West Somerset Railway General Discussion

We had a mechanical problem with 3802 ,which left us with industrial loco 'Jennifer' as our only working steam loco. Large Prairie 5199 is currently having its brakes put back together and will be available soon.
With regard to the circumstances as to why 7822 left Llangollen when it did I am not prepared to make any comment, although others might know the story.

Bob.

 

I'm inclined to agree, just one of those things where the optics and timings have been unfortunate. I suppose you could argue it would have been more agreeable for 7822 not to have returned to Minehead in the first place given it was known at the time the limited steaming opportunities it would get, but if the contract was signed and the WSR was asking for it back (very politely I'm sure) then I guess there wasn't much other choice.

Ah well, the postponement of the AGM is potentially more interesting. Is my memory playing tricks on me or was the Plc AGM supposed to coincide with the WSRA and/or WSSRT AGMs? I await the reason given with interest, given the postponed meeting is still planned to be online only, so COVID-19 can't be an excuse.

 

Yes, particularly as the guidance suggests the legal exemption for attendees only runs to 30th September.

Patrick

 

Which they will have to set up, of course.

I assume by implication they were and cannot be ready for such an event at the end of September?

 

So just to spell it out in black and white, assuming what @Barrie the Beer has relate here is accurate (no reason to believe not) the Plc's current plan to delay the AGM until November but still have it as a virtual meeting wouldn't appear to be allowed within the rules? What about the delay itself, if it was delayed to allow a physical meeting, is that within the rules?

 

Not just rules but law.

 

Yes well, I get a bit nervous suggesting a company has broken the law on a public forum, calling it rules makes it feel less risky to write, I expect a threatening letter in the post shortly to prove me wrong!

 

That explains why the loco isn't staying at Minehead but not why anyone felt a visit was necessary at all, if contracts can be ignored.

 

The deadline for the AGM of a public limited company is a combination of law and any provision in the Company’s articles such as the AGM must be held within 18 months of the previous one. From memory I believe the legal requirement is that the AGM must be held within six months of the company’s accounting reference date ( the end of its financial year).
The current Covid 19 relaxation enabling companies to extend deadlines and hold virtual meetings are due to expire on 30th September but may be extended. Given the continuing social distancing requirements and limits on public gatherings it seems a pretty safe bet that they will be.

 

So how is the voting going to be carried out? Who / how will the two independent tellers be appointed to count the votes?

I hope it's not going to be like the USA's conspiracy theories event - oops, sorry - election...

How's the post down there?

 

7822 didn't arrive from Llangollen a few weeks ago. It got caught out with lockdown when moving to the WSR in March and was in an unnamed storage location, I believe.

 

I believe that you are incorrect. There is a photo of 7822 at Minehead on 1st August. It arrived in July for some mechanical work to be carried out.

 

It didn't leave Llangollen in July is what I am on about, it came from elsewhere as it was originally heading for the WSR in March but then nobody could unload it due to lockdown.

 

Pony Express.

 

The delay is claimed to be "Due to the impact of Covid-19" as reported in August edition of The Platform (WSR newsletter). Easily accessible via wsr.org.uk

 

Where is "elsewhere"? Obviously, as soon as Foxcote manor could move again, legally, the haulier would want her out of their yard. If the WSR was close by, it would make sense for her to go there.

 

Would that be the same Covid-19 that has not impacted the dates of the WSSRT and WSRA AGMs as far as I know ? Similarly, the date for the departure of the S&D trust has not been impacted. If they are expected to clear the Washford site by a certain date while in the middle of a global pandemic then surely a two hour online meeting is do-able ?