40TH GALA REPLACES SPRING EVENT

Although the planned steam enthusiast event in March has been cancelled, the WSR is now planning to host a gala to mark the 40th anniversary of re-opening to Bishops Lydeard on June 8/9.

There is a desire to welcome back former resident pannier tank No. 6412 from the South Devon Railway.

Other appropriate visitors would be WSR preservation pioneer Bagnall 0-6-0STs Victor and Vulcan, now based at the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway and Stephenson Railway Museum respectively.

Paul Conibeare added: “As a young fireman who learned how to fire (and drive) on both Victor and Vulcan, I would hope we can have them for a return visit one day, although neither have been officially approached [and] all visiting locomotives will be subject to 2019 budgets.”

l The railway will also be holding an event at Minehead during half-term, when Odney Manor will be in steam and hauling brake van rides.