East Somerset Railway

AFTER winning a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund the steam railway has a major opportunity to develop and restore the former GWR station at Cranmore, south of Shepton Mallet. The recently announced grant of £46,500 will be used by the railway to rebuild the old down platform, demolished by British Railways in the 1950s, and to create an education centre in a new waiting room.

Much of the work will be done by volunteers but there is now a need for more help including from people with special skills. One role the railway is looking to fill is that of Education Officer. Project Manager Gary Amos says “An important part of the project is making the wonderful heritage that we have here more accessible to the public. We are therefore looking for someone to help us devise the best ways of presenting what we have to schools and groups as well as the public in general.” Anyone interested in this vacancy can apply by emailing their CV to the railway office at info@eastsomersetrailway.com .

Work on the platform is expected to start soon. Anyone who is looking for an outlet for their energy and enthusiasm is invited to come along and talk to the staff at the railway about the opportunities for volunteering. Chairman Dick Masters said “There are lots of ways people can get involved. Previous experience isn’t necessary and we would be delighted to meet anyone who is thinking about joining the railway.” You can also enquire about volunteering by email and full details of steaming times are on the website.

The East Somerset Railway will be running steam services this weekend and the first train is at 11.00. Details of services are on the website www.eastsomersetrailway.com. Cranmore is on the A361, 3 miles east of Shepton Mallet.