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West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust WSRHT

The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust is delighted to welcome three new volunteer trustees. They have been co-opted to assist the work of the Trust at this challenging time, and will be recommended to members at the Annual General Meeting to be held next month.

The appointments follow interviews last month, and are part of a process that stems from a search for new Trustees that started back in June. The aim was to broaden the base of age, skills and experience and to tackle the increasing workload as membership of the Trust expands. This brings the number of Trustees to ten, each with a portfolio of work supporting the Trust’s objects and the ideal number to run a charity which now has just over 200 members.

Helen Anson is a school teacher and the Trust’s Education Officer. She runs the outreach programme with schools. She has experience as both a primary school teacher and in museums management, including the Maritime Museums at Portsmouth She holds an MA in Museum Studies as well as a degree in history. She lives on Exmoor. Her portfolio embraces Community Outreach and Engagement, aimed at expanding the appeal of the museums by developing a programme of events and activities that will engage with older students, visitors and the wider community. She has already recruited a team of assistants and run a number of successful events at the Gauge Museum, as well as providing expert guidance on the museum’s conservation and care policy.

Matt Jackson has been appointed as Manager of the Model Railway Group in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard, a post which carries with it membership of the Board. He is a young apprentice with an engineering firm in Exeter. He lives in Honiton. He also helps as part of the support crew for the main line steam locomotive, Clan Line and is a volunteer driver on the Beer Heights Light Railway in Devon. He has been a senior member of the model railway team for three years and has led the major refurbishment of the layout over the last winter, as well as producing a management plan for the group and its activities.

Mike Thompson is an experienced aviation specialist with over 30 years in leadership roles managing a wide range of international teams, including sales, marketing, customer services and operations. He is currently a sales director for an aviation IT specialist, providing airline sales and revenue management systems and other services. On the WSR he is a guard and TTI and booking clerk, and provides commercial advice to the PLC. His portfolio includes Communications and Public Relations. His brother Peter Thompson, who sadly passed away some years ago, was an earlier chairman of the Trust. Mike lives in Taunton and has already supported us with educational outreach activities including recent tours of the railway and the Gauge Museum for Wellington School.

Trust Chairman, Chris Austin said, “I am delighted to welcome three new Trustees to help with the expanding work of the Trust, bringing some specific skills that we need, and with an impressive range of knowledge and capabilities. They also bring some welcome diversity to the Trust board and together reduce the average age of trustees considerably. Together we shall all be working hard to support the West Somerset Railway as we move towards reopening and the welcome reappearance of steam trains again in Somerset.”

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Rail200: All Aboard for Young Engineers Day with Seth

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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.

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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
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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.
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  • 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!

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