Support the West Somerset Railway Association
Supporting the Heritage of The West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway runs through some of Somerset's finest countryside, linking communities, providing employment and volunteering opportunities, and helping to sustain the economy of the area, as it has done for over 150 years. It is a living museum and window into the golden age of steam. The railway only survives and flourishes with help from all its supporters and stakeholders. Here are some of the ways you can help us preserve the heritage of the West Somerset Railway and keep this beautiful railway running. There are always ongoing needs and projects to help preserve the legacy of the past for future generations.
Donate to Specific Projects
Did you know it costs over £250,000 to overhaul a locomotive, around £5000 to paint a carriage and £150,000 to replace half a mile of worn track. Our projects have opportunities for single donations and also for regular giving. How can you help?
Donate to:
Restore our locomotives
WSRA owned Small Prairie 4561 has been out of service since 1998. The aim is now to complete the restoration and return it to running on the railway in 2021. Learn how you can help HERE
Refurbish our carriages
The WSRA owns 5 TSO passenger carriages, a BCK brake carriage, the Quantock Belle dining train, an observation saloon and several others too. Along with the other carriages on the railway, they need maintaining often to standards never envisaged when they were built. Find out more HERE
Renew our Rail
The West Somerset Railway track uses 53,000 sleepers and well over 40 miles of rail. The rail has a life of between 50 and 100 years. Much of our track is at the very end of its life and we urgently need to renew it. Learn more HERE
Support us with your daily lifestyle
Do you shop online? Using easyfundraising costs you NOTHING and could bring the WSR hundreds of pounds each year.
Could you support a local lottery or our own 50:50 club?
Get a bit more involved - Join Us: Help us: Gift us:
Join the WSRA
The WSRA is a membership organisation. Members decide who should run the Association and how they should do it. Join up HERE to have your say.
Volunteer your time
The railway could not function without volunteers. There are opportunities in every area, from fundraising and admin through to driving and guarding a train. Find out more HERE
Leave a gift in your Will
Gifts in Wills can help the railway to survive and thrive, leaving a legacy for future generations to enjoy and learn from. Find out more HERE.
Trusts and Foundations
We gratefully acknowledge the support of:
- Hinkley Point C Community Fund
- Sir John and Lady Heathcoat Amory's Charitable Trust
- Anthony and Elizabeth Mellows Charitable Settlement
- Swire Charitable Trust
- N.Smith Charitable Settlement
- The Veronica Awdry Charitable Trust
- Garfield Weston Foundation
- Lennox Hannay Charitable Trust