any further? Then call Robin White WSRA Chairman on 07710 336807. For more details including job description please e-mail WSRA Company Secretary Penny Gardiner at » cosec@wsra.org.uk . Closing date is Friday 19th December 2008.
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Posted 5 November 2008
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