Image via Wikipedia

Please note: this event was in 2011. However, for more information about the railway please read on.

Exmoor National Park Authority will be arranging a Guided Tour of West Somerset Mineral Railway on 16 Feb 2011.

If you would like any further information about the Guided Tour please call the National Park Centre in Dulverton on 01398 323841.

About the West Somerset Mineral Railway

The West Somerset Mineral Railway was built in the nineteenth century between 1856 and 1861 and was a 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) (standard gauge) railway line.  It was operated by the West Somerset Mineral Company to carry ore from the ironstone mines in the Brendon Hills to the port of Watchet on the Bristol Channel. The ore was then taken by ship to Newport in South Wales, and travelled from there to Ebbw Vale for smelting.

The railway line included an 800-foot (243.8 m) gravity worked 1 in 4 (25%) incline, which was used to descend the north side of the Brendon Hills, and this section of the railway took up the last two years of construction time.

The line stretched from Raleigh's Cross and the Colton mines in the east, along the Brendon ridge to a heathland terminus on the western end, near the village of Gupworthy.

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Image by amandabhslater via Flickr

Please note: dates listed were for 2011

Free Hedge laying courses in Dartmoor National Park The Dartmoor National Park Authority runs popular free annual courses in rural skills such as hedge laying and dry stone walling, with technical training by experienced Master Craftsmen. If you're able to attend at South Zeal on Dartmoor during January 2011, you'll learn to lay hedges using traditional methods and tools.

The hedge laying courses are two days each and run on 18/19 and 26/27 January.

These courses are very popular, so it's advisable to book in advance. Dartmoor residents and those who work on the moor will be given priority for places on the courses, on a first come first served basis.

Applicants do not need any previous experience of hedge laying, however they should be prepared for a physically demanding activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. There will be tools available for participants to use while attending the course.

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I had to post this fantastic comedy Morris Dancing video after a friend sent it to me on Facebook - Enjoy!

Morris Dancing with Dizzee Rascal

"It's the original UK street dance really... Some gangs are even turning to Morris to settle territorial disputes. It's time to put down the guns and pick up the hankies... Just as these urban youngsters are experiencing Morris for the first time, so older Morris men are getting their first experience of urban gang culture, and some are being seduced by the dark side..."

(Also featuring a fabulous westcountry accent by Michael Fenton Stevens as 'Professor John')

See more videos from BBC Comedy

Dizzee Rascal: 'Bonkers' (the original song)

Extreme Morris Dancing

More Morris Dancing humour - what are they hitting each other with ?!?

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PENDELFIN RABBIT MORRIS BOXED NEW DANCER DANCE HAND PAINTED

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A Handbook of Morris Dances, Morris Ring 2nd edition 1986

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