West Somerset Railway General Discussion

"We took the difficult decision to suspend all operations during the main season. [..] With hindsight it has proved the right way forward. We were able to furlough our key staff and hence protect the railway without being exposed to debilitating costs, which may have bankrupted the railway and for paid staff to lose their jobs. [..] Unlike many other heritage railways who were faced with a similar situation, we have been able to survive the crisis without making any redundancies and jeopardising the WSR’s future prospects."

Test the argument by reversing it. 'By operating, other heritage railways jeopardised their future prospects and [so?] were unable to survive the crisis without making any redundancies?'

I said at the beginning it was a judgement but I'd disagree with such an argument. I'd guess the railways involved would do to.

Whatever, by the way, came of the PLC's argument for WSR exceptionalism and you couldn't compare it with others? (unless you want to, it seems).

Patrick

 

"Unlike many other heritage railways who were faced with a similar situation, we have been able to survive the crisis without making any redundancies and jeopardising the WSR’s future prospects."

How utterly distasteful to gloat in the face of people across the country losing their jobs. The WSR is very lucky that the Cultural Recovery Fund came to its aid with such a huge cash injection because without it, JJP would not be in a position to make such a statement and there would have been redundancies in Somerset as well.

 

The NYMR has similarly managed to survive without having to make any redundancies but, conversely, is being praised for managing to get similar grant funding. Chris Price has not been condemned for being upbeat about this and making similar claims.

 

As far as I know there are no allegations of distasteful behaviour involving the NY.M.R.

 

And fair play to Chris and all the NYMR for doing such a great job. I daresay that had the FfWHR (which, I freely admit, is very close to my heart) received such a huge sum of money from the Welsh Government, as opposed to the £150k it actually got (which I'm sure was very welcome but nowhere close to being in proportion to its lost turnover of £5million), redundancies could have been avoided in North Wales but there was simply no choice. I daresay the same is true other railways.

My point is there was no need to gloat and infer that the WSR is somehow better than those railways faced with the horrific task of making people redundant.

 

We finally find something to agree on Paul!

 

Merry Christmas from Stogumber.

 

Pines Express arrived yesterday.

Interesting that the S&DRT had considered leaving Washford but put it in the category of 'Too Difficult'

There is also a picture of 53808 on the Mid Hants very reminiscent of the view down the lane past @Robin Moira White housetowards the line at Stogumber.

I suspect that the PLC may well have done something that ensures the future of the S&DRT while simultaneously putting a nail in its own coffin.

 

Well done everybody - Tonight is the first time I have ever logged into NP and had to go past page 2 to find this thread. I assumed it had been locked - But there it was on "page 4" .There must have been a "Christmas Truce" and long may that continue. Felictations all. I really hope 2021 allows me to make up for my 10 year run of visits sadly broken this year.

 

*Waves at management who we are told don't take any notice of NatPres*

 

It seems a tradition has been established, publish in haste, revise at leisure.

 

I haven't seen the edited Christmas message from JJP, but the original as I read it was full of crocodile tears for what he had done to the SDRT.

It was embarrassing to say the least to read it.

JJP ought to realise that there is amongst quite a few of us an email trail that is damning.

Get that new lease of Washford signed sealed and delivered by 10th February, or else withdraw or suspend the Notice to Quit. And get your accountants to amend the accounts to include again provision for the repair/overhaul of 53808!

 

The original (I think) text is still here

http://www.wsr.org.uk/plc-chairman-2020-christmas-message.htm

In case it gets changed the message includes

Sometimes, it is too easy to focus on the negative PR around the railway and forget about all of the positives achieved. Yes, it is true we have been through some difficult events, especially in relation to the unfortunate situation with the S&D and the recent attempts to take over the WSSRT. The former has been especially difficult for me and I acknowledge the strong emotions on the issue.

I am genuinely saddened by both of these events and especially the external impact on people’s perception of our railway. I do not wish to dwell on them. The direct feedback to me from the great majority of volunteers and staff is supportive. It tells me that their priorities are to see the WSR running and to avoid unnecessary distractions which get in the way of this.

 

Interestingly enough I cant find it on the PLC website

 

The overhaul of 53808 by the WSR will never happen, more chance of finding Lord Lucan.

 

The one thing that would really help the WSR's reputation in the vintage world is the one thing he refuses to do. Tells one all one really needs to know about him.

Noel

 

This latest doublespeak reinforces the determination of many of us to direct our donations anywhere other than the WSR unless and until the management changes.

 

Or "Lew"
Pat

 

At least LEW would have a railway on which to run that would welcome it with open arms

 

TBF The West Somerset did welcome 88 with open arms to an extent, then the Plc realised they’d have to pay for their use of it.