Site updated 3rd September 2025
ABOUT US
WESTON-super-Mare RAILWAY SOCIETY
We meet once every month. Our meetings feature a presentation with photo slides or digital images, and occasionally cine or video films. We regularly attract high-quality speakers from around the country, many of whom regularly have their photographs published in the national railway magazines. Also, on some evenings, our Members present their own photographs.
The Society was formed in early 1977 and attracts members from all walks of life. These include professional railwaymen, rail enthusiasts, railway photographers, and those who just wish to re-live the golden era of railways – whether that be steam, or diesels, or even electric. Of course we don't just restrict it to the UK, but cover subjects worldwide. And we can also include something more recent!
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The cost of Membership is normally £18 per year, with raffle prize each meeting for £1.
OUR MEETINGS
We meet on the first Tuesday of each month. Unless otherwise stated, all meetings are held in the (upstairs) Duncan Gray function room at the Conservative Club, Alexandra Parade, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QX (our Society hire the room for private function purposes and has no direct connection to the Conservative Party). This is in central Weston, opposite the Odeon Cinema . Meetings start at 8pm, and usually finish around 10.15pm having included a break when refreshments can be purchased from the bar downstairs.
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Any non Members who would like to come along will need to contact Stephen Ash (or any existing Member) in advance. Stephen can be contacted by telephone 01934 522735. Non-members must be accompanied by an existing Member. You are very welcome to attend to "try us out" or to see a particular meeting for a one-night admission of just £3, payable on the evening. Of course, we hope that you'll like what you see and will want to join us!
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NEXT MEETING
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Tuesday 7th OCTOBER 2025:
BRISTOL and SOMERSET in the 1980's
KEVIN REDWOOD
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​This evening will provide a look back some forty years to earlier times when British railways was reinventing itself after the demise of steam and mass railway line closures. It may seem very familiar, but you will then realise just how much has changed. So sit back and enjoy what will promise to be a trip down memory lane.
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​​​​​Anyone wishing to come to this Meeting, or, indeed, join our Society, then you will be welcome at our December meeting - just £3 on the night, or £18 to join for 15 months.
June 3rd Mike & Paul Jones
Railway Images from 2 Generations
July 1st Paul Chancellor
Colour Rail Journey Number 12
​September 2nd Mike Dodd
All About the Letter ‘A’ (Part One)
October 7th Kevin Redwood
Bristol & Somerset in the 1980’s
November 4th Annual General Meeting
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December 2nd Richard Giles
Rails to Portbury Dock & Portishead in the Last Decade
2025 PROGRAMME
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OTHER ACTIVITIES
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Visit to Emborough Quarry
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Visit to Gartell Railway
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SPECIAL OUTINGS and TRIPS
Society visit to the East Somerset Railway, Cranmore on Wednesday 3rd September 2025.
We enjoyed a memorable trip to the railway. First we had a talk about the railway, covering its conception and building, starting out as the East Somerset Railway, built to broad gauge, and then being consumed by the GWR. It was converted to standard gauge and then connected through to the Yatton to Wells line - known as the 'Strawberry Line'. The last passenger service ran in 1963 with goods continuing for another five years.
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The preserved railway was 'found' by David Sheppard a successful artist. After his initial interest in wildlife he became interested in steam trains, so much that he purchased a large 9F locomotive and then decided that Cranmore would be an ideal location to store and run his locomotive. But, the line from Wells was lifted and the link to British rail metals was became unavailable. However, the preserved line has survived and now provides an interesting although short steam railway journey.
Our trip included a visit to the engine shed and workshops. Then, after lunch we boarded a train, with some of us enjoying a loco cab ride. Two rides were included, between which there was time to visit the signal box and David Sheppard's picture gallery and model railway. Pictures will be posted at the next update.
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NEWS and INFORMATION
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Our Society in discussion with GWR has arranged to site a Station-History mural at Weston station. (similar to the one at Taunton - which gave us the idea initially). GWR were very interested in our idea, and offered their full approval and support. It is now fixed in place on the wall of Platform 1; a picture is shown below. We are very grateful to GWR for facilitating the production and installation of this, and funding it through their Community Fund, at no cost to the Society. The board carries the Society logo (as below) and name, along with the GWR logo. The board size, format and placing were specified by GWR; it is positioned roughly opposite the main station entrance. We trust this board will provide interest, enjoyment and education - to waiting or alighting passengers for many years to come.
