West Somerset Railway General Discussion

I think some things are better said in private. If at all.


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Whatever his object, the 31 to zero 'like ratio' between posts #7687 and #7681 shows what readers of this thread thought.

Robin

 

Hope this might be the right place to ask... what time of year are the WSR Winter Steam Gala timetables usually published,? Or has anyone got one from last year, please? I have asked the WSR direct but no response. I'm trying to plan a post-Xmas trip in advance and without a car, the railway forms a fairly important part of my journey to get between hotels! W

 

• You will note I trust that I was one of the 31
  
  I set out to quell the implications from Yorkshiremans postings that there was something Machiavellian in Mr Davidges resignation as a Trustee. I think Ken's posting confirms that.
  
  The current apparent anti WSR Plc lobby I believe is unhelpful to the future progress of our wonderful Railway.
  
  Michael Rowe

 

Then you might want to think about the presentation of your posts. It was hard to interpret what you wrote as other than an attack on Ken at a moment when, with regret, he had stepped down from WSR office. I, and others, interpreted that as 'kicking a man while he was down'. Good to have it clarified that was not your intention.

Anti WSR plc lobby. Hmmm. The position is that those of us close to the coalface perceive some serious difficulties in some aspects of WSR activities and are far from convinced that they are yet being effectively tackled. We look forward to the new regime convincing us otherwise. And they will have our full support in taking the necessary steps. Any specific criticisms I have, have been made directly to the relevant officers, as you would expect.

If I don't join in a chorus of 'everything in the garden is rosy' just yet, then forgive me.

Robin

 

Meanwhile back at the Railway.

The weather may be vile this morning but the view from my house is brilliant.

Robin

Cross-Country


Steam and stair rods


Impromptu Diesel Gala continues...

 

I see there has been some cutting back around the cattle dock. Much better.

 

All excellent shots. Could easily be 1965, though removing the yellow hosepipe would have been the finishing touch.

If Robin ever sells up I would be a keen purchaser.

 

Does asking questions and making reasoned criticism could as being 'Anti-WSRplc' - the very viewpoint is concerning, that no questioning or criticism of WSRplc is permitted, presumably therefore expecting to stifle debate or creative discussion - I hope that, again, it is an unfortunately choice of wording and not an accurate statement of the point of view 'at the top'.

There can be a fine line between everyone pulling in the same direction and an imposed view of 'everything is wonderful and don't you dare say otherwise' but it is a line which MUST be correctly tread - an attitude of 'Management is always right and you have no right to question it' is as harmful to the long term future of an organisation as an attitude from the grass roots of of 'Management is always wrong and a bunch of idiots'. A Management that, to 'the coal face', can seem deaf to questioning or comment, that imposes ill-explained 'rulings' and has an attitude of 'you are harming the organisation by asking questions or requiring debate of other viewpoints' is ultimately extremely unhealthy and potentially fatal for the organisation, as the 'coal face' workers become dis-illusioned and look to enjoy their hobby elsewhere, where they are valued and listened to. (At the same time, 'the coal face' should afford the same respect of listening to Management and all should not naturally assume ill intent in the actions of the other).

A genuine open and listening organisation will in between the two, with both 'coal face' and 'Management' willing to listen and explain their actions and concerns and treat each other with respect. In theory, for a volunteer organisation such as a preserved railway, this should be easier as much of the ultimate 'management' - the Board - are also 'coal face workers'.

Steven

 

Great - now we are heading towards a 'hosepipe livery debate'!

Steven

 

Nothing wrong with yellow hosepipes, if you are recreating the 80/90s/00s. Perhaps the memory is playing tricks but my recollections of the 60s are that a dull red oxide colour was the norm. I think that 50 years ago even green tubing would have been considered modern (at least in our rural backwater).

 

Steven, absolutely ! Please note the use of the word 'current'. I could also perhaps have added the words 'unremitting negative criticism' and added before 'lobby' 'apparently small but vociferous',

There is I suggest criticism that is aimed at producing, in the minds of the critic, a better entity. There is also criticism that is motivated by self importance, NIVH and bruised egos (I applied for the job, I offered my services etc.). Without wishing to personalise this more we are I regret seeing more of the latter and less perhaps of the former. That I think is a pity.

Regarding people listening, and specifically the Plc board, Saturday week represents the second annual oppurtunity for all to hear what the Plc has to say and have their say in reply. As a matter of record (at times one has to introduce I into such thoughts) my comments from the floor at the earlier such meeting this year cannot have been regarded as other than critical, albeit hopefully with positive suggestions of what I thought should be done. (They were not I can assure you motivated solely by self interest). There were many other similar contributions.

Michael Rowe

 

Are yellow hosepipes hard to come by?

 

Make me an offer.....

Robin

 

I attend a number of 'user groups' associated with the employment tribunals, my principal area of legal practice. Most centres hold them 6 monthly, with the next event advertised as soon as the previous one has been held.

The WSR stakeholder meeting in the early part of the year was poorly attended, in part, because it had only been advertised shortly beforehand. That point was made from the floor. The panel noted the point.

Unless I missed it, this stakeholder meeting was only advertised less than two weeks before it is to be held. I have given a commitment to be elsewhere and so am unable to attend.

A (very minor) illustration of a failure to listen effectively and act.

Robin

 

It would also be nice to see the lawn roller in motion in future shots.

Offers of help with that gratefully received.

Robin

 

Has Saturday week's Stakeholders meeting date not been on the 'Staff Services Website' for months? Indeed was not it announced at or immediately after the Spring Stakeholders ?

Michael Rowe

 

No idea.

Haven't reached the staff at Stogumber station.

Robin

 

Robin, I can come and hobble on your lawn as I guess I am heavier than your lawn roller!
Please note that the PLC has issued a statement in the Bulletin this morning about my retirement. As I said before it would have been irresponsible of me to continue with the new role of Director of Safety knowing that in 12 months I intended to retire. So I retired early and wish the current Board every success. As I am sure you will agree I should not and will not discuss the Board's machinations as I am fully aware of what is likely to happen for the next year or so. However I will give a brief view from my personal perspective. The Board is now composed of some excellent 'railway men' and I am confident it will stride forward under Alan N's Chairmanship. One young Director is adding significantly to the expertise and others are forging ahead. As Directors are now undertaking Safety Checks they are being seen about the railway and it is making an impact. I believe the future is not about doom and gloom, it will be trying and tough in the present highly regulated environment but the team steering the policy and strategy (the Board) are ready to move forward.........good luck to the WSR.