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West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust WSRHT

Update on Gauge Museum Project

Trust Recruits New Learning Assistants

As part of our development of the Learning Offer for the Gauge Museum Project, the Trust is recruiting to the new role of Learning Assistant. Learning Assistants will work with Helen Anson in the implementation of the Learning Offer to schools, children and family visitors. We are looking for people who can combine their interest in heritage and museums with particular skills in working with groups and delivering material with an educational content. We have already had a number of individuals come forward to express interest and if you think this is something that you might wish to be involved with, then do please contact:

Helen Anson Learning Officer at helen_anson@hotmail.com

Design and Interpretation Programme for the Gauge Museum

Following the appointment of Smith and Jones as our external consultants, the first workshop to bring together the Trusts vision and the concept document from Smith and Jones will be held on Friday 5th April. A programme of work and timetable will also emerge from these discussions and we will keep Members, volunteers and the public up to date with progress as more detail emerges.

Learning and Education Group

A small working group has been established to look at key issues for all the organisations across the railway in this important area. Trust representatives are Geoff Evens and Helen Anson. The aims of the group are to:

  • to promote learning opportunities for visitors of all ages across the WSR;
  • to promote engagement with the local community/local interest groups through a programme of events and focused learning opportunities;
  • to promote and encourage people to become involved in the WSR by supporting these events/learning opportunities as volunteers;
  • to promote opportunities for younger people (13 and up) to become involved with the WSR;
  • to promote access to further education opportunities and funding

The Trust is fully behind this initiative and we wish the Group well in its deliberations. There is an initial focus on developing policies and working arrangements for safeguarding.

More information can be obtained either from Geoff Evens or Helen Anson

Presentation on the Project at the Trust AGM

At the Steam Trust AGM on Saturday 23rd March, Helen Anson and Steve Williams (Project Lead) gave a presentation to Members. A copy of the presentation is provided here.

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Recent News Posts

Rail200: All Aboard for Young Engineers Day with Seth

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

© WSRHT 2025

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.

© Railway200
© Railway200

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

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. 

© Railway200
© Railway200

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!

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!

© Rail 200
WSRHT 2025