Let’s get 4561 rolling
WSRA secures place in 2025 London Marathon
Since 2018 Joe has been an active employee and then volunteer for the West Somerset Railway: England’s longest heritage railway. In that time, Joe says the railway and its Association have given him so much in purpose, passion and a chance to work with its wonderful people. It has meant an awful lot to him and has defined his career and interests.
Joe said “6 years after being the first recorded person to have run the length of the railway (visiting all 10 stations along the way), I’m thrilled to be running the 2025 London Marathon on behalf of the WSRA.“
The West Somerset Railway Association are seeking funding to help pay for a heritage restoration project to repair a BR Standard Class 4MT steam locomotive 80064, with the intention of running on the railway within approximately 4 years. The Association was very grateful to have been gifted the locomotive last year and is determined to restore it to full running condition as soon as possible. A team of volunteers has already started dismantling the loco and storing and documenting the parts. It is anticipated that the boiler will be lifted off of the chassis before the end of 2024, when a full restoration plan can be devised and costed.
80064, built in June 1953, is one of only 15 locomotives of this type preserved, the rest being scrapped. It was initially allocated to the London Midland Region before transferring to Southern Region ownership in December 1959 and then transferred to Exmouth Junction. It was withdrawn for scrap in 1965 before being purchased for preservation.
Locomotives of this type have been used on the West Somerset Railway in the past and proved ideal for the challenging gradients and heavy loadings experienced on the 20-mile route.
To learn more and sponsor Joe on his epic run for the WSRA and Locomotive 80064 please visit: https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/joseph-rogers-wsra
https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/wsra/profile
For more information please contact:
Jacquie Green WSRA General Manager – jacquie.green@wsra.org.uk
WSRA AGM 2024
WSRA Trustee meeting report 09 September 2024
The WSRA Trustees met on Monday 9 September at Williton and by TEAMS. Amongst the items discussed were:
- Previous Meeting – The minutes of the previous meeting on 12 August were approved as an accurate record
- Governance – Trustees approved updates of policies F3 and F4.
- WSRA Locomotives –
- 80064 – Trustees were pleased to hear that the dismantling was going well and that it would soon be time to lift the boiler.
- 4561 – Trustees discussed the side tanks and the proposed rebuilding. IT was agreed that JP would work with Ryan Pope to make the appropriate arrangements.
- AGM – Trustees discussed presentations for the WSRA AGM and also agreed that GG and WF would represent the WSRA at the WSR PLC AGM and support all of their proposed motions.
- Fundraising Coordinating Group – Trustees approved plans to establish a joint fundraising coordinating group with the WSR PLC, WSRHT and DEPG to share and coordinate fundraising activities across the railway.
WSRA Trustee meeting report 12 August 2024
The WSRA Trustees met on Monday 12 August at Williton. Amongst the items discussed were:
- Previous Meeting – The minutes of the previous meeting on 8 July were approved as an accurate record.
- Governance – Trustees approved an update and consolidation of WSRA Safeguarding policy.
- WSRA Locomotives –
- 80064 – Trustees agreed funding for lifting cab roof, side tanks and boiler from chassis.
- 4561 – Trustees agreed a budget for boiler inspections and associated visits to Riley’s. It was also agreed to purchase some missing fittings for the loco and a budget was assigned for the pur-pose. A list will be presented to members for possible sponsorship.
- AGM – Trustees noted that AGM papers would be available via the website this year and an invitation and agenda only would be mailed out to members with the Journal. All voting at the AGM will be via Poll votes.
- Rally – Trustees were pleased to receive an interim report of another successful Steam and Vintage Rally.
Nominations open for 2024 Trustees
The WSRA 2024 Annual General Meeting will be held in the Bishops Lydeard Village Hall at 14:00hrs on Saturday 28th September 2024. Joining instructions will be issued with the next Journal.
Election of Trustees
There are currently eight trustees. Edward Martin and Denise Parker will retire by rotation and may stand for re-election. Will Foster was co-opted on 9th October 2023 and may stand for election by the membership. Andrew Horner was co-opted on 8th April 2024 and is not eligible for election because he has not yet been a member for 12 months. There will therefore be an election to fill up to six vacancies. At least two vacancies must be filled to reach the minimum number of Trustees.
Nominations are now open and nomination forms are available from the members section of the website HERE or from the WSRA office at Bishops Lydeard.
Please note that in order to be valid completed nominations must be with the WSRA office at Bishops Lydeard by 17:00hrs on 29th August.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the WSRA General Manager or speak to one of the current Trustees who will be able to explain the role and the commitment needed. Contact details are on this website at About – West Somerset Railway Association (wsra.org.uk)