Press Release – Agreement on Washford between WSRHT & S&DRT

The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust (WSRHT) and Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust (S&DRT) are delighted to confirm that they have finalised the agreement to purchase the S&DRT shed and track at Washford. In addition, the WSRHT has signed an agreement for a 10-year lease of the site from WSR PLC, both agreements being effective from 1^st February 2024.

"I am really pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement with the S&DRT for the Washford assets. The agreement will benefit both the WSRHT with improved facilities and the S&DRT by providing funds to invest in their future activities. The deal was very complex to finalise owing to the need for simultaneous agreement between three parties, which of course required three sets of legal teams. I must especially thank Roger Hardingham, S&DRT Chairman, Joy Boswell, Finance Director of WSR PLC and Steve Williams, Vice Chairman of WSRHT, who between them had the tenacity to navigate an extremely complex set of articles in the final agreements"

Heritage Trust Chairman, Mike Thompson

‘’he was delighted to have completed the final arrangements at Washford which will allow the S&D Trust to embark on new ventures elsewhere along the original S&D route, and other locations, to keep the fascinating history of the Somerset & Dorset Railway alive.’’

Roger Hardingham, Chairman of the S&DRT said...

The agreement will help secure proper covered facilities for the WSRHT Carriage Restoration team who until now have had to work largely in the open at Williton, where the Trust will now cease restoration activities.

The WSRHT plans to move most of its fleet of heritage carriages to Washford over the next 12 months, from their existing locations at Williton and Dunster. All future carriage restoration activities will then take place in the 3-track shed at Washford.

As part of the lease agreement, the WSRHT has agreed to adopt and operate all activities using the WSR PLC Safety Management System. It will also invest further in the Washford site, and will work with the PLC to support the sustainability of the heritage and historic nature of Washford station.

For further information about the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust (WSRHT) please contact Steve Williams, Company Secretary at steve@williamsemail.uk or 07748-637209

For further information about the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust (S&DRT) please email at info@sdrt.org

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Rail200 Celebrations: Meet Seth - who is going to the Young Engineers Day

My name is Seth, I am 7 years old and am very excited about the “Young Engineers Day” on the West Somerset Railway. I am glad my Mummy and Daddy reserved a space early for me because both days are now sold out and I love trains.

I have two favourite locomotives on the WSR, they are 9351 the Mogul and 7822, Foxcote Manor, and I would like to be a train driver one day.

I am also looking forward to meeting Mr. Chris Vine as I have some of the Peters Railways books, I bought one from the WSRHT and I had 3 for Christmas from Grandma. My favourite story is “The Surprise Goods”.

I couldn’t choose which thing I was looking forward to most of all, the signal box visit, the train ride to Minehead, visiting the Engine Shed or watching and learning about the Turntable? So, I ask my Mummy and she said “put all of them”!

I will tell you all about the day when I get back, but I am really looking forward to it.

Seth, aged-seven.

Parental permission was saught to publish this photo for use online via this website and on our Facebook page. For more information please email info@wsrht.co.uk.

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

March 17, 2025

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

Unfortunately, this event is SOLD OUT.

Thank you to everyone who has booked a ticket.

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.

Calling all Schools! Trust Rail 200 Learning Packs are published!

March 12, 2025

Rail 200 Celebrations: Heritage Trust Learning Packs are published!

The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust is delighted to announce that our in-house Learning Officer, Helen Anson, has developed exciting new Learning Packs for children. These engaging resources are designed to inspire young minds by exploring the history, science, and engineering behind the Broad Gauge railway and its impact on the world of rail travel.

📚 Designed for KS1 and KS2, our free Learning Packs offer interactive STEM-based activities, historical insights, and fun challenges, helping students investigate the innovations of Brunel and the golden age of steam. Perfect for schools, home learning, and railway enthusiasts of all ages!

🏫 Teachers can access these downloadable lesson plans, PowerPoints, and activity sheets through our website. Simply visit www.wsrht.co.uk, explore the Learning section, or head to The School Programme page to find resources tailored to each Key Stage.

🚂 Bring the magic of railway history into the classroom and inspire the next generation of engineers, historians, and railway enthusiasts! ✨

West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust WSRHT

Press Release – Agreement on Washford between WSRHT & S&DRT