HCP Progress Report for July 2024

Heritage Carriages Project - Progress Report July 2024

Development of the Washford workshops has contnued. We have also contnued work on 6705.

Construction of the canopy for the dust extractor
has started – roof framing has been installed to
accommodate a slate roof to keep the weather
off; this will then complete the installation of our
dust extraction system.
The dust extraction system now needs to be
tested by a certified LEV inspector – we have
sought quotes for this inspection and have
selected a supplier for this service. The inspection
and testing will be carried out during August.
We have moved the large worktable, previously
placed in the main shed, into the ground-floor
workshop. We will add some woodworking vices
to it during August.

The first of two workshop safety training sessions has been held, attended by six of the team.
This very useful and informative day highlighted several areas where we could further
develop the safe working environment and these items will be addressed in the coming
weeks. This includes additional signage in the workshop, and some adjustments to some of
our machine tools to improve their operation.
The use of a router table was also identified as the best method of improving router accuracy
as well as enhancing its operating safety. We have managed to purchase a second-hand
router table for this purpose; this will be installed during August

Work has continued on 6705:

- The sliding ventilators on the windows have been removed and cleaned and have now been primed and undercoated. The frames have been primed, undercoated and a top coat has now been applied.
- The guttering problem has been quite an undertaking, but we are now moving forward. Once the gutting was removed, we had to get rid of the rust, which left some pin holes in the roof sheeting.
- We have painted the damaged areas with 2-part epoxy to give it a key and then added a second coat of the epoxy with a filler added.
- We have also done some work on the doors so hopefully they will open and close much better than previously.
- Three brakes shoes have been turned round to improve friction surface area. Both vacuum brake cylinders are now holding the brakes on all the wheels for at least 45 minutes. The Direct Admission (DA) values are at present bypassed.

Plans for August 2024

Workshop

The following should largely complete the fit-out of the workshops:
a. Complete canopy for dust extractor.
b. LEV Testing of dust extraction system
c. Install router table.
d. Add vices to work-table
e. Complete various small changes to enhance workshop safety as suggested during the safety training day

2. 6705

a. Complete top-coating of sliding ventilators
b. Re-assemble ventilators with new seals
c. Sand down the filled areas adjacent the roof guttering and then refit the guttering with a beading and filler adhesive.
d. Once the above is complete, start re-paint of carriage.
e. Refurbish both Direct Admission valves.

3. Safety Documentary

Undertake second safety training day for remainder of team. Following the second training day, a further half-day practical session will be arranged when all volunteers can demonstrate their ability to safely use the machines while guided by the trainer.

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Learning and Education Officer

July 29, 2026

WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

LEARNING AND EDUCATION OFFICER

We are seeking a professional and experienced person to fill this key role within the WSR Heritage Trust. This is a flexible [12 hours per week] paid role, based at WSR Bishops Lydeard Station.

This exciting role embraces developing and administering: the Schools Programme engaging with younger learners; the Families Offer of family focussed activities and events related to our museums; and developing the Outdoor Offer for community learning at our locations.

You will lead, develop and manage a small volunteer learning team, to optimise our programme and activity delivery.

Reporting to the Vice Chairman/Company Secretary, you will have a professional and policy link to the Trustee – Museum Collections and Learning and close working with the Museum Curator. You will provide regular reports to the Trust Board and contribute to the Trust Newsletter and the Learning and Education Programme.

Applicants should be suitably qualified with a degree or equivalent, or work experience in Teaching and Learning; knowledge of KS1/2 History and Science, together with experience of delivering learning programmes, and extensive IT skills.

The postholder should have strong leadership and organisational skills and communicate effectively at all levels.

Please contact john.robinson@wsrht.co.uk for further details and an information pack. Completed application forms together with a CV should be forwarded to him by not later than 17 August 2026. For an informal discussion about the role then please contact Steve Williams Vice Chairman and Company Secretary either on 07748-637209 or email steve@williamsemail.uk.

West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust Registered Charity No. 265564 Registered Office: The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard Taunton, Somerset. TA4 3BX

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Join us as a Museum Volunteer.

May 6, 2026

WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

DO YOU:

Love a bit of history?

Enjoy chatting to people?

Happy to work with children and families?

Keen on the WSR and its heritage?

If you’ve nodded “yes” to any of the above, we’d love you to join us as a museum volunteer.

Gauge Museum at Blue Anchor

We’re looking for volunteer stewards for the Gauge Museum at Blue Anchor Station on running days during the school holidays and for special events.

You’ll have an induction period alongside a mentor, and we’re very happy to arrange part-day shifts.

The role is simple: welcome visitors, share a little about the museum, and work alongside the station staff.

Interested (or just curious)? Please email Ian Camp (Curator) via info@wsrht.co.uk and put “Blue Anchor stewarding” in the subject line.

Fancy getting involved over at Bishops Lydeard?

We’re on the lookout for more friendly faces to join our team, especially as the museum is getting bigger and busier these days!

If Bishops Lydeard sounds like your kind of place, just drop us a line using the same email, but pop “Bishops Lydeard stewarding” in the subject so we know what you’re after!

And don’t forget – you can always support the WSRHT by becoming a member. Just ping us at info@wsrht.co.uk and pop “membership” in the subject line.

Keep up with what we’re doing, follow the Trust on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/TheHeritageTrust

WSR Heritage Trust Appointment of Trust Fundraiser

May 6, 2026

The Trust has appointed Jessica Rundle as its new volunteer Fundraiser. Jess is an existing Trust volunteer working in both the Gauge Museum and within the Education and Learning team. She is an Occupational Therapist by profession and is currently a Service Manager with Somerset Council. Her experience in report writing and business case development together with the networking and engagement required provides the right skill set for this role. The Trust has an ambitious capital programme within its recently updated Business Plan and raising external funds will be crucial to enabling the charity to achieve its medium-term business objectives.

Steve Williams Trust Vice Chairman and Company Secretary said “I’m delighted that Jess has agreed to take up this role. She has an impressive CV and is already familiar with the Trust and its work. I have no doubt that she will be a valuable asset in enabling us to source a wide range of external funding to complement the investment that the Trust intends to make in future projects”.

Jess Rundle said “ Bishops Lydeard station was one of the first places I stumbled across after moving to Somerset a couple years ago and I was quickly welcomed into the committed team of volunteers in to the Gauge museum. For me there is nothing better than watching a steam train in action – it brings relaxation and stimulation in equal measure! I know so many aspects of West Somerset heritage railway brings equal joy to so many others and so I’m delighted to be supporting with the fundraising programme.”

The appointment commences from 1st May. This is a part-time role reporting to the Vice Chairman.

For further details please contact Steve Williams at steve@williamsemail.uk or on 07748-637209

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