SVR General Discussion

I think there's a lot in this, but those clear statements also need to be shared more widely, for more general awareness. Not names, not the grimmer details, but enough to put the sense that these things happen into the wider consciousness as well as through the formal briefings.

That's also not just about railways. I've looked at this and thought "does this have any bearing on things I'm involved in", where there is also occasional working at height by volunteers who may not be especially H&S conscious.

 

The danger is ever present but fortunately there is broadly a generational line of personal risk at height. I was listening to a podcast about Fred Dibnah (stay with me here) and was thinking about the number of rickety wooden ladders he climbed in his life. He was of a generation (and arguably of ones well before his own) who saw safety not even as secondary but tertiary to proceedings. Ultimately, health and safety is everyones business especially unsafe practises either intentionally or unintentionally. I dont know if a return to nightmarish 70s PSAs is particularly the way to go.

 

And not everyone is a Fred Dibnah I.e. not many people have the sense of if it is OK like him. Perhaps the phrase you're not Fred Dibnah, like you're not Stirling Moss would be an appropriate saying.

Going back to the subject you have to remember also that today, there is a greater tenancy to sue for damages if you can prove the organisation is lax in its procedures adding to potential financial penalties which could be existence threatening in themselves.

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In other news, as per the notice in the back of the 2024 ASG souvenir booklet, the 2025 gala dates are:
Spring Steam 18th-21st April (that's the Easter weekend btw)
Spring Diesel 15th-18th May
Autumn Steam 18th-21st September
Autumn Diesel 2nd-5th October

Of course there's the winter diesel day (30/12) and Winter Steam Gala (4th/5th January) beforehand.

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Must admit I am suprised they have picked the Easter weekend for the Spring Gala, that is a 1st, usually they pick a quieter weekend to drive up revenue at an off peak time. Unfortunately it also means I will likely be away for the gala too, think it will be only the 3rd or 4th I've missed in the last 30 years

 

Glad to see a repeat of the winter event

 

I've pointed it out to a few people and the reac has been mixed to put in kindly.
Personally I'll be around for it. Though, past two years we've had a family day out on the railway at Easter. I can't see that happening next year now.

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News from Jonathan Dunster and the diesel dept. <BJ>

''We are once again putting on a Winter Diesel day this season, featuring locos and DMU’s based on the railway with plenty of steam heating provided by 40106 and 46045.
Save the date - December 30th''

 

A bit of action from my first photo charter of the year on the Valley featuring 2999.




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(Photo by Adam Thomas):

 

HST running weekend 16th/17th November
https://svr.co.uk/event/hst-running-weekend/2024-11-16/

 

GWR 1450 appearing to run very well at the Avon Valley Railway steam gala today. Looks superb with the autotrailer. [BJ]

 

Nice to see a plug in Branch Lines for joining loco societies and owning groups. It gives me an excuse to mention the 2857 society's brand new website, featuring up to date news on the loco, information on our current fundraising activities, online shop and a shareholding page where you can purchase shares in the society. Shareholders receive a copy of 28 Lines, the Society’s illustrated newsletter magazine, twice a year.

Shareholding – The 2857 Society

Active groups have never been more essential in getting locos returned to traffic, so please do consider joining.

 

Indeed. Its worth remembering that active volunteer groups saved the locos in the first place & managed to put them back in working order once saved.

 

Easter Weekend for the SSG? That's a surprise. I won't be up for that. First time for many years I will miss the SSG.

 

Unfortuantely it was very difficult to find another date in the diary. The 3rd weekend in April has become the SVR gala weekend and unfortunately moving either side isn’t possible. Also the SVR events diary is very busy next year due to the 60th Anniversary celebrations so really it had to be.

I can promise anyone who can make it we have some very exciting plans in store, including a very special treat on one of the days. It will be an event not to be missed.

 

I'll admit I've not met anyone in favour of it, with several volunteers saying they probably can't do it due to other commitments.