Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

I've now received the papers, and am digesting them. At a first glance, they appear a reasonable analysis of a current problem, and put forward some logical proposals. They also avoid plunging head first into the NYMR pattern.

As a member, I'm being asked to consider whether to leave be, or to invest time, effort and money in further investigations, ahead of a decision in a year's time. Not to decide "I want this option", but to think about what may work.

I'm not naïve enough to believe that there aren't some specific agendas involved - I'd be shocked if there weren't! But this appears to be fair, consistent with the better relationships between L&BRT and B&YVRT, and a world away from the gerrymandering attempts of 2 years ago.

Whatever approach is taken, I shall be vocal if there are attempts to ring-fence the board so members are deprived of a voice.

 

Driving back home from Barnstaple, I dropped in at Woody Bay yesterday afternoon. It was quiet, early in season and with not that many cars around. Those who were around appeared appreciative, and paid the tea room plenty of attention! Deservedly too, as the cakes were very good...

I was also pleased to see some young lads, I'd guess late teens but not sure, being shown how things work and encouraged to participate, including footplate visits while we ran round at Killington Lane.

After a couple of days considering the needs of youth in North Devon, it was really good to see this being done.

 

This page Our brand new youth volunteer section kicked off in style today. tells you more. An excellent initiative!

 

Thinking about this, I have to say that I do agree with reviewing both the Trust and the CIC M&A's, but I don't think you can rush this. That said, I have concluded that I can't see the point of changing the group structure when we need to see a discussion between the L&BR Trust and The Yeo Valley Trust taking place before that can happen. If we need to change the group structure, then let's do it once everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.

 

Really good to see.

 

A year for a review to produce recommendations is not a rush. And the deadline should concentrate minds.

 

Now I don't want to sound like an old grump, but I do hope the trustees have agreed to any new policies and protections that need to be in place, not only to protect the Trust, but also the new Junior/Youth members as well

 

I don't know why an open meeting on the morning of the AGM couldn't have been held to allow members to ask questions about these proposals. My feeling is that there are other, more important matters to be discussed before this happens, such as the group culture

 

That's what I was thinking.

 

words fail me.

 

Me too, except that they demonstrate how far trust had been destroyed by the previous leadership that a supporter could genuinely feel it necessary to make that comment.

As an aside, what I observed was impeccably well organised.

 

From what little I know of such things, dealing with 'young adults' is an area full of potential pitfalls and strict regulations etc.

Of course one would hope that the relevant Board(s) have addressed that issue already, but I don't see any harm in someone asking the question - better to be safe than sorry.

 

They may well do, but I would be failing in my duty of care not to check that it had been done. I know of at least two other railways that didn't do so and have paid the price in reputation damage. I believe that those concerned are now helping out at his majesty's pleasure.

 

Certainly I know of one such example at a not-too-distant heritage railway site, aggravated by the fact that the Trustees ignored many concerns and/or complaints that were raised about the individual concerned :-(

 

A trustee (elsewhere) with knowledge of safeguarding. Safeguarding is not just to do with child sexual abuse, and safeguarding policies can be really quite involved. In the railway context, the boundary between "safeguarding" and "H&S" will be very narrow indeed.

 

Then rather post on here where you will get the normal un checked twaddle, have you emailed / phoned / written to or attended the railway to talk to the trust and those involved to check that everything is in order?

Nearly a year if not slightly longer was spent getting everything in order to be able to get the youth group started, they have had an absolutely brilliant time and have returned for more , i think from ground level alone that shows you how well organised its been

Obviously Colin, your just **** stiring at this point , kindly go back to trying to raise money for your blue brick factory , 3 different engines , guage widening ideas , carriage building ideas and let the ones with the knowledge do the important things

 

I’m really pleased to see that detail on what’s been done to get there, and also the feedback

 

Having started a similar endeavor a few years ago, well done for wading through it all!

 

If you have a genuine concern, you aren't meeting your duty of care by alluding to something in vague terms on a social media site with no formal connection to the railway. If your concern is genuine, raise it through the proper channels.

Tom

 

If you knew who I was, you would know I have had a genuine concern for this railway for the past 47 years. Nuff said on that one.

You also have me at a disadvantage since you know my name, but you hide your identity under a pseudonym