Watch The Somerset & Dorset Remembered

The Somerset & Dorset Remembered is a heartwarming, nostalgic documentary film that celebrates the cherished memories of a once-beloved railway that served the communities of South West England from 1862 to 1966. The film, released in 2010 and directed by Tony Streeter, is presented by the celebrated railway enthusiast and writer Mike Arlett, who also wrote the book of the same name.

The film takes us on a picturesque journey through the scenic routes of the Somerset and Dorset railway, exploring the rich history and culture of the railway, the communities it served, and the people who worked or traveled on it. It features a delightful mix of archive footage, interviews with former railwaymen, station masters, train drivers, firemen, and passengers, as well as contemporary shots of preserved locomotives and landscapes.

One of the film's highlights is its depiction of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway (S&DJR) as a vital artery of transport and commerce, linking the seaside resorts of Bournemouth and Minehead, the cosmopolitan cities of Bath and Bristol, and the rural hamlets of Shepton Mallet, Radstock, and Highbridge. We learn how the railway played a significant role in transporting goods such as coal, wool, cattle, and milk, as well as welcoming tourists and commuters from towns and villages along its line.

The film also brings to life the various stations and landmarks that make the railway so endearing to generations of locals and visitors. The film touches on the Victorian grandeur of Bournemouth's West Station, the charming architecture of Bath Green Park, the rustic beauty of Masbury Summit, and the iconic '20 Steps Viaduct' at Bradford-on-Avon. We also get a glimpse of the bustling activities that took place at the stations, from the loading and unloading of goods to the selling of refreshments and souvenirs.

A significant part of the film is dedicated to the various locomotives and rolling stock that made the S&DJR a unique and beloved railway. We see the elegant express trains like the 'Pines Express' and the 'Atlantic Coast Express,' steam locomotives like the 'Black 5' and the '9F,' and the charming diesel multiple units like the Class 122 and the Class 117. The interviews with the railwaymen and women who operated and maintained these machines provide fascinating insights into the technology and skills required to keep the trains running smoothly.

Moreover, the film does not shy away from the challenges and tragedies that the railway faced throughout its history. We hear about the disruptions caused by two world wars, the competition from roads and buses, and the decline in passenger numbers that eventually led to the railway's closure. We also learn about the accidents and incidents that occurred on the railway, from minor derailments to fatal collisions, and the heroic efforts of railway staff to prevent or manage them.

Throughout the film, we sense Mike Arlett's deep affection and respect for the Somerset & Dorset railway and his commitment to keeping its memories alive. He shares his personal anecdotes and memories of the railway, such as his first train journey as a child, his encounters with railway personalities, and his involvement in the railway preservation movement. His narration is informative, engaging, and genuinely passionate, capturing the essence of what made the railway so special to so many.

Overall, The Somerset & Dorset Remembered is an affectionate tribute to a railway that holds a special place in the hearts of anyone who remembers it or has heard of it. The film's evocative blend of history, culture, and nostalgia will appeal to railway enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates the beauty and charm of South West England. The film is a testimony to the enduring legacy of the Somerset & Dorset railway and a reminder of how much we have lost in the name of progress.