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West Somerset Railway General Discussion

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

  1. Greenway

    Greenway Part of the furniture

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    ......just long enough to illicit the change. How long will that be: as along as a piece of string?
    You are overlooking fact a large number of people volunteer and enjoy working on the WSR.
    They know who the trouble makers are on the line: most people can see through a five bar gate.
     
  2. Downline

    Downline New Member

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    Sidmouth's suggestion may not be the choice of 'all', but this suggestion either causes a short period of major disruption or a quick death of the railway. Otherwise leave the railway as it currently is under the dictatorship of 1 individual, and it will a painful death to watch.

    Personally, I would rather see the short period of major disruption which causes the 'leader' to see some sense.
     
  3. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    where is an appropriate place for such a discussion ? rumble on the platform with the chair as has been allegedly suggested ? An AGM maybe where the odds are stacked against you ? open to suggestions
     
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  4. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    When the enjoyment is tainted by the actions of those in charge or pose a serious threat to ongoing opportunity to volunteer you may be surprised at how people may behave

    the elegance is that a very small number could have a very profound effect. now you are of course spot on , in how long would those who would have to accept and enact the change would hold out . A game of brinksmanship for sure
     
  5. Steve Edge

    Steve Edge Member

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    A "short period of major disruption". Then what? Who'd take over?

    How can you be so sure of the outcome in your last sentence? Just suppose the line closes for good. What will you achieved?

    Steve
    wsr.org.uk
     
  6. The Dainton Banker

    The Dainton Banker Well-Known Member

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    Interesting comment. As you often seem to be having a bob each way in your postings, how do you define "trouble makers"?
    Is it those who question some of the actions of management, or those who carry on personal vendettas, or what ?
     
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  7. Matt37401

    Matt37401 Nat Pres stalwart

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    And what if it ends up closing for good under those currently in charge?
     
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  8. 6960 Raveningham Hall

    6960 Raveningham Hall Member Friend

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    We’d have a couple of very happy moderators on this forum.
     
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  9. martin1656

    martin1656 Nat Pres stalwart Friend

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    No you wouldn't, Martin has said many times he would not find anything to rejoice about, if the line did close, but Supporters of the current board are sleepwalking towards closure, can't you see it,? or perhaps you can, but fear the consequences of speaking out? as I see it, your collective silence, only means that no action will be taken, until its too late to save anything, that will be the outcome.
     
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  10. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    there are times when my willingness to exercise some tact becomes seriously strained and your lack of understanding and comprehension of what is a simple concept does you no favours.

    Clearly and I stress again it becomes down to the volunteers should enough of them wish to force change to agree both the action , and the demands they would wish for . I would from experience trust the volunteers to , of all people, know what is the best outcome for the railway

    who knows freed from the shackles of the current regime you may find people far more willing to step into breaches created and a much more dynamic and forward thinking board is created . Other lines have often found a major crisis as a catalyst for a prolonged period of growth and development
     
  11. Steve Edge

    Steve Edge Member

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    Oh blimey. Do get off that high horse. Let me say that it is your "simple concept" that is not helpful in any way possible to the WSR.

    But. Wait. Nice to see you have trust in the "volunteers". I'm a volunteer. Then trust me. And do stop this Scargill-type nonsense.

    Steve
    wsr.org.uk
     
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  12. richards

    richards Part of the furniture

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    @sidmouth - could you clarify your current position relating to the WSR pls? Are you a current member, working volunteer and/or shareholder?

    There is so much shouting from the sidelines, I've lost track of who is still actively involved in the railway.

    If you or others on here are not actively involved currently, I'm not sure how you (plural) intend to promote or encourage any sort of (in)action by the other volunteers.

    What level of impact would it need to make for the railway management to take notice?
     
  13. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    1 - i have no connection with the WSR , i would happily state I don't even live in Somerset
    2- The question was asked about what can be done to make change , I answered it with an idea . If the good volunteers of the WSR decide it would achieve their aims , all good , if not then lets plod on for another 2000 pages
    3 - not running planned trains as an act of industrial action , one would hope would trigger something intended .
     
  14. Downline

    Downline New Member

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    The current dictatorship of the WSR Plc is not helpful for the survival of the WSR. But despite all the catastrophic failings since 2018, people somehow still support there every action, including the people who welcomed a certain person onto the board, only for that person to stab them in the back and blame them for past issues. I struggle to understand that one.

    As a volunteer, do you represent the majority or the minority that Sidmouth should get off his high horse? Or do the volunteers have no problems with the current issues that people from outside (that dont hold WSR ID cards) can see?
     
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  15. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    so is the status quo helpful to the WSR ? WSRST minutes make interesting reading on a fundamental point

    always an interesting approach by those on the railway , that any suggestion , idea or argument that is counter to the railway direction is belittled and those highlighting it targeted

    It strikes me that the suggestion has got you and a few others in a panic . Scargill type nonsence , picket lines at Lydeard and Minehead, winter of discontent , love the way you are taking this, please do keep going . the WSR Autumn Aslef 1955 gala ,

    you are of course right in that I have no skin in this game at all (apart from being a customer - no chance) and were the railway to fail I may permit myself a smug moment of satisfaction before getting the popcorn out and settling down to observe the fall out
     
    Last edited: Aug 18, 2021
  16. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    What I will say is that whilst out on my travels no single WSR volunteer has come up to me and said you are wrong , quite the opposite in fact
     
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  17. Maunsell907

    Maunsell907 Member

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    Steve, according to his own posts ‘Sidmouth’ has visited ( travelled ? ) the WSR twice. They were by
    his account bad experiences. ( We we’re never told what happened. I was moved to comment
    at the time that his post was reminiscent of the unspecified happening in Phoenix Park in Joyce’s
    Finnegans Wake: ‘ )

    Two visits: probably the same number of WSR volunteers feeding his apparent mission. Steve
    you have better things to do than to indulge him.

    WSR Org is a splendid achievement. Thanks.

    Michael Rowe
     
  18. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    Bless you Michael , that is the sweetest thing you have said about me

    please be reassured that any indulging is not expected nor required

    Are you the cavalry ?
     
  19. Greenway

    Greenway Part of the furniture

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    No, I do not include the first of your categories, but the second one - which go deeper and longer than that of JJP's tenancy.
     
  20. gwilialan

    gwilialan Well-Known Member

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    I cringed when I read the first declaration of what they intended and I felt then that the 'battle' was lost before it had even begun. To me the rhetoric from those standing was about as subtle as a smack round the ear with a house brick
     
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