WSRA - West Somerset Railway Association

» Lots more news about the Railway can be found at the official WSR website and also at www.wsr.org.uk

Details of the next few meetings of the Taunton Area Group have been announced. On Monday 9 January 2012 is the Annual Photographic Evening presented by Don Bishop. Up to 10 pictures per person. Entries can be prints (must be no larger than A4), or slides, or digital on a CD/DVD - please send to Don before the evening if possible to ease loading on the night or if images are compressed send by email to steam.recreations@btconnect.com.

There are four categories: West Somerset Railway, Heritage Steam, Modern Image including heritage diesels, and Landscape. All pictures to have been taken during 2011. First and Second in each category will receive a prize, plus one overall winner to be judged by Don Bishop.

On 6 February 2012, WSR Signalman Martin Southwood presents "Australian Steam" - sure to be a great evening.

Also not to be missed is Richard Jones's presentation about the Bodmin & Wenford Railway - Richard is the General Manager of the B&WR and of course a long serving volunteer driver on the WSR.

To contact the organiser, Ian Aldridge Director/Trustee of the West Somerset Railway Association, ring 01823 430194 or email ianaldridge62@talktalk.net . The Taunton Area Group meetings are held at the Great Western Sports & Athletic Club, Station Approach, Taunton at 7.30pm for 7.45pm start.

Posted: 26 December 2011

The Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard are running a fantastic promotion from Saturday 17th December 2011 until Monday 2nd January 2012….20% off the RRP list price of all 'Model Railway inc accessories' including Hornby, Bacchmann, Graham Farish, Peco etc (this does not apply to already reduced items)

Also, Kate and the team at the Station Shop and Buffet would like to wish all customers and the West Somerset Railway Association a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Bishops Lydeard Station Shop sells a wide range of souvenirs, books, videos and model railway equipment, and offers a mail order facility.

All profits from this are used by the West Somerset Railway Association to fund projects on the line.

The Retail Manager can be contacted on 01823 432125.

Opening hours 19 December 2011 to 1 January 2012
Monday	19th December 2011	Closed
Tuesday	20th December2011	10 - 3
Wednesday	21st December2011	9.30 - 5
Thursday	22nd December 2011	10 - 3
Friday	23rd December 2011	9.30 - 5
Saturday	24th December 2011	9.30 - 5
Sunday	25th December 2011	Closed
Monday	26th December 2011	Closed
Tuesday	27th December 2011	9.30 - 5.30
Wednesday	28th December 2011	9.30 - 5.30
Thursday	29th December 2011	9.30 - 5.30
Friday	30th December 2011	9.30 - 5.30
Saturday	31st December 2011	9.30 - 5.30
Sunday	1 January 2012	9.30 - 5.30

Kate Beard, Sales Officer WSRA
Email: wsrashop@btconnect.com

Posted: 16 December 2011

"I am pleased to announce that at the recent Association Board meeting two new Trustees were voted into office. They are Steve Williams, who becomes our Company Secretary, and Peter Chidzey, who is our Education Officer. Steve is well versed in this role as he previously carried it out in a very professional manner around three years. Peter's role is a new one that we had been looking to fill for some time and is particularly important as one of the main objectives of the Association is that of being an educational charity. These two appointments will greatly strengthen the Association Board for the future."

Steve Roberts, Chairman

Posted: 12 December 2011

Come and enjoy the Quantock Belle First Class Dining Train decked out in its Christmas finery.

Although the Dunster by Candlelight service on 2 Dec is fully booked, there are still seats available on the other Christmas lunch trains on 4, 11 and 18 Dec.

There is also a traditional Sunday roast beef lunch on 30 Dec. This can be a wonderful antidote to the turkey leftovers, so keep it in mind if you are up for a day out!

Please ring 01823 433856 for reservations.

Susan Kaufman
WSRA Manager

Posted: 30 November 2011

There will be book signing sessions at the Bishops Lydeard Station Shop during the Winter Steam Festival.

29th December Colin Robins..self-published author of the book ‘You Can’t Take the Steam out of Me’
30th December John Parsons…volunteer and author of ‘Saving the West Somerset Railway..the branch line that never dies’

WSRA Retail Sales,
The Station Toy & Model Shop,
Bishops Lydeard,
Taunton,
Somerset TA4 3BX
Telephone: 01823 432125
Fax: 01823 430570
E-mail: wsrashop@btconnect.com

Posted: 30 November 2011

Something for everyone at the Bishops Lydeard Station Toy & Model Shop...

Opening hours for this week...
Monday	28th November 2011	closed
Tuesday	29th November 2011	10 – 4
Wednesday	30th November 2011	10 - 4
Thursday	1st December 2011	10 – 4
Friday	2nd December 2011	10 – 5.30
Saturday	3rd December 2011	9.30 – 5.30
Sunday	4th December 2011	9.30 – 5.30

WSRA Retail Sales,
The Station Toy & Model Shop,
Bishops Lydeard,
Taunton,
Somerset TA4 3BX
Telephone: 01823 432125
Fax: 01823 430570
E-mail: wsrashop@btconnect.com

Posted: 28 November 2011

A Food Safety in Catering (Level 2) Training Course will be held on Sunday, 27th November 2011 at 9.15 for 9.30am until approximately 3pm at Brunel House, Bishops Lydeard Station. Ample parking is available.

This course is designed to give food-handlers a firm grasp of:

the importance of food safety and knowledge of the systems, techniques and procedures involved;
an understanding of how to control food safety risks;
the confidence and expertise to safely deliver quality food to customers.

At the end of the course there will be a short examination with thirty multiple-choice questions; a Certificate will be awarded to all candidates who achieve twenty correct answers. This is a very useful qualification to have if you are involved in any groups, activities or organisations where some degree of catering knowledge and supervision is occasionally required.

Tea and coffee will be provided, but participants should bring a packed lunch.

If you would like to register for this course, please contact:

Larraine Willmott
Crew Manager: Quantock Belle Dining Train
Tel. 01934 732171
(this number also accepts text messages)
Email QBvolunteers@tiscali.co.uk

Places are limited, so please contact us soon if you would like to attend.

This course is free of charge if you are already a volunteer on the West Somerset Railway. All other participants are asked to make a donation of £5 to help us cover our costs.

Thank you.

Posted: 18 November 2011

Steve Roberts, Chairman of the West Somerset Railway Association, writes:

"After ten years on the Board of the Association, Don Bishop has decided that it is time for him to stand down as a Trustee and as a Director of Promotions. The Trustees thank him for all the work that he has put in for the Association in the past and wish him well for the future."

Posted: 13 November 2011

Note: the Shop will not be open on Thursday 17 November but will be open as usual on the preceding Tuesday and Wednesday.

Packs of 4 Christmas cards by various railway artists including views of Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe Heathfield stations
Assorted railway & transport themed calendars by Salmon Publ. Also WSR calendars £5.
Wide range of jigsaw puzzles 500 & 1000 piece. Many of local views including Blue Anchor on WSR.
Comprehensive collection of toys and games including Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends.
Die cast models, Oxford, EFE, Corgi, Sunstar.
Special offers on EFE original omnibus (1:76) buses only £10.
Model railways by Hornby, Bachmann, Peco.
Competitive prices on train sets and locomotives.
Special Limited Edition bone china mug depicting newly restored locomotive 7828 ‘Odney Manor’ renamed ‘Norton Manor 40 Commando’ in recognition of the local Norton Fitzwarren Manor Camp. (A donation of £1.50 from each sale goes to their local charity. Mug can be purchased at £6.50.

Then there the DVDs and books galore:

DVDs
- W.S.R. Autumn Steam Gala (OVP) @ £16.95 NEW
- Plus various recent releases including:-
  - Mainline 2011 Part 1 (OVP) @ £18.95
  - Steaming Through Wessex (Kingfisher) £19.95
Books
- The Minehead Branch and the W.S.R. Colin G Maggs (Oakwood Press) (Updated edition) £12.95
- Saving the W.S.R. – The Branch Line That Refused To Die” by local author and railway volunteer John Parsons.(History Press) £12.99
- The Minehead Branch 1848-1971 by Ian Coleby (Lightmoor Press) Fully revised 2nd edition £24.99
- The Brendon Hills Iron Mines and WS Mineral Line, A New Account by M.H. Johns (Lightmoor Press) £24.99
- The Branch Lines of West Somerset – Colin G Maggs (Amberley Publishing) £16.99. Rare archive material including the WSR.
- Somerset Stations Then And Now - Mike Oakley (Dovecote Press) £14.95.Over 350 Then & Now, photographs of Somerset stations, goods yards, Station Masters house etc.
- Also stocked:- Many popular titles by :-
  - Ian Allen
  - Wild Swan
  - Oakwood Press
  - Middleton Press
  - Lightmoor
  - Irwell

WSRA Retail Sales,
The Station Toy & Model Shop,
Bishops Lydeard,
Taunton,
Somerset TA4 3BX
Telephone: 01823 432125
Fax: 01823 430570
E-mail: wsrashop@btconnect.com

Posted: 11 November 2011

Kate Beard, our Retail Supervisor at Bishops Lydeard Station was honoured to be invited to accompany Humphrey Davies, WSR Plc Chairman, onto the footplate of GWR 2-6-2T no 5553 on Sunday 6th November 14.25 service to Minehead and back on to 16.05 to Bishops Lydeard.

"I had a superb adventure and was very honoured to be invited; I would like to say a big Thank You to Humphrey and to Andrew, the Fireman on 5553. Hopefully I didn’t get in the way too much! And I even pulled the whistle chain…whoo whoo! I would also like to thank Peter and Jean who held the fort at the Station Shop/Wheeltapper's Buffet in my absence."

Posted: 7 November 2011

Mrs Denise Dunford writes:

My mother and I travelled on the Quantock Belle yesterday.
The food was delicious and the friendly, professional service from all the volunteers was exceptional.
My mother thoroughly enjoyed her birthday treat and will I'm sure be singing your praises for a long time to come.
I've attached a photo showing her enjoying her encounter with one of your friendly volunteers!
Many thanks

Posted: 2 November 2011

Kate Beard, Retail Supervisor at the Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard writes:

"The Station Shop will be open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10am and 3pm when the trains are not running.

Also we have another book signing on Saturday 12 November at Bishop Lydeard with John Parsons the author of the recently published 'Saving the West Somerset Railway...The Branch Line that Refused to Die'."

Posted: 26 October 2011

It’s not too late to book the Christmas Quantock Belle dining specials!

Although the Dunster by Candlelight service is fully booked, there are still tickets for the following:

Christmas Sunday Lunches on 4, 11 and 18 December 2011
Roast Beef Lunch on Friday 30 December 2011

Advance booking is essential for all trains.

Please call us on 01823 433856 and ask for Quantock Belle reservations.

Posted: 25 October 2011

Taunton Area Group meeting Mon 7th November at the Great Western Sports & Athletic Club, Station Approach, Taunton at 19.30 for 19.45. "DVD Steam in the 1950's & 60's" presented by Ian Aldridge (held over from the September meeting)

It will be "Quiz Night" on Monday 5th December at the same venue & same time.

To contact Ian Aldridge ring 01823 430194 or email ianaldridge@talktalk.net.

Ian Aldridge is a Director/Trustee of the West Somerset Railway Association.

Posted: 25 October 2011

The 2012 the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally will be held on 4 and 5 August 2012.

The West Somerset Railway Association Steam Fayre & Vintage Vehicle Rally at Norton Fitzwarren is well known for its unique location, friendly atmosphere and good value for money.

Backing up the transport exhibits will be displays, stalls, trade stands, children's entertainments and ample refreshment facilities.

So, book the dates now and bring the whole family along to enjoy a fabulous day out - with so much to see there really is something for everyone.

Posted: 22 October 2011

The WSRA 2011 Grand Summer Draw was held at 2.00pm on Wednesday 14th September 2011 at Bishops Lydeard Station

First	£1,000.00	04101	Mr P Davies	Caldicot

Second	£400.00	17937	Mr & Mrs Atherton	Stickney

Third	Steam Engine Taster Course	21826	Mr B Hurby	Weston Super Mare

Fourth	4 x Quantock Belle Seats	04296	Mr B Aldridge	Stroud

Fifth	£25.00	16429	Ms D Jenkins	Yeovil

Fifth	£25.00	09403	Mr A Horne	Taunton

Fifth	£25.00	05914	Mr D Burge	Tondu

Fifth	£25.00	10665	Mr A Wilson	Ramsgate

Fifth	£25.00	25137	Mr D Plumb	Minehead

Fifth	£25.00	06640	Mr E Reuberson	Bournemouth

Fifth	£25.00	08661	Mrs Martin	Cambourne

Fifth	£25.00	11668	Mrs M Collier	Mountain Ash

Fifth	£25.00	20929	Miss N Atkins	Wellington

Fifth	£25.00	02151	Mrs A Li	Clifton

The WSRA would like to thank all those who took part and the proceeds of the draw have gone to fund the restoration of Locomotive 4561 currently at Williton shed where work has commenced.

Posted: 13 October 2011

Author Mike Oakley will be at the WSR signing copies of his latest book on 29 October 2011.

"Somerset Stations - Then and Now" is a must for those interested in the railway history of Somerset.

Over 350 'then and now' photographs of Somerset's railway stations and halts, including goods yards, station master's houses and other railway associated buildings.

The book includes a schedule of all Somerset's stations, incorporating grid reference, opening and closing dates, and the current use of the site.

"Somerset Stations - Then and Now" is published by Dovecote Press and sells at £14.95.

Mike will be at Bishops Lydeard Station in the morning and at Minehead Station in the afternoon.

Posted: 10 October 2011

After some 40 years involved on the “front line” of daily WSR life, around 30 of those years as retail manager for the Association at Bishops Lydeard, John Pearce – affectionately known as “Arkwright” retired from his full time post.

John was involved with the formation of the West Somerset Railway Association from the very start following conversations held on the final day’s trains operated by BR in January 1971. John has often recalled how he failed to secure himself the membership number 1 as he processed the other applications for membership of the new Association before his own! He spent many days and hours engaged in clearance work on the branch and on visits to such places as Barry Scrapyard to inspect suitable locomotives to operate the line, settling for the three Prairie tanks 4561, 5521 & 5542 – the first of which is of course still owned by the WSRA, and all three have worked over the WSR since. John took a number of personal risks in the past to ensure the continued survival and development of the WSR when things got tough in the early 1980’s. John has held a good number of WSRA committee/board positions over the years and took on the role of retail manager in the 1980’s utilising a Mk.1 coach behind the main platform at BL as the shop for a good number of years before the current shop was built.

John has built up a good steady model shop business along with railway books, videos & toys and of course the station “Wheel-Tappers” buffet and he has probably contributed more income to the WSR than any other individual over his 30 years in the shop. It has always been a “must do” to go and say hello to John whenever any staff were working or calling at Bishops Lydeard station – and often pull his leg before he got in first! He leaves us with a well-established retail business on which to build for the future.

Nothing is forever and recent legislative changes meant that the WSRA board had to take the difficult decision to retire John from 30th September before these changes came into effect as we do have to take our responsibilities as employers seriously.

The railway gave John a good “send off” with tickets for the Torbay Express and a “railway” clock donated by the Plc and a £300 Jessops voucher given by the WSRA and some of John’s friends on the WSR.

It is hoped that John will continue to be seen around the railway in the future as he takes a well-earned rest, he has even “threatened” to volunteer to help our new shop manager Kate Beard on occasions.

A big thank you, John.

Posted: 5 October 2011

Don Bishop and John Pearce

Ian Coleby, author of "The Minehead Branch 1848-1971", will be signing copies of the book at Bishops Lydeard Station Shop on Saturday 1 October 2011. The book which had been out of stock for some time has been updated with additional material and reprinted.

Considered by many to be the definitive history of the Minehead Branch the book contains a wealth of information covering the first proposals for a railway to Watchet and Minehead, through to the eventual building of the West Somerset Railway from Norton Fitzwarren to Watchet, followed twelve years later by the building of the Minehead Railway from the end-on junction at Watchet to Minehead; the years of independence and takeover by the Great Western Railway; the nationalisation period and then closure.

The text is an entertaining mix of the necessary technical and the absorbing human interest whilst many excellent photographs and maps provide fascinating support material.

Posted: 28 September 2011

The West Somerset Railway Association is seeking to fill two volunteer posts:

WSRA (Promotions) Ltd, the Trading arm of the Association, is seeking a Financial Director to join their board. Ideally the applicant will have had experience in running a finance department in a trading company.
The Association seeks a Treasurer as a Trustee, and the applicant does require an Accountancy qualification.

Both posts have the support of the full-time Finance Manager of the Association, and the Finance & Membership Sub-Group (FMSG), which meets monthly to review financial issues.

Job descriptions are available but in the first instance please contact Susan Kaufman, WSRA Manager, telephone 01823 431311 or Tim Stanger, Chairman of FMSG, telephone 01823 430209.

September 2011

Posted: 12 September 2011

The Best Kept Station awards were held on 4th September 2011, at 14.30, at Bishops Lydeard Station.

The winners are:

BEST KEPT STATION 2011		Crowcombe Heathfield David Philips-Mepham and Beryl Ayres accept the award (top)

RUNNER-UP		Minehead Paul Conibeare accepts the award from Nick Nicholls (lower left)

MOST IMPROVED STATION		Doniford Halt Chris Hooper accepts the award (centre right)

BEST FLORAL DISPLAY		Bishops Lydeard Clive Goddard accepts the award (centre left)

MOST ATTRACTIVE GARDEN		Blue Anchor (lower right)

All the winners receive a trophy, cheque and a cerificate.

Congratulations to all the winners and better luck next time to the other stations.

Paul Conibeare (WSR GM) and Nick Nicholls (WSRA Trustee) were there, to present the awards.

Tea and cakes were laid on in the Mess Room afterwards.

Many thanks, as always, to David and Jennifer Bailey, who spent a lot of time re-visiting all the stations, trying to decide the winners. They also send out invaluable feedback to all stations, following the awards, giving them tips on what could be improved. David said the choice was even more difficult this year, as all stations continue to improve each year.

Magda Davies
Stations Liaison Officer

Posted: 8 September 2011

A passenger writes "What a wonderful trip on Sunday 21 August on the Quantock Belle in the Orion carriage! The food was fantastic and the staff couldn't be more pleasant or caring. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the whole day, added to which it's all done by volunteers; a wonderful lot of people in shops, and on the station. We couldn't believe it. Compared to our experience on the Orient Express last Christmas, we prefer the Quantock Belle"

Posted: 8 September 2011

Mel Hillman, New Volunteer Co-ordinator, writes "The planned recruitment day on 25 September has been cancelled for operational reasons. A new session will be arranged for April 2012 and details circulated once confirmed. Individual enquiries and applications are always welcomed at any time. These should be directed to Mel Hillman, New Volunteer Co-ordinator, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, BA4 3BX, Telephone 01823 433856 or email wsravoltrac@btconnect.com. "

Posted: 24 August 2011

Susan Kaufman, the West Somerset Railway Association's Manager, writes "The WSRA is pleased to announce that we have hired Kate Beard to be our new Retail Supervisor. Kate has an extensive retail background and will be bringing a lot of experience with her when she starts with us on 12 September 2011. She has been to visit the railway for an introductory look around the shop, and also toured the Quantock Belle. She said that 'it was great to have my first look around the railway and to meet so many of the volunteers! I am very much looking forward to taking up my appointment.' When Kate 'officially' arrives, she will have three weeks to work with John Pearce before he retires on 30 September 2011. "

Posted: 23 August 2011

The times of the shuttle train service from Bishops Lydeard (BL) to the platform at Norton Fitzwarren (NF) for the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally are as follows:

Saturday 6th August 2011

BL	dep	0945	1020	1100	1140	1300	1350	1420	1540	1625	1725
NF	arr	0955	1030	1110	1150	1310	1400	1430	1550	1635	1735

NF	dep	1000	1040	1115	1155	1320	1403	1435	1555	1645	1745
BL	arr	1010	1050	1125	1205	1335	1413	1445	1605	1655	1755

Sunday 7th August 2011

BL	dep	0945	1020	1100	1140	1215	1350	1420	1540	1625
NF	arr	0955	1030	1110	1150	1225	1400	1430	1550	1635

NF	dep	1000	1040	1115	1155	1325	1403	1435	1555	1645
BL	arr	1010	1050	1125	1205	1345	1413	1445	1605	1655

All services run to and from Platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard except 0945 departures.

To ensure connections, the 1410 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service will be held until the arrival of the 1403 service from Norton Fitzwarren on both Saturday and Sunday.

Posted: 4 August 2011

When Loco 4-6-2 70000 ‘Britiannia’ ran into difficulties during a main line run, West Somerset Restoration, based at Williton, was standing by to help.

The engine limped into BL after experiencing a problem with the motion and big end bearings. Working with Bob Allen, an engineer assigned to the engine, the Restoration team was able to quickly verify the problem, re-casting the bearings in White Metal and machine to size, reassemble the engine, and out-shed it to Minehead for some running-in tests on the West Somerset Railway.

The staff and volunteers at Restorations will take a special pleasure in seeing the engine working on the WSR.

Posted: 6 July 2011

The WSR Association Chairman Steve Roberts and Humphrey Davies, Chairman of WSR Plc have issued the following statement to staff:

"The Company and Association Boards are currently working together to streamline the operations of both organisations for the benefit of the Railway as a whole. As part of this process and in the interest of strengthening the WSR Safety Management System, so eliminating any confusion with respect to health and safety, some volunteer groups now managed by the Association are becoming a Company responsibility.

Volunteer Recruitment, Trackers, and Cutting Back have already been recently transferred. Signal & Telegraph, Permanent Way, and RAMS will be transferred shortly with a target date of 1 July.

Existing Association budgets for these groups will continue to be supported by the Association until the end of the year when the Company will then take over this small financial responsibility encompassing it with the Companies 2012 budget."

Posted: 26 June 2011

Nigel Bruce-Robertson reports:

"The Bristol branch enjoyed yet another change at their May meeting, when on Tuesday 31st, Neil Butters gave us a detailed account of the workings of the Railway Heritage Committee.

The evening started as usual with the housekeeping announcements followed by an up to date resumé of happenings on the West Somerset which included the tales of woe surrounding Britannia and Braunton and the resulting cancelled special to Portsmouth which it is believed was fully booked. Looking ahead John enthused over the forthcoming Mixed Traffic weekend and the planned appearance of several class 59s.

Neil then took the floor with a power-point presentation after giving us a potted history of his railway career which began in 1966 at Kensington Olympia. The HRC was set up under the Railway Heritage Act of 1996 with the prime function to identify and designate records and artefacts still within the ownership of the post British Rail railway industry and which are judged worthy of permanent preservation. The body is also able to determine where such items can be held and one member offered immediately to house and look after the already designated 08 diesel shunter which was the last locomotive to be overhauled at Swindon works.

We saw many coloured photographs of various strange items from the distant past which surprisingly have survived and since been lovingly restored. The range of items is enormous and includes things like timetables, clocks, mileposts, posters, signal items and even locomotives. It was surprising to learn that the HST class has been designated which in effect means that one or more parts of a suitable set has to be eventually earmarked for preservation! Neil also included many facts and figures cleverly masked by colour photographs and altogether provided a very enjoyable and entertaining evening. Grateful thanks are extended to him for giving up his evening for us.

The next and last meeting of the 2010/11 season will be on Tuesday 28th June, for which I will be unable to attend, and will be a presentation entitled ‘Railways in South Wales in World War !!’ by Terry McCarthy. Another exciting subject which will hopefully attract a good attendance despite being in the summer period.

Finally, it was again announced that I shall be leaving the area and relocating further down in the West-country so if the Bristol Group is to continue to function, a new volunteer is needed to run it. No-one has so far come forward but anyone interested should contact Jayne Mills on 01453 546 670 (email: wsrabristol@aol.com) who is prepared to continue to make the room bookings etc."

Posted: 1 June 2011

At the Company Board meeting on 21 May, John was invited to attend and have lunch with the Directors. WSR Plc Chairman Humphrey Davies explains "This was to recognise the contribution John has given to the West Somerset Railway for a period of 40 years during which time he has been at the forefront of much of the Railway's development. With John's retirement looming we thought it essential to recognise his involvement and we made a presentation of a carriage clock and tickets for John and his wife to travel on the Torbay Express, dining on the train. John thanked the Board for the presentation and he hopes to carry on in a voluntary capacity following his retirement. He will always be part of the railway."

Posted: 23 May 2011

At the West Somerset Railway Association Trustees’ meeting on 13 May 2011, Steve Roberts was elected Chairman, and Don Bishop was elected Vice Chairman.

Steve provided the following statement:

"It is a great honour to be elected Chairman of the West Somerset Railway Association by my fellow Trustees. The Association has gone from strength to strength under the chairmanship of my predecessor, David Holmes, to whom I pay tribute. However, we live in very difficult economic times, so we therefore must do our best to streamline all of our activities by working with the West Somerset Railway plc for the benefit of the Railway as a whole, whilst, at the same time, ensuring that we meet all of our obligations as an educational charity. I and my Vice Chairman, Don Bishop, will do our utmost to achieve these ends."

Posted: 14 May 2011

Enjoy a sponsored walk along ten miles of the West Somerset Railway on Sunday 27 November to raise money for the Heritage Carriages Project.

Taking the picturesque route from Williton Station to Bishops Lydeard Station. A special train will run from Bishops Lydeard and MInehead to the start of the walk at Williton and then return walkers to these stations at the end of the day.

Refreshments and toilet facilities will be available at all stations along the walking route. The organisers are pleased to announce that, as before, St Margaret's Hospice should benefit too. Half the money a participant raises can go to the Hospice and the other half to the Steam Trust on a combined sponsor form - or alternatively all the money raised can go to the Heritage Carriages Project. Walkers need to be reasonably fit; and children taking part need to be over 12 years and accompanied by an Adult if under 16 years of age.

Participants should send a cheque for £7 per participant (made payable to WSSRT) with a stamped self addressed envelope to West Somerset Railway Walk, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, TA4 3 BX.

Posted: 12 May 2011

A new Quantock Belle service for 2011 - Wednesday Lunches!

The Wednesday Lunch Quantock Belle train runs on 8 June, 22 June and 6 July.

The fare is only £26 per person and includes round trip travel and a three course lunch of soup, chicken, ham and mushroom pie with potatoes and vegetables, and dessert and coffee.

A cream tea on the return journey can be added for just £4.

The train will be hauled by a heritage diesel locomotive.

Advance booking essential - please ring 01823 433856.

Posted: 28 April 2011

The Bristol Group of the WSR Association report another successful evening meeting. Nigel Bruce-Robertson explains "The meeting was held on 26 April when we had three members from the British Transport Police give us a presentation on their work which was not simply apprehending fare dodgers, but involved the investigation of vandalism, the ever increasing amount of theft, especially copper cable, hooliganism, train crashes and death, the latter more often than not, as suicide. All aspects were graphically illustrated with colour slides and even video film. The next meeting - on Tuesday 31 May - will be much more gentle and will be an evening about the origins, purpose and future of the Railway Heritage Committee and as usual be held at the BAWA Club in Southmead Road, Bristol BS34 7RG, commencing 7.30pm. Admission is £2 or by season ticket."

Posted: 27 April 2011

The Boards of the WSR Plc and WSRA have made a joint statement.

"The West Somerset Railway successfully manages a complex array of challenges but with the current economic situation, facing us all there is an increased need to ensure the monies earned and monies spent produce a maximum benefit in order for the WSR to continue with its many heritage and public service roles.

The WSR has been reviewing how its railway activities are funded and managed especially in the light of increased legislation statutory responsibilities and external control mechanisms.

On Tuesday 19 April a combined WSR plc and WSRA meeting of the Boards was held to define how some of these issues are to be carried forward for the future. It is agreed that that the functions of the WSR plc and WSRA are both complex and diverse but that the core objectives are focussed onto the needs of the railway.

Much work has been done recently with staff recruitment, training and retention and this has culminated with the appointment of a Personnel Director to the Company Board.

It was agreed that there is a benefit in these joint meetings becoming a more regular event along with the development of a common approach on income generation and spend and in the support of heritage and infrastructure. A number of joint working parties are to be set up to look at a railway wide engineering policy and also to look at how the dining train and catering can to be developed in conjunction with funding, coordination and planning.

Joint WSR/WSRA Board Statement April 2011

Posted: 20 April 2011

Another busy monthly meeting for the Bristol Group of the WSRA. Nigel Bruce-Robertson reports "On Tuesday 29 March, the sixth meeting of the Group took place at the BAWA Club premises in Filton with 41 members and guests gathered to hear the most detailed presentation by Mike Beale entitled '150 Years of the Somerset & Dorset'. It was not simply a collection of slides of trains but a comprehensive history starting with the various Acts of Parliament of all the constituent sections of the Dorset Central and Somerset Central Railways. Following their amalgamation and the lack of funds once the Bath extension had been completed, the Midland Railway and South Western Railway took an interest and the operation then became the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway. After the notices, John Cronin gave an in-depth view of the recent very successful Spring Gala as well as future happenings including an update on the former Trowbridge Station footbridge being installed at Williton. It was good to have Jayne Mills with us again and she took control of the administrative aspect. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 26th April when for something different we are to have a presentation on the work of the British Transport Police. As usual it will be at the BAWA Club, Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol. BS34 7RG, (telephone 0117 976 8064) commencing 7.30pm. Members and non members welcome, admission £2 or by season ticket."

Posted: 31 March 2011

Whatever your age, whatever your abilities, you can help keep the wheels turning at the West Somerset Railway! Interested? Well, the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) is holding a special day to put you in the picture regarding the many ways you can volunteer on the railway.

On Sunday, 17th April the WSRA, a registered charity, is holding a, ‘Volunteer Recruiting Day’ at Bishops Lydeard Station, near Taunton. It will be a full day of events, so bring a packed lunch with you.

The recruiting day will commence with refreshments at 10.00 in the Gauge Museum on platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard station. There will then be an introductory talk given by the WSR plc Chairman, Humphrey Davies, followed by an introduction to the WSRA by Manager, Susan Kaufman.

At 11.40 the party will be taken by train to Williton where there will be visits to the engineering facility at West Somerset Restorations, the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group, and the opportunity to see a Signalman at work in a beautifully restored Bristol & Exeter Railway Signal Box (the only working example in existence).

The party will then take the 13.08 steam train back to Bishops Lydeard. This would be a good opportunity to eat your packed lunch, or make use of the buffet facilities on the train.

On arrival at Bishops Lydeard, there will be an opportunity to speak to the WSRA New Volunteer Co-ordinator, Mel Hillman, and decide if WSR volunteering is for you. You will also have the opportunity to meet with some current volunteers from all of the disciplines across the railway.

Booking in advance is essential and to do so, please contact Mel Hillman, New Volunteer Co-ordinator .....

Telephone: 01935 429032
Email: wsravoltrac@btinternet.com

We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you, whatever your interest. The West Somerset Railway – be a part of it!

Posted: 27 March 2011

The Taunton Group of the West Somerset Railway Association will soon be treated to views from north of the border. The next meeting is on Monday 4 April at the GWRSA Club at Station Approach, Taunton at 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start. Ian Aldridge Director and Trustee of the WSRA says "The main feature will be a slide presentation on Scotland by our very own Peter Triggs who know doubt will provide us with a lively and informative evening, all welcome."

Posted: 27 March 2011

John Pearce, one of the founding fathers of the West Somerset Railway, will retire from his post of WSRA Shop Manager on 30 Sep 2011. John has had a long and distinguished career with West Somerset Railway, and during his tenure as WSRA Shop Manager (aka Arkwright) more than £3 million passed through his till. A consistent top performer returning the highest income for WSRA (Promotions) Ltd year after year is a record to be proud of, and we hope to see him around the railway in a continued volunteer role. We wish him all the best for the future, and congratulate him on his long and dedicated service.

Posted: 16 March 2011

Following interviews, Martin Hope has been appointed as the new Station Master at Williton. Congratulations to Martin and Good Luck for the future.

This news on the day when the footbridge was lifted into position across the tracks and platforms at Williton. A fitting tribute to the late Chris van den Arend, long serving Williton Station Master, who died in December last year.

Martin is, of course, the man behind the excellent revamped Williton Station website

Posted: 16 March 2011

The Trustees are pleased to confirm that the Association will be led jointly by Vice Chairmen Don Bishop and Steve Roberts until such time as a new Chairman is appointed. Don and Steve are working closely with Association Manager Susan Kaufman (01823 431311 or manager@wsra.org.uk ) to ensure that Association business continues to run smoothly. Company secretary Penny Gardiner (cosec@wsra.org.uk ) is the contact point for the Trustees and Administrator Keith Sandford (01823 433856 or wsra@btconnect.com ) may be contacted as usual for membership matters.

Posted: 15 March 2011

The Trustees of the Association are very sorry to announce the resignation of David Holmes as a Trustee and Chairman of the West Somerset Railway Association due to personal and business reasons. David has been a member of the Association board for over ten years and has chaired the Trustees with enormous commitment and energy since early 2009. The Trustees would like to thank David on behalf of the members of the Association for his unstinting efforts for the Association and the West Somerset Railway stretching over many years, in particular for the flagship Norton Triangle project.

Posted: 12 March 2011

Susan Kaufman and Peter Triggs are working together to attend several events this year with a view to promoting membership of the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) and the West Somerset Railway (WSR) in general.

The first of these events will be at Taunton Public Library between Monday and Friday of next week, 22 to 26 February, when Susan, Peter and others will be present to bring awareness of all things WSRA/WSR to still more of those in the locality.

As a reader on this website, you may also wish to get involved. If you have any questions about WSRA membership or volunteering on the railway, or if you would like to help with promotional events, please contact Susan Kaufman on 01823 431311 or Keith Sandford on 01823 433856.

Posted: 16 February 2011

The next WSRA Taunton Group will be on 7th March at the GWS&A Club, Station Approach, Taunton at 7.30pm for 7.45pm. The speaker will be Dick Wood, Manager of the South Devon Railway who will be talking about his work at the Buckfastleigh-based heritage railway. Dick will be accompanied by his able assistant Sarah who will present slides in conjunction with the talk and will show some of the WSR. This will be an interesting talk as the SDR has moved on an awful lot in the last ten years of its history.

Posted: 13 February 2011

Volunteers are urgently needed for the Buffet at Bishops Lydeard Station.If you fancy working with congenial people in a pleasant environment, why not go and see John Pearce in the Bishops Lydeard shop, or ring him on 01823 432135 to arrange an appointment. Please note that on days when trains are not running, he is normally available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. If you can help, your call will be most welcome. The "Wheeltappers and Shunters Buffet" and the Station Shop can be found on Platform Two at Bishops Lydeard Station »

Posted: 10 February 2011

Triangle Triumph for the WSR proclaims The Railway Magazine. A four page special report in the March edition of » The Railway Magazine provides a fine summary of the WSR Association's Norton Triangle project from the early days to the present time. Most of the features constructed - West Chord, Barnstaple Junction and so on - are described in the commentary and an accompanying map helps the reader with the geography of the work site. Much progress has been made by working with key partners to mutual benefit. Although the Triangle is due for completion towards the end of 2011, the RM article reveals news of the tantalising prospect of passenger carrying trains along part of the existing trackwork - the West Chord and the Allerford Spur - during the forthcoming Spring Steam Gala at the end of March, although that has not yet been confirmed. See the March 2011 edition of » The Railway Magazine - available in paper and online digital format.For more about the Triangle project see more » here...

Posted: 2 February 2011

The WSRA Taunton Group Annual Photo Competition was held during the Taunton Group's monthly meeting on Monday 10 January 2011.

The competition classes were Digital and Analogue (slides) for steam, diesel and non railway images with each class winner receiving a small cash prize.

The Digital Steam award was won by John Crocker for his shot of Pannier No 5786 at Staverton, South Devon Railway (see opposite).

The Digital Diesel (modern image) award went to WSR Journal Editor David Williams for his shot of Hymek no D7047 standing at Williton during the recent night shoot (see opposite).

Malcolm Anderson won the Non Railway class with his picture of an Algarve Sunset and Malcolm's image of Lake Loiuse in Canada was runner-up in the same class (see opposite).

In his capacity as Professional Photographer/Judge, Don Bishop declared the overall winner was Alan Randle for his slide of Hall no 4965 and Castle no 5043 climbing Whiteball Bank at Beam Bridge near Wellington.

Alan received a cash prize and a copy of the 2011 Steam Railway calendar. We are pleased to include Alan's picture on this page:

Overall Winner
Nos 4965 and 5043 at Beam Bridge
by Alan Randle

Posted: 12 January 2011

Digital Steam Winner
Pannier No 5786 at Staverton
by John Crocker

Digital Diesel Winner
Hymek no D7047 at Williton
by David Williams

Non-Railway Winner
Algarve Sunset
by Malcolm Anderson

Non-Railway Runner-up
Lake Louise, Canada
by Malcolm Anderson

The QB will be having a training day on Sunday, 27 Feb, at Bishops Lydeard, on the QB. The day will begin at 1100 with a special session for new volunteers, and for anyone who is interested in learning more about being a QB volunteer. At 1300, the current QB volunteers will join the group for lunch, followed by an afternoon open forum, as well as a discussion about the 2011 season, and plans for the future.

If you would like to attend, please contact Susan Kaufman, 01823 431311, manager@wsra.org.uk, or Larraine Willmott qbvolunteers@tiscali.co.uk by 23 February.

Posted: 4 January 2011