West Somerset Railway General Discussion

But was there ever a need for them to change in the first place?

 

id rather visit Somerset's friendly railway, the East Somerset.

 

It's been a while since I was last at the ESR, but I found it an occasion that was low on 'visitor welcome' and the railway itself seemed to be fast disappearing back into the pre-preservation undergrowth. Hopefully that was just a 'lull' and things will be improving again now.

 

If you are suggesting that somehow the WSR is not friendly, then you need to realise that any diasgreements between the ruling organisations are not reflected among the general volunteers at the stations or on the trains who during my 38 years of volunteering on the line have been unfailingly welcoming and friendly.

 

I visited the Somerset & Dorset Heritage Trust at Midsomer Norton yesterday, not the largest railway of course but very friendly, positive and welcoming, everybody there without exception was pleased to be there and pleased to see others, hopefully I have made some new friends over a cup of coffee and a chat. I’ve lived in Somerset all my life and I’m ashamed to say it’s the first time I’ve been, it won’t be the last.

 

Nice line too, but only a 11th of the length with a lot less going on! More of an engineering centre with a demo line, which is fine, suits them well and I look forward to visiting again one day!

 

I don't disagree with that, their recreation of the station is great.
Behind the scenes, isn't there some fallings out about building an office block in the car park, or has that now been resolved? I'm not having a dig at them, but again illustrating that high-level disagreements are not unique to one particular railway and you can still have a friendly line despite that.

 

That is whataboutery.

There is a world of difference between the issues at Midsomer Norton (and every other line in the land) and the various goings on over many years at the WSR.

 

An enormous advantage. The WSR is not the only line with a route mileage rather OTT

 

With respect, given your obvious affection for the WSR ( rightly so, it's a wonderful railway) may I suggest you visit the line sooner than that if you want to help the railway. Funds must be tight and custom be welcomed whilst unable to operate over the whole line. If everyone takes the 'wait for Minehead' stance there may never be trains to Minehead....

 

Possibly, though i think that’s an unduly harsh view of the WSR.

However, from someone who’s been at the sharp end of the organisational politics, I’m inclined to treat the comment at face value about atmosphere.


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Here's my footage of the West Somerset Railway's reopening to the public with 9351 the star of the show. Enjoy.

 

Great video Alex. Wish I could give you more than one ‘like’.

 

I could just imagine Mr Churchward saying "Didn't I tell you we needed that design?", or words to that effect. A splendid looking (and obviously competent) loco.

 

Congratulations to everyone behind the scenes who have been working tirelessly to ensure that the reopening weekend went ahead as planned and that the railway was looking it's absolute best.

Hundreds of staff and volunteers have poured in thousands of hours to ensure the track, locos, rolling stock, stations just to name a few items which have recieved care and attention above and beyond what is required to operate again.

An immaculate 9351 and six Mk. 1 coaches undertook three trips along the line to Williton and back yesterday flying the flag for the WSR. It was almost a dream compared with the situation 12 months ago and fantastic to see so many people enjoying their journeys with quite a percentage taking up the additional fish and chips or cream tea offerings.

A glorious day weather wise come the afternoon - it's just a shame the same can't be said of today ! Is that another thing the Plc must have ballsed up ? do they not communicate with the Met Office ? Additional comments regarding the inclement weather for the minority of members who seriously need to get some new material

Still, here's to the coming weeks when the railway will be operating to Watchet and Blue Anchor and passengers will get the opportunity to enjoy a whole 'day out' rather than 'just' a trip.

Thanks also to the travelling public for spending their hard earned money to help keep the wheels turning and those members who genuinely support the railway, it's always appreciated.

Onwards and upwards ...

 

I don't think posts like this are going to do anything to help the WSR. This is just winding up the aggravation, blame culture and finger-pointing even more.

 

True, but it speaks volumes that post 37316 is so unusual.

 

I would have thought a Moderator should maintain a neutral position as well, Sidmouth, and others.