Vintage buses take to the roads for Bank Holiday weekend services

AN historic bus and coach extravaganza is being hosted in West Somerset during the Bank Holiday weekend courtesy of Steve Morris, a director of Quantock Motor Services.
A fleet of 20 vintage vehicles will make regular pick-ups at the main-line train station at Taunton to drive passengers through the lovely local scenery to Watchet, Minehead, and over Exmoor to Lynmouth on Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, 6, and 7
Mr Morris said: “I am delighted to commemorate my 30 years in bus and coach restoration by holding a three-day celebration of vintage travel that stretches from Taunton to Lynmouth with a special focus on the historic port of Watchet and the West Somerset Railway station at Minehead.”
Most of the buses and coaches date to the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, bringing the elegance of a bygone age to local roads.
West Somerset Council has also allowed 15 buses and coaches to be parked on its land at East Quay, in Watchet, from 9 am to 5.30 pm on Sunday, May 6, for the public to view a variety of vintage vehicles at close quarters, and chat to the owners.
Mr Morris said: “Visitors will be able to catch a train to Taunton and then reach destinations across West Somerset and North Devon without bringing their own cars.
“This is good for the environment and will also help boost local tourism.
“We have kept ticket prices to a minimum so that as many people as possible can experience the buses and keep up the enthusiasm for this working history.”
A day ticket for a family - two adults accompanied by two children - is £14, while an adult day ticket is £8.
Services will run regularly from the main train station at Taunton, Watchet’s East Wharf, the West Somerset Railway station in Minehead, and Lynmouth.
Tickets are available at bus stops on the day.
For more information on the event including timetables, go to www.quantockmotorservices.co.uk and click on the 'bus rally' tab, or telephone 01823 251140.
Photo submitted.

Gala weekend steams to early success for heritage railway

THE first weekend of the West Somerset Railway’s Spring Steam Gala saw 3,295 passengers riding on the trains over the 20 miles of line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, making it a huge success. A dozen steam locomotives were in action, ranging from the small tank engine ‘Kilmersdon’ shunting at Washford Station to mighty express locomotives, including 34007 ‘Wadebridge’ and Great Western ‘Castle’ class 5051 ‘Earl Bathurst’.
Four new books were launched at the gala, including a collection of memories of the Minehead line pre-1971 titled ‘Return Ticket To Minehead’, a volume of cartoons by railway artist Alan Ward, who had a temporary gallery at Bishops Lydeard Station, and new editions of the West Somerset Railway’s own ‘Stock Book’ and ‘Stations and Buildings Book’.
These helped to make sure that the shops along the line had a busy time and many travellers also took advantage of the buffet and catering facilities on offer, including the railway’s new buffet coach at Minehead.
Many visitors travelled to the gala by the free bus service operating to Bishops Lydeard from Taunton Railway Station and the park and ride car park at Silk Mills, while others used the Virgin Voyager train shuttle rail service.
The WSR also ran a free vintage bus service between Dunster Station and Dunster village.
West Somerset Railway general manager Paul Conibeare said: “Our 2006 Spring Gala marked the passing of the much-loved Somerset and Dorset line and set records that we thought we might struggle to match.
“So, to find ourselves with what is shaping up to be an even more successful event is very pleasing and a great reward for all the volunteers and staff who put so much effort into making the galas attractive for both enthusiasts and the public.”
The gala continues on Thursday, March 22, through to Sunday, March 25, the Thursday and Friday being ‘quieter' days without the Virgin Train or the Dunster Bus links, and operating and ‘only’ nine trains each way rather than the 14 which run on the Saturday and Sunday.
Fuller details can be obtained by telephoning 01643 704996 or visiting www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.
Photos submitted.