AS the days grow longer, and the first weekend of trains running on the West Somerset Railway approaches, staff are busy all across the line ensuring that everything is spic and span ready to welcome visitors.
Stations are being re-painted, maintenance tasks undertaken, vegetation cut back along the line, sleepers replaced, steam engines and carriages checked and necessary repairs undertaken in readiness for the first trains to run on March 18.
The West Somerset Railway is looking confidently forward to an exciting programme of events with something for all - local residents, heritage rail enthusiasts, families, tourists and casual visitors alike. We are proud to announce our 2023 programme of events which will complement our regular train timetables.
EVENTS:
April 1–16 – Easter Eggstravaganza
April 25– May 1 – Spring Steam Gala (a number of guest engines and an opportunity to see three Manors working the line!)
June 8–10 – Summer Diesel Festival
July 8–9 – Sixties Weekend – take a trip back in time to the ‘swinging 60s’ with steam and diesel engines against the backdrop of live music and entertainment
July 22– August 31 – Summertime Fun
September 9–10 – Forties Weekend – a colourful and emotive blend of period civilian and military vehicles, live music and period clothing along the line
October 21–29 – Witches and Wizards
There will also be a timetable of festive Christmas trains announced nearer to the time. Our regular train timetables, and booking details for special events and the advance purchase of tickets, can be found on our website - www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/
Even if not planning to travel by train, the railway is well worth a visit – you can eat in our cafes and visit our shops at Minehead and Bishops Lydeard Stations; visit the model railway and Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard or stroll along the sea-front and visit the Railway Museum at beautiful Blue Anchor Station.
Cream teas in the gardens at Stogumber Station are always popular or you could enjoy the peaceful tranquillity and gardens at Crowcombe Heathfield Station. Watchet Station offers access to the town and the nearby coastal walks while Williton Station, with the adjacent diesel workshops, offers an excellent base from which to explore both ends of the line.
Many people will be aware that the railway suffered an embankment slip near Tribble Bridge in December. A herculean effort by railway staff relocated displays for the Winterlights trains to the Norton Fitzwarren end of the line and we were able to continue running both the popular Winterlights and Santa Specials throughout the build up to Christmas. The damage to the embankment was substantial although fortunately the track bed was not affected. Work has been going on since the slippage to stabilise the bank to ensure that the railway can open on time.
Whilst there will eventually be some compensation from insurers, money is needed now to pay contractors and consultants for the work they are already undertaking. The West Somerset Railway Association (WRSA) is leading a fund-raising initiative to support this – the WSR Landslip Appeal. West Somerset Railway PLC Chairman Jon Jones-Pratt comments ‘I encourage everyone to support this appeal because the WSRA Board have kindly offered to match fund - meaning that we are already half way towards our goal! What we earn from this initiative today will help the Railway to begin running trains as planned.’
People choosing to join the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) will not only be supporting the railway’s charitable causes but will also enjoy the benefits of a 25% discount on all railway journeys. Further details can be found at www.wsra.org.uk/membership/. Similar benefits can also be claimed by joining the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust at www.wsrht.co.uk/membership/. Both organisations offer opportunities to become involved in the life of the railway as well as offering discounts.
2023 promises to be an exciting season on the railway as the Chairman notes ‘we are working hard to be ready and it’s looking like we are set for a busy restart. We have announced our 2023 programme which has many exciting events. We also look forward to welcoming some new locos to our line. The Gala team are busy getting ready for the various events planned, the first of which is our Steam Gala across the weekend of 28th April- 1st May. My thanks go to the teams who work so hard in the background to organise these popular and much-needed events. Whilst we understand that living costs are going through the roof, we believe that we will succeed in attracting the public by providing good value for money.’
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