West Somerset Railway General Discussion

If there's one thing that the WSRA problems of recent years have taught us, it is that they have a very conservative interpretation of their Articles of Association. I trained as a charity lawyer and although I'm in a different specialism now I still advise clients on what is lawful within the confines of a charitable organisation's Articles on occasion, and WSRA could I am sure do more, just as the SVR Charitable Trust does.

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Firstly, you assume that people who will donate to this would donate the same money to a general 'we need cash' Appeal instead, and secondly, that assumes that such an Appeal exists. At the moment it doesn't - I don't think there have been any direct appeal for general funds or even for any specific required works (e.g. trackwork) other than the sale of 4110.

Steven

 

Probably because their articles are different. This topic has been discussed ad nauseum already on here.

 

There's a damn good reason this topic keeps coming up you know!

 

Some way to go yet.

One very generous donation to pay entirely for one of the 4 castings. But plenty of opportunity to contribute still.

Robin

 

Maybe but current signs are rather different to the stance taken before. Further debate on here is simply pointless as those in positions of influence are pretty clear what needs doing.

 

Speaking to a chap at another preserved railway last weekend, the subject of donations came up, he said he had given pounds to preserved lines over the years but he would never donate to the WSR because you cant be sure where it will end up, he also added he was for a number of years a WSRA member but relinquished the membership two years ago.

 

Debate on here is usually pointless but that doesn't stop us!

 

thank you.

 

A quick look at the SVRCT's aims on the Charities Commission website shows that they specifically mention restoring and preserving artefacts for "use and appreciation by the public on the Severn Valley Railway" - ergo, ensuring the SVR is fit for use is in line with the aims. The individual objects also mention restoring track and other infrastructure, constructing buildings to house artefacts, and the preservation of historic skills.

The WSRA's aims and objects, on the other hand, are in some ways much less comprehensive. They talk about restoring stock and buildings but not about using them or keeping them operational, of indeed about preserving the skills needed to do so. They seem in general from a brief read to be more suited to a railway museum than a railway

 

The £14,000 appeal for 9351 (re-assembling) by the WSRA still stands at just £100 at least a week or more after launching ☹️

 

I don't want to give legal advice here but I would reiterate - this is a matter of interpretation and you should not consider that these are black and white matters. And if you are concerned that your Articles don't let you do something that you would like to do then change them! These things do not have to be set in stone. So long as the Charity Commission are happy then you can do it!

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Oh indeed - these things are not set in stone! It's not as if the WSRA was created by statute.

If I were a WSRA member then rather than accepting the line that "the articles say we can't do that", I would be pushing for the articles to be changed.

 

An unverified comment made by a stranger far from the WSR is hardly a convincing argument. Three years ago when the EX6+1 were in control it might have been a credible conclusion. However the EX6+1 are long gone and the WSRA is much more capable hands. Your post is just another ill informed slur.

 

Nothing is as straightforward. AIUI extensive advice has been taken on the topic. Maybe Robin would like to comment. As a barrister and WSRA Trustee she should know.

 

4110 has gone rather quiet ! - was an announcement going to be made had we had the meeting this morning?

 

I am aware of her background - and as long as advice her been obtained from a charity specialist then fair enough. But different lawyers take different approaches and I can think of some fairly straightforward ways to sort this out in a way in which both WSRA and the PLC could mutually benefit in a clearly legal way - and without substantially altering the legal separation of the organisations (mad as that remains). But I would note that there may of course be many other reasons (political or otherwise) why you wouldn't do this and, of course, I'm not in a position to advise the WSRA!

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One Down!! Good start

 

Very valid Point!!

 

So what does that tell you then?

Fund Raising WSR wide must be reviewed urgently I suggest.