• Once again the West Somerset Railway station at Bishops Lydeard will echo to the sight, sound and smell of many mighty steam engines as they gather for what will be our 18th Rally.

A glittering array of superb machinery will be in action alongside our restored country station on Britain’s longest heritage railway, and 2005 looks like beating all records with some of the country’s finest examples of vintage transport on display.

Gleaming Showman’s engines, powerful steam tractors and road rollers, elegant vintage cars and motorcycles, superb fire engines, buses, commercial and military vehicles will all be put through their paces in the arena to thrill the crowds. Horse drawn exhibits make their third visit to the event.

Bishops Lydeard Steam Fayre & Vintage Vehicle Rally 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.

The event is organised by the West Somerset Railway Association, with support from the Somerset County Gazette and Ian Allan Publishing.

Events and Highlights

·	Full train service on the WSR to stations to Minehead, with steam and heritage diesel locomotives in action
·	The glory of working Showman’s engines, tractors and road rollers
·	Sweet music from the fairground and street organs
·	Horse drawn section
·	Polished perfection of vintage cars, motorcycles, fire engines, buses, military and commercial vehicles
·	The power of stationary vehicles
·	Afternoon parades of vehicles
·	Real ale bar and refreshments
·	Family fun, children’s entertainments, Morris Dancers
·	Pre-booked camping available
·	Combined Rail/Rally tickets available from most WSR stations
·	Visits from the Orchard FM “Black Thunder” Teams
·	Something for everyone – displays, models, railway art, trade stands, craft marquee and stalls.

[N.B. All events listed are subject to availability]

Opening Times: 10am to 5pm (both days)

Timetable

A frequent service of trains will be in operation on the Railway from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, with the GOLD timetable in operation on both days. Times are as follows:-

From BISHOPS LYDEARD	9.40am Heritage Diesel
	10.25am Steam
	11.25am Steam
	12.25pm Steam
	2.10pm Steam
	2.55pm Heritage Diesel
	3.50pm Steam
	4.40pm Steam
From MINEHEAD	10.15am Steam
	11.10am Heritage Diesel
	12.15pm Steam
	2.00pm Steam
	2.55pm Steam
	3.55pm Steam
	4.45pm Heritage Diesel
	5.35pm Steam

A combined WSR Rail/Rally Ticket is available to the event from most WSR stations.

Special Evening Train

 • In addition to the services above, a special train – “The Severn Coast Express” – will run in connection with the Rally on the Saturday evening. Enjoy the superb 20-mile scenic journey through the Quantock Hills and along the coast of Blue Anchor Bay. The train is very popular, and advance booking is strongly recommended. Once again, we can offer pre-booked Fish & Chips or Chicken & Chips meals, plus a vegetarian option. The train will depart from Bishops Lydeard at 7.15pm, arriving in Minehead at 8.20pm. The return from Minehead is at 10pm, with arrival back in Bishops Lydeard at 11.15pm. Tickets for the “SCE” cost £10.50 for adults and £5.00 for children. Food costs £4.90 per person (food orders must be made at least seven days in advance).

Rally Admission Tickets

Entry rates (per day):	Adult £5.00
	Senior Citizen £4.00
	Child £2.50
	Family (2 + 2) £12.00

Weekend Rate: 1½ times the above.

Catering

 • There will be plenty of refreshment and catering outlets around the rally site, in addition to a Real Ale Bar.

In addition, buffet and bar facilities will be available on all WSR train services during the weekend, serving a range of hot and cold food, tea & coffee and a range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Connecting bus service  Taunton-Bishops Lydeard

 • On both days, there is a First Bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard Station [Service 28 & 28A, Saturday; Service 928, Sunday]. Full timetable details available from First Bus – 01823 272033.

Further information

 • Please contact:
The Rally Organiser,
The Railway Station,
Bishops Lydeard,
Taunton,
Somerset TA4 3BX
or e-mail us.