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West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Discussion in 'Heritage Railways & Centres in the UK' started by gwr4090, Nov 15, 2007.

  1. Mike S

    Mike S New Member

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    Reminds me of the comment made elsewhere the other day 'if you are that unhappy just walk away'

    Mind boggling.
     
  2. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    Why Anne ?

    I'm hopefully asking nicely and I understand you are closer than most to certain individuals which leads me to believe that you could have a far more profound influence than many . But are you happy with the actions of the WSR in relation to the S&D trust , 53808, volunteer management , reopening , that over 500, many volunteers signed a petition against the current regime and the many many other things highlighted on the forum.

    It is not a single act with the WSR , it is one after another after another and the path brings us back to one person
     
  3. 35B

    35B Nat Pres stalwart

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    The pattern has been observed; I don't regard @Bifur01 as conforming to that pattern.
     
  4. Bayard

    Bayard Well-Known Member

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    Nor do I, but he was defending someone who did.
     
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  5. FrankC

    FrankC Member

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    I assume you are referring to me, Snifter. Yes, I am pleased to say that Michael and I do talk to each other from time to time, but he and I both understand the concept of Board confidentiality. He is not a Board member or an adviser, so not I’m afraid privy to any more Board information than you are. If there is something (in the public domain) that you want to ask about, then send me a PM. And that applies to anyone else. However I’m not usually going to reply to general or specific queries on the public forum on here because my experience is that brings forth a veritable torrent of negativity (mainly in the highways and byways of Sussex, Lincolnshire and elsewhere.). (And, of course, if anyone decides to repost a PM, they won’t get any more information!) Finally, if you really want up to date information about the PLC then read the monthly Newsletter...carefully.

    Frank
     
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  6. Kylchap

    Kylchap Member

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    I don't think our mods are needed for that. The West Somerset Railway management are already doing a pretty good job themselves.
     
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  7. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    I need to choose my words with caution before you all hit the report button

    there was a now deleted post , rightly in terms of the analogy shared that nailed the sentiment regarding the actions of board of the WSR .

    Suppression of discussion , the acolytes emerging to trumpet the party line , control over all channels of communication , attacking those who seek to challenge the perceived wisdom , use of extra power and fear to suppress dissent . Members you do not need to answer but give thought yourselves to where in the world we see this , then ask yourself if it is right in the heritage movement
     
  8. flying scotsman123

    flying scotsman123 Resident of Nat Pres

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    I'm deeply crushed you missed Gloucestershire out, what have @35B and @Jamessquared got that I haven't!? ;)
     
  9. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    I'm glad he missed my part of the world , must be doing something right :)
     
  10. D1002

    D1002 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Yes he did. I also made a reply which still exists. The post we were both referring to has disappeared. Quite rightly so in my opinion.

    Edit. Looks like the account of the poster we were both responding to may have been suspended.
     
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2020
  11. mvpeters

    mvpeters Member

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    I wonder if the Plc or WSSRT could share with us what was purchased, without giving away any TV secrets?
    The Plc can sell whatever they actually own, but the WSSRT, as a charity, needs to be very careful how items are disposed of.
     
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  12. Matt37401

    Matt37401 Nat Pres stalwart

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    How to make friends and influence people, West Somerset style.
     
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  13. 35B

    35B Nat Pres stalwart

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    The negativity from this corner of Lincolnshire tends to arise in response to attempts to defend the indefensible either with hefty doses of smoke and mirrors or blank defiance; I have yet to see the disgraceful conduct over Washford given any attempt at reasoned explanation, while the ethics of the proposed breaching of the contract for 88 cast a very poor light on those taking that approach*. Meanwhile, I don't seem to recall any answer from you to the question of what due diligence you undertook on the present chairman when putting him forward as a candidate to the board; I would have said a very reasonable question and one which I would have expected a proud sponsor to be very willing to answer, especially where the public record might lead the less charitably inclined to have doubts that sponsor might be pleased to allay.

    You might also be pleasantly surprised at the reaction if someone posting on behalf of the plc were to calmly and politely both set out the case for that conduct, and then be willing to respond to reasonable questions when awkward sods like me find that something doesn't quite make sense. That sort of interaction has been effective elsewhere, and I suggest that it's the absence of such interaction combined with a rapid resort to bluster and fury, that leave many, myself included, convinced that the WSR is both incapable of succeeding under it's current direction and at very serious risk of not surviving the current course of medicine.

    * - Just to be clear, despite how it came to be required, I am relieved to see a partial resolution reached over 88.
     
  14. Greenway

    Greenway Part of the furniture

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    The critics of the WSR seem to be spread over many parts of England - and well beyond. It is also worth remembering that many are volunteers on other lines or regular visitors to other lines. Without doubt there are occasions when the WSR fiasco is discussed or commented upon. I believe it is not just NP posters who have serious reservations about the line, others do as well I understand. Some view it with sadness, others apparently see it as some kind of joke.
     
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  15. Triumph 2500S

    Triumph 2500S Well-Known Member

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    I sincerely believe that everyone who offers criticism of the plc want and need the WSR and the plc to succeed

    Other railways also have significant problems but at least to have a plan to get out of them. I do not know of a plan for the WSR and I don't believe you do either Michael, A business without a plan is a ship without a rudder and plans can always be changed when you are underway, but at least you are underway!! Add that to the fact the workforce are volunteers who are desperate to know what is going on so they can plan their lives. My concern is how many of them will return when this all over? This problem does not just apply to the WSR but nationwide, as people find they have other things to do with their time. This is mitigated elsewhere in the Railway Preservation Movement by having a plan but still nevertheless people will be lost. How many will only be known in the fullness of time.

    So come on plc please let us have more information of what you propose to to do to reignite our railway and to maintain our irreplaceable workforce.
     
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2020
  16. Snifter

    Snifter Well-Known Member

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    Hi Frank,

    The purpose of a Snifter is to destroy a vacuum and ensure smooth running, in this case a vacuum of information. Is there any particular reason why we are not running a partial service along the lines that I have proposed ? The real friends of the WSR are rather puzzled as to why revenue opportunities are not being seized with both hands. The answer can hardly be confidential given the very public appeals for cash i.e. an explanation as to why that cash cannot be generated by normal means. A sound explanation in the public domain would underpin the appeal.
     
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  17. Triumph 2500S

    Triumph 2500S Well-Known Member

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    Which personal attack which post? - there have been so many of the latter Ian!
     
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  18. flying scotsman123

    flying scotsman123 Resident of Nat Pres

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    All gone now, another rogue new member.
     
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  19. Triumph 2500S

    Triumph 2500S Well-Known Member

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    How can you buy stuff from a museum and on whose authority was ANYTHING sold?
     
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2020
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  20. ikcdab

    ikcdab Member Friend

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    The steam Trust has an approved disposals policy (as does every such organisation). This allows certain items to be disposed of. Indeed, we do receive items from donors with the express permission to sell them.
    Although it will look like happenstance during the programme, the few items that were sold were carefully selected beforehand as not being required by the museum and in accordance with the disposals policy and with proper approval by the trustees.
    Ian Coleby
     
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