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.
Don't forget the West Somerset Railway Walk on Sunday November 27th 2011...
All money raised will go to the Heritage Carriages Project whose aim is to restore vintage railway carriages to complement the range of steam locomotives that run on this railway. You can also raise
money towards the St. Margaret's Hospice, details are on your 2011 Walk Sponsor Form
There is an entry fee of £7 per walker which covers the cost of the train, refreshments, insurance and ambulance support. This can be paid on the day.
There will be two walking groups going from Williton to Bishops Lydeard. The first group will commence at 10:15am the second group will depart at mid-day. There will be a briefing prior to both groups
departing.
Walkers can finish the walk at any station between Williton and Bishops Lydeard having informed a Marshall or Steward at the station.
For full details please see the 2011 Walk Information Sheet
Don't delay, download the 2011 Walk Sponsor Form now!
Claire Sheppy writes...
A work party was held on 11th of September on coach BCK 6705, the coach that has been to America and back. Five people were present at this work party in total. Photos of the coach taken at this work party can be seen here and on the wsr.org.uk website. A further work party is going to be held next Sunday, 18th of September starting at 9:30 AM.
Work currently consists of preparing the exterior of the coach in readiness for painting. A few more volunteers would be most welcome especially at this stage.
As the coach is currently in the Swindon shed at Williton, and the shed will not be open during the autumn gala, it will not be possible to show people the progress that has been made so far, but the WSSRT Heritage carriages display board will be on display at Williton station, and will concentrate very much on showing the progress that has been made on BCK 6705 to date.
Left to right: Tim Randle, Greg McNelly, Claire Sheppy, Jennie Dunse and Mike Dunse.
Pic by Tony Brooks.
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Chris Austin writes...
The contract to remove asbestos from Collett BCK no 6705 at Williton was successfully completed, and the coach is now open again for restoration to proceed. Work groups are preparing the exterior for painting at Williton most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and an extra working party is being organised for Sunday 11 September starting at 11am. Contact Ian Coleby for details."
The picture shows the interior of one of the first class compartments, cleaned and ready for fitting out. Note the control rod for the steam heat, normally concealed from public view. The photograph of Newport's transporter bridge is an original.
Mike Webber writes
Enjoy a sponsored walk in November
Just a reminder that the West Somerset Railway Walk will take place on Sunday November 27th to raise money for the Heritage Carriages Project. Posters are now out at the stations.
The walk takes the picturesque 10 mile route from Williton to Bishops Lydeard stations. A special train will take participants to the start of the walk at Williton and will depart from Bishops Lydeard and Minehead and return walkers to these stations at the end of the day. Refreshments and toilet facilities will be available at all the stations on the route. Once again we are teaming up with St Margaret’s Hospice for this event and half the money a walker raises can go to the hospice and Steam Trust on a combined sponsorship form or all the money raised can go to the Heritage Carriages Project. The choice is yours.
Walkers need to be reasonably fit and able to complete the ten mile length of track and be prepared to walk in potentially wintery conditions due to the time of year. Children taking part need to be over 12 years and accompanied by an adult if under 16 yrs of age. Strong boots or shoes need to be worn when track walking, trainers are not recommended.
If you are not able to take part, why not sponsor a walker and cheer them on at one of the stations en route (Stogumber or Crowcombe Heathfield )or meet them at the journeys end at Bishops Lydeard , where there is ample parking?
If you would like to participate in this rare opportunity to walk the track please send a cheque for £7 per participant (made payable to WSSRT) with a stamped addressed envelope to the
West Somerset Railway Walk
The Railway Station,
Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, TA4 3BX.
See you there!
Mike Webber writes
Wizzer Walk Update: Sunday November 27th
The organisers of the West Somerset Railway Walk are pleased to give a glimpse of the first prize for the walker who raises the most money for the Heritage Carriages Project . The Sponsored Walk will take place on Sunday November 27th starting from Williton and takes the scenic ten mile route to Bishops Lydeard, (See inset poster for details). The first prize is a full sized framed painting by Mike Tunnicliffe transport artist, depicting former WSR pannier tank 6412 which shot to fame in the 1970’s children’s programme ‘The Flockton Flyer’ in an imaginary pre-nationalisation depiction at Washford Station.
Mike Tunnicliffe has been a commercial artist for over 35 years and mainly specialises in Steam Locomotives, Ships and Aircraft. His Studio is based in St. Briavels in Gloucestershire and he holds regular exhibitions in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Area . Mike will accept commissions of paintings depicting locomotives in an area/location of the customer’s choice and will undertake a great deal of research prior to starting work on a painting. If you are not lucky enough to win 1st prize of this beautiful painting, you can contact the artist to see more of his work . Mike Tunnicliffe can be contacted on 01594-530293.
Once again if you would like to take part in The West Somerset Railway Walk (also known as the Wizzer Walk) please send a cheque for £7 per person (made payable to the WSSRT) with a stamped addressed envelope to:
The West Somerset Railway Walk
The Railway Station,
Bishops Lydeard, Taunton,
TA4 3 BX
 The first prize - a full sized framed painting by Mike Tunnicliffe transport artist, depicting former WSR pannier tank 6412 in an imaginary pre-nationalisation depiction at Washford Station.
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Chris Austin writes
Progress with 6705
Work is to start during August on the removal of asbestos insulation
strips from the compartments of Collett BCK 6705, as well as lagging
from pipework. This will be undertaken under controlled conditions by
specialist contractors and the coach will then be handed back to the
Trust before the bank holiday for restoration of the interior to
continue. Meanwhile, work continues on filling the 2000 screw holes
in the bodyside pannelling prior to external painting. Volunteers are
welcome to help with this task, working mainly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays
and Thursdays at the Tarmac shed at Williton; contact Chris Austin or
Ian Coleby for details. Details of future weekend working parties
will be posted here.
 No 6705 at Williton on 8 July 2011. © Chris Austin
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 No 6705 at Williton on 8 July 2011. © Chris Austin
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Mike Webber writes
Calling All Walkers. Join the Wizzer Walk
Enjoy a Sponsored Walk along 10 miles of the West Somerset Railway Sunday 27th November to raise money for the Heritage Carriages Project.
The walk takes the picturesque route from Williton to Bishops Lydeard Stations. A special train will take you to the start of the walk at Williton and will depart from Bishops Lydeard (Where there is ample parking) or Minehead and return walkers to these stations at the end of the day.
Refreshments and toilet facilities will be available at all stations along the walking route. The organisers are pleased to announce that we are again supporting St Margaret’s Hospice with this event and half the money a participant raises can go to the hospice and the steam trust on a combined sponsor form or alternatively all the money raised can go to the Heritage Carriages Project . Walkers need to be reasonably fit .Children taking part need to be over 12 years and accompanied by an Adult if under 16 years of age.
If you would like to take part please send a cheque for £7 per participant (made payable to WSSRT) with a stamped self addressed envelope to:
West Somerset Railway Walk,
The Railway Station,
Bishops Lydeard,
Taunton, TA4 3 BX.
See you there!
Claire Sheppy writes
No 6705 completes its epic journey...
"BCK 6705 arrived at Bishops Lydeard from Crewe on May 4th, 2011. As it arrived on my birthday, I am tempted to say that it is quite a birthday present for me, but I suspect that it actually represents quite a lot of work, which I hope we shall all share between us. Greg McNelly is intending to fit the new drawgear on May 5th.
With the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust AGM about to take place very shortly (May 14th. At 2:15 PM at the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard, please come if you can), to learn more about the next step for BCK 6705, it will not be too long before we will be updating supporters of the Heritage Carriages Project on the next course of action.
At the AGM, I shall be displaying the recently completed redrawn copy of the Great Western Railway's own third class compartment drawing number 102487, originally drawn in January 1934. This is a very fully dimensioned drawing, and shows a great deal of information, including the seating construction, and the steam heating."
 No 6705 arrives at Bishops Lydeard on 4 May 2011. © Chris Austin
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Claire Sheppy writes
The Heritage Carriages Project at the Gala
The main display board will be at Williton Station again during the Spring Gala, and when the Swindon shed is open on the Saturdays and Sundays of the Gala there will be a display within the shed as well. Additionally, we plan to have a steward available throughout both weekends, and possibly on Friday 25th as well, to answer questions concerning the project, and to escort any people who wish to go across to see the five carriages in the Williton yard.
Mike and Jennie Dunse have also started the audit of the coaches.
I am sure that many of you will want to get off the train to look at the newly positioned footbridge, so please take the opportunity of having a look at the coaches as well.
No 6705 emerges from the polyshed at Crewe ...
The work at Crewe on GWR BCK no 6705 has now been completed and the coach was shunted out of its scaffolding shelter today. The Trust plans to bring it to Somerset after the Gala, probably in April. It will then go to Williton for completion of fitting out, refurbishing the running gear, and painting. More pictures on the 6705 pictures page...
 No 6705 is hauled out into the sunlight on 8 March 2011. © Chris Austin
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| Latest News - Tuesday 1 March 2011
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News and pictures from Crewe ...
 Glass now in place on GWR BCK no 6705 at Crewe on 1 March 2011. © Walt Denning
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 The scaffolding contractors have removed the end section of the tent to allow GWR BCK no 6705 to be shunted out next weekend. Seen at Crewe on 1 March 2011. © Walt Denning
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| Latest News - Monday 21 February 2011
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Claire Sheppy writes
Visit to Didcot Railway Centre ...
"On 20th of February 2011, 14 people with connections to the West Somerset railway, who have an interest in the heritage carriages fleet, went to Didcot to visit the Didcot Railway Centre, home of the Great Western Society. Arriving at different times from different parts of the country, we met up at 11:45 am, when we were given a guided tour of the centre as a whole by David Castle, and of the heritage carriages that they have there by Roger Horwood. Having a guided tour meant that we had the special privilege of going into coach 9002, a Collett Special Saloon which the general public are only normally able to see from its exterior. The interior finish on this particular coach has to be seen from inside to be fully appreciated. This coach was a Heritage Railway Association award winner in 2005."
"After this very extensive tour, we all reconvened in the refreshment room for some much needed sustenance and to warm up, because one of people's overriding memories I would imagine will be as to just how cold it was, weatherwise, totally the opposite of the very warm welcome that we were extended by the staff of Didcot Railway Centre. At this informal meeting, we brought everyone up to date with progress thus far, drew people's attention to the sponsored walk in November, and outlined plans for the further work that we will carry out on BCK 6705."
 Didcot Railway Centre. © Claire Sheppy
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 Heritage Carriages Project members at Didcot Railway Centre on 20 February 2011. © Claire Sheppy
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 Heritage Carriages Project members at Didcot Railway Centre on 20 February 2011. © Claire Sheppy
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 Heritage Carriages Project members at Didcot Railway Centre on 20 February 2011. © Mike Dunse
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Claire adds: "Other news: having been rained off on 13th of February, Mike and Jennie Dunse and I hope to reconvene when the weather is kinder to commence the audit of the coaches that we currently have in line for restoration already on the railway. We are also intending to have a meeting of all interested volunteers, not long after BCK 6705 arrives from Crewe. Currently, no date has been set for this, but will be announced in due course."
| Latest News - Monday 7 February 2011
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Claire Sheppy writes
An audit for the Heritage Carriages...
"Mike and Jennie Dunse, and I are intending to start an audit of all of the coaches currently on the WSR and earmarked for the Heritage Carriages Project. We shall do each of them as and when we can gain access to them. This will include preparing an inventory of what is available with each coach, and a general statement as to its condition, assessed visually, and will form the basis of a dossier, together with photographs. We shall be making a start next Sunday 13th of February."
| Latest News - Monday 7 February 2011
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Claire Sheppy writes
Visit to Didcot Railway Centre on 20 February
"This is what hopefully is going to be my last update concerning the trip to Didcot on Sunday 20th of February. We have some 12 people who have definitely stated their intention to go, it is still not too late for anyone else to join us, all you would need to do is get yourself to Didcot in time to meet up with us prior to the guided tour commencing. "
"With regard to the guided tour, this has been slightly re-timed to start at 11:45 AM, and Pat has asked David Castle to give us the guided tour. There is of course no reason why you should not arrive earlier, all you need to then do is to be at the Public Refreshment Room by 11:45 AM. Roger Horwood has asked that after our guided tour of the centre as a whole, that we then go straight on to the carriage shed to meet up with him there, and he will then show us around the carriage shed and take us behind-the-scenes. I believe that they are even going to arrange for cups of tea for us. "
"As a reminder, Didcot Railway Centre that day is open from 10:30 AM until 4 PM, and the souvenir shop, restaurant and science and learning exhibition will also be open. There will also be steam in operation. With regard to entry, Pat Bosley has asked that each of us pay for obtaining our own ticket, because we are not quite up to the number for the party booking, and will not all be arriving together. "
"If you have any further questions, do get in touch with me and if I can answer them, I will. If, as one of two of you have, you have booked a place on behalf of someone else, do please let them know the arrangements, as I probably do not have an e-mail contact address for them. "
| Latest News - Saturday 5 February 2011
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Mike Webber writes
West Somerset Sponsored Walk on Sunday 27 November 2011
The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust is again organising a Sponsored Walk, this time from Williton to Bishops Lydeard, to raise money for the Heritage Carriages Project “Olympic set” which is a rake of three Great Western Railway coaches that the trust is aiming to restore and plan to be up and running in 2012 around the time that the Olympic Games are being held.
The date is set for Sunday NOVEMBER 27th and once again the plan is to join forces with another charity so that the walk will appeal to a wider group of people.
As you may remember the Trust organised a walk from Williton to Minehead in 2008, which was a great success when over one hundred and twenty walkers took part with over £5,000 raised from sponsorship money.
The plan for 2011 is to go in the other direction from Williton to Bishops Lydeard, the ten mile terraine enjoying fine views of the Quantocks and surrounding countryside and being a little more challenging as the ruling gradient along the route to Crowcombe is 1 in 100 ,which when walking is a gentle but noticeable climb.
Organisers Mike Webber and Ian Coleby , both volunteers on the railway say that this is a great time to burn off a few calories before next Christmas as track walking can be challenging and sometimes strenuous in places, but also promises to be a great day out raising money for a worthy cause.
The organisers are looking for at least fifty to sixty walkers to take part and the Diesel Multiple Unit will be there to take Walkers from Minehead or Bishops Lydeard to Williton at the beginning of the day and return them following the walks conclusion.
Entry forms and further details will be released in April and will be £7 per walker taking part to cover organisational costs, a complimentary tea, coffee, or soup and the diesel train taking walkers back to their original station.
See you there!
| Latest News - Monday 10 January 2011
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Claire Sheppy writes
West Somerset Steam Railway Trust. Trip to Didcot Railway Centre on February 20, 2011.
So far we have some eight or nine people who have expressed an interest in going to Didcot Railway Centre on 20th of February. There is no upper limit to the number of people who can go.
Details of the trip are as follows:
Didcot Railway Centre is open from 10:30 AM until 4 PM.
You are asked to make your own arrangements with regard to getting to Didcot Railway Centre.
Entry costs are as follows: £8 for an adult, £7.50 for anyone over 60, and £7 for children.
We have been offered a guided tour of the centre, for part of the time of the visit, I will be posting details of the time of this guided tour when I have confirmation from Didcot Railway Centre, but I shall be asking if it will be possible to start the tour at around 11:30 AM. Similarly I shall be asking for our tour of the heritage carriages to take place in the afternoon, and again I will confirm later on the time of this part of the visit.
For your further information, the cheapest standard return train fare from Taunton to Didcot is currently £19.50. A suitable outward train leaves Taunton at 8:35 AM, arriving at Didcot at 10:45 AM, and there is a suitable return train at 16:51, arriving at Taunton 19:09. You are however advised to check train times and fares yourself which you can do via National Rail Enquiries. Bear in mind that the later you leave it the more expensive a rail ticket is likely to be.
Alternatively you may prefer to drive to Didcot, the weekend parking charge at Foxhall car park is £4.10 per day. Alternatively you can park in the town centre at one of the municipal run car parks, which will involve you with an approximate half mile walk.
Finally, will everyone who has expressed an interest in joining us or wishes to be added to the list of people wishing to join us on this trip please now confirm that it is your definite intention to come. You can do this to me by e-mail, at info@WSSRT, or direct to me if you already have my e-mail address.
© West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
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• No 6705
• Previous News
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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