Welcome back to Minehead!
West Somerset Railway passenger services return to resort after a twoyear absence.
SATURDAY, March 19 saw the first public train to operate from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead since 2019. The 10.15am from Bishops Lydeard arrived at 11.35am and was hauled by 2-6-0 No. 9351. As previously reported, extensive track upgrade work has been undertaken between Dunster and Minehead – plus the renewal of Seaward Way level crossing.
Gales during Storm Eunice in mid-February damaged three of the four barriers – two to such an extent that they had to be replaced.
The crossing is due to be formally reopened at noon on Saturday, April 2, as part of the Return to Minehead event taking place that weekend. Watchet Town Band will play during the opening ceremony and groups from the WSR as well as a number of local charities and organisations will be staging displays and stalls on the station platforms.
Other attractions throughout the weekend will include children’s entertainment, live music, vintage bus rides around
Minehead and guided tours of the engine shed.
After being closed throughout 2021, Washford station also reopened to passengers on March 19.
WSR plc chairman Jon Jones-Pratt said: “I would like to thank our whole team who have worked tirelessly over the winter to achieve a wonderfully prepared railway for everyone to enjoy. It is a very important step for the line and for the local tourism industry. The railway is now on a sound footing.”
Three return trips a day will run in March, April and October while four trains are timetabled in May, June and part of July, increasing to five each way at the height of the summer.
Kerry Noble has been appointed permanent general manager and will be responsible to the board for the operation, commercial success and development of the railway, and for the management of the staff and volunteers.
Joining the staff in 2017, Ms Noble progressed through the roles of administrator, PA to the general manager, PA to the chairman, and assistant general manager. As assistant GM she has supported the board in steering the railway through the very difficult period of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, several once familiar features of WSR gala weekends are due to be reintroduced during the May 5-9 Spring Steam Gala. They include goods trains and turntable demonstrations at Minehead. Using the Minehead turntable and the Norton Fitzwarren triangle, it is hoped as many full line trains as possible will operate smokebox first, subject to operational requirements.
While details of the loco lineup remained to be finalised by mid-March, Caledonian Railway 0-4-4T No. 419 was confirmed as visiting from the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway.
Gala tickets are now on sale. To celebrate their return, the WSR is offering special discounts for pre-bookings – with a children’s gala Sunday ticket for example, costing £1.
Visit www.west-somersetrailway.co.uk for details.