A REUNION lunch is being planned by the West Somerset Railway for original volunteers and staff who helped to reopen the line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead during the years 1971 to 1979.

It will take place at the Beach Hotel in Minehead, opposite the railway station on October 3, during the WSR’s Autumn Steam Gala event.

The gala takes place between October 1-4, and will feature at least six steam locomotives working an hourly service of trains over the 20 miles of track with plenty to see and do along the way.

West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare said: “It is nearly 40 years since the first train left Minehead for a round trip to Blue Anchor and back on Good Friday 1976 and we would like to welcome back those pioneers.

“We will offer two-day tickets to all who wish to attend so that they can also travel the line and in their mind’s eye compare the current line with what is was like in the first decade of revival.”

Any volunteers who would like to attend should notify John Simms of the Railway’s Commercial Department via john.com@wsrail.net or 01643-700382 by Monday, September 28.