T.R.P.S. Candidates for the Council 2001

Volunteer since 1983. Controller, Guard, Blockman. Although a preserved railway, we are also a tourist attraction in competition with many others. Therefore I fully support the proposed Wharf redevelopment. It will improve the "visitor experience" and provide marketing opportunities, e.g. more educational visits. Marketing is vital to our continuation. For the past 10 years I have done some marketing in the Coventry/Nuneaton area, contacting coach operators, arranging displays, distributing timetables, giving talks. I instigated regular parties from HMYOI Onley to work outdoors and, recently, similar visits from HMYOI Stoke Heath have been arranged. The Onley visits have been very successful. I have always enjoyed being a working volunteer and that is how it should be. If it isn't, we won't get the volunteers we need to ensure our future. Now I'm retired, I hope to give more time to the T.R. as I shall be living in Tywyn.

Murray Dods; 33; Train Driver; 1979; from 1999

Passed Fireman. Currently serving on T&OC and Golden Jubilee Committee. Chairman of Hostel Working Group. I have just completed my first term on Council and in that time I believe I have gained a greater understanding of the way in which our Railway is managed. If reelected I would try to put this understanding to use assisting where possible with ongoing projects both large and small that are necessary to continue to improve the Passenger Experience. Parallel to the passenger's enjoyment, it is vital that the fun that volunteers derive from working on the Railway is not strangled by unnecessary red-tape. Having a day-job on the big railway over the Wharf Edge, I believe, gives me a perspective which enables me to tell the difference between required safety and regulation for regulation's sake.

Jane Garvey; 44; Teacher; 1971; nil

Guard since 1983; Blockman since 1990; Member of shop committee since 1988. Joint Membership Secretary with my husband Lawrence for 3 years. I am a committed volunteer who has worked in almost all departments at least once and feel that now, my family are volunteers in their own right, I have more time to give to committee work. I feel I have much to offer the society and would like to think I could put forward the views of all members particularly those who give a lot of time to the society.

Peter Mintoft; 31; Technical Consultant; 1984; from 1997

Passed Fireman, Diesel Driver, active engineering volunteer. Member of Engineering Committee 1994 to present. Member of MAC committee from 1994 and Chairman of Society & Membership committee from 2000. Young Members' Group Committee Council overseer from 1997 and previously a member of the Young Members' Group Committee. Member of Traffic and Operating Committee 1996 to 1998. As we all know, the Talyllyn Railway has come a long way since the formation of the TRPS, going through the greatest times of change in its long history. The organisation must continue to adapt and ceaselessly move forward, building on successes and getting the most out of what we have in order to safeguard the Railway. Uniqueness and character must be maintained whilst enhancing attractiveness for current generations thereby securing reasonable income and allowing sustainable levels of re-investment. There is no room for complacency or standing still, hard work and tough decisions are ahead of us and I firmly intend to give my best input from experience and knowledge to the betterment of the Railway.

David Mitchell; 58; Retired; 1959; 1966-69, 1982-86 and from 1993

Managing Director, from 1999, and fireman. Ex officio on all committees. In role of MD involved in all aspects of the TR which is a complex operation depending on the efforts, skills and co-operation of a wide range of people for its continued existence. The TR is run through a series of committees and we have a enviable record of working together for the good of the railway, whilst enjoying ourselves and bringing pleasure to our passengers. We also have serious responsibilities as public railway in an ever more regulated environment. I hope I can contribute to the continuing success of the TR.

Don Newing; 52; Engineering Consultant; 1971; from 1995

Volunteer Passed Fireman. Member of Heritage Committee from 1995 (Chairman from 1996), Golden Jubilee Committee from 1995, Stations and Lineside Committee from 1996. Trustee of Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Trust from 1996.Restorer of Wagons for the Museum Trust. As the Preservation Society enters its second half century, I will continue to work to promote the Railway and the Society to visitors, passengers, and the general public. Key to our success is the retention of the historic character of the railway while raising sufficient income from fares and other sources to ensure long term financial stability. The proposed redevelopment of Wharf will provide a great opportunity to better present our history to our visitors, and I hope to be able to play a role in the development of new and improved displays within the museum.

Ray Reid; 57; Retired Technical Officer, LDV (Loco Department Volunteer); 1966; nil

Over the past thirty-five years of my membership of the TRPS I have seen the Railway expand its appeal to both the general public and the railway fraternity. I recently became Treasurer of The Great Little Trains of Wales organisation and feel that in this capacity I can bring a different slant to the Railway. At present I serve on the Marketing and S. & M. Committees in my capacity as Accommodation Officer. Over the past three years I have been organising the four walks leaflets for the different locations along the line. This year has been a difficult one for the Railway with Foot and Mouth restrictions limiting people's off Railway activities but the leaflets have still been a source of interest for our visitors who have been happy to buy them for future reference, and a source of income for us. As a local member I feel I am able to give more to the Railway.

Andy Statham; 37; Paramedic; 1978; 1988-90

As a Guard, Blockman, Trainee Controller, Society Publicity Officer and Society & Membership Committee secretary, I am committed to the Society and the Railway, my commitment being proven by relocating to the area. As a Victorian Railway needing to recognise 21st Century legislation and working practices, I feel we should adopt best working practices whilst considering preservation issues, be more professional in our appearance and presentation of the Railway without losing our character and make better use of our resources, recognising and understanding our heritage. All members who volunteer should be appreciated, irrespective of their involvement, which may not be obvious or glamorous, but whose continued support provides a vital link in promoting, preserving and operating the Railway. There is a need to remove the clique cultures and provide better communication between committees, management, staff and members. If elected, these are the principles I would aim to follow.

Tony Thorpe; 63; Retired Local Government Service Manager; 1972; nil.

I have been the East Midlands Group Secretary since 1983 and served on the Members' Activities Committee since 1991 and been Assistant to the Area Group Liaison Officer since 1997. I have been a regular traffic volunteer from 1985 as a Guard, Blockman and Controller. I would like to see a balance kept between preserving the historic atmosphere and operation of the Railway alongside the introduction of new regulations and technology. Opportunities must be taken to improve the Railway's environment and image for our passengers and our future volunteers. I would work to increase and keep the numbers of working volunteers that are required to ensure the Railway's continuing operation for its future.

Roger Whitehouse; 57; Retired Lecturer; 1958; 1973-81 and from 1983

Ex-officio on all committees as Chairman of Council; Director from Autumn 2000; Timetables Officer; Controller, Guard, Blockman, Diesel Driver and outdoor engineering volunteer. As we enter our second half-century, our objectives should be to maintain the condition of the railway achieved since 1950, to redevelop Wharf station to place our trains and museum collection in an appropriate setting, to attract business by making a visit to the Talyllyn a day out rather than just a train ride, and to continue to enjoy ourselves.

Maurice Wilson; 74; Retired Chartered Surveyor; 1964; from 1968

Chairman of Council 1985-88; Director of Railway Company 1982-90 and 1991-2000, including Chairman of Board 1991-94 and seven years as Chief Executive in an honorary capacity. Since retiring from the Board last year, I have devoted much of my time to my role as Locomotive Running Foreman and offering assistance to the Managing Director whenever it has been required. In offering myself for re-election to Council, I feel that having missed only two meetings in the 33 years that I have served on Council, I would hope that I can continue for a further two years in securing the economic stability of the Railway, its safe and efficient operation, the retention of its heritage character and maintaining the "Welcome Approach".

Last modified on 9th. July, 2001 by John S. Robinson (Secretary@talyllyn.co.uk).
The URL of this page is http://www.talyllyn.co.uk/trps/internal/arcc-o1a.html