The West Somerset Railway has confirmed that it has cancelled this year’s Autumn Steam Gala.
The gala was set to be held from the 29th September until the 2nd October. The railway says that there are two reasons for the cancellation – the railway has found it difficult to find a visiting steam locomotive from other heritage railways, and it has also seen that advance ticket sales are significantly down, which the railway says reflects the current economic situation.
However, the good news is that whilst no gala will operate, standard services at standard prices will operated, with GWR Pannier No. 9466 hauling trains after having work completed at Williton Works for the past few months.
West Somerset Railway PLC Chairman, Jonathan Jones-Pratt said: “Whilst we are very sorry to take the decision to cancel the Autumn Gala, it reflects also our absolute determination to ensure that the railway continues to operate on a solid financial basis for the long-term future, through these difficult times. The logic by summary is due to:
• Rising energy costs
• 100% increase in coal costs
• Increased transport costs
• Current economic situation
• Lack of suitable visiting engines
“We wish to confirm commitment from the railway for our 2023 Spring Steam Gala, which has already got an exciting format confirmed. Plans are well advanced for services and special events in 2023, and there will be many opportunities to see – and travel behind – interesting and exciting locomotives in the future. And it should be remembered that we have an outstanding home fleet of locomotives! I also wish to thank the team who work hard to put these events together. This business decision is made to protect capital reserves and continue the sustainability of the railway.”
Responses
May be the punters that would normally decide on going and pre – book have had enough of the WSR, the last gala was a shambles not one but two days, kicking out a loco on major runs, when its usually trundling round on a light train service in Scotland. Indeed the last WSR gala was the worst run gala i have ever been to. I left at 1400 with a day rover as it eas so bad.
If it’s bad now, might 2023 be an even worse economic situation?
There is a weird disconnect between the stark realities of the impending recession (plus longer term issues such as coal supply and price, and saturation of the heritage railway market) on the one hand…… and on the other hand all the groups springing up to “new build” often quite niche classes of loco – and all looking for substantial contributions from supporters – on the other.
The latter really need to start taking a long hard look at whether their projects are realistic – and exactly where these locos might actually run in the future.
Sadly I have to agree. ALL involved will have some HUGE and far reaching decisions to make very shortly. It is such a shame after an amazing amount of hard work by so many enthusiasts down the years.
Thats a shame we come down every year. Very disappointed, but will still be there. We are members of the west Somerset railway.
Although heritage steam railway might be an expense that many households won’t need in the coming few months, this is a classic example of use it or lose it. Well done WSR on taking a brave decision to try to ensure a future service.
It’s all very well saying “use it or lose it” but if you can’t afford it you can’t afford it.
The country can’t afford to lose it, so prudent measure make a lot of sense. Swapping locos from one site to another has always seemed a waste of money to me – an easy save in future?
It is all very well saying “use it or lose it” but if you can’t afford it you can’t afford it. I can see many heritage lines and projects being mothballed this winter as peoplestruggle to survive.