VISITORS to the West Somerset Railway (WSR) this week have been enjoying journeys on the oldest operational steam locomotive in the UK, Furness Railway No. 20.

The engine is a guest on the 20-mile Minehead to Bishops Lydeard line as the WSR celebrates the 150th anniversary of the opening of the last stretch of track from Watchet to Minehead.

No. 20 is visiting for the first time courtesy of the Furness Railway Trust and steamed into Watchet to be greeted by local schoolchildren on Tuesday (July 16).

A ceremony was held on Watchet Station platform for the start of he West Somerset Railway 150 event.
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Watchet Town Crier Dave Milton attended a short ceremony on the station platform and West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust president Chris Austin cut a ribbon to start the festivities.

No 20 was built in 1863, making her 11 years old when the Watchet to Minehead stretch of line opened.

VIP guests on the train were treated to performances by the Burtle Silver Band, first in Watchet and then on arrival in Minehead.

Somerset Carriage Hire has been offering rides on Minehead sea front pulled by its horse Priscilla.
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Somerset Carriage Hire gave carriage rides pulled by horse Priscilla along Minehead sea front on Tuesday and will be repeating them on Saturday afternoon.

Other festivities in Minehead included a market, Punch and Judy shows, and turntable demonstrations.

Quantock Brewery, based close to Bishops Lydeard Station, has created a limited edition ‘Down the Line’ golden ale exclusively for the WSR 150 event, with only 2,000 cans made.

‘Down the Line’ is the fourth time the brewery has made a limited edition beer for the heritage railway.

Furness Railway No 20 in Blue Anchor Station.
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A brewery spokesperson said: “This is testament to the collaborative relationship both parties have built over the past 15 years.

“We have seen how much value local craft beer has added to the customers’ railway experience.

“It is a fantastic 4.2 per cent classic golden ale using modern English hops, beautifully crafted and easy drinking with a fabulous taste and aroma.”

A second visiting locomotive Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0ST no.3581 Marston, Thompson and Evershed no.3 was being top and tailed with No.20 on special services from Minehead to Williton on Tuesday and Saturday this week.

Tickets for the 150 festival services can be booked online here.