West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Brilliant!

I suspect anyone who actually cares writing a proper letter to the management would have more of an impact than just another name at the bottom of one letter that you can sign on the internet.

Also, given that plenty of heritage Railways do offer LSPs, have the relevant WSR people spoken to their counterparts on other railways to see how they do it? There might be a better way, or something not thought of.

 

Or the WSR have this item at the top of the pile and others have yet to catch up?

 

Given the length of the WSR compared with many other preserved lines might that make all the issues around LSP's more complex?

 

I find that alternative name for 60163 rather disrespectful, not being funny Dave but they've built something from scratch, whilst having had the goalposts moved a few times whilst under construction. Bit harder to build a brand new steam loco than restore a wagon rake, not decrying you and your groups efforts either. As I say mate not having a go, but the Y nickname does a pretty decent (and forward thinking group) a bit of a disservice. Now can we get back to you calling me a yam yam and me calling you your full name?!

 

And UK children are taught the strange idea that it started in 1939!

 

Petitions like this seldom have any effect. Well argued, non emotive, letters sent to the Chairman will have far more impact. The Chairman of a National Membership organisation of 50,000 members once told me that warning bells started ringing if he had ten letters making the same point. If he got thirty he knew he had a major crisis that needed urgent attention. So far 23 people have signed the petition. If each of those wrote to the WSR PLC chairman notice would be taken.

 

I agree. I wrote a week ago and included photographic examples amongst what I hope was a reasoned contribution to the positive side of the discussion. I received a prompt answer too. By all means, let him have the petition but letters will have more weight.

 

I think it is a pity if LSPs are no longer going to be available, but I shall not sign the petition. I see it as a matter for management, who don't want to be spoilsports but have to bear in mind all the risks and expenses that are involved. If the decision is that those costs exceed the benefit (to the Railway), then I for one don't want to second guess such decision.

John

 

I did not start this petition......I have better things to do than being concerned by what goes on at Minehead.

 

I am sure the management of the WSR are fully aware of the risks involved. I am just not sure they realise all the benefits fully. That is where writing to the GM comes in.

 

The mention of Minehead can be quite explosive!

 

Sorry to say this is the final nail in the coffin for me,Railways been going down in my expectations for years, this is the straw that broke the camels back,Seems like the Dartmouth model is starting to be followed,I'm sure my money will be welcomed else where,

 

Did you miss an entire charitable board of trustees getting the sack?

 

Please do PM me about this ongoing infighting. As far as I am aware any infighting stopped in Feb of 2016.

 

Are you 34098 with a new number?

 

I was wondering about that as well - is 'Resurgent' a bit of a clue?

 

My thoughts exactly, I'm sure all will be revealed in due course.

 

I agree with the comment regarding e mailing the railway directly, I have e mailed Paul Conibeare directly, e mail details available under the Contact section on the WSR official website. It really is a kick in the teeth for many years of loyalty to the railway and the local economy, I've been going down there every year since the late 90s. They will miss out on pass money, rover ticket, refreshment purchases at likes of Stogumber and of course local B&Bs etc. Hopefully the WSR will explain exactly what the reasons are, we do live in a world of transparency and accountability and it might be good if the railway communication machine is improved somewhat.

Derek

 

As I have already said, I don't claim to be an expert photographer, but I still need explaining to me why a Lineside Permit is so essential for it to be worth visiting the West Somerset (or presumably any preserved railway)?

Some of the insights to date suggest at most 'so you can stand in front of those at popular places who don't have one and are outside the fence'.

Steven

(I am not involved with the WSR or any line, but am genuinely interested as to why the withdrawal of LSPs will cause people to stop visiting and mixing photography with riding on the trains).

 

I don't think so. He's sent four messages but didn't mention the diesel gala once. <BJ>