West Somerset Express

Issue 2 – September 2002

Issue 3 - October 2002 Issue 2 - September 2002  Issue 1 - August 2002 West Somerset Express homepage

 

This page is part of the newsletter archive, photos of the year on the line can be seen on

WSR Summer 2002  Spring Steam Gala 2002  6024 Arrives  WSR Rally 2002  Autumn Steam Gala  CAMRA 2002  1960's Weekend

 

 

 Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally – 3 and 4 August 2002

This event was, once again, a great success.  There are photos of it on West Somerset Railway on the Web - unofficial site and West Somerset Railway Photos.  Watch this space for details of next years event which I’m sure will be even better!

 

6024 King Edward I

After working services on the WSR over the Bank Holiday weekend 6024’s next outing will be to work a mainline special from Exeter to Par and back on Saturday 31 August before returning to the WSR ready for the Autumn Steam Gala, during the course of this trip 6024 will be turned so photographers will have the chance to take shots of her facing Paddington rather than Minehead.

 

Autumn Steam Gala – 6,7,8 September 2002

Up to ten engines are expected to be in steam – including at least three visiting locos.
The following engines are all expected to be in action
and working passenger trains over the Gala...

 

* Debut Gala appearance on the WSR after its return to steam in 2002

Note: All engines subject to availability.

 

5553 is running in/testing during the week ending 31 August on the line ready for service over the Gala weekend.

 

Click here to see the full timetable on www.wsr.org.uk

Remember that trains run daily until 22 September and then daily except Mondays and Fridays until 3 November with daily services from 27 December 2002 until 2 January 2003.

 

“A Hard Days Night”

The first film to feature The Beatles in major roles is being shown at the Regal Theatre Minehead on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th September as part of the weekend of the Steam Gala.  Part of the film was made on what was then the Minehead Branch of B.R. and Crowcombe Heathfield features. Start time is at 7.30 p.m., admission is £3.50 and tickets can be bought in advance from the Regal’s Booking Office on 01643 706340 (10.00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays.

 

We understand the showing is restricted to members of the West Somerset Railway Association and the Regal Film Society and their guests.

 

 

Somerset CAMRA Beer Festival

This takes place on the 14 and 15 September at Minehead Station, besides a wide range of real ales there will be a variety of entertainment – and on Saturday 14 there is also a through train run by Hertfordshire Railtours to add to the bustle, a real challenge for the bar staff!  Further details on www.wsr.org.uk .

 

Ward on the West Somerset.

A unique Railway Art Exhibition will open on Minehead Station on Tuesday 3rd September and run until Monday 16th inclusive. The exhibition features the work of the Watchet artist Alan Ward. The West Somerset Railway provides Alan with a rich vein of subject matter allowing him to portray in microcosm the people, places, events and motive power that go up to make up the country’s premier heritage railway.  This exhibition is unique in every sense of the word. It is the first major exhibition to be staged at Minehead Station and it will be the first to be held in “Lorna Doone”, one of the saloons adapted for the transportation of wheelchairs.  The exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and Alan will be present for most of the time to discuss the works.

 

 

’60’s Weekend

This years ‘60’s Weekend will be held on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October, final details are awaited but they will posted on the West Somerset Express page on http://trainsferriesbuses.co.uk/westsomersetexpress.htm and on www.wsr.org.uk as soon as they are available.

 

Extra Portion of Fish and Chips

The success of the Fish & Chip specials on certain Saturday evenings is such that an extra train is being run on Saturday 28 September, leaving at the earlier time of 6 pm.  These trains cost £10 per adult for the return trip from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead including a portion of Fish or Chicken and Chips and wine, excellent value.  Due to the popularity of these trains early booking on 01643 704996 is essential.

 

Cream and Steam

In another new venture from On-Train Catering we are trying a “Cream and Steam” package on Sunday 13th October. Passengers will travel up from Minehead on the 2.25 and return on the 4.05 from Bishops Lydeard. This is our contribution to the “Exmoor Food Festival” and the cost for the round trip, including the cream tea, will be a bargain £8.00. Advance bookings are essential and can be made on 01643 704996

 

Diesel Running Days

The next scheduled Diesel Running Days are 14, 15 September when it is hoped that D1010 will be working.  Diesels will also be in action during the Sixties Weekend, 5 & 6 October.

 

Santa Specials

 

 

Trains from BISHOPS LYDEARD to Crowcombe Heathfield

Depart at 10.15am 11.50am 1.50pm 3.25pm

Saturday 30 November, Sunday 1 December (All inclusive fares: ADULT £6.00, CHILD £6.00) and Saturday 7 December, Sunday 8 December, Saturday 14 December, Sunday 15 December, Saturday 21 December, Sunday 22 December and Tuesday 24 December (All inclusive fares: ADULT £8.00 CHILD £8.00)

 

Trains from MINEHEAD to Blue Anchor

Depart at 10.40am 12.05pm 1.55pm 3.15pm on Sunday 8 December, Sunday 15 December, Sunday 22 December (1.55pm and 3.15pm only on this day), Monday 23 December (Please note: 1.55pm and 3.15pm ONLY), Tuesday 24 December (All inclusive fares: ADULT £6.00 CHILD £6.00)

 

Trains from WILLITON & WATCHET to Blue Anchor

Depart at 10.40am from Williton and 10.45am from Watchet Monday 23 December (All inclusive fares:
ADULT £6.00 CHILD £6.00)

 

 

 

All fares are inclusive return fares i.e. inclusive of mince pies and seasonal refreshments for adults and presents for the children.

 

Note: the normal low season timetable of 2 steam and 2 diesel trains each way will be operated daily from Friday 27 December 2002 to Thursday 2 January 2003.

 

Dunster by Candlelight

Dunster by Candlelight is one of the most popular events held in West Somerset during the winter season. This year the event is planned for 6 and 7 December 2002.

The highly picturesque village - with its famous castle, church, working mill, yarn market and many other historic buildings - steps back into history with the peaceful glow of candles in virtually every window.

Each year thousands of visitors from all parts of the country come to enjoy shopping and entertainment, and just to savour the unique atmosphere. In addition, there is a lantern parade through the village, plus entertainment from Morris Dancers, Magicians, Handbell Ringers, medieval minstrels...

Parking is never easy, so why not let the train take the strain! The award-winning West Somerset Railway will be running special trains to Dunster by Candlelight on both days of the event from Bishops Lydeard, Williton and Watchet. With the choice of alighting at Dunster and walking to the village (about 15 minutes) or travelling from Minehead Station by special reserved bus link.

Simply park your car at the station car park, join the train, sit back in your seat and enjoy the journey.

Our train services to Dunster by Candlelight are always very popular, so advance booking is essential.  Further details on The Official West Somerset Railway Web Site or by ‘phoning 01643 704996.

 

The Footplate Experience

Have you ever fancied having the opportunity to take the controls (and shovel!) of a steam locomotive?

The West Somerset Railway can give you the chance to do just that!

We offer a choice of courses for you to satisfy your dreams.

A TASTER COURSE gives you the opportunity to explore the Railway and to ride on the footplate and try the controls under the guidance of qualified instructors.

The STEAM ENGINEMAN COURSE gives you the opportunity to learn how a steam engine works and provides an introduction to the basics of railway signalling and safety including a visit to the Minehead Signalbox. Then step on the footplate (with W.S.R instructors) as the Driver and Fireman on a journey along the line of your own special train. You can take the controls and use the shovel to experience the elation of being a driver and a fireman.

 

Both Courses are by fully qualified W.S.R instructors.


The fees for both Courses include all tuition and VAT at 17.5%.

Trainees for both courses must be in good health and over 18 years of age.

These Courses make excellent and unusual gifts for that special occasion for you or for a friend.

A GIFT VOUCHER can be supplied, to enable recipients to book dates at their own convenience.

Other courses can be arranged to suit your personal requirements.

 

More information can be obtained from:

The West Somerset Railway plc.
The Railway Station
MINEHEAD
Somerset
TA24 5BG

Telephone: 01643 704996

 

Volunteers

There are around 400-500 active volunteers whose contribution help makes the West Somerset Railway 'tick'. Indeed, without their considerable input the West Somerset Railway would probably cease to tick!

Volunteers are able to assist (subject to undertaking a training programme and passing a medical in some cases) in all aspects of the WSR, and their contribution is absolutely vital towards ensuring the success and future growth of the Railway. On any given day, the footplate crew, guard, ticket inspector, booking clerk, stationmaster, track worker, buffet car steward - and many, many more - are likely to be volunteers.

As the Railway's principal support organisation, the WSRA has a vital role to play in the provision of volunteers.

The WSRA wants to encourage people with or without railway skills or background to join in the volunteer work and activities of the West Somerset Railway. The Association will support all volunteers and provide a safe and challenging environment for them in which to work and learn about all the interesting and satisfying aspects of the Railway.

With the support of experienced staff, volunteers can be trained and mentored in any of the Railway’s activities and functions. With the help of our volunteers, the WSR will grow and flourish for future generations.

There are opportunities in railway operations, operating procedures and restoration, maintenance and customer care; all on Britain’s longest heritage steam railway………we’re better by miles!

As a prospective new volunteer you could experience supervised work training in any of the following disciplines:-

Prior to starting work on the railway, all new volunteers are expected to attend an initial Induction Course (lasting about half a day), led by our Volunteer Co-ordinator. A booklet Essential Information for Volunteers has also been produced to help volunteers in the course of their duties on the line. All volunteers are also issued with a Staff Identity Card, which they are expected to carry with them whilst working on the Railway (and which also entitles the holder to a number of benefits).

Twice each year the Association holds a NEW VOLUNTEERS DAY, with the aim of giving prospective new volunteers the opportunity to see the Railway at first hand and meet some of the key personnel involved.

If you would like to join the WSRA volunteer team, please write to: The Volunteer Co-ordinator, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3BX – or e-mail the West Somerset Railway Association.

 

WSR Links:

West Somerset Railway -an unofficial site full of information and photos of the West Somerset.

West Somerset Railway Association - the Association is the main support group on the line.

The Official West Somerset Railway Web Site - for trains times and fares etc.

West Somerset Railway, heritage steam and diesel trains - pages of photos of the WSR.

West Somerset Express Archive

 

The next issue is due 27 September 2002.

 

Issue 2 - September 2002  Issue 1 - August 2002 West Somerset Express homepage

 

 

 

© 2002 Steve Huddy.  This newsletter is independent of, and is not officially supported by, the West Somerset Railway plc or any of the affiliated organisations, unless specifically mentioned in the appropriate article. All information is believed correct but neither the publisher nor the Railway can be held responsible for any errors.