The 50th Anniversary year of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset Railway line has seen more activity on the line than ever before since its closure.

Not only have there been two main line steam locos on two separate occasions, but the station now has its own resident Sentinel Steam locomotive, Joyce.

The greatest assets of the S&D Heritage Railway at Midsomer Norton are its volunteers. All the authentic restoration of buildings and rolling stock has been accomplished by a team of dedicated people who have doubled up as platform staff and railway Guards and Drivers when the trains are running.

The weekend’s Mince Pie event was in a very special venue. Inside one of the restored coaches was a glorious, glittering cave where you could sit and absorb the Christmas atmosphere while munching on a mince pie and sipping a glass of ginger punch. Buffet car chef, Andrew, made the delicious punch and supplied the pies. Gemma and Tom Fowlie are seen in the photo, with their son, Marcus, enjoying a mince pie.

Visitors to the station last weekend rode on the train pulled by the Sentinel and had their tickets punched by Ticket Inspector, Sean Dudden.

Sean is a committed Sunday Volunteer. He said: “I have been coming here on a Sunday or Monday for the past two months and I’m finding it is such a worthwhile experience. The achievement at this place is amazing, especially when you consider where we started from. And it’s all down to volunteers, and of course, the general public. This project will benefit the community for years to come.”

The next job for the New Year is laying more track. The railway received a delivery of rails last week, and they are ready in the siding for the track gang to begin work on the line extension. Anyone wanting to lend a hand and volunteer at the station should contact: 01761 411221 on a Sunday or Monday or email: [email protected]