The Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust, based at the restored Midsomer Norton South station, is pleased to announce a generous donation of 2.2 tonnes of sand by Western Minerals of Swansea.

This is a specialist grade of sand used on locomotives to enable the wheels to grip the railway line when it is covered with moisture or sap from crushed leaves.

Stephen Lacy, Chair of the Heritage Railway Trust, said: “We cannot thank Western Minerals Ltd enough for their generous donation. It goes without saying that gestures like this really help the spirit of preservation thrive, and these deliveries will keep us going for quite a few years.”

James Du Feu, of Western Minerals, Ltd said: “The reason for us to donate is to help keep the UK heritage lines open – we hold high regard for all the steam enthusiasts who put so much time and effort in to keep our steam history alive for the next generation.”

The internationally popular route of the Somerset and Dorset Railway was renowned for its tough gradients up the Mendip hills through Midsomer Norton. Locomotive crews could rely on the application of sand to the rail to assist restarting trains that were having difficulty with the locomotive wheels gripping the track.

The same is true today for the locomotives operating on our reinstated and very steeply sloping section of line south from Midsomer Norton. Visitors can experience the classic Diesel shunters tackling this slope at the next event, ‘The Diesel Gala’ on the weekend of 9th March. Train rides will take place from 11 a.m. until 3.30 p.m.

Gail Coleshill