West Somerset Railway - Removal of the PLC Chairman and related matters

Maybe the WSR should reflect on the fact that most of Devon and Cornwall was changed from broad to standard gauge in just two days in May, 1892.
While some progress seems to have been made on infrastructure, little in harmonious relationships within the hierarchy has changed. Even the third paragraph on the PLC Statement echoes Nero's actions at the big fire.

 

The real danger is that many other loyal volunteers will do likewise. Less volunteers = less trains = less income.

Sent from my Lenovo TAB 2 A10-70F using Tapatalk

 

I did not realize Steve Martin was that old. He certainly wears well for what must be his age.
I have looked quite hard at the drawing he is the only one I recognize.
I suppose they brought a gang in from Swindon.
Robin why are you nowhere to be seen

 

Did you mean to say "difficult to disagree with"?

 

Yes that's what I meant to say, have amended original post Thanks

 

For completeness, I see this has been issued:

http://www.wsr.org.uk/wsra-wssrt-statement-24-aug-2018.pdf

Steven

 

Being ‘shouty’ and opinionated in the forefront of things is not always the best way to bring positive change.

But I usually dress in black, so perhaps I am standing just inside the tunnel...!

Robin

 

Good to see that the WSSRT have not heeded any "advice" that they ought to be too busy with heritage matters.

 

Thank You - and we (as a whole group) look forward to working with you.

NB: Good luck with your part-time role on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Having spent 15 years in Kent, involved with both the Channel Tunnel and HS1, that looks like a Class1 NIMBY-fight that you have on your hands

 

Perhaps because some of us watch the machinations of the railway through various sources - this included - and prefer to watch, listen, like where appropriate and learn, over the apparent prefered method of in-fighting. This being only my 17 post in 5 years of membership - amazed at yet another fallout between what appear all to be good people who want the best (perhaps differently envisaged) for the railway - I'll let my record stand

 

Kind of you to say.

I have already been able to make a minor contribution to ‘bringing some balance to the force’ in Kent. I have never noticed that the water (or the cider) tastes markedly different in Somerset.

Robin

 

Because personally, the root of the current problems go back beyond any current personal individual disputes.

The debate between is the WSR heritage railway or a tourist railway appears key to the long term strategic spilt - its like the same argument going on again and again. Robin's brave decision to focus on the operational reality/income and hence move forward in an operationally-sustainable direction was strategically right, but perhaps left other issues unresolved - the same issues that create ongoing fisures now (NB: I supported her in that decision, much as I may still lament the lack of a BLT Panier on heritage grounds)

Personally, a sucessful and fiscally sustainable One Railway plan encompasses both issues into its vision. There are good examples of both happily living side by side within the hertitage railway market - why could they not be mirrored? Why struggle between visions - and have continual conflist - when both are needed to sustain and grow both visistors and entusiast volunteers.

 

A railway that values and celebrates its heritage will be an appealing prospect for volunteers and visitors alike and hence has a very good chance of being commercially successful.

There should be no conflict overall but on individual matters, there is a need for balanced judgments, mutual respect and compromise between those in each 'camp'.

Steven

 

For the record, I would love to see, and would support, the coming of a large pannier to the line. They were part of the line’s history, and would be suitable in traffic terms.

One of the opportunities lost amongst the hard choices when the WSR was being born was the opportunity for all the ex-LT panniers to have come to the line.

But good things come to those who wait (and work quietly to make things happen).

Robin

 

It's a pity there hasn't been a bit more working quietly recently, rather than the public sackings.

 

I have no comment beyond the WSRA’s public statement.

Robin

 

" The Board has established a working group ".....hell's bells...when is a plc board NOT a 'working group'.

 

Presumably when it's busy sacking chairmen...

 

I'm going to get an update from Dave before commenting.

 

Plenty of skills in spontaneous sackings, but insufficient skills in filling vacancies....hmmmmm.