Rail Thing - Friends of the S&D: November 2007

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!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

sparks and cinders

I'm downsizing at the end of December, giving up my roles in marketing, sales, finance and catering at Midsomer Norton, allowing me to concentrate on the blog and on getting set up for my eventual move to Hungary.

There will be a lot of changes at Midsomer Norton in the new year. The Trust are currently seeking someone to take on the role of Finance Director - if you're interested please email me. The upside is you get to work at the famous Midsomer Norton station (best feature - the fire in my office, above!), the downside is that you'll have to spend a few hours a week indoors rather than be out and about on the S&D!

Monday, November 26, 2007

christmas

Some of the presents waiting to be wrapped for the Santa event this year. We are really going to town with individually chosen presents for each child. Nearly half the places are already sold so if you want your kids to go to the best Santa event in the land you need to book quickly! Tickets are available only from the shop on Sundays and Mondays, price just £5 each.

The Xmas meal on Sunday 2nd December is totally sold out!

Friday, November 23, 2007

innovation, Swiss style

MOB at Montbovon, 8.6.1987

Street running in Montbovon - on the connecting GFM line from Fribourg. 8.6.1987

The MOB webcam is superb. Every day you can travel up and down the line from Montreux to Zweisimmen via a webcam mounted in the front window of one of the trains. The MOB has always been forward-thinking and this innovation should attract even more passengers to its already busy trains.

I can't wait until a similar feature can be viewed following S&D trains from Radstock to Shepton and beyond!

To get the best from the MOB webcam click on the menu on the RH side. This way you can travel along the line (go for the sehr schnell option!) and also visit it on previous dates via the 'datum' feature.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

monday

The Monday Gang were enjoying the sunshine earlier this week. It's getting busier and busier every week now, the car park was jam packed by the time I arrived around ten. I can't wait until I get out of the office and back out on the line again, especially with the catering coach open four days a week from the end of January!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

through the buffers

A few impressionistic shots from Monday!

Sunday, November 11, 2007

santa weekend

Tickets have now arrived for our Xmas Weekend at Midsomer Norton. We're open between 11 and 6 on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 December. Between 2 and 6 Santa will be seeing children and giving them gifts. This is always a popular sold out event, so if you want to give your kids a real treat you'll need to book early. Tickets are available at the station from tomorrow. Cost is just £5 each child. Every child gets an individual present carefully chosen with their name on the parcel.

Ivo's, the catering coach, will be open both days for drinks and snacks - and mulled wine! This year we want to do more for the adults! There'll be a tombola plus a wide range of presents available from the shop. We want to make this the best Midsomer Norton Xmas Event yet.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

inspiration

This is the picture that hangs above my desk at home.

If anyone ever asks why I spend hours each week working for the Trust I just show them this. This is what it's all about!

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

posing in the aisles

This will embarrass Danielle! She was dancing to Reverend and the Makers during a quiet spell in the catering coach a week or two ago. And I was there to capture it for all eternity!

We've always had a fair share of fun in the coach with various parties, music, games etc. We've the Xmas meal coming up on 2 December - remember to book as about a quarter of the places have already sold out. Then we have the Santa weekend on 15 and 16 December.

There are going to be big changes to the catering coach in the New Year with longer opening hours and days. It will also be branded 'Ivo's' in memory of Ivo Peters, once all the exterior painting has been finished. And the kitchen floor is being replaced over the next couple of weeks.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

this week's work

Contractors are now in working on the up platform retaining. Most of the work is off camera, but the fencing is now removed and replaced by blue safety netting.

A trench has been dug along the up platform for cabling, now covered up again at this point. The platform will be resurfaced soon.

This is the base of the greenhouse which has been cleared ready for reconstruction in the new year.

This part of the bank has been cleared over the last week (mainly thanks to Mick Knox). Smaller undergrowth is being burned by John Bridges and Aubrey Punter. (Logs are always recycled as firewood in the signalbox and station!)

Monday, November 05, 2007

autumn impressions

Four shots taken today. Not deliberate, but a few of them have the atmosphere of the demolition trains of 1969!

Sunday, November 04, 2007

santa again!

(2006 Photo - Rudolf and Santa's helper by Paul Mitchell)

Santa Comes to Midsomer Norton

At the Somerset and Dorset Railway Station, Silver Street, Midsomer Norton

Santa will be at the station over the weekend of 15th and 16th December 2007

Santa will be greeting children at his grotto in the coach.

The cost is £5 per child for Santa and a present.

There will be things to do and see on the platform for kids and adults, including mulled wine and mince pies to keep you warm.
The catering coach will be in full festive swing with lights and music and party food.

There will be party treats for the children at £1 a head and lovely delicious delights for the adults including hot chocolate with whipped cream and home made bakes.

Santa will be in attendance from 2 pm until 6 pm. Be sure to book early to get the time slot you’d like.

Don’t forget to tell Santa what you’d really like for Christmas and remember to be really good!

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE STATION SHOP EVERY SUNDAY AND MONDAY UNTIL SOLD OUT!

(When you book please tell the staff member what kind of thing your child likes… ie; if they are really girlie or a tomboy. If they love trains or anything but trains so Santa can get your child something they’d love)

Saturday, November 03, 2007

track

This is some of the track recently lifted from Radstock which will be used on the Chilcompton extension. Unfortunately it's left the car park even more cramped than usual!

Friday, November 02, 2007

Xmas meal at Midsomer Norton 2 December 2007

By way of a thank you to all our loyal customers and staff we're offering a CHRISTMAS MEAL on 2 December 2007 in the catering coach. There are two sittings, 12 and 2. The meal will be two courses. We have a strictly limited 20 seats for each sitting. Price is £6 per head for members of the public - and here's the good bit - just £3.50 for working members! There will of course be a vegetarian option! You are welcome (in fact positively encouraged!) to bring your own alchohol.

Somerset and Dorset Railway Buffet Coach
Christmas Menu 2nd December 2007
Sittings 12pm or 2pm

Festive Turkey with all the trimmings
Roast Potatoes
Vegetable Medley

Christmas Pudding and Cream
Apple Pie and Custard
Bread and Butter Pudding
£3.50 staff~ £6 visitors

Children’s Menu
Santa’s Christmas Dinner
Ice-cream
£1.50

Vegetarian option available. Please state when booking.

Crackers and festive fun

BYO Alcoholic drink

To book email Debs
0r phone 0117 3738973
Or ask Paul or Steve at the shop.

protecting the route

This came via the Wessex Regionalist Party.

S&D fans need to be aware of the 'Bath & North East Somerset Core Strategy Launch Document'. This is a new-style planning document, which invites responses to a series of questions, one of which (Q93) is "Should former railway lines continue to be safeguarded for sustainable transport use?" Copies can be downloaded from here or obtained from B&NES Planning Services on 01225 477548.

new dawn fades

Buzz this week is about the imminent setting up of another S&D charity! Not many details yet apart from the name - The New Somerset and Dorset Railway - and that they will be concentrating on buying stretches of trackbed and buildings, lobbying local and national government and be presenting a document 'The Case for a New S&D'. More news as it comes in!

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.