return to midsomer norton

Old shots - but will soon be updated!

Sadly we've become a two car family again so I should be able to get down to Midsomer Norton regularly again. This will fill that gap on the blog nicely, the regular complaints that not enough new stuff on Midsomer Norton being posted should become a thing of the past. Who knows, I may even rejoin the Monday Gang on occasion!

back in 2003

Some shots from Mick Knox of clearance work at Midsomer Norton on 24 November 2003!

These are of particular interest to me as I was up there helping out on the Monday Gang, well before I'd ever had an notions of joining the board or indeed, the New S&D! Also before the diabetes, when I could actually do physical work for more than 5 minutes at a time ...

And there I am in the last picture wielding some long armed shears ...

These certainly reveal the progress made on this bank over the last five years.

this day last year

It's nice that we're now getting a new history of the S&D, it's good to see continuity after the 40 odd years of inactivity on our line.

These shots were taken exactly a year ago and show the Monday Gang relaxing. A lot has changed in the last year - but a lot has stayed the same. We're popping along to the station this Sunday so expect some new photos!

looking south

The scene looking south from Midsomer Norton towards Chilcompton taken yesterday. Work on the extension seems to have stalled whilst the arcane work of satisfying planning laws grinds slowly forwards.


This was the scene back in February when the area seen overgrown above was first cleared. The temporary track giving access is clearly seen. This made the cutting and removal of trees much easier! There were even rumours that number 10 ventured onto this stretch with light works trains ...


The happy Monday gang working on the extension, again back in February. This makes me yearn for the days when I was part of this team!

summer 2006

A few previously unpublished shots taken on a Monday towards the end of summer 2006.

It's funny but many of these pictures are already taking on a historic element - none of these scenes could be recreated today as so much has happened on the ground since.

I started as a member of the Monday Gang, clearing trackbed, wheelbarrowing ballast, painting etc. I loved it! I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to get some fresh air and really feel like they are helping this part of the S&D come back to life. Call in any Monday to join up!

this Monday

Most of the activity at the station yesterday was on the up platform. The platform edging is making progress as is the brickwork in front of the greenhouse. Also in picture one Dave Coppard is busy on his pet project, the up platform shelter. Just beyond you can see the work being done at the Bath end, which I hope to feature tomorrow. This whole area of the station will be transformed over the next year or so, setting off the signalbox splendidly!

new year's honours 4

Everyone at Midsomer Norton's a hero, but let's all remember that regular team of volunteers that turn up week in, week out to do their bit. Every Sunday and Monday there are at least ten of them beavering away at different parts of the site, in all weathers. If you get the chance do come along and join in - with reopening now little more than year off there's still loads of work to do. Just turn up on either Sunday or Monday, make yourself known and we guarantee work for you! The only essentials are safety boots (for site work).

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!

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!)