Protecting no 9880...
Work is under way to stabilise and protect Toplight coach 9880 in Williton yard while funds are raised for restoration. The timber roof has been protected with plastic sheeting and missing windows covered. Here Trust volunteer Tim Randle works on a side door on 11th January to ensure the coach is secure.
Known as 'Florence,' the corridor third coach dates from 1915 and became a camping coach, then staff accommodation on the South Devon before moving to Williton.
Tim Randle working on Toplight no 9880 © Chris Austin
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All primed and ready to go...
Trust volunteers Greg McNelly and Tim Randle are working on BCK no 6705 to which primer has now been applied after weeks of rubbing down and preparation. Only another six coats of paint to go! Volunteers are welcome Tuesdays to Thursdays to help keep up the good work. Contact Chris Austin for details.
No 6705 © Chris Austin
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90 people took part in the Wizzer Walk Sunday November 27th
The West Somerset Railway Walk , also known as the ‘Wizzer Walk’ was blessed with brilliant sunshine and moderate temperatures throughout most of the day .
90 walkers took part in the ten mile sponsored walk starting from Williton and finishing at Bishops Lydeard station.
Participants enjoyed excellent hospitality at all the Stations on the route and the walkers were able to enjoy the stunning scenery of the West Somerset Railway in the late Autumn sunshine.
A number of walkers hearing of the favourable weather forecasts for Sunday took the spontaneous decision to take part in the walk and register on the day swelling the number of participants to 90!
Organisers Mike Webber and Ian Coleby were delighted with the numbers of walkers participating and how it all went to plan on the day and look forward to receiving the sponsorship money in due course.
The organisers wish to thank all those volunteers who took part during the day in the various departments to make the Wizzer Walk an outstanding success , to all the walkers participating and lastly to those sponsoring them. The deadline for receiving the sponsorship money is the at end of February 2012 and cheques should be sent payable to the WSSRT and addressed to the West Somerset Railway Walk, Bishops Lydeard Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, TA4 3BX.
In summary, there was good walking and good weather on the Wizzer !
Organisers Mike Webber (left) and Ian Coleby near Water Bridge on 27 November 2011.
© Mike Dunse
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| Thursday 24 November 2011
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Just a few days until the Wizzer Walk on Sunday November 27th 2011...
The organisers of the walk are pleased to announce that the ‘Taunton Model Railway Group’ will be operating one of their layouts at their base at Bishops Lydeard Station for walkers and visitors during the afternoon of the walk.
The 'Wizzer Walk' starts from Williton and negotiates the ten mile route to Bishops Lydeard going through beautiful Somerset countryside with stunning views, giving members of the public an increasingly rare chance to walk this busy heritage line . The aim is via sponsorship to raise money for the Heritage Carriages Project and the St. Margaret's Hospice Taunton .
Two walking groups will take place with a diesel train to take walkers to the start of the walk. The train departs Bishops Lydeard at 9.25am going to Williton in readiness for the first walking group and then departing from Minehead at 11.00am ,once again returning to Williton in time for the second walking group to set off .
If you are planning to travel directly to Williton to commence the walk, the latest you can start is 11.45am.
If you turn up on the day to start the walk it is £7 per person to take part and this includes the diesel train fare to return you to your starting point. Refreshments and toilet facilities will be available at Stogumber and Crowcombe Heathfield Stations on route and walkers completing the ten miles will get a free coffee tea or soup at journeys end at Bishops Lydeard. First Aid cover is provided by the St. John Ambulance .
If this is a last minute thing, come on, turn up and let's burn some calories and raise some money at the same time. See you there!
For full details please see the 2011 Walk Information Sheet
Don't delay, download the 2011 Walk Sponsor Form now!
© Peter Darke
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A brief photographic update showing progress with No 6705
GWR BCK no 6705 at Williton showing the windows masked and the droplights boarded up ready for painting. Priming and undercoating is imminent. Picture taken by Chris Austin on 1 November 2011.
A view of the interior of GWR BCK no 6705 at Williton with the panelling removed to reveal the communication cord which runs in a groove the length of the coach (on both sides). The groove is being cleaned and protruding screws removed to allow the chain to work properly. The lighter area is that visible to passengers but the darker area is normally concealed behind panelling. A brass ferrule is exposed where rotten woodwork has been removed for replacement. Note the windows masked for painting. Picture taken by Chris Austin on 1 November 2011.
© West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
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• No 6705
• Previous News
From 2011
From 2010
From 2009
From 2008
From 2006 and 2007
• Pictures
Proposed Museum/Carriage Shed
Artists impression of the future...
No 6705 moves from USA to UK...
GWR Toplight CK No 7740...
• The Project Team
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Ian Coleby
Chairman and Project Leader |
Chris Dowrick
Trust rep |
David Holmes
WSRA rep |
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Don Bishop
WSRA rep |
Mark Smith
WSR Plc rep |
Roger Lizars
WSR Plc rep |
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