SVR General Discussion

Thank you! Got my wife & 7 year old son with me this weekend so it might be something we aim for in September given all the recent rain!!

 

Don’t usually do Railway Mag but had a quick flick through it at Tesco earlier, from what I’ve read with the interview with Mr Dunster there were a couple of interesting pieces, I really found his comments about going about and chatting with staff (paid or volunteer) refreshing, is he still interim GM or has it been confirmed as a permanent appointment?

 

There's a lot to be said for management by walking around.

 

It will never catch on

 

I’ve said so before, but I find it rather interesting that Mr Dunster, mentions Mr Green, someone who was around when Mr Hanks was his manager… I do find the correlation makes some sense.

 

The calendar on the website will be updated soon, but here's the provisional operating days for up to the end of October https://svr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Provisional-Calendar-2024.jpg

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A reminder that this offer expires at midnight tonight
https://svr.co.uk/2024-events-offer/

 

Offer still seemed open first thing. How much was a 4 day rover last year?

 

Am I right in thinking that (if it becomes the final calendar) is an increase in total operating days from 2023? Good news if so as it implies the sums add up to run a little more often this year. On a selfish note Wednesday is the weekday I'm most likely to be free, so having Wed instead of Fri makes me more likely to attend. Of course I appreciate for some it may be the other way around!

 

Comparing to what is currently announced, 14 extra days. I believe 1st-3rd November will also be running days (October half term) so actually 17 extra.
In my experience, traditionally Tuesday to Thursday were the busy weekday days. Certainly pre-covid and from what I've seen still the case post as well.

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Jon is really good at this, and will listen and answer questions honestly.
I don't know whether it's something about his personality, or the fact most of us longer standing volunteers have known him many years, but he's also very approachable.
Something I've also noticed is he is very quick to communicate his appreciation for people's efforts, and also communicates our successes well (in the past, a poorly attended event would have an NBI out with the figures and comment about how brilliant our efforts were much faster than the same for a successful one)
Before his appointment, I was concerned that he might favour a certain diesel group over the rest of us, however, my concerns have proved unfounded, and while not every decision that has been made has been what I or my colleagues would have done, I'm yet to see one that I can't get behind.
If my thoughts on the matter are worth anything, if Jon wants the job permanently, he'd certainly have my backing.

 

Timetable for February and March (up to 17th) https://svr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Feb-March-2024-Timetable.pdf

 

Nice to see a return of the DMU to public services

 

Management by walking about is a good practice, certainly lacking in some of my previous employs.

 

Don’t disagree with any of this Ian, I know Dad’s had a few chats with him, as have a few of my other mates involved at the Valley. He does very much to be a ‘there is no I in team’ bloke, and very quick to give praise and thanks to others.

As an aside I did find it rather nice at the October diesel event (what a cracking event that was btw) Mrs Dunster and his youngest were in the front coach of the last train of Kiddy on their way to meet him at Arley (Coincidence it was 50035? )

 

The new timetable is a considerable improvement compared to last year's. It will certainly work in favour of the railway. The addition of the DMU service means that passengers from Kidderminster will benefit from a reasonable time at Highley, nothing too little or too long. However, that is not quite the case on Sundays where no DMU service is provided. Why is that the case? I am assuming that pathing is occupied by a dining service.

 

Fares for 2024 are mostly being held at 2023's rates
https://svr.co.uk/news/severn-valley-railway-to-hold-most-fares-at-last-years-prices/
Additionally, the Unlimted pass is now valid for 12 months from purchase, rather than for a season.
Quite a few changes in general to the fares https://svr.co.uk/plan-your-visit/ticket-prices/

 

Hang on...

Kidder to Arley £14, or Highley+Engine House £21.50.

Bridgnorth to Highley+Engine house £14. Bridgnorth to Arley(+Engine House?) £21.50.

Seems like the Bridgnorth to Highley with Engine House option is a steal and the Kidderminster to Highley option is stealing! Can't believe an accountant has signed that off!

 

1) Mileage - The more miles the more money.

2) Bridgnorth incentive - Possibly gives an incentive to people to start at Bridgnorth. Over 80% of passengers started their days at KR last year/year before so an incentive to go to BH.

3) Engine House - Free admission so shouldn’t come in to it.