Further to our news item on 18 January about the appointment of Alan Smithers as the new Curator for Blue Anchor Museum, Alan took up post on 20th February. The Steam Trust is now starting the process of looking at the future role of Blue Anchor on the WSR and Alan will be playing a leading part in this work alongside volunteers and key stakeholders on the WSR and local community. He can be contacted on Tel 07546723125 or 01643 708553 and the email address is: alanlsmithers@gmail.com
WSRHT Tribute to David Baker
February 27, 2025
WSRHT Tribute to David Baker
The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust (WSRHT) is saddened to learn of the passing of David Baker who held lots of roles across the West Somerset Railway.
A statement from the Trust’s President, Chris Austin.
David Baker's interest in railways was kindled by his grandfather and uncle, both of whom worked for the Southern Railway. He was an enthusiastic and devoted supporter of the West Somerset Railway for over 25 years. David was Catering Manager for the railway's buffet cars and later was Commercial Director and in 2013, became Vice Chairman of the PLC and in 2015 was acting Chairman. In 2016 he became a trustee and Company Secretary for the Steam Trust (now the WSR Heritage Trust), while continuing to support the PLC as Share Registrar. After the retirement of Pete Treharne, David took on the role as curator of the Blue Anchor Railway Museum. Working with him in these roles was his wife Jill, who survives him and also worked for the Chief Mechanical Engineer, Andy Forster, fulfilling the key role of maintaining locomotive records and also minuted meetings of the Trust's board. David retired as a trustee in 2020.
