Somerset & Dorset Railway – gone but not forgotten

#TRAIN enthusiasts next year will be marking the 50th anniversary of the closure of the #Somerset&DorsetRailway, which ran from Bath to Bournemouth, with a branch line to Burnham-on-Sea. It was known as the S&D, shorthand for Serene and Beautiful and, to others, Slow and Dirty.

A five-day/four night SDR50 holiday (March 4-8) is being organized by Bristol-based Steam Train Tours Ltd. to commemorate the passing of the railway.

It includes:

• The Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust, Washford 

• Green Park station, Bath 

• The Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust, Midsomer Norton 

• Shillingstone Railway project 

• Gartell Light Railway, Templecombe, which runs on the S&D trackbed 

• Temple Meads, Bristol – a talk by railway historian and author Colin Maggs 

• A ride on the West Somerset railway 

• A walk on part of the original trackbed 

A travelling exhibition will visit locations in Somerset and Dorset during the year, engaging with communities to deliver a programme of events and activities, with support from local councils, heritage groups, and societies.

Displays will explore the impact of the railway on communities from its development through its working life, and highlight topics on the future use of the trackbed for public access, sustainable transport, railway restoration, and heritage.

Where possible, guided walks along sections of the route will be arranged to link with the exhibition.

It’s hoped that train buffs from across the country – not just those living in the West Country – will be able to attend some of the SDR50 events.

www.sdrt.org/50-comm.htm
www.steamtraintours.co.uk

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