West Somerset Railway General Discussion

I've personally known Andy since we were both kids volunteering on the Ffestiniog. A very suitable appointment indeed.

John

 

Hopefully this will be more than just a snow-covered 'living museum' event at MD, but at least it would hide any remaining weeds

 

Better on Steve's site

http://www.wsr.org.uk/plc-board-4-aug-2020.pdf

 

The proof of the pudding is in the eating Alex!!

I am optimistic but have been continually since I got originally involved back in 1974!

That said we all know the potential so Now it is up to Board to make it happen

 

and now Bob Meanley's resignation is confirmed

http://www.wsr.org.uk/plc-board-31-jul-2020.pdf

and without a change of date!

So why all the intrigue?

 

A slightly strange press release. All normal and then a rant about internet trolls which seemed out of place in tone and content. People complained about the S&DRT and their fires of Mordor, but that is equally weird. It is like one of those hostage videos where the captive suddenly denounces the evil organisations that are going to be defeated by the hostage takers.

I can’t think of any other line that would put out press releases like that. Except maybe Peak Rail.

 

The wording now is rather different to the previous iteration - and makes me think the worse of Bob Meanley for venting in that way, whatever his views.

 

Did I miss something? The screenshot you appended earlier and the link above seem identical to me. Nice to see we all got a mention though - turns out the board do read our ramblings after all... I agree, suspect they were waiting for this new appointment to be able to be announced before making it public that Bob Meanley had left.

 

Looking at the WSRA Board minutes I see that Mike Lee hasn't had any input to any board meetings for some time but cannot find out from the documents page if he has resigned . If he hasn't resigned and he is according to the website the WSRA treasurer then surely he must in breech of the missing meetings rule.

 

Was Bob Meanley thinking of NP or somewhere else? I can't recall anything but respect for him on NP despite the shenanigans of the PLC.
But as they say "if the cap fits, wear it"!

 

I expect so, we know he knows of NP as he's posted here before now. @Sidmouth has mentioned a Facebook group or two which have apparently been much more scathing than us, although to which groups he's referring to and whether Mr Meanley might have seen them I know not.

 

Understanding PLC press releases are never easy. One dated today gives a Mr. Castledine a job, apparently a permanent position but the other dated 31st. July, just five days ago, had this to say:
We are very sad to see him go but fully understand and appreciate the reasons behind Bob’s decision. We will now be taking urgent action to cover the role on an interim basis whilst we put steps in place for a permanent replacement”.
I wonder which is the most accurate statement?

 

I think you're assuming that this is a direct replacement. I've seen nothing to suggest this especially.

 

I see the forum has switched into 'speculation truth' mode again. I think, and I am not speculating, that Bob never intended staying long, after all, like me, he is a gentleman of a certain decade. Covid 19 almost made his attention to the job impossible as all the staff are on furlough. Bob was made a director but he was the only engineer on the Board. I do not blame him for having a go at trolls as there certainly are a few on this forum. There are also several particularly vociferous ones on other forums which are not open to the general public so please do not jump to conclusions. Bob has chosen to be more committed to his family and a new 'Operations' Board Member has been chosen who is to be tasked with bringing the railway to readiness for reopening. A search for a new CME will be undertaken. Currently all Railway paid staff are furloughed and there are precious few Public Relations people as volunteers so with the above two matters all should be forgiven if the timing is slightly amiss.
I am hoping to announce some good news within the next couple of weeks so you can concentrate on me. I may be very poorly but I have a very thick skin. Live in Peace and Stay Safe, Ken

 

Oh! Are you sure about that Ken? Mr Castledine seems to be more of an Ops man than an engineer from a brief read of his CV. Unless there's another appointment imminent, or he is nonetheless taking on responsibility for these more engineer-y areas?

Best wishes for you health by the way Ken, I hope the treatment continues well.

 

Looking at his experience and history he appears to be very much a managerial systems and processes sort of person. While I'm sure those skills are sorely needed by the current Board I'm not sure if they will help with what's currently needed 'on the ground'.

Can anyone confirm if he has any Engineering, P.Way or Maintenance management experience?

 

Thousand apologies I am very tired and made a major gaff. Thanks for pointing out and I have amended it. Ken

 

Having remained silent at the meetings I attended it is indeed unfortunate that he should say such things. Had he been closer to the railway I think he might have departed without comment. That would have said an awful lot more!

 

Surely the Locomotive Superintendent and Infrastructure portfolios remain unfulfilled unless Mr Castledine is expected to undertake responsibility for those as well?

It would have been nice to be told exactly which Director is now Responsible for What!