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, January 02, 2013

universal appeal!


Had a new member join the New S&D - from New Zealand! I think this just underlines how popular our line is around the world, We now have members in around ten different countries.

Why not treat yourself to membership of the New S&D in 2013? We are heading towards 200 members, which will give us an excellent base of people with a whole range of varying skills and interests.

Remember that as a member you get two quality magazines each year and the right to help restore and rebuild our two stations at Spetisbury in Dorset and Midford in Somerset. Both stations are set in glorious countryside - the picture above for example gives some idea of the countryside around Midford, which really hasn't changed since the photo was taken - except for the most important element - the world's favourite railway! By joining the New S&D, or indeed any of the other active S&D restoration groups, you will be helping bring this scene back all the sooner.

This is what it's all about!

1 comment:

Unknown said...

New Zealand? Wow! Nice to see some long range support.