West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Just visited that page and all I see is "The West Somerset Railway are looking for a Managing Director. Please follow the instructions above to apply.", but no instructions? Is it just me, or has something changed?

(I'm not applying by the way!)

 

Perhaps someone suitable has had a conversation!

 

Or being the West Somerset Railway, perhaps they have decided to make the process a bit more difficult.

 

Any more news on the Level Crossing renewal that was being discussed a little while back...

 

The resolution of the picture posted on Steve's website make it difficult to see if the Railcam is present on the daggerboard of the footbridge overlooking the UP platform and level crossing.

If the cam's not there it would suggest that the aerial photo pre-dates the installation of the Railcams at Williton - possibly also pre-dating the restrictions on drones overflying public areas.

And yes, we have agreed not to broadcast a view of the field to the northeast of the station. In the early days we superimposed a cropped still photograph comprising the field as a background to a WSR logo, but that imposed significant server processing overheads and required special treatment when we applied server upgrades. We now use the native privacy masking facilities provided at the camera to pre-process the image before it reaches our streaming servers.

Both cameras remain fully operational at Williton, but the south facing unit is streamed only to the WSR Operations team.

 

Good Evening, I have been away in Cornwall taking a well earned rest from Chemo. On my return I received devastating news that my good friend Peter (and member of this forum) has sadly passed away suddenly. Peter was, of course, 'Yorkshireman' and he will be very sadly missed. Ken D RIP Old Friend

 

Sad news indeed,

Chris

 

So sorry to hear that. Only met Peter once - in the Hawksworth during 'the troubles' and we had a good gossip. Always enjoyed his posts and usually agreed with them!

 

Very sad news. @Yorkshireman's clear views and determination were always powerful, and a great aid to me in clarifying my thoughts on an issue - even if that conclusion was at odds with his. RIP, and my condolences to his friends and family.

 

A proud Yorkshireman, strong of opinion, kind and generous of spirit, and one with the
West Somerset Railway always at the forefront of his life. A loyal supporter and
sagacious critic who will be missed. RIP Peter.

Michael Rowe

 

Over the years Peter often seemed to turn up on days I was guarding and I enjoyed having lively, civilised and interesting conversations with him. We mostly agreed on matters relating to the railway, but when we didn't, we never fell out. His sometimes rather direct contributions on this forum did not fully reflect the person I knew, and whilst he was clear in what he said, my interpretation was that he never meant anyone ill will. He was hugely committed to the future of the railway. Seeing him in his wheelchair on the platform waiting for the train always brightened my day and I will greatly miss those opportunities.

Frank

 

So sorry to hear this. As others have said Peter's contributions via this thread and in personal e-mails were always helpful in assisting me to think clearly about WSR matters.
RIP.

 

And clear thinking is needed on the WSR now as much as ever, if not more.

 

Sad news. Although he was controversial, I am sure he always had a deeply-held desire for the WSR to be a success.

 

Thank you for all your kind words about Peter aka Yorkshireman. Peter was born in Yorkshire but brought up in Somerset. Hinton St George was where he spent his formative years. He spent a good deal of his life working as a network and systems analyst. Peter never married and, as far as I know, has no living relatives. He has some wonderful friends he helped in many ways. Always a 'backroom boy' he spent some time volunteering at Crowcombe Heathfield working with computers. He had MS from an early age which some days got the better of him. He loved the WSR and using his shareholders pass spent many hours riding trains. One of his particular favourites was the QB on gala days, breakfast on the first train down and remain en board for lunch and sometimes afternoon tea.
Most people's words were spot on as he was a bluff Yorkshire man who would call a spade a shovel and tell you, quite clearly, when he thought you were wrong. However he was a really kind man and many have benefitted from his generosity. When it came to causes on the railway he was always one of the first to put his hand in his pocket. I and many others will miss his pithy comments.

 

Sadly I never met him in the flesh but I enjoyed his obvious passion for good food. Often, so I am told, this meant riding the QB all day on a Gala and eating all that was on offer!

 

Again many thanks for the kind words about Peter, I am sure he is completely bemused by those words but it just goes to show that he was held in esteem by many of us.
I have received this paragraph from Steve Edge, past member of this forum;
Some might remember that Peter and I did not see eye to eye on a few WSR
related issues a few years ago. However, I am forever grateful that he
and I managed to become very good friends albeit it via email only. We'd
often try to arrange to meet but each of us had several obstacles
preventing that happening. And now, alas, we never will meet up. We had
corresponded just a few weeks ago and now that, too, has come to an end.

Thank you everyone. Ken D

 

I have noticed on the unofficial website that SK 25308 is going to Kent at Christmas - does that mean the coach has been sold? If so - are there any other coaches moving away?