Saturday’s stormy afternoon weather gave way to a pretty sunset over the Somerset and Dorset Railway as the Blue Moon Band entertained locals and even a few travellers from Australia who happened to be visiting the West Country having chosen Midsomer Norton as a perfect base for exploring.
Local beer, served in the buffet carriage, included the ever popular Hedge Monkey and Lady of the Lake from Glastonbury Ales and some fine Lilley’s Cider such as their Bee Sting Perry.
The Blue Moon Band, from Trowbridge, played a series of well known hits from Amy Winehouse, Joe Cocker, Stevie Wonder and Van Morrison encouraging the audience to sing-along.
In-between sets, the Station’s Diesel Multiple Unit made several trips up the mainline and back offering a special evening-view over the Somer Valley with the historic mining Batch visible in the distance.
Enjoying the music with their families were Cllr Alun Pughe and the Mayor of Midsomer Norton, Cllr Gordon Mackay from Midsomer Norton Town Council.
“It’s great to see the Somerset and Dorset Railway holding these events at the station,” said Cllr Mackay, “the Real Ale and Cider festival last month was great fun and tonight has been lovely too. It’s really encouraging to see some visitors to the town saying how much they like the place. When you live here, it can be easy to forget how lucky we are, there’s always something to do.”
The heritage railway is completely volunteer run having been painstakingly rebuilt over the last 25 years. At the site, visitors will find the restored station buildings, signal box, goods shed and also two museums, one in the original Victorian Stable Block and the other in a WWII Pill Box, possibly Britain’s smallest Museum! There is also a café, gift-shop, second-hand bookshop and even model train to see when visiting.
The station is generally open on Sundays throughout the year with the next evening event on Saturday the 19th August when swing band, On the Edge will be playing. Advance tickets are available on the station’s website.
Gordon Mackay