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!

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

yuletide extravaganza ...



We absolutely promise that the above display will NOT - ever - appear at Midsomer Norton! We have far better taste!

This year we're doing our Santa weekend but with the added touch of a party up at the catering coach - free to all those who see Santa and just £3 for their older brothers, sisters, parents etc - as much food and drink as you want for no extra charge. This will be over the second weekend in December, Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th. Santa will be in his grotto handing out individual presents for the children between two and five on both afternoons.

Midsomer Norton station is a pretty magical place at the best of times, but with dusk falling on a cold (and perhaps even snowy) day, with the fairy lights shining and Xmas music playing, who could resist a visit?

The following weekend attention switches to the grown-ups with an Xmas meal in the coach on Sunday lunchtime (17th, 12.00 and 14.00). Take it easy, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy excellent food at reasonable prices (£7.50 for two courses, vegetarian option available).

We expect heavy demand so try to book early for any of all of the above! You can visit the station any Sunday or Monday to pay in person, send a cheque/PO, made payable to 'SDRHT' to 107 Anchor Barton, Horningsham, WARMINSTER, BA12 7LR or press any of the Paypal buttons on the sidebar for instant booking!

Please give children's name(s), age(s) and sex(es) when booking for Santa.

Please state whether vegetarian option required when booking for the meals, and for Sunday preferred sitting (12 or 2). Posted by Picasa

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