Stogumber station friends buy hillside

VOLUNTEERS of the Friends of Stogumber Station group on the West Somerset Railway have raised more than £20,000 from subscriptions and donations – and have used the money to buy a small wooded hillside.

The hillside, which lies behind the station, has been purchased from Somerset County Council in order to preserve the railway’s setting.

The money raised, some of which has come from selling cream teas to visitors, will also be used to repair and maintain the buildings. Some of the amount has gone towards track renewal, too. The station’s cattle dock has been restored by volunteers over several years and is to be officially opened during the line’s May 5-8 steam gala.

WSR plc chairman Jon JonesPratt praised stationmaster Bob Preston and the volunteers for their fantastic efforts and their long-standing support.