West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Exactly thats the only language ,That the suits understand is not the complaints, Its the hit in the pocket that hurts them more,

The only time these suits take notice of the customer is king situation, Is when cash is short and people aren't blindly handing cash over.

 

Why I am reminded of Post 10333 by Bean Counter.
Far more being read into some posts here than was either written or intended.

 

That is an utterly cynical, and wholly incorrect assertion as far as the WSR is concerned.

 

Talking of WSR, what is wrong with a greyhound dog? Military and police dogs I would have thought were far better trained to be in a public place than your average mutt that can be quite unpredictable, but to single out those and greyhounds specifically seems a bit strange? (In their T&C's )

 

So am I, but not, perhaps for the same reason.

Not correct, in investment terms.

It is a matter of quiet astonishment to me that folk who are part of it fail to understand the nature of the heritage railway movement (and how it differs from conventional business). How volunteers can move mountains (literally - the Ffestiniog Deviationists) and how investment money can be raised from supporters (Bluebell northern extension and ‘Operation Undercover’).

The WSR has been particularly woeful in such fundraising efforts in recent years.

What is needed are inspiring, visionary, transformative projects and the skills and commitment to take them forward.

We also forget at our peril that our business model is selling voluntary labour to the public. The WSR’s ever increasing wage bill in recent years set against stagnant visitor numbers is a significant threat.

Such a limited vision of what the WSR can be as a gateway to West Somerset, or the place to experience and learn about heritage railway operations.

IMHO, we need to shake off the stagnation and legacy of internal ructions of the last ten years, set aside vested interests, sort out our steam fleet, tired rolling stock, poor utilisation of valuable resources such as the Williton and Station Farm sites and raise our eyes to projects like ‘Dunster Goods’ or Kentsford Loop, and shake off the addiction to porta cabins and have facilities worthy of one of the country’s premier steam lines.

Time for some better leadership and management, please.

Robin

 

It reminds me of the tale of the girl that sat on a bacon slicer......disaster !

(dis-assed-her if you don't immediately get it)

 

I was always told that the humble cup of tea or coffee have the best mark-up, bar none, in the catering game. Buns (and scones .... mmmmm scones!) help, of course.

Has anyone managed a complete roast on a fireman's shovel yet? I'd imagine the firebox time for a Yorkshire Pudding would be measured in milliseconds.

 

See andy Christie om youtube

 

I'll get yer coat !

 

I agree entirely that we on the WSR must have "vision" which inter alia should encompass education and heritage. Similarly working towards a 'one Railway' and of course building on what we have.

Investment simplistically depends on "cash in" exceeding "cash out" whether said "cash" emanates from the 'fare box', donations, legacies, share issues, external funding agencies etc. Yes we need to be better at fund raising.

As an aside. Whilst it seems to me appropriate that the Bishops Lydeard (with sitting tenant and hence a cash flow) station house was purchased via a bank loan I think this may be the exception.

Any coherent strategy ('vision' predicates a strategy ?) requires an understanding of where we have come from, where we are now (an honest assessment of strengths and weakness) and where we want to be. I believe there is a recognition of and a desire to implement this within the Plc and hopefully this will be endorsed by the supporting organisations.

Regarding our USP (unique selling proposition). I reiterate " running (steam hauled) trains safely through attractive countryside and stations whilst welcoming our passengers with a smile" I could have added "and seascapes". Thanks to our volunteers, whether platform, on train etc. I believe this is our USP. An increase in passenger numbers will I suggest come from those seeking a day out (whether visitors or residents of Somerset and Devon). It is the above (USP) that will attract them not only to come but more importantly return. A case of volunteers moving metaphorical mountains.

We are I think singing from the same hymn sheet. I particularly empathise with your "set aside vested interests" and would add if I may to that "and egos".

There is much to be done.

Michael Rowe

 

Would i be right in assuming there is still an air of mistrust that has its roots back in the " bad old times" there may be a new dawn, but old feelings dont change overnight, on both sides, its going to take time to build up trust for people to learn to trust that the PLC isnt the enemy, or that the WSRA isnt plotting to oust it,
Its no suprise to me that there are resisidual issues, its going to take time and if necessary the banging of heads for the WSR to move forward the increassed use of the QB is a very good first step, now a common purpose has to be found so that you do indeed think and act as one railway High handed management should have no place , and who ever posted that notice about Social media policies should have at least asked others for input and advise on it before posting it, it should have been better worded, disciplinary action should alway be the last resort, not the first, a different form of words would have prevented much airing of dirty linen. saying you will face action, is frankly a red rag to a bull and made the management look silly but i put this down to a throw back i would hope a revised more reasonably worded policy will now be adopted that does not seem heavy handed but does explain the rules over social media,

 

It has to be said that these features are by no means "Unique" to the WSR, even if the "seascapes" are, indeed, added. Earlier in your post you referred to the need for an "honest assessment" which I heartily agree with but it really does have to be an honest one.

PH

 

I went to the Model Railway Exhibition in the Cheese and Grain in Frome this morning.

I was amused to see that the Cafe (Fairtrade Latte & Gluten Free Cake) offering a 'Model Railway Exhibition' special menu - Bacon sandwiches & sausage baps

 

My biggest weekness in life, a Bacon Sandwich, YUMMY.

 

I suggest that vision (of more or less realistic objectives and even of some WIBN) should precede the development of a strategy for achieving it.

From what has been posted on here by various parties over the last few months I see little evidence of residual mistrust from the days when there were perceptions (true or false) that the PLC and the Association were trying to take over each other's assets. Rather the disagreements have arisen over specific new issues such as the flawed original plan for BL, the newfangled warning signs, etc. Conflicting opinions about the feasibility of various ideas and about priorities are inevitable, but the PDG would seem to be the place to raise all such matters, including identifying projects that would need funding and how the funding might be obtained.

 

Well they were mine, until I discovered truffled eggs. Trouble is I can neither find truffles nor afford them if I could!

More seriously, the catering provided by tourist railways has to be the profitable sort, whatever form this takes. If the profitable sort suits you then fine but if it doesn't the answer, sadly, is "tough".

PH

 

Since the ex 6+1 were evicted relations between the Association and the Company have improved beyond recognition. The issue about the social media policy is quite separate. Having said that IMHO the PLC management does have some serious flaws. My impression is that they recognise this and are taking steps to improve but realistically that can’t happen overnight. We need to give them a chance to change and they are certainly in listening mode. Sensible suggestions sent to the General Manager are responded to.

 

With respect I suggest these features are unique for the catchment area from which >90% of our existing and potential passengers come. Yes one has to be honest also perhaps pragmatic. Our combination of two ex S&D locos is unique but for most of our passengers not a reason to visit, similarly our ex GWR sleeping carriage etc etc.

MellishR: I note your comment re vision preceding strategy. Perhaps my syntax is lacking. I thought that "vision predicates strategy". meant that ? In essence I was obliquely referring to the requirement for a coherent strategic plan, I was trying to not become swept up in jargon, specifically not becoming embroiled in SWOT analyses, BCG matrices etc.

Michael Rowe

 

I am minded of the old saying, "Too many cooks spoil the broth". There are some on this thread, you all know to whom I refer, who know what is happening with the Railway. All others are basically speculating and some of that speculation is wildly off the mark. What this has to do with a thread entitled West Somerset Railway Operations I have no idea whatsoever.
There is no rift, any longer, between WSRA and WSR plc. They now work regularly together. If you really want to know what is happening read Yorkshireman's comments. He is closest to the problems that has seen many Directors leave the PLC. In any cases this could be the result of Directors having to become unpaid managers, not in my case I retired. With only 5 directors in place Ian, as Chair, is working damned hard to get good quality Directors in place. So, gentlemen, please cut the Chairman some slack and give him time to build his Board. It is easier if he is allowed to work without having to take notice of the chatter here which often resembles the chirping of a box of frogs or herding cats.

 

Certainly, most of your passengers will not know the difference between an S&D 2-8-0 and a Churchward one. Why should they? They might recognise a real USP in the form of an F.R. Fairlie with two chimneys, W&LLR carriages with end balconies or IOWSR ones with no example newer than 1924. Don't bank on it though. To them, you will just be another steam railway where, hopefully, someone can wear a Portillo like lime green jacket without getting dirty marks on it and look out through reasonably clean windows at decent scenery.

PH