Rail Thing - Friends of the S&D: Events (MN)

Welcome to the 'New Somerset and Dorset Railway'

The original Somerset and Dorset Railway closed very controversially in 1966. It is time that decision, made in a very different world, was reversed. We now have many councillors, MPs, businesses and individuals living along the line supporting us. Even the Ministry of Transport supports our general aim. The New S&D was formed in 2009 with the aim of rebuilding as much of the route as possible, at the very least the main line from Bath (Britain's only World Heritage City) to Bournemouth (our premier seaside resort); as well as the branches to Wells, Glastonbury and Wimborne. We will achieve this through a mix of lobbying, trackbed purchase and restoration of sections of the route as they become economically viable. With Climate Change, road congestion, capacity constraints on the railways and now Peak Oil firmly on the agenda we are pushing against an open door. We already own Midford just south of Bath, and are restoring Spetisbury under license from DCC, but this is just the start. There are other established groups restoring stations and line at Midsomer Norton and Shillingstone, and the fabulous narrow gauge line near Templevcombe, the Gartell Railway.
There are now FIVE sites being actively restored on the S&D and this blog will follow what goes on at all of them! Midford - Midsomer Norton - Gartell - Shillingstone - Spetisbury

Our Aim:

Our aim is to use a mix of lobbying, strategic track-bed purchase, fundraising and encouragement and support of groups already preserving sections of the route, as well as working with local and national government, local people, countryside groups and railway enthusiasts (of all types!) To restore sections of the route as they become viable. Whilst the New S&D will primarily be a modern passenger and freight railway offering state of the art trains and services, we will also restore the infrastructure to the highest standards and encourage steam working and steam specials over all sections of the route, as well as work very closely with existing heritage lines established on the route.

This blog contains my personal views. Anything said here does not necessarily represent the aims or views of any of the groups currently restoring, preserving or operating trains over the Somerset and Dorset Railway!

Showing posts with label Events (MN). Show all posts

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

new arrival at Midsomer Norton

(Oakamoor 15.6.2009 - courtesy Jeremy Woodrow)

A new arrival at Midsomer Norton hopefully tomorrow (17 June) will be 'Midland Mark One' coach SK26049.

She will be loaded onto Heanor Haulage’s lorry tomorrow AM and should arrive at MSN station by 6pm the same day. She will then be exhibited at the Midsummer at Midsomer Weekend on 20/21 June – with ‘proving runs’ for members only on both days. Don’t forget the ‘official unveiling’ on Saturday (11am) followed by a trip up & down [travel AT OWN RISK].

There are still several jobs to be completed (internal varnishing, flooring, possibly exterior roundel, second toilet and some other bits & bobs) but these will be done by Dave in August. He has worked night & day all last week to get her ready for shipping to MSN.

I'm a part owner of this coach but unfortunately will be in London over the Midsummer weekend (1st wedding anniversary!) but with good weather forecast the event should be fantastic.

Midsummer at Midsomer is always a very special time on the S&D and I hope you'll all get the chance to pop down there and see the progress that's been made at this classic S&D location.

(This coach will be the second in the rake that will be used on passenger trains when regular services begin shortly).

Monday, March 09, 2009

event at midsomer norton

Easter egg treaure hunt

On Sunday April 12th 2009 the Trust at Midsomer Norton will be holding an Easter egg treasure hunt. Bring the children along and take a look at progress on site, visit the station gift shop or browse the second-hand books selection. The price for each child for the treasure hunt is £3.50 and includes a snack in the buffet coach and an egg. Times for the hunt are 2pm to 4pm and there is also a raffle.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

don't miss ...

... this weekend's Gala Days events at Midsomer Norton.

Above are a few shots from last year's event. Unadvertised brake van trips were run (for members only) over both days. Top shot is of the approach to the station from the brake van, middle is of Wulfric listening to the (now moved) sleeper pile as we passed it and the bottom shot is of the evening disco on the catering coach patio. It was a great weekend!

Sunday, June 08, 2008

open day

Midsummer at Midsomer 2008

21/22 June. 10.00 - 16.00.

• New rolling stock
• Re-built signalbox open
• Buffet coach for drinks & snacks
• Stalls and sideshows
• Station shop for gifts, books, DVDs, videos & second-hand bookshop
• Vintage cars & buses

£2 entrance fee - children & senior concessions £1. (All proceeds to the project.)

Try to get there - you'll be amazed!

Unfortunately I'll be missing it as I'm getting married on the Saturday!

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

final destination

Some views from last Sunday on the second day of the open weekend. A big feature was the brake van rides and for Sunday people were actually using the train to get from A to B. Not Midsomer Norton to Chilcompton (or Bath to Bournemouth) but for the short trip from the down platform via the end of the line and back to the up platform signalbox.

The signalbox is now the real star of the station, having risen from a hole in the ground just 18 months ago. It's now almost complete externally and the inside is looking very good too with the frame and levers now painted and the woodstove in place. It was very busy at the weekend with almost every visitor ascending the stairs and having a go on the levers!

Sunday, June 24, 2007

barbecue

Phil Jones (No 10 driver) and Julian Jefferson (Telegraph Editor) are press ganged into making the new barbecue - just an hour before opening Saturday evening!

A view from behind the DJ decks and into the new gazebo - Wulfric on iPod.

Not so quiet evening as the first bars of Enter Shikari's 'Sorry You're Not a Winner' reverberate around the patio.

The gathering around the barbecue.

All in all the Midsummer at Midsomer weekend was a resounding success, with many new members joining and a few more volunteers. Brake van rides were extremely popular, as were the cream teas up in the catering coach. Special thanks to Ann Cook and Debs Hitchins (catering), Dave and Hermione (barbecue), Phil Jones (brake van rides), John Rideout (signalbox), Paul Mitchell (shop) and John Bridges (tombola), plus many others who gave up part of all of the weekend to introduce our lovely line to the wider public.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

midsummer and midsomer

Just five hours to the solstice. If any railway is Pagan then it has to be the S&D, running through the heart of mystical Wessex and serving the classic Pagan location of Glastonbury. So it's quite appropriate that we've always had a Midsummer at Midsomer event even if in the past it's been held in July! This year we're almost spot on with the festivities starting in just 36 hours time.

I spent today traipsing around Midsomer Norton getting posters up in the shops. We've always made it low-key in the past, but we've had a bit of a media push this year with press releases going to local and regional papers. This will probably be the last Midsummer event we have without running trains.

So do try to turn up! There will be plenty going on around the volunteering theme. And don't forget the Saturday evening disco and barbecue on the catering coach patio - hopefully the evening won't be too light and the patio and disco lights can be seen to their full effect! The barbecue starts at six pm. We'll be serving cream teas in the afternoons and the normal menu between 11 and 3 on Saturday and Sunday. The bar will be running throughout.

Thursday, June 07, 2007

yes!

This was Heidi's reaction when she heard we've got a temporary license to cover the Midsummer weekend. Yes, that's right, we'll be selling lager, cider and hot chocolate with Bailey's, plus presenting the very first disco at Midsomer Norton on the Saturday evening - a far cry from the usual turgid jazz event! Star DJs Brassey Digger and DJ Trin will be bringing real cool to the patio evening between 7.30 and 10.30 in the evening, the barbecue will start at 6 - entry is FREE.

Just imagine, hot dogs and burgers on a warm evening with non-stop dance music and lights as dusk falls ...

midsummer at midsomer

Julian's done his usual excellent job on this year's Midsummer poster, now appearing all over the station site ....

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Midsummer at Midsomer

We're planning a Midsummer event at Midsomer Norton for the weekend of 23 and 24 June 2007. The whole site will be open, there should be some activity on the track, and the catering coach will be featuring our first EVENING BARBECUE with music on the Saturday. The theme for the weekend will be VOLUNTEERING and will form part of our push to greatly increase the number of working volunteers ready for the big opening next year. This will be the second biggest event in Rail Preservation (the first being the reopening of the Talylln in 1951), regular steam hauled trains on the first standard gauge section of Britain's Favourite Railway! It can't be over-hyped, though I suspect we'll try!

In the meantime we're concentrating on getting the catering coach open both days every weekend. To this end we need more volunteers with an interest in catering. Some jobs don't even need a food hygiene certificate, but if you have one (or are willing to get one at the Trust's expense) you'll be able to do all the jobs connected with this fascinating side of the set up. You can work one day a month or more if you wish. We are a very friendly team absolutely dedicated to giving our visitors a great time. If interested please email.

One downside of this switch to working full weekends is that we'll only be able to offer a basic service on Mondays until new volunteers come forward. We'll only be offering hot and cold drinks and packaged snacks between 11 and 11.15 and 1 and 1.15 on Mondays, although we have already had one offer of somebody willing to do one full Monday a week, so this should only be a very temporary cutback!

So to reiterate the coach is now open every Sunday with the full menu, occasional Saturdays, again with the full menu and evening barbecues/music, and limited opening every Monday.

Thursday, July 06, 2006

the stork brings baby angela ....

(Photo Jeremy Woodrow) Midsomer Norton South 05/07/06

With 'Annie' out of the picture with leaking tubes good heads on strong shoulders (plus our links within the steam 'community') brought forth 'Lady Angela', courtesy of the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh. She arrived on Wednesday and will be the star of the Midsummer at Midsomer weekend (15 and 16 July 2006) and Driver for a Fiver trips most Sundays in late July and August (see side bar). It's great to have steam back again at MN after four months with just the whiff of diesel fumes ...

Saturday, July 01, 2006

countdown to midsummer

Midsomer Norton South 30/06/06

Just two weeks now before the Midsummer at Midsomer weekend, which is our major event of the year! We've been busy stocking the shop with lots of new lines ready for the rush. Just won a tombola barrel on eBay which hopefully will arrive in time, the area in front of the loco shed has been levelled off, 'Annie' arrives on Monday and staff have been rostered!

Now all we need is perfect weather, dry and not too hot with plenty of sun.

WANTED FOR THE NEW S&D!

As we move from the early stages to a more mature state we need a number of key people to help us spread the word about the New S&D and rail resurgence in general. Ideally we'd love to have the following people -

SALES OFFICER - to develop mail order and internet sales, also attend events up and down the route to promote the line. At a later stage will be fully responsible for building shop stock at Midford and Spetisbury.

PROMOTIONS OFFICER - to promote the line via meetings etc. Would also liaise with local and regional government, working as a lobbyist for the New S&D. Would work closely with the PRESS OFFICER.

TREASURER - to take care of the accounts, make payments etc, and advise on financial matters.

HERITAGE OFFICER - to promote and care for all the heritage aspects of the line.

If you are interested in any of the above posts please email me at leysiner@aol.com

Ideally the sales officer position needs to be held by somebody local to the line - would happily split this role Dorset/Somerset if it makes it more manageable! Ideally the Promotions Officer would also live locally to the line. The other posts can be distant from the line.

WORKING AT MIDFORD - IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Volunteers are welcome to go up to Midford at any time to do restoration work - but please bear the following in mind!

Please under no circumstances park in the Hope and Anchor car park at any time, even when the pub is not open. There is plenty of car parking on Twinhoe Lane, by the gate that gives access to the cycleway. From there it is a very pleasant walk to the station over the viaduct! Please carry tools etc by hand.

Please email or phone me first just so I know there is somebody there and to give you an idea of what work needs to be done.

Within a few weeks we will have New S&D reflective jackets available. Please wear these whenever possible.

You are an ambassador for the line. Please talk to anyone who is interested in the line and if you have them please hand out leaflets. Be friendly and professional at all times!

Please keep the cycleway clear of tools etc at all times.

Please take ALL litter etc home, including cigarette ends.

Please respect all the wildlife in the area, always check if clearing that you are not destroying a nest etc. If in doubt please leave well alone.

Please use the Hope and Anchor pub for drinks and food.

We do not currently have insurance for volunteers. You are working at your own risk, personal injury insurance is recommended.

Please take care at all times and think of others, volunteers and members of the public.

Midford Station Appeal

The first aim of the New S&D will be to secure the station site at Midford and rebuild the station as a visitor information centre. This will only be the very first small step to restoring the route, but possibly the most important. As Paypal charges can be high it is better to make larger donations (£20+) by cheque wherever possible, but please feel free to use this facility for any amounts if easier! Cheques should be made payable to 'New Somerset and Dorset Railway' and sent to New S&D, Midford Station Appeal, 10 Bellamy Avenue, Hartcliffe, BRISTOL, BS13 0HW. We may be introducing a share scheme for the station so a record will be made of all donations and if a share scheme is agreed then all moneys will be allocated to doners and shares issued to the full value of donations made.

MIDFORD STATION APPEAL

Join and support the New S&D

Basic membership is just £15 per year. This entitles you to participate in all New S&D activities, receive regular news and info (by email and/or post), vote at meetings, receive 10% reduction on sales items and, if you wish, contribute directly to the blog.

YOU CAN OF COURSE ALSO PAY BY CHEQUE! Please make cheques payable to 'New Somerset and Dorset Railway' and send to New S&D, 10 Bellamy Avenue, Hartcliffe, BRISTOL, BS13 0HW

Donations to the New S&D

You can now donate specifically for those aspects of the New S&D that you personally have the most interest in. New S&D Steam Centre Plan is to create a base on the route (Templecombe or Evercreech are suggested) where steam locomotives can be shedded and serviced and run services over the route. These will be additional to the 'real' passenger and freight scheduled services.
You can donate any amount by clicking the Paypal button below.
STEAM CENTRE.

If your main interest is in purchasing and securing land and buildings then you can donate any amount specifically for this purpose by clicking on the Paypal button below.
LAND PURCHASE.

If you would like to donate towards lobbying local, regional and national government in addition to helping maintain a high media profile then you can donate any amount by clicking the Paypal button below. LOBBYING AND MEDIA.

You can of course make specific donations by cheque through the post. Please state what the donation is for, or whether it is a general donation, and send to -
New Somerset and Dorset Railway, 10 Bellamy Avenue, Hartcliffe, BRISTOL, BS13 0HW.

What group does what on the S&D?

The S&D was a large network, over 100 miles in all, and was the most popular line in the UK, if not the world.

For this reason there are a variety of groups restoring and preserving the S&D.

They are -

The New Somerset and Dorset Railway - a land purchasing and lobbying group determined to reopen the whole S&D as a response to Peak Oil and Climate Change, blending sustainable modern and heritage transport. Direct email contact. They also manage the growing Somerset and Dorset Railway ecommerce site here. They own and are currently restoring Midford station and will shortly do the same at Spetisbury, for rebuilding as information offices for the whole route. Facebook.

Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust - restoring Midsomer Norton station with plans to extend to Radstock and towards Shepton Mallet. In summer regular passnger trains are operated at this iconic S&D location. The station and area have been restored to their full pre-closure glory. There is also a museum on site.

Sturminster Rail Group - aim is to purchase strategic sections of the route particularly between Sturminster Newton and Henstridge to allow the running of trains in the future.

North Dorset Railway Trust - based at Shillingstone in Dorset has restored the iconic station at Shillingstone and is also in the process of laying track for up to a mile. They have a diesel loco on site and will shortly be taking delivery of steam loco 'Cunarder'. Facebook.

Gartell Light Railway - a two foot gauge private railway operating on part of the S&D near Templecombe, currently extending northwards. Operates about once a month.

Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust - based at Washford on the West Somerset Railway, preserving relics and rolling stock of the S&D.

Spetisbury Facebook Group - news about the restoration of Spetisbury as part of the New S&D initiative.

Midford Facebook Group - news about the restoration of Midford as part of the New S&D initiative .

There is also a private restoration project at Masbury station but PLEASE do not trespass on the site!

Remember you can help raise money for the New Somerset and Dorset Railway or the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust (Midsomer Norton) by sending used stamps to us. These are quickly turned into cash which will help us set the organisation up or continue the work at Midsomer Norton.
ALL stamps are required, even the regular 1st and 2nd class small ones. Ideally they should be trimmed to within about 1/4" of the perforations, on just the front part of the envelope.
Please package up and send to - if donating to NEW S&D
New Somerset and Dorset Railway Stamp Appeal
10 Bellamy Avenue
Hartcliffe
BRISTOL
BS13 0HW or if donating to MIDSOMER NORTON Stamps for Charity (027 MSN)10 Bellamy AveHartcliffeBRISTOLBS13 0HW

We can handle just a few stamps or huge boxes of them. They raise £5 per kilogram.World stamps also wanted (without GB). For these we receive £19 per kilogram.

Please try to use nice higher value commemorative stamps to send your stamps to us!

Copyright

We do occasionally use images and text from other people. Wherever possible we do contact the creators to clear use, but it is sometimes hard to trace the original copyright, for example if we use an uncredited image from a third party website. Please be assured that all text and images are for strictly non-commercial use. If you are a copyright holder and we have used your text or images please contact us and we will endeavour to either remove the text/images or come to an agreement for their use. We all have the interest of the S&D at heart.