Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

May I offer a perspective as someone with an interest but who doesn't associate with either side of the debate? Both sides appear very paranoid here: those at Woody Bay seem very critical of criticism and wary of other groups working to restore the L&B. This looks very odd from the outside and reminds me slightly of the politics of restoring the WHR. I know from personal experience when I made an enquiry that the response was very angry - basically "are you even a member of the trust". It must be remembered that the LBRT do not own the past or future of the L&B; they are attempting to restore part of it. On the other side of the coin, detractors must remember that the trust have the right intentions, which we all share, of restoring the railway. You may not like their methods and be angry about their lack of communication but they have the right aim at heart.

 

On the specific matter at hand: lack of transparency is a recurring issue here; people's curiosity is valid and all interested parties have a right to information. The Trust shouldn't be deciding what people deserve to know. If, as I assume, this has something to do with a legal challenge or obstacle then those on the antagonistic side will already be aware of this. Likewise if there is a commercial factor like land purchase. Language like "this will be dealt with internally" does not good because it antagonises people and makes other stakeholders, such as other groups working on the L&B, feel like outsiders. Thus the paranoia spirals on both sides.

 

Speaking as an L&B Trust member, but not in an official capacity, and as I said earlier, this is purely an internal matter. It is very current. The Trustees (L&BRT) and directors (CIC) have a moral and legal duty to protect the assets under their control. The information in the official statement on the website (and posted at the entrance to the closed site) is all they are able or willing to say at the moment. Please be patient.

 

No-one has a right to information unless they are personally involved. It's this kind of thinking from enthusiasts that leads to trespassing and otherwise unwarranted invasions of privacy that cause damage to those who are sensitively trying to conduct themselves - Collection X as an example, as well as the now infamous Whorlton Lido incident. What has happened is not in the public domain yet. For all we know it could involve legal or safeguarding issues.

Cheltham is owned by the Trust, run and maintained by it's volunteers. Thus it is private, and until it's appropriate for the public (and yes, we're all the public - not stakeholders) to know more we just have to be patient whilst an internal matter is dealt with.

That might be a lame answer (and I certainly want to know what's going on), but it doesn't work like that. I think the Trust does need to reflect on it's PR strategy in an environment where they can't always control the narrative and news moves faster then they can deal with, but I'm not part of the Trust and I can't dictate that to them (unless you're listening Martyn).

 

The L&B boards of trustees and directors, while they may never officially comment on social media, do, I'm sure, keep abreast of the comments and discussions, and do take heed when the can.

I'm sure this is the case for the majority of Heritage Railway groups on Nat Pres and elsewhere.

 

As I said before, I am not one of the trust's detractors, nor do I wish to belittle their achievements. Conversations about these things will always be public and trying to prevent this will give ammunition to those who are critical of those in power. The last time I recall a "need to know" situation like this with the L&B, the truth turned out to be rather mundane and not worth keeping secret! I'm sorry if you dislike my reference to stakeholders but local communities and preservation enthusiasts most certainly are stakeholders because they are the very reason preserved railways exist. This is supposed to be a friendly forum so please take the friendly advice that the current information control creates a very poor impression to those of us who do not know the personalities involved in the situation.

Edit: this has nothing to do with trespass, which I abhor and is completely irrelevant to information control.

 

I agree with what you are generally saying, but must point out that Chelfham is owned by the CIC (Community Interest Company). The CIC is governed by eight Directors of which four (4) of whom, as far as I'm aware have full time jobs and will therefore have far more important things to do during normal business hours. Therefore everyone, as Martyn has requested, please be patient.

No problem at all, now is a good time to apply for membership of the L&BR Trust.

 

Whenever one of these disputes arises, those of us who are outsiders get a poor impression of the organisation(s) concerned and become that much less inclined to visit or donate.

 

More important than the current situation at Chelfham (and negative comments regarding this), was last weekend at Woody Bay. Two L&B engines in steam double heading for this first time in 83 years.

All the directors and volunteers who arranged the events should be applauded.

 

As I have said, this is an internal matter for the L&B Trust to deal with. One person (not a trust member) perhaps inadvisedly commented on here about a discussion elsewhere in a closed discussion group, but there is really no dispute, just a few people with an interest in the railway curious as to what is happening. Please, just be patient...

 

But the world has become highly curious about 'jeopardy clauses', conspiracy theories and similar these days.

 

Indeed, this was the L&B's most successful event yet. For those unable to be there, here's a sample of what you missed:

 

Being that it was ol'muggins here who initially broached the subject that has led to a few more comments than I expected, I feel I should clarify that I was satisfied with the answer given by Old Kent biker, and I perceive the situation to be not as serious as others believe it to be, I assumed it was either some internal dispute or a case of serious vandalism at Chelfham that caused the location to be locked down, I am happier that it is probably the former rather than the latter, i shall say that radio silence is preferable to me so long that it is brief and only drawn out as long as it is required to resolve the issue quickly and with as little fuss as possible, this to me So far shows the L&B as a professional organisation that has no interest in airing dirty laundry or making mountains out of molehills which far too many railways seem to do. I will wait patiently for the time when the railway sees it appropriate to discuss the situation once it has been resolved.

 

Que?

 

It seems to me that the important thing is the phrasing of the announcement, 'we cant say anything right now but as soon as we are able to we will' comes over as constructive whereas 'nothing to see here go away' will inevitably invite speculation

 

How can we beat this next September?

 

Well, there will be carriage No. 5, perhaps two Manning Wardle locos under construction, and maybe The Old Station Inn to celebrate?

 

What an amazing sight! Huge congratulations to all who have played a part in making the reawakening happen.

 

Mines a pint please!