Friends of Minehead Station install new lights for Christmas

The group generated income through its 'Reader's Halt' second-hand book stall, allowing them to fund this improvement ahead of the festive season.

They also managed to pay for the refurbishment of the station building's roof during the 2024/25 winter season.

However, due to their successful sales, the paperback fiction stock is running low.

The book stall will be open on Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30, as part of the Minehead Station Christmas Market.

The market will also feature stalls selling locally-made crafts and items, including the popular steam locomotive garden planters.

The planters, made by the Friends of Minehead Station from scrap wood, have proven to be best-sellers as gifts for gardeners.

To accommodate visitors to the Christmas Market, a special train will be running on both days.

The train will depart from Bishops Lydeard at 10.30am, stopping at Williton at 11.03am and Watchet at 11.13am.

Tickets for the train can be purchased from the West Somerset Railway website or by calling 01643 704996 on weekdays.

On Sunday, November 30, the 'Fish and Chipmas' and 'Quantock Belle' dining trains will also be running from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, with the latter offering three-course Christmas meals.

Details and pre-booking arrangements for these can be found on the West Somerset Railway website.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Friends of Minehead Station will celebrate its 30th anniversary.

This will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the West Somerset Railway, which began its new era on March 28, 1976.

The West Somerset Railway is planning a commemorative weekend on March 28 and 29, 2026, to celebrate.

Details of the celebration will be announced as they are finalised.

The Friends of Minehead Station are always welcoming new members and are looking for volunteers to help run 'Reader's Halt', help maintain and run the station, or provide support through membership.

Membership forms are available from the station.