Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

I couldn't resist having a go and at the 2nd attempt* I received:

Greetings! I hope this message finds you well. As we delve into the highly contentious and oftentimes divisive issue at hand, we must first acknowledge the complexity of the situation. It is no secret that the management problems of the Lynton & Barnstaple Heritage Railway Charity have been a cause for concern for some time now, and the troubled shareholders of the West Somerset Railway have only added fuel to the fire.
However, as we navigate these turbulent waters, it is important to note that not all heritage railways are created equal. The Bluebell Railway, for instance, has managed to maintain a level of stability and success that many others have struggled to achieve. Perhaps this is due to their dedication to preserving history while also embracing modern practices and technologies.
That being said, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the role that the Great Western Railway has played in the history of railways in the UK. While their legacy is certainly impressive, it is important to approach their achievements with a critical eye, as their impact on the industry was not always positive.
Ultimately, it is up to us as a community to come together and find a solution that works for all parties involved. It is my hope that we can move past our differences and work towards a brighter future for all heritage railways in

(at that point it seems to've run out of steam - thank goodness!)

*this was the 2nd attempt as the first one from Tom's text alone really was too bland to mention. So I asked it to try again mentioning troubles at the L&B and WSR; to say something nice about the Bluebell Railway and something slightly derogatory about the GWR (not that Tom would ever do such a thing)

 

I try to avoid that!

Tom

 

Oh God what have I started!!!

 

This also happened a couple of AGM's ago on the L&BR when Chris Duffell was standing as a nominee, his resume was cut significantly short compared to the one he had posted on the 'unofficial' Facebook page, significant pieces were cut out even though it was within the allotted amount of words and the other candidates were beefed up, on questioning at the AGM the Chairman eventually came clean to admit that he had reduced Chris's resume to match that of the 3 trustee's who were up for re-election.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Anne, it was demanded at the AGM by a woman sat right behind me that the investigation should be totally independent but time will tell

 

I have to say, the star of the show over the weekend was the weather!
I arrived in Lynton on Thursday, booked into the hotel and from then on it was mostly sunny and clear except a bit of cloud and mist about on Sunday making for a cooler day.
Here is just a few shots from the weekend, not of the railway, but just to show how wonderful the weather was pretty much right through the 5 days I was there. Mother Nature at her best

 

The only reason to interfere with a nominee's resumee is if it is overlength or needs clarification, and then any changes should only be made with the agreement of the nominee. This is usually the job of the Secretary, the Chairman should have nothing to do with it.

 

Unfortunately, Mr Nicholson has shown himself unwilling or unable to resist the Chairman interfering in the election, which is a cornerstone of his job. If Mr Nicholson had had any fidelty to the Trust's rules, he would have refused to pull Anne Belsey's valid nomination, or resigned and said why.

He did none of these things.

 

Ipso facto he should now do the belatedly honourable thing and resign.

 

Saying some derogatory about the Western Railway is essential - I have omitted the word 'Great' to comply.

 

Jealousy. Pure jealousy

 

I can smell the sea from here thank Dave

 

Just need to find an excuse to lose the four GWR locos from the K&ESR then

 

They're just following Col Stephens example who would buy anything that was available! They do have a Battle of Britain there at the moment though.

 

Oh you mean cheap then , seriously they are good designs, there is a lot that can be learned from Mr Churchward and Co for new build locos.

 

Colonel Stephens would buy any old rubbish as long as it was cheap..... (ducks for cover)

 

Let's face it, that's a large part of what makes him interesting.

The question is what that says about us as enthusiasts - and I'm not just referring to the L&B (which, for the avoidance of doubt, was never cheap).

 

I have a book about Col. H.F. Stephens and his railways. I nearly gave it away a few years ago. I am glad I didn't.

 

The miserable blighters wouldn't give the L & B through tickets when it opened. They relented a little later, but then cancelled it again. Why would they do that ? Resentment that their Filleigh scheme didn't get the Parliamentary authorisation, maybe. Consequently a traveller to Lynton had to rebook at Barnstaple. A real way to generate business !

 

Fat chance!!

 

Well, Mr Nicholson has neither resigned or been sacked as Company Secretary, so....