The Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust at Midsomer Norton Station is entering a new era with the extension of the railway up towards Chilcompton.

The long-held ambition is becoming reality with the November Track Bash on 11th, 12th, 17th and 18th November spearheading the final stages of the project. Chairman Stephen Lacey is determined to get more track laid and in use by passenger trains by the middle of next year.

He said: “Volunteers at the station are already doing a tremendous job with renovations, maintenance and event organisation, and we are now looking at getting more people involved to help us get one stage further.”

The ‘Track Bash’ will aim to get the remaining sleepers and rails up the line using the road railer on its road wheels. This means constructing a road rail access point using Strall crossing mats; these mats will also be used in re-laying the Hunt crossing.

Once this is achieved, the track can be ballasted and the fencing separating the public from the railway erected.

Alan Price, member of the track gang, said: “If you think you would like to come and help at the November Track Bash, get in touch and we will arrange personal track safety training beforehand.”

The Somerset and Dorset Heritage Railway at Midsomer Norton would be very pleased to see anyone who would like to volunteer in any capacity around the station, in the gardens or helping with the track. You can contact the station on a Sunday or Monday on: 01761 411221 or you can help by making a donation at: https://www.sdjr.co.uk/fundraising

Members of the S&DHR would be very pleased to welcome visitors and potential volunteers to the site for a look round on a Sunday or a Monday or at one of the station events. The next events are the Rail Ale evening on Saturday, 28th and Pumpkins on the Platform on Sunday, 29th October. For more details, please visit: www.sdjr.co.uk