Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

As attendees left the meeting they had to pass through a memory erasing induction loop ........

 

...probably with a notice over the exit "Abandon hope all those who leave here"

 

There was apparently a substantial body of opinion among the members that the Trust ought to pursue an extension somewhere, and presumably the Trustees thought CFL the least unlikely to succeed. So offering that "option" (among other obviously even worse ones) could have been partly an attempt to address members' wishes. All that said, the way they then pursued the planning application was at least badly misjudged, arguably totally incompetent.

 

As I explained earlier, the Trust Website is very clear that the intention is not only to extend but to recreate the railway. If that is indeed not the case then the basis on which funds have been & are being solicited is highly questionable.

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As a member who was actually at the AGMs, I would say I left feeling comfortable that we just might have turned a corner, or are at least gently braking as we approach the corner, to negotiate it carefully. Led by Trustees Giles and Rob, the presentation was professional, friendly and engaging. The technical issues were dealt with adequately. and a collaborative, inclusive consultation has been promised to determine how we are all going to move forward past that corner. The ongoing regular meetings between L&BRT/CIC and YVT/EA were mentioned, and will continue. The elephant in the room was briefly covered. although as is often the case, time run out at 10 pm.

 

In other news, the first open day with the viaduct at Chelfham was very successful.

 

Apart from that, it is an absolutely glorious weekend!

 

and it

... and it's is open again today - I'll be there shortly!

 

In light of the various strongly expressed opinions in various directions in previous pages of this forum, your comments give rise for some optismism. As usual though, we wonder if apparent good intentions will translate over time into a more careful journey around the corner which is immediately in front of us. I would like to think that careful steering will advance us to the point that I feel to start to make significantly meaningful financial contributions to a growing railway with a sound strategy to achieve the L&B we dream about.

 

That was my overall impression as well. I felt there was a shift in tone and the emphasis given to further consultation before proceeding was encouraging.

 

I'm glad to hear the suggestions of a shift in approach, and a more positive tone. Those green shoots are welcome, and I look forward to these being maintained as the consultation progresses - but also hope that the trustees work from a position that confidence is low, and needs to be earned afresh.