Reopening of the Gauge Museum Bishops Lydeard Station : Saturday, 21st May 2022

Reopening of the Gauge Museum Bishops Lydeard Station

The new interpretation of the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard station was formally opened by Rebecca Pow MP for Taunton Deane on Saturday, 21st May 2022 at an event held with selected guests.

The new interpretation, funded jointly by the National Heritage Lottery Fund and the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust is the culmination of a three-year project undertaken by Trustees and volunteers. It was actually completed in 2021 but the formal opening was delayed due to the restrictions imposed by Covid 19.

Around £60,000 has been invested in new displays, an increased number of artefacts and the introduction of interactive materials and activities. The centrepiece of the museum remains GWR 1897 Sleeping Car 9038 which has been enhanced internally with examples of Victorian costumes and other exhibits reflective of the period.

The Heritage Trust gratefully acknowledges the support and funding contribution of the National Heritage Lottery Fund without which the reinterpretation of the Gauge Museum would not have been possible.

"I am delighted to have been asked to reopen the Gauge Museum on behalf of the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust and the West Somerset Railway PLC. Preserving our railway heritage and celebrating the role of the West Somerset Railway as part of our local community through this insightful museum is a an excellent achievement and I commend the Trust for developing this initiative"

Rebecca Pow, MP for Taunton Deane

"The Heritage Trust has done a fantastic job to enhance the Gauge Museum as a key attraction on the WSR. A lot of hard work has gone into the project and we encourage visitors to take the opportunity to go and visit the range of new and improved displays and artefacts that the Museum has to offer"

Jonathan Jones-Pratt, WSR PLC Chairman

"The completion of the Gauge Museum Project marks a real milestone in the achievements of the Heritage Trust on the WSR. I would like to thank all the Trustees and other volunteers who have worked tirelessly over the last 3 ½ years to bring such an impressive achievement to fruition. We would also like to thank the National Heritage Lottery Fund for their contribution and support during the project and we look forward to visitors and staff enjoying what is a real celebration of the history and heritage of the West Somerset Railway”.

Mike Thompson, Heritage Trust Chairman

For further information please contact Steve Williams, Company Secretary at steve@williamsemail.uk or 07748-637209

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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

Reopening of the Gauge Museum Bishops Lydeard Station : Saturday, 21st May 2022