Site updated 4th July 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 5th AUGUST 2025:
MEMBERS SLIDES AND DIGITAL IMAGES
​This evening is set aside for our members to show their own railway pictures.
Stephen - 20 images (The Bernina Railway)
Hugh - 30 images (American Railroads)
Chris - 30 images
Richard - 25 images (Review of 2024)
Lionel - 30 images
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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.
June 3rd Mike & Paul Jones
Railway Images from 2 Generations
July 1st Paul Chancellor
Colour Rail Journey Number 12
August 5th Members Slides & Digital Images
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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.
The is a special 'private' trip the East Somerset Railway. ​Committee Member Philip Neve has arranged this visit through his contacts at the East Somerset Railway. Bookings now being taken for this visit and the cost will be £15 per person, which includes the return train ride, signal box and shed visits plus a footplate ride during the day, when a steam service is running. Members should make their own way to and from Cranmore.
To move this forward Philip will need confirmation of who will definitely intend to attend and to collect the £15 per attendee. We have sufficient members and friends who have expressed an interest in attending, but we would like to get a higher number so as to make this more worthwhile for the ESR. Hence more attendees are very welcome, including guests, friends, and non-members, for what should be an interesting and relaxed day out. Anyone who would be interested in attending, should please e-mail Philip on philipneve75@btinternet.com.
It is requested that payment is made direct to Philip at our September 2nd meeting (anyone unable to attend the next Meeting on 1st July should make contact with him to arrange their payment). Our thanks go to Philip for his initial idea for the visit and for taking this forward with the East Somerset Railway.
The Weston, Clevedon & Portishead Railway Group weekend Coach trip
This trip is not directly associated with our Society: The outward trip on Sunday will include a two hour return trip on the narrow-gauge Welshpool & Llanfair Railway, followed by an overnight stay at a hotel in Telford or Shrewsbury. The Sunday will be spent at the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage site, with its several museums and of course the Blists Hill Victorian Town. Local pick-up points will be arranged. Prices are not yet known. Please contact Paul Gregory, the WC&PRG Secretary, whose e mail address is: paul@portisheadweb.org.uk
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.
