West Somerset Express

Issue 4 – November 2002

Issue 1 - August 2002  Issue 2 - September 2002  Issue 3 - October 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

 

Royal Visit

"On Friday 1st November 2002 HRH The Duke of Edinburgh will make a brief visit to Minehead Station to see the West Somerset Railway and meet representatives of the Railway's workforce on his way to visit Lynton and Lynmouth.

The Royal Train is expected to arrive at Minehead at 9.20am, and the visit is planned to be of fifteen minutes duration. I will issue more details just as soon as security issues and Palace protocol permit. Mark Smith, Managing Director. "

 

I think this visit by the Royal Train is the first to a heritage railway!!  However it isn’t Prince Phillip’s first visit to Minehead by Royal Train, his previous visit was on 29 October 1952 when he was also en route to Lynmouth.  On that occasion the arrival time was 9.15, history repeating itself ?

No detailed timings are available for security reasons and Minehead Station will be closed to the public until after the Duke has continued on his way to Lynton and Lynmouth, however all the intermediate stations will be open from 8.15 (Bishops Lydeard 8.00am – but not before please) to enable people to watch the Royal Train passing through.  If you can’t be there then I hope there will be photos on line on West Somerset Railway, heritage steam and diesel trains and West Somerset Railway  that evening.

 

New Year Fish & Chips Special

You just know that by January 2nd. you’ll be fed up with turkey, mince pies and old films.

So why not get out on a steam train, look at the passing countryside and tuck into some traditional fish and chips for lunch – with a glass of wine to help it down.

The lunch will be served to those who have booked in advance on the 12.25 Steam Train from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead for the one day only.

Passengers can travel from Minehead on the 10.15 Steam Train to return on the 12.25 or return from Minehead on the 2.25 Steam Train or 4.15 diesel.

COST (inc. travel, meal and wine): £12 (adult/senior), £8 (child)

More information from the West Somerset Railway plc Telephone: 01643 704996


 

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.

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.

 

And another special train, this time from Bristol...

 

A rare chance to travel by an InterCity High Speed Train along the West Somerset Railway to Dunster and Minehead for the popular annual "Dunster by Candlelight" event – when the village is totally lit by candles.

 

See the working water mill, street entertainers and endless attractions, plus plenty of olde-worlde charm, pub, tea rooms and shops. Either alight at Dunster for the short walk to the village (bring a torch!), or continue on to Minehead for travel by bus to Dunster village.

 

The train originates from Bristol Temple Meads (4pm approx), calling at Nailsea & Backwell, Yatton, Weston-super-Mare, Highbridge and Taunton. Fare: £22 Adult, £17 Child - £3 less from Weston, £5 less from Highbridge, £7 less from Taunton. First Class £9 extra. For details, contact Cheshire Railtours, Golsoncott Cottage, Rodhuish, Minehead TA24 6QZ Tel: 01984 640005

 

 

News snippets...

 

The Diesel & Electric Preservation Group are making progress with the Class 14 no 9526 which has been out in the yard at Williton but they have advised that it will not be ready for service for a couple of weeks at least, due to one or two components being unavailable.

The Company CME and MD were reported boiler-spotting at LNWR Crewe on 24 September. No 5193's boiler is on target for return to Minehead by end of November 2002. They were also noticed measuring up the Super D with a future, perhaps 2003/4 Gala in mind.

 

This month’s photo

 

 

Recently restored 5542 double heading with 80136 Bishops Lydeard.

 

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.

 

 

NEXT YEARS EVENTS

 

The WSR has now finalised its programme of special events for 2003. The very popular Spring Steam Gala – generally regarded as one of the best events in the national heritage railway calendar – will be held on 28-30 March, with a ‘Preview Day’ on the 27th.

In addition to the regular favourites – including the Autumn Steam Gala, Thomas, the Steam Fayre & Vintage Vehicle Rally and the Somerset CAMRA Real Ale Festival – three new events are planned for next year. “The CrossCountry Network: Past, Present & Future” on 10-11 May is a special diesel and steam event being run in association with Virgin Trains. It is our aim to strive to assemble a representative selection of locomotive classes (steam to Voyager) that have been the mainstay of train services on the CrossCountry network over the last 50 years or so. Virgin Trains have agreed to re-name their Class 220 No 220 008 Somerset Voyager on the WSR that weekend.

“The Grand Trains Extravaganza” weekend on 25-26 October – deliberately timed to coincide with the school half term week – will be another joint steam and heritage diesel event, with lots of trains, using the Railway’s ‘in-house’ engine/rolling stock resources. The third new event planned for 2003 is a “Winter Steam Festival” on Sunday 28 December – plenty of steam action, with nice warm, steam-heated trains! Fuller details of the 2003 programme of special events will be announced in future issues of West Somerset Express and on West Somerset Railway Association and The Official West Somerset Railway Web Site.

 

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!

 

There are many different jobs for volunteers on the line, the October New Volunteers Day has now past but there will be another in March 2003 but you can join us at any time of year

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.

 

 

 

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

 

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.

Diesel & Electric Preservation Group Ltd (DEPG) - the main diesel group on the line

West Somerset Express Archive

 

The next issue is due 27 November 2002.

 

 

 

© 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.