Jonathan Jones-Pratt, the founder of JJP Holdings South West, is passionate about historical transport, and has a particular love of steam.
Not only does he get to indulge his passion through our Heritage Vehicle Hire operations, but he also does it as Chairman, Co-Director and a shareholder of the West Somerset Railway.
First promoted in the mid-1850s by local businessmen and dignitaries as a true branch line of the Great Western Railway, there were attempts to engage Sir Isambard Kingdom Brunel as the West Somerset Railway’s engineer but he was completely occupied by his bridge over the River Tamar at Saltash and the Great Eastern steam ship, so the project was delegated to one of his assistants, James Burke.
Today, the West Somerset Railway covers some 20 miles through stunning Somerset countryside to the coast and offers a wide range of exciting visitor events and experiences.
Jonathan took the business through a recovery and restructure process in 2018 and turned it into a successful venture. Thanks to the trustees and a loyal team of volunteers, enthusiasts and families can enjoy the steam train experience for many years to come.
