West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Ah! Maybe that's the $64000 question?

 

I'm too busy to go dig it up, but I think there was a communication to the effect that most of that was already spoken for (staff salaries for the next N months, etc). Maybe someone else can locate the info, or perhaps someone in the WSRA can comment.

Noel

 

A good start but this is a job for professionals. The PLC need to do the same Likewise professional PR help is need by both organisations to prevent further foot in mouth episodes.

 

Nonsense! - the polish of paid professionals is neither required or affordable except in very occasional circumstances such as, for example, a new share issue. For routine yet interesting news the 9351 thread promising regular posts is a good way forward.

 

I do find this position strange, especially given that every time anyone on here outside the WSR bubble suggests anything (even things which subsequently come to pass) you tell us that all is fine and to mind our own business - often in decidedly less than polite terms. I find it hard to believe that you'd take on board any suggestions from a complete outsider who in all likelihood will have little understanding of the preservation world and am surprised you seem to eager for it.

 

It is often suggested that it is Cornwall that is different to other places. However it seems that is incorrect; it is Somerset where it is done differently. And of course a certain colour of spectacle lens is sometimes used.

 

No the whole area west of Bristol is different to other places - and very thankfully so!

 

This really shows that you don’t understand the issues. There have been numerous PR fiascos by both organisations in the past. The failure to do successful, large scale fund raising i.e. seven figure sums is not a job for well meaning inexperienced volunteers. You only have to look at the past record to what a dismal failure both organisations have in this area. As far as the PLC is concerned a new share issue is likely to be what they need.

 

I think we all agree with your diagnosis of the problem. I think you are in a minority of one where it comes to the cure. I'm sure we can all point to railways who do not have professional PR firms involved who've raised 7 figure sums - I submit the GWSR as one.

 

Yes, I grant you that. Wales and The Bristol Channel are quite different to other places.

 

Again, purely for comparison. The SVR Charitable Trust initially appointed Compton Fundraising Consultants and later took its fundraising in house. Its wages and salaries in 2016/7 were £107,147 so spending a six-figure sum is not itself unknown. It raised £803,000 and distributed £435,000 on the SVR in railway restoration and education, so for that railway charity its trustees consider the model is 'affordable'. What that means for other railways is one for them, my suggestion is there isn't a one size fits all model

Patrick

 

What an ignorant comment.
Robin L

 

You suggest an answer, which may be justified.

Personally, I’d always prefer to see a voluntary body look towards volunteers and using the skills of its membership. But more importantly the role needs clear objectives and direction as a prerequisite for success. That is a challenge that the WSR has still to fully resolve, although I see welcome signs.

I work for a firm that does IT projects. It is amazing and depressing how often the success of our good technology work is undermined by customers’ lack of clarity about the outcomes they want to achieve.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Steves excellent site wsr.org has statement from the company, news of PLC redundancies

 

I was under the impression that a Manor is perfectly "line suited" . Although I'm not sure if they regularly ran pre-closure . I've always assumed they had adequate power and water capacity . I do remember in pre-closure days the most numerous types were pannier tanks with occasional Prarie or even a tender engine on change over days at Butlins . Fine locos that Manors are I do believe they are perfectly line suited .

 

I am sure I read a comment, probably here, that there are no longer the number of watering facilities that existed in national system days. Hence a the favouring of tender locomotives. Tank locos can be watered but tenders save time in a tight schedule.

A pity about the redundancies but it s does show how serious things have become.

 

A move in the right direction .

 

Hi All, Allan Stanstreet and myself have been asked to prepare a commemorative book for the 40th anniversary of opening to BL in June. We are now looking for people to provide some content! Please see the news item here: http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm#1667 under "Stories of the WSR"
We are quite excited about this and look forward to many interesting contributions...
Ian Coleby

 

Re the Stakeholders/Shareholders meeting on 2nd February.

I've now had information from Kerry Noble and her colleagues.

Firstly, apparently I should have been sent an acknowledgement when I sent an e-mail expressing my intention to attend the meeting. Probably a good idea to check that you're 'on the list' if you e-mailed and haven't had a response.

I also asked about providing identity in order to enter the meeting, bearing in mind that it's not open to press and public. The answer is that any form of identity is acceptable and it is not necessary to show documents such as share certificates. I plan to have my driving licence and WSR Pass with me.

I hope this helps and saves others from asking Kerry the same questions.

Stef.