West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Thanks. One gets the impression that the sale and leaseback was of 7828, albeit the chairman talks about an asset backed loan. I wonder if a plate has appeared in its cab saying this loco is owned by XYZ Leasing Co?

 

Page 33 of the accounts is interesting. Directors salaries of £125.6k during the 15 month period ???? I know the GM was made a director but he was a paid member of staff. The figure for the previous period was zero.

 

Posts like these have cropped up at regular intervals over the years. They last a few weeks, the poster disappears, then they start again under a new name a month or so later. I reckon it's the same person every time!

 

Put in perspective, thats about 10% of the total loss

 

Well "expertise" does not come cheap.

 

I would consider the experience of Andy Norman described on here to substantiate what Dan Taylor is referring to. As some of my posts on all this were removed I will tread carefully - but all of Andy's posts are still on here.

Lots of recent posters in support of the WSR know all the details about all this, but seem to have overlooked Andy's treatment.

I would not want to volunteer for an organisation that unilaterally suddenly decided that HR grievance policies should not apply to volunteers.

Cheers,

Julian

 

What has happened to Andy Normans posts, since his meeting with the Chairman the posts have stopped, was he threatened or something.

 

I seem to recall Andy concluded that posting a blow by blow account of his disagreements with the WSR chairman wasn't doing anyone, and especially the railway, any favours, and decided to cease posting on the matter here before his meeting. Again, as I recall, most folk at the time here thought that was probably sensible. Bringing up the suggestion of threats is not a good idea, such rumours can easily take hold despite there being absolutely no cause to think such took place.

 

It's not for me to mention individuals. When I was chairman we elected two staff members as directors. The sum mentioned would approximate to their wages for 15 months. Regrettably I couldn't get to the AGM, I believe there was an intention to ask this question there.
Ian Coleby

 

I have been an active volunteer on the WSR since 1983. So this is my 37th year in all sorts of different roles, including having been a director of all three of the major organisations on the line. In all that time I have never once thought of the railway as toxic. From time to time there have been certain individuals who we have been glad to see go elsewhere, but nothing more than any other organisation. My overwhelming experience has been one of friendship, helpfulness, a can do attitude and a desire to see the railway succeed. As others have said, comments on ephemeral forums such as this by "here today, gone tomorrow" contributors reflect, in no way, the day to day reality of the railway. Do you honestly think we would have survived into our 44th season with a railway that looks as good as ours does, if it were true. Constructive comments are always welcome, but not toxic, unfounded criticism.
Ian Coleby

 

As per Francis Urquhart, "You might think that, but I couldn't possibly comment"

(Well, I did comment, but my posts were removed)

The WSRA Board and the WSR PLC Board know all the details. 2 WSRA Board members regularly post on here - you might like to ask them directly.

Cheers,

Julian

 

How are these accounted for though? Clearly if I am an employee AND a board member surely only a proportion of my pay would relate to my role as director?

It would clearly help if the position could be clarified as obviously if as you say the attribution of all the salaries of the employees who were also directors as directors emoluments is very different to other potential explanations.

 

I'm a little surprised that the Directors Report in a PLC's published accounts includes such an obvious mistake (Resigned 5 November 2011). One hopes the rest of the accounts are not similarly afflicted...

 

Sorry to back track a little, but after speaking with WSR volunteers I feel the need to make some reassurances.

I made a comment concerning my visit to the WSR, of which things didn't go to plan. Please rest assured that my comments were not knocking the efforts of the volunteers on the ground going about their duties to rectify everything. I've been there myself, your booked duty should see you home for teatime, but in reality you get home so late reheating your tea in the microwave is not even an option as all you want is a hot shower and bed.

After speaking with Robin, your efforts saw everything in the right place for Monday morning - and it's sods law that everything should then run to plan and yet there isn't even half the comments that the Sunday received. I have no axe to grind or points to score, so if any of the volunteers who took my posts as a personal attack wish to discuss with myself privately then feel free (including you Terry, we can even trade dartboards after last year !). Robin very kindly explained the process for the "write-up" of a day's activities, and I'm grateful for her taking the time to speak with me.

Here's wishing the WSR a good shutdown period, with a well earned break for those who need it whilst also looking forward to a good season in 2020. There's a lot of good things in Somerset, and one bad day won't stop me visiting again.

 

This matter was raised at the AGM and the Company Secretary gave what to me seemed a reasonable explanation. If I understood correctly, this item was not expected to recur in subsequent years.

 

I can confirm that. I think that Joy Boswell made an outstanding contribution to the meeting and many shareholders concerns were dealt with to the satisfaction of those present.

 

Jon

Thank you

Robin

 

Julian,
Just to set the record straight for NP readers:

I've offered to meet with you several times to discuss WSR matters in more depth.
I've offered to facilitate introductions to the railway when you've expressed an interest in volunteering.

Rather than act on these offers you seem content to snipe on NP at those who work to keep the WSR going without any further engagement. Maybe your unfounded remarks here are what got your previous posts removed?

 

I trust the contrast between 'lil Bear' (a significant volunteer elsewhere) and my exchange and that between Julian and Mike 'aldfort' will not go unnoticed.

Progress through mutual respect and open communication is the only way.

On into 2020...

Robin

 

I've just found a screenshot I took from the Williton webcam on the day of *that* delay last month. Thought others might like to share the atmosphere. Well done to the driver for stopping in exactly the right spot!