'Strawberry Sunset’

Friday 13 June 2003

The West Somerset Railway & Crowcombe Heathfield Station Group presents 'Strawberry Sunset' on Friday 13 June 2003.

Enjoy a steam train, strawberries & cream and champagne as the sun sets.

Introduction

Join us for a journey with a difference, remembering the days when the railway line through Cheddar in Somerset was called ‘The Strawberry Line’ because of the trains that took strawberries from that area all over the country.

Travel behind the recently restored GWR ‘small prairie’ 2-6-2T No 5542 (which was based at Taunton for many years and may well have actually hauled strawberry trains) on the ‘Strawberry Sunset’ from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead while enjoying a buffet meal.

At Minehead, you will have half an hour to stretch your legs and listen to some live music on the station platform.

On the return journey we stop just before Blue Anchor Station so you can have an uninterrupted view of the Bristol Channel, as you enjoy your strawberries and cream and sip your champagne watching the un set over the sea (weather permitting!). Finally, you can enjoy some cheese, a cup of coffee, and perhaps a little something from the bar, as the train travels back beside the Quantock Hills to Bishops Lydeard.

A road coach link to Bishops Lydeard Station will be provided from Nether Stowey, Cannington, Wembdon, Bridgwater, North Petherton, Taunton Railway Station and Staplegrove, at an additional cost of £2.50 each.

Timetable and Menu

  • 5.50pm Coaches depart from Nether Stowey (see below)
  • 7.15pm Special Train departs from Bishops Lydeard Station
    En route there will be a self service buffet of Terrines of Smoked Salmon, Chicken Peperonato or Chargrilled Vegetables, with various salads, roll and butter, and a bottle of wine per table
  • 8.30pm Arrive Minehead Station
    Time to stretch your legs and enjoy some live music on the station platform
  • 9.05pm Depart Minehead Station
  • 9.20pm Arrive Blue Anchor Bay
    Enjoy strawberries and clotted cream and a glass of champagne as you watch the sun set over the Bristol Channel
  • 9.35pm Depart Blue Anchor
    Cheese & Biscuits, coffee and mints will be served
  • 10.30pm Arrive Bishops Lydeard
  • 10.35pm Road coaches depart from Bishops Lydeard

Booking Form

Cost

Train Seats cost £20.00 per person. The additional cost for travel on the road coach (if required) is £2.50 per person.

Road coach timetable

  • 5.50pm Nether Stowey Clock Tower
  • 5.55pm Ashford Lane, Cannington
  • 6.00pm Cannington Post Office
  • 6.05pm Cannington Bridge
  • 6.10pm Inwood Road, Wembdon
  • 6.15pm North Street, Bridgwater
  • 6.18pm Hope Inn, Taunton Road, Bridgwater
  • 6.23pm North Petherton Church
  • 6.30pm Monkton Heathfield Community Centre
  • 6.35pm Taunton Railway Station
  • 6.40pm Westerkirk Gate, Staplegrove

Other points along this route can be considered as pick-up points – please indicate your request on the Booking Form.

Further information and how to book

Telephone: 01278 652953
Post: Strawberry Sunset, The Rectory, 27 Brook Street, Cannington, Bridgwater, Somerset TA5 2HP
E-mail: petermartin@petermmartin.fsnet.co.uk

Early Booking is advised, as the train is limited to 224 seats

Updated: 28 December 2002