West Somerset Railway General Discussion

1) I'm not particularly convinced TTIs necessarily are, and
2) painters certainly don't need to be!

 

I do question this desire to bring existing volunteers from other fields in to paint rolling stock, because it seems to ignore:

(1) That painting is a specialist skill in its own right - not everyone can do it; and
(2) Existing volunteers may well already be making a contribution (for example in time) that they feel is commensurate with their other commitments (family life etc); not everyone has the capacity to automatically increase the number of days they work. So even if you could encourage guards, TTIs etc to paint carriages, you may just find that you start creating gaps in those rosters.

Tom

 

Very much so, trouble is plenty of people can wield a brush, even if not very well!

True but some might be at a loose end in the close season, we've had a few TTIs join C+W for something to do in the winter months. Generally I tend to prioritise C+W between October and April and TTIing April to October.

 

Just to clarify, the WSRA operate the cafe and shop at Bishops Lydeard, and also occupy an office on the down side, but all stations on the railway are managed for operational railway purposes by the WSR PLC. Both the WSRA and the PLC work closely together to try to deliver a seamless experience to passengers and other visitors. It is worth adding (in the context of other discussions here about Bishops Lydeard) that we all recognise that we need to improve the passenger experience here in terms of the general ambiance and facilities, and we are working to do this. These things take longer than most of us would wish!

Frank Courtney
Vice Chairman

 

With respect I raised the question of the poor exterior condition of the BL toilets at the WSR PLC AGM two years ago. It should not be too difficult to ask TDBC for permission to freshen up the paintwork and for RAMS to do it. Why has it not been done?

 

I guess it is because the PLC and WSRA in particular have been busy re-arranging the deck chairs over the last couple of years, Peter.

 

Nowt to do with the WSRA..

 

Asking and getting permission may be two different things. Not sure but I don't think it's as simple as we all might hope or imagine.

 

What they going to say if you just paint it? Sometimes it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

 

It will become a moot point if the Plc purchases the car park etc..

In the meantime, I thought I read somewhere that the Council does an 'adequate' job keeping the toilets clean - daily at least, perhaps? Maybe we should just be grateful for that.
Given what they are, I have no particular complaints.

 

The PLC should have good enough contacts within TDBC to get it done. As far as I can see just sheer inertia by the WSR PLC management for at least two years.

 

The point I'm making is that the first thing a prospective passenger should see are not signs telling him/her what they must not do. Am I the only person that gets irritated when I see signs like that? How about 'Welcome to the UK's best and longest steam railway'? I also feel embarrassed on the footplate when the last train of the day draws in at MD around 5.45 and the weary passengers get off and are immediately told the station is closing in x minutes so clear the platform; no chance to watch the loco off to shed. People remember these things, having spent their money with us. At BL on the last train I always wait before going to shed to see if anyone wants to come on the footplate, even though I may have been on all day , have to dispose the loco and face a 50 mile drive home, it gives me pleasure and makes their day.

 

May I be so bold as to suggest that you organise a working party and get the issue sorted. Shouldn't take too look and BL will be a lot better for it

 

My personal bete noir are signs that say ‘NO TRAINS TODAY’ which is close to ‘GO AWAY’.

As opposed to ‘Next public trains [DATE], Station, Cafe and shop open for viewing’ or something similar.

The WSR is far from alone in getting this wrong. But then, I AM going on a signwriting course next week...

Robin

 

I believe the staff at MD have now been told to give the passengers 15 minutes before clearing them off and closing up.

 

There is quite a lot to do at BL to change the visitor ambiance. As an example the un-heated stainless steel sanitary ware (no separate seat) and the painted breeze block interiors of the toilet block are particularly un-welcoming and un-GWR. I have visited (professionally!) prison facilities that are more welcoming.

This is a very sensible focus for the WSR corporate plan.

Robin

 

While I am male, I do understand that 'The facilities' are a very important issue with female visitors

 

Whilst in general I am a cynic as to how truly "heritage" supposedly heritage railways are, sanitation is one aspect where the facilities need to be as modern and as high specification as can be afforded. An old time railway (insert vulgar euphemism of choice) is not the sort of "heritage" needed.

PH

 

Happy ladies = healthy railways.

 

The standard for toilets run by Taunton Deane is to have stainless steel toilets without seats. However, the disabled facilities at BL have a conventional ceramic bowl with plastic seat. The newly refurbished disabled facilities at MH are are exemplary and a credit to all concerned. I am pleased to say that I have today received an email from the WSR General Manager stating he has asked TDBC for permission to paint the exterior woodwork at BL Thanks for listening.