West Somerset Railway Plc announces 2021 Christmas Trains Programme with a difference

New WSR 'Winterlights' 2021 Christmas Services

In addition to the WSR’s traditional ‘Santa Express’ daytime services from Bishops Lydeard to Williton which will run on ten dates from early December, a new series of 14 ‘Winterlights’ evening trains will be running too with the steam loco and carriages lit up, plus there will be some festive visual displays along the line to see during the journey from Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe.

Winterlights’ services will run from mid-November, twice a night, and tickets go on sale today priced the same as the Santa Express trains at £20.00 a head with full details of both on the WSR website at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.

The ‘Winterlights’ programme starts on Friday 19 November and Saturday 20^th November, and next on 26 & 27 November, then Friday 3 and Saturday 4 December, and weekends on 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, plus 21, 22 and 23 December. Santa Express’ trains will start on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December, and then run on weekends of 11, 12, 18,19, and then in Christmas week on 21, 22, 23 and 24 December.

As the West Somerset Railway (WSR) nears the end of what has been a very busy, and much needed summer holiday period, planning for the WSR’s Christmas plans is now well underway, including a brand new event for this year called ‘Winterlights’ which runs on evenings.

We expect our ‘Winterlights’ trains to be popular with visitors and our workers alike as something new and a different, illuminating experience on the line. Our Christmas trains are vital to us because they provide a good income boost which assists us greatly in getting through the fallow winter period. Running successful events on the WSR always takes a lot of planning and effort, but none of this is achievable without the continuing help of our amazing team of volunteers and staff, many of whom have been working so hard to get us through the busy summer period.

WSR Assistant General Manager Kerry Noble, commenting on the WSR’s 2021 Christmas trains programme

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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.

WSRHT President, Chris Austin OBE

Rail200 Celebrations: Young Engineers Day with Chris Vine – April 2025

February 22, 2025

Rail200 Celebrations: Young Engineers Day with Chris Vine - 9th - 10th April 2025

In celebration of Railway 200 the West Somerset Railway are offering two dates where you can come for one day dedicated to learning about everything steam in our Young Engineers Days with Chris Vine.

Chris Vine is the author of the Peter’s Railway books, and he will join staff and volunteers from the West Somerset Railway and West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust, to provide a day dedicated to engineering on heritage railways. The day will take a deep dive into the mechanics and some operational factors of the West Somerset Railway and is aimed at Children aged 5-15 with an interest in the railway industry.

Prices for this event could vary from day to day, click on the link below which wil direct you to the West Somerset Railway website to see prices for your chosen date.

The day will begin at 10.30 at the Gauge Museum which is located at Bishops Lydeard station and will include:

Introductory talk from Chris Vine.
Signalbox tour
Model railway tour
Museum tour
A train ride from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead where Chris vine will join you for some activities.
Turntable demonstration.
Some free time at Minehead.
Minehead shed tour (rarely open to the public).
Return travel from Minehead back to Bishops Lydeard.
You will arrive back in Bishops Lydeard at 18.00 where the event will finish.

Also included in your ticket price is a free hardback copy of one of Chris Vine’s Peter’s Railway books.

Tickets are sold for one adult and one child, and the adult must attend for safety reasons. If you have more than one child that wishes to attend, please call us on 01643 704996 to discuss options. Unfortunately due to the areas that attendees will be required to visit we are unable to accept any children under the age of 5.

Please bring a packed lunch with you as catering is not included. We do have a cafe at Bishops Lydeard and Minehead station we also have a buffet car on board the train where refreshments can be purchased throughout your visit with us.

Volunteering Opportunities with Heritage Trust 2025

February 20, 2025

WSRHT Learning Assistant Advertisement

The Heritage Trust is a registered charity and the principal provider of education, learning and community outreach activities and resources on the West Somerset Railway.

We have just agreed our programme for the 2025 season which includes engagement with the national Rail 200 celebrations. There will be a number of exciting and innovative events providing opportunities for primary schools, community groups and families with young children to learn more about the history, heritage and social context of the West Somerset Railway.

We are looking for new volunteers to join our Education and Learning Team as Learning Assistants to help us deliver the programme. Led by Helen Anson, our Education and Learning Officer, the team is looking for people who:

Are comfortable and interested in working with children and groups;
Have good communication and interpersonal skills;
Can adapt facilitation and engagement styles according to the needs of different sessions and topics;
Are team oriented.

Our Learning Assistants need to hold or obtain a DBS certificate [funded by the Trust] on taking up their role.

If you think you might have an interest in this area of the Heritage Trust’s work then please contact:

Helen Anson Education and Learning Officer for an initial informal discussion. Helen can be reached by writing to helen.anson@wsrht.co.uk.
For a volunteer application form and role profile, please contact John Robinson Safeguarding and People Lead on jwrobinson01@talktalk.net or 01823257448.

Completed applications may be forwarded by email to jwrobinson01@talktalk.net or by post marked FAO John Robinson to West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust, The Railway Station, Station Road, Bishops Lydeard, TA4 3BX, to be received by not later than 31st March 2025.

West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust WSRHT

West Somerset Railway Plc announces 2021 Christmas Trains Programme with a difference

New WSR 'Winterlights' 2021 Christmas Services

Recent News Posts

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WSRHT Tribute to David Baker

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Rail200 Celebrations: Young Engineers Day with Chris Vine - 9th - 10th April 2025

Volunteering Opportunities with Heritage Trust 2025

WSRHT Learning Assistant Advertisement

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