Council Candidates 2011

Candidates for Election to the Council

There are ten candidates for nine seats on the Council of
the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society this year

First line: Name; age; occupation; date joined TRPS; service on Council
Second line: Home address (omitted in this version)

Walter Crowe; 63; Chartered Accountant; 1971; 2007–2009

First volunteered 1971, and every year since 1983. Member of T&OC 1997–1999 and since 2001, currently Secretary. With my background, it is inevitable that I view the railway’s financial direction as of the highest importance: it is one of the core elements in ensuring the railway’s future success. A second core element is running the business: engineering, marketing, operating, café, shop, and the necessary admin. These must all function successfully, without detriment to preservation or the third core element: the membership, in particular the volunteers, who must be recruited and encouraged to continue volunteering and supporting the railway. I see Council’s role as setting the strategy for running the organisation, monitoring the first two core elements, and taking whatever steps are necessary to recruit and retain both volunteers and armchair members. We must focus on what we do well and try to minimise our weaknesses.

Matt Dawson; 26; Senior Mechanical Engineer, Rolls-Royce; 1991; from 2009

Fireman; Duty Shed Man; Editor of the Talyllyn News. I have known the Talyllyn all of my life and have been volunteering in one form or another for the past fourteen years. Since being elected to Council two years ago I have supported and encouraged projects that have moved your railway forward, while always keeping one eye on the financial situation to ensure that we don't repeat the mistakes of the past. If I’ve been asked to raise an issue at a meeting I have raised it. When I’ve believed that a decision or course of action is not in the best interests of the railway, I have questioned it. Will I extend the line to the lake if you re-elect me? No. But I will continue to support the development of the Talyllyn as both a business and a preservation society to try and ensure that, in sixty years time, the scene at Wharf hasn’t changed too much from what it is today.

Simon Jenkins; 41; Enforcement Manager, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency; 1983; from 2005

I am currently Chairman of TOC. I am a Steam and Diesel Driver and regularly volunteer in the paint shop being part of the ‘Wednesday Club’. My aim if re-elected to Council is to continue to support the Railway’s management with the challenge of bringing the administration and operation of the railway into the 21st Century while continuing to keep the ‘Talyllyn Spirit’ alive. These things are not always easy to balance but can be done with support and assistance from all.

Jon Mann; 55; Staff, Launceston Steam Railway, and Musician; 1983; from 2003

Driver, Blockman, Confidential Records Officer, Marketing Committee. The 60th anniversary celebrations in May and June have shown the railway at its best. Huge amounts of work have been completed by staff and volunteers alike, against tight deadlines. There has been a sense of purpose, and of working together for the common good of our railway – and it is our railway. Although some hold positions of responsibility, every member is equal and has a voice. If re-elected, I will continue to work hard to ensure that the views of members are represented fairly. We must also continue to attract more passengers and visitors to the railway, and I will offer my experience in the industry to help in any way that I can. As a passenger remarked when ‘Dolgoch’ was re-launched, ‘The TR is clearly in good heart’. It is up to us to keep it so.

Chris Price; 46; Railway Manager; first joined 1971; from 2005

Talyllyn Holdings director, Chairman of F&GP, and qualified Passed fireman. During my last nomination I asked the membership to give me the opportunity to be involved with the healing process from the turbulent two years proceeding. I feel that process was a successful one that has left the railway a much happier and less complacent place. This time I ask the membership for its continued support so that I may be involved in the process that will hopefully set us on a safe and secure path for the future. I hope I am not alone in wanting the hot topics to be railway orientated and not financial. The back room work has been too prominent for far too long, lets get the focus back on the nice things. Now when we do overhaul Number 3 what colour shall we paint it? I reckon pink gets my vote :-) keep smiling. Vote Price.

David Room; 65; Insurance Consultant; 1959; nil

I have been a volunteer for over 50 years becoming a Guard in 1960 and one of the original Blockmen in 1963 when we first started crossing trains at Brynglas. I have subsequently become a Stationmaster and Controller. I have also served on the Midland Area committee (as it was then called). I have owned my own insurance brokerage since 1970 which has given me a wide understanding of what is required to run a business, including legislation and regulation, and feel that the knowledge I have gained would be of benefit to the railway. I also think that there should be more business people on Council to help ensure the future survival of the Talyllyn. As I will be retiring shortly, I will also have more time to devote to the railway.

John Simner; 55; Software Engineer; 1985; nil

Life member since 1989, Blockman since 1989, Guard since 1993, and Controller since 1996. East Midlands Area Group Member since 1991, committee member since 2003, assists on the sales stand selling and promoting the railway. Loyal member of Tracksiders since it began; involved in supervision and guarding Tracksider works and social trains, helping to develop the interest of the children and their parents in the operational side of the railway thereby ensuring future volunteers. Assisted with training since 2007, became responsible for planning the training events especially the major incident exercises. If elected, I would continue to develop the interests of the younger members. I would bring the same scientific approach (enthusiasm, planning, attention to detail, determination, making things happen) that I have demonstrated in training. I am determined to ensure the railway survives any problems it encounters and is equipped for the next 60 years.

Matthew Wear; 24; Motor Sports Manager/Civil Servant; 2001; from 2009

Controller, Blockman, Guard, Booking Clerk, Training Co-ordinator and Council Minutes Secretary. I serve on the Finance and General Purposes, Traffic & Operating and Marketing Committees and maintain the Society Calendar. My first term on Council has been enjoyable including involvement with organising the 60th Anniversary Celebrations. There are many challenges for the future and lots for the Railway to build on. This involves a lot of team work, working in harmony with the staff, volunteers and the members. If re-elected to Council, I will continue to ensure the members are kept informed of the work of Council through my reports to the News and Area Groups and I will work to try and further enhance the experience we offer to our visitors to ensure the Talyllyn keeps steaming for many years to come for future generations to enjoy!

Roger Whitehouse; 67; Retired; 1958; 1973–1981, 1983–2003 & from 2009

Society Chairman 1999–2002, and TR Company Director 2000–2003 & from 2009. Timetables Officer. Resident in Tywyn since 2000, I am qualified and active in all Traffic grades (Controller, Guard, Booking Clerk and Blockman) and as a diesel driver. Having celebrated our 60th anniversary, foremost in our minds must be the maintenance of our reputation as a welcoming and friendly railway to passengers and members alike. I would like to see the Council, drawing on the views of the whole membership, set its ambitions for the next decade, and to see moves towards their realisation. Having brought to completion a revised Incident Control Plan, and Safety Management documentation meeting contemporary expectations, I hope to continue, as Operating & Safety Director, to help our Chief Executive to remain successful.

Noel Williams; 64; Retired headmaster; 1979; from 2003

Regular local volunteer as guard, guards’ inspector, station master and fireman; until my recent accident a regular outdoor worker. I am also a member of the Welcome Host Team who can conduct railway tours bilingually. I frequently translate railway documents into Welsh. I am the administrator of The T.R. Tote which makes around £1500 profit for the railway society annually. I serve on the following committees: current chairman of The Llechfan Group and a member of The Marketing Group. Today we see Talyllyn Railway at its best during the 60th. anniversary activities and thus attracting many more passengers. A recent article in a well known supermarket magazine highlighted the activities of one of its members working voluntarily on The Talyllyn Railway. We must also commend all the people involved with organising Tracksiders, Navvies and Young Members’ activities on the railway. I am proud to be associated with such an organisation that can give so much pleasure to such a cross section of people.

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