West Somerset Railway General Discussion

When any contact with the media is made, it's usually with BBC Somerset, based in Taunton for the radio, but I believe BBC Bristol TV has reporters based in Taunton also.

 

As far as the news. particularly local newspapers, concerning the WSR is concerned it seems to be that all too often the main content seems to be about continual squabbles. Squabbles within the WSR, squables with Minehead politicians and so on.
NP posters are often accused of negativity, but it does seem the negativity is often closer to home.

 

Sadly in the early days before we reopened Minehead wasn't in any way interested in the WSR and when we worked there we were only greeted by a solitary volunteer in the form of Steve Martin. Everyone else travelled. That slowly changed and now I suggest that without the railway the bed and breakfast offering would be half the price! Minehead business quick to take advantage. It has been suggested that Ilfracombe went into recession when the railway closed and I suggest that Minehead could have gone the same way had there been no WSR.

 

Not sure USB is needed on what is supposed to be a scenic day out, however, the demisters are certainly a boon. Most tourist lines claim some scenic attributes to their lines, it is important that passengers can actually see them.

 

Marketing and Communication need Attention something required of a plc Board Appointment or does it have one already?

 

When I hear Minehead I think Butlins!
And I never spent any holiday there.

 

The majority of people take photos using a mobile phone...no good if you've run out of juice, hence the USB socket. Besides, you can't use it on the journey to Caernarfon as you need a phone signal!

 

When I'm camping it can be a nuisance finding somewhere to charge my phone - normally it has to be done on car journeys. Adding sockets to a carriage is an excellent idea

 

But living in the North West - and checking the heritage lines publicity at the heritage lines I visit - I see and hear more about the NYMR than I do about the WSR; I am even more aware of events at both Swanage and Bo'ness than I am about those in Minehead. When I visit these locations I do so knowing what events are taking place hence I can tailor my trips to take advantage of what they have to offer and ensure I have sufficient monies to do so. For many holidaymakers the decisions about what to do are made before arrival but the actual day of action depends much on the weather; most will prepare a list of indoor and outdoor activities then choose from that list on the day. If there is no info available from/on the WSR until the visitor arrives then the visitor will not have included the railway in their to-do activities.

Comment is made elsewhere about the question of Media publicity which seems to be treated lightly. With experience from the other side (i.e. receiving publicity) I would suggest that the WSR needs to identify someone in the local press / tv / radio and send them regular (e.g. monthly) newsletters about what is going on - both visitor attractions and internal operations (e.g. locomotive overhauls, locomotives returning to service, locomotives withdrawn for overhaul, contracts gained). I am of the view that the media can only give publicity if they have the information to hand; perhaps this might be a quick fix once regular information / updates are sent to specific sources. Whilst West Somerset Wizard is one good example of a publicity outlet he should be one among many not the - apparent - only one.

 

Thanks for that. Perhaps you can help me - given you are in the North West, what [media] do you read/listen/watch that brings you news of the Swanage and/or Bo'ness?

Steve

 

NatPres? It's pretty much how all galas I go anywhere in the country to catch my eye.

 

Nat pres is useful as is other social media for example there's been some interesting photos and videos on Instagram this morning concerning a certain 4-6-0 and it's trip to Carlisle today on the Keighley and Worth Valleys page. They also have a Paw Event coming up I know this because there's photos of the character's on the same page this week. Railways like the Tallylyn and East Lancs for example seem to find an excuse to post a picture most days with details of what's happening there, I looked at the West Somersets page and the last photo put up there was from April last year. It's not a hard thing to do, in fact I'd say it's a necessity in this day and age.

 

That is a question that should be asked by the plc Marketing Machine

Steve has single handedly managed the PR aspect of the WSR since he first became involved in 1976?!! - and from a considerable distance in more recent years. I cannot remember the last time I looked at the plc website because quite frankly there was absolutely no Reason for me to do so! If JJP is reading this that is something else he must address having stabilized the company, proper promotion via marketing = bums on seats. Imaginative timetabling and something special that necessitates a visit.

We have a magnificent product but only if we are able to adequately promote and share it - go on get imaginative - you know it makes sense.

 

Similar on Twitter - one tweet from them in seven months! It's almost like they don't want the public to notice them.

Sent from my SM-J330FN using Tapatalk

 

Or even the Talyllyn

 

Wasnt there a Monty Python sketch set in a Minehead Boarding House? Hitler had escaped Berlin in 1945 & ended up quite deranged in Minehead.

Make a visit a must for Monty Python fans?

 

If anyone mentions Swanage I think “Great fish and chips”!

If anyone mentions Minehead I think wonderful railway .....but not “Great fish and chips”!

On a positive note ''It's only six weeks today that the railway reopens!! Yippeeee. <BJ>

 

Mention of Bishops Lydeard creates thoughts of wonderful railway and great beer!

 

http://www.montypython.net/scripts/minehead.php

 

There indeed such a sketch. A quick google willl find it. Quite brilliant!