T.R.P.S. Candidates for the Council 2005

Guard since 1983, Blockman since 1990, Member of shop committee since 1988 when it was reinstated after the previous manager had abandoned it. Joint membership secretary with my husband Lawrence since 1999. As a regular volunteer since the 1970’s I have seen the Talyllyn Railway grow and develop into the place we all enjoy today. However nothing ever stays still and I feel that I have still more to offer by making sure I listen to the membership and then present a balanced view so that things continue to move forward.

Simon Jenkins; 35; Senior Enforcement Officer, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency; 1983; nil

I am a passed fireman and diesel driver and also work regularly around Pendre and with the track gang. I have served on TOC and Shop and Catering committees and was Chairman of the East Midlands Area Group before my move to Tywyn. I am also one of the founder members of the ‘Wednesday Club’ to help the regular bodgers with carriage maintenance on Wednesday evenings. I have decided to stand for council because I have been shocked at the current bad feeling amongst regular volunteers and staff towards railway management that I have never seen before in my time on the railway. The management structure of the railway needs completely reorganising so that there is a clear line that can be followed with defined responsibilities both with permanent staff managers and council / board. There also needs to be more transparency and better communication to volunteers and members.

Ian David Lloyd-Owen; 48; Senior Technical Manager (Merchant Navy); 1968-82 & 1999 on; nil

I have been involved with Talyllyn since the age of 10; one of my clearest memories was of the Society’s 21st Anniversary, as a 14 year old I acted as the Blockman at Pendre. Due to changes in personal circumstances I could not continue with my association with the railway in 1982. However, I returned in 1999 as a Life Member and an active Locomotive Department volunteer. It is my belief that Talyllyn is an important part of our country’s heritage and we are therefore caretakers, charged to ensure that it runs well for future generations. I have had years of enjoyment at Talyllyn and this nomination is a sign that I would now like to give something back to this unique railway. I will also be able to bring with me my professional knowledge and expertise from years as a Senior Manager in the Cruise and Marine Industry.

Jonathan Mann; 49; Schoolmaster/Musician; 1983; from 2003

Driver, Blockman, Confidential Records Officer, Education Adviser. The Talyllyn is more than just a railway – not only does it have its historic place, which needs to be maintained carefully and sympathetically, it is also a close knit community consisting of a wide mix of people, brought together by one common aim – the continued operation of the railway. There are many steam railways, but few have the special atmosphere of the TR. This is something which our passengers notice, and they often comment on how happy everyone appears to be. However good our facilities, the railway must always be enjoyable for passengers, staff and volunteers alike. It is important that we all work together to ensure the success of the railway, and if re-elected, I will do my utmost to achieve this.

David Mitchell; 62; Retired; 1959; 1966-69, 1982-86 and from 1993

Managing Director TRCo since 1999. Occasional fireman when time permits. Try to ensure TR runs safely and is enjoyed by visitors, staff and volunteers. Maybe I do not succeed in this at times, but give it my best effort. The regulations for railway operation become more onerous with time. Involved in the various legal and regulatory matters which arise in railway and company operations. Try to ensure the railway is maintained and improved whilst keeping finances in a satisfactory state. The challenges we will face in the future will come from increased legislation and bureaucracy, the continuing need to attract and retain our passengers and the need to attract more working volunteers. I hope I can make a contribution to addressing these issues to ensure the TR continues to have a secure future and retains its current friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.

Don Newing; 56; Engineering Consultant; 1971; from 1995

Chairman of Council since 2002 (retiring this year). Trustee of Narrow Gauge Railway Museum since 1996. Convenor of Talyllyn Heritage Group. Volunteer Passed Fireman. Restorer of wagons for Museum Trust. Now that the new Wharf Station and Museum are complete, I will work to ensure that we use them to the best advantage, both as a facility for passengers and a base from which to improve the way in which we interpret the history of the Railway and the Society, and of narrow gauge railways in general, for the benefit of our passengers and others. As to future investment, I feel that we now have to look towards further development of our engineering facilities to support the maintenance and conservation of our historic fleet.

Rob Plumridge; 31; Development Field Co-ordinator; 1978; from 2003

The TR’s committee structure leads to a very open society, but means that change comes about very slowly. Access to the new museum, shop and cafe now make the TR a year round tourist attraction with all the overheads that go along with it. Therefore every department needs to maximise profit, whilst maintaining the railway’s trade mark friendly welcome. If re-elected I will push harder to move our railway forwards via the adoption of robust marketing and business plans. Attempt to identify future needs so that budgeting, grant applications or sponsorship can be sought early. Above all, however, I don’t want to see the railway slump into complacency now that we have finally finished Wharf. Let’s use its construction as a starting point and make the TR the area’s premier tourist attraction of which we can all be proud.

Chris Price; 40; Chief Engineer Fairbourne Railway; from 1979, but there are missing bits; nil

Member of TOC 1997-2003 and Chairman 1998-2001. They say the last people you should give power to are the people who want it; on that basis I merit your vote. In truth, I have until now, never had any desire to stand for council. Also as a member of staff for 10 years I also have not had the right. However now I feel it’s time to put my money where my mouth is and voice the opinions of myself and others that I feel have, recently, fallen on deaf ears. My main stand point is openness; I feel that there is a perception that the TR is run from behind closed doors with an almost patronising disregard for communication. The danger with this is that a “them and us” mentality has started to put down its roots, this must be stopped quickly. I can only champion this issue from the inside so, vote for me.

Noel Williams; 58; Retired local headmaster; 1979; from 2003

Regular volunteer as a guard, guards inspector, station master and passed cleaner. I serve on the following committees: F. & G.P. (Secretary); Stations and Lineside; Marketing and Tywyn and Talyllyn Railway Victorian Events (Chairman). I am also the administrator of the Talyllyn Railway Tote. I frequently translate documents and signs for the railway into Welsh. I have served on council for two years and in that time I have gained a greater understanding of the way in which our railway is managed. If re-elected I will carry on with the work I enjoy which is of benefit to both volunteers and passengers. Now that we have the new building at Wharf Station, the railway must maximise its use to the full. Visitors should be encouraged to support the railway and its new building, providing the railway supports products and/or experiences which are good value for money.

Last modified on 19th. July, 2005 by John S. Robinson (Secretary@talyllyn.co.uk).
The URL of this page is http://www.talyllyn.co.uk/trps/internal/arcc-o5a.html