The Somerset and Dorset Railway reports that visitors had a great time at its Spring Gala on Monday 26 May – despite the weather.

Rain showers alternated with warm sunshine, but this did not stop the fun. Although the day started quietly, it then became much busier.

The Gala took place at the Railway’s Midsomer Norton South station, and trains ran every thirty minutes. The first service was a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), which departed at 10 o’clock in the morning. After that, the DMU took turns with top-and-tailing diesel shunters D4095 and D1120 to haul the Mark 1 coaches.

During lunchtime, the Wickham Trolley made a limited number of runs. The DMU hauled the final train of the day, departing the station at 4pm.

Other attractions open at the station were the museum, WW2 pillbox and Anderson Shelter. Visitors, especially railway modellers, also browsed the goods on offer at the Railway’s Station Shop and Emporium.

The Restaurant Miniature Buffet (RMB) coach served light refreshments to visitors throughout the day.

The Somerset and Dorset Railway runs on a restored section of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway, which was closed under the ‘Beeching Axe’ in 1966. It had first opened in 1874.

The standard gauge heritage railway currently runs for just one mile, but it continues with its plans for expansion. Two years ago, it acquired a new section of trackbed of the former Somerset and Dorset mainline railway. In October last year, it received planning permission for its proposed Somervale Sidings at Midsomer Norton. The permission included requirements for the Railway to preserve biodiversity and wildlife habitats around the new sidings.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and there were plenty of positive comments. Thank you to all those who supported the event, and a big Thank You to all the volunteers who worked hard to make the day the success that it was.

Somerset and Dorset Railway