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West Somerset Railway General Discussion

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

  1. 1472

    1472 Well-Known Member

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    Have you nothing better to do than spend your time wielding a large wooden spoon?
     
  2. Greenway

    Greenway Part of the furniture

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    As far as the headmaster is concerned, a post a few days ago on NP, said that they had tried many times to get their viewpoint over to the PLC, each time unsuccessfully. Well notoriety, or not, this is being discussed on at least three fora - and I guess F/Book and similar.
    I am pretty sure Mr. J.J.P new exactly what he was taking on.
    Whilst the guesses are regarding safety, administration and staff training one over-riding thing must be that finances - or lack of them - must be another factor.
     
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2018
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  3. Triumph 2500S

    Triumph 2500S Well-Known Member

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    The ORR is the Headmaster!

    The Question should be asked why did it take an Inspection by the ORR briefed by Individuals Unknown to bring these issues to a head?

    and who Is Responsible when any Organization fails, and where does the Buck Stop in any normal business activity?

    In Conclusion, and I do not intend to discuss this matter further, What is the Board of Directors of the plc going to do about it?
     
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2018
  4. johnofwessex

    johnofwessex Resident of Nat Pres

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    Interesting point
     
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  5. johnofwessex

    johnofwessex Resident of Nat Pres

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    Is @Yorkshireman making Christmas Cake or Christmas Puddings??
     
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  6. 1472

    1472 Well-Known Member

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    Fine - but don't you think it time to cut them some slack and back off a bit, and just let them get on with the job, hopefully remembering that there is a very large volunteer element in this. We are not talking about Directors on six figure annual salaries here.

    No wonder Heritage Railways in general have problems attracting new Directors of the right calibre!
     
  7. Yorkshireman

    Yorkshireman Part of the furniture

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    Where have I said I would be making a FOI reequest? AIUI others have already made one.
     
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  8. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Part of the furniture

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    Out of interest I did have a look at the link you posted. I did wonder if it was meant to encourage or discourage potential volunteers from applying. Maybe there are "open days" held, like many other railways, where those with perhaps a growing interest may be encouraged
     
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  9. 6960 Raveningham Hall

    6960 Raveningham Hall Member Friend

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    Maybe @Robin Moira White can enlighten us.

    As I understand it, the folk who joined her working party to clear the cattle dock at Stogumber Station a few weeks ago
    were well-meaning people who pretty well 'just turned up'.

    Stef.
     
  10. Robin Moira White

    Robin Moira White Resident of Nat Pres

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    That is true, but the work largely consisted of heavy-ish gardening requiring no special training and Station Master Bob Preston was firmly in charge of H&S aspects of the work.

    Some thought is being given to how volunteers are encouraged forward and managed ‘onto’ The Railway. My personal view is that the WSRA might have a useful role in this area and the Community engagement work for which the recent HPC grant was given is likely to be relevant as well.

    Robin
     
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  11. johnofwessex

    johnofwessex Resident of Nat Pres

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    I dont want an FOI request, wield that spoon in the pudding mix!
     
  12. Yes there are "open days".

    Steve
     
  13. 35B

    35B Nat Pres stalwart

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    I suggest that the confidentiality is needless, and probably counter productive, but something that the plc are entitled to, and where I strongly suspect statutory exemptions will exist were someone to try to use FOI.

    There is a strong rumour mill in preservation, and secrets have a habit of emerging despite attempts to keep them, often in distorted form. Better the disinfectant of sunlight.

    Meanwhile, the work will be done, hopefully well enough for a clear pass when ORR return in March. At that point, confidentiality will either be irrelevant, or failure will see the story get greater legs.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
     
  14. flying scotsman123

    flying scotsman123 Resident of Nat Pres

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    I'm not sure it proves anything either way, especially if record keeping is (one of the) main issues. I seem to recall that during the various WCR shenanigans they got an improvement notice but continued to operate, as distinct from the period of time they *were* banned on the spot.

    The rest of your post I've omitted I agree with very much.
     
  15. 5801

    5801 Member

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    You are correct. Section 28 of the HSW Act trumps FOI. In the absence of a statutory notice, the information that ORR can issue is very limited ("We visited. We gave advice").
     
  16. Yorkshireman

    Yorkshireman Part of the furniture

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    Also remeber that I was not the source of story on NP. I have simply commented on it. Once something is in the public domain it is futile to think you can limit reaction other than being candid. The WSR management need to learn that their bunker mentality simply makes people more suspicious. Candour will imprve support.
     
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  17. nick813

    nick813 Well-Known Member Loco Owner

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  18. MellishR

    MellishR Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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  19. Mike S

    Mike S New Member

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    1472, Quite.....

    I'm sure there are people who are now working extremely hard in Somerset and they need support. Reading some of the comments from 'supporters??' on here must be demoralising at best.

    I see there have now been two board resignations this week, I assume some of those who have blown the whilstle or are being so critical are ready to step up and help get things back on track................?
     
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2018
  20. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    It's the line that just keeps on giving, so much so that you really do wonder what is going to happen next.
     

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