T.R.P.S. Candidates for the Council 2003

Traffic Volunteer since 1971; member of T&OC 1996 – 1998 & 2001 to date, Secretary from 2002. Wharf redevelopment is a big financial commitment, and will bring with it additional ongoing costs. As a consequence there is a need for continuing cost control, but not parsimony. We must also endeavour to retain the fun in volunteering while continuing to operate a safe and efficient railway. Above all, we must continue to improve "the passenger experience" to encourage repeat visits and good word-of-mouth marketing - the most effective kind, as we must continue our fight to increase our passenger numbers. And all of this without losing sight of the fact that we are a Preservation Society, seeking to preserve as best we can something unique with its own unique atmosphere.

Murray Dods; 35; Train Driver; 1979; from 1999

Passed Fireman. Currently serving on T&OC. I have just completed my second 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; 46; Teacher; 1971; since 2001

Guard since 1983, Blockman since 1990, Member of shop committee since 1988 and chairman since 2001, also member of Stations and Lineside committee since 2001. Joint Membership Secretary with my husband Lawrence for 5 years. I am a committed volunteer who has worked in nearly all departments including very recently both Catering and Shop. I have enjoyed my work on council for the last 2 years and feel that I am really beginning to make a difference to the railway. I would like to continue this work and to be able to put forward the views of all members of the society particularly those who feel that they are not always heard.

Jonathan Mann; 47; Schoolmaster/Musician; 1983; nil

Driver, Blockman, Medical Records Clerk, Education Adviser. There are many aspects of the railway which are important - preservation, progress, maintainence, improvements, heritage, development, public needs, members' desires, commercial pressures, marketing, safe operation to mention but a few — the list is a long one. All of these deserve careful attention, yet across all of these there is one without which nothing can happen — people. Without the support of our members, volunteers, and passengers, we would not exist. It is therefore vital that everyone who visits our railway, in whatever capacity, has an enjoyable and positive experience. If elected, I would work hard to ensure this.

David Mitchell; 60; Retired; 1959; 1966-69, 1982-86 and from 1993

Managing Director TRCo. from 1999 and fireman. Ex officio on all committees but do not manage to attend all the meetings. My role is to try and ensure the TR runs safely and harmoniously. Have to get involved in the various legal and regulatory matters which make the running of the TR a less carefree matter than it used to be. I hope I can bring some of the business skills acquired in a working career to benefit the TR so it can continue to be enjoyed by members and passengers alike and contribute to ensuring the TRPS and the TR continue to have secure futures and pass on to future generations.

Don Newing; 54; Engineering Consultant; 1971; from 1995

Chairman of Council since 2002. Ex-officio member of all Council Committees. Trustee of Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Trust from 1996. Volunteer Passed Fireman. Restorer of Wagons for Museum Trust. As a railway, we are currently embarking on a major project to improve the facilities for visitors, staff and volunteers at Wharf. Once these works are complete, we need to work hard in exploiting them to attract more visitors to the railway year round, and to spread more widely the story of the railway. I will do my best to support these initiatives. Looking further to the future, we have to continue to promote and improve the railway, and provide the necessary engineering and other activities that support our aims. I hope to be able to ensure the ongoing role of the Society as one of the premier Railway Preservation Societies.

Rob Plumridge; 29; Development Field Co-ordinator; 1978; nil

The Talyllyn is in very good shape; five out of six steam locos available, a clean and presentable carriage fleet, lineside and track the envy of many a preserved railway, increasing numbers of volunteers of all ages, and soon to possess a terminal building offering facilities equalling the friendly Talyllyn welcome. Sit back and feel smug? I don't agree! Affordable, available accommodation is becoming less abundant in the Tywyn area. We must expand and improve our hostel facilities to make them more attractive for families and couples. Build on the contacts and skills gained during Wharf redevelopment to procure grant aid for further projects. Redevelop the north side of Pendre to provide modern stabling and engineering facilities within an exterior in keeping with the railway's heritage. All whilst preserving as much of the unique character of the Talyllyn Railway as possible, so it's the same as when we all first became hooked.

Ray Reid; 59; Retired; 1966; nil

I am a Passed Fireman, Blockman and Controller. I represent the TR on the Dyfi Valley Days consortium and believe that co-operation with the other attractions in our catchment area is the way forward, rather than trying to compete. I have been treasurer of GLTW for the past two years and am working with other members of the panel to revitalise the GLTW marketing effort. I have administered and analysed the passenger survey since early days, and much of the TR marketing is based on the results. I am now running a similar survey for Group traffic. I originated the Walks leaflets and have now completed work on a second series to be introduced during 2003. The Day Rover theme on the TR is winning more traffic and I am working on adding other features to the Railway to make a TR day out a memorable experience for our passengers.

Roger Whitehouse; 59; Retired; 1958; 1973-81 and from 1983

Current Chairman of Finance & General Purposes and Heritage & Museum Committees, and member of Engineering; Director from 2000; Timetables Officer; Controller, Guard, Blockman, Diesel Driver and outdoor engineering volunteer. Beyond our first priority, to complete redevelopment at Wharf, we need to develop a long-term strategic plan for maintaining and enhancing the railway, so that we can continue to benefit from outside funding as it becomes available.

Noel Williams; 56; Retired headteacher; 1979; nil

Regular volunteer as a guard, station master and passed cleaner. Hedge layer on the railway during the winter months. I have served on the Tywyn Area Group Committee for two years and I now represent the railway on the Victorian Committee; serving as its current treasurer. I am also the administrator of the Talyllyn Railway Tote. I frequently translate documents and signs for the railway into Welsh. Having spent 33 years in the teaching profession; 26 years as headmaster of small primary schools in Wales; I sat on many committees which included co-ordinated environmental projects and fund raising. Now that the Wharf Redevelopment Project is about to come into fruition the Society will require people with local knowledge and known methods of fund raising. I feel that my understanding of Welsh Regional and National government can be of benefit to the future of the railway and therefore put myself forward as a candidate for election. The Talyllyn Railway experience is something we must preserve even in this new era of increasing legislation so that future generations can enjoy operating the railway safely.

Andrew Young; 26; Train Driver; 1982; nil

Qualified Fireman, Diesel Driver, Blockman, Guard and regular volunteer around Pendre. Former elected member of the Young Members Group Committee 1995-2001. Elected member of the Traffic & Operating Committee 1998-2000 and from 2001, I am in my second year as Editor of the Talyllyn Volunteer magazine. The Talyllyn Railway has survived for so long by maintaining the Talyllyn experience to be enjoyed by volunteers, passengers and staff alike. For future generations, the railway must continually evolve to remain viable in a way that preserves the unique character of the Talyllyn. To safeguard this future requires all members and volunteers to work together as one team, from those who sit on the highest committee to those who sweep the lowliest pit.

Last modified on 21st. July, 2003 by John S. Robinson (Secretary@talyllyn.co.uk).
The URL of this page is http://www.talyllyn.co.uk/trps/internal/arcc-o3a.html