Council Candidates 2007

Volunteer since 1999 at the age of 14, PAG in 2003 (guard 2005), blockman in 2004, and passed cleaner in 2005. Active volunteering does not stop at rostered duties, I have taken part in track work, engineering, painting, and have arranged and led working parties. I have been an active member of the YMG, on the committee from 2004 until 2006, and on TOC in 2006/07 as the editor of the Volunteer magazine. Until earlier this year I swore that I wasn’t interested in politics, then saw that, in fact, politics is all around the railway and with apathy comes stagnation. We are a preserved railway, but we must attempt to keep up with the times and must keep a fine balance between heritage and business. This will ensure we maintain our interest for railway enthusiasts, but also provide something special for tourists, hence ensuring people return time after time.

Walter Crowe; 59; Chartered Accountant; 1971; nil

Member since 1971; 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, ancillary activities such as shop and café, and the necessary admin. These must all function successfully, without detriment to preservation or to 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 find ways to minimise our weaknesses.

Jane Garvey; 50; Ex-teacher, now Tywyn Landlady; 1971; since 2001

Guard since 1983, Blockman since 1990, Guards’ Inspector, Member of Shop and Catering Committee since 1988 when it was reinstated until it was folded in 2007. Joint membership secretary since 1999 with my husband Lawrence. As a regular volunteer since the 1970’s I have seen the Talyllyn Railway grow and develop into the place we and our passengers all enjoy today. However nothing ever stays still we have moved into a new era. I believe this is important but we must never lose sight of why we are here. Therefore I feel I have the skills to offer to help steer the railway forwards by listening to the membership and doing my best to represent them at all levels.

Simon Jenkins; 37; Senior Enforcement Officer, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency; 1983; since 2005

I am a passed fireman and diesel driver. I also work regularly around Pendre and attend ‘Wednesday club’ whenever I can to assist with the bodging work. Until my move to Tywyn I was chairman of the East Midlands Area group and have served on TOC and Shop and Catering committee. Since my election 2 years ago I have been appointed as a council rep on TOC and am currently chairing the working group into a replacement for the Shop and Catering committee. I believe that the railway has made massive strides forward in the management structure over the last 2 years, developing the Strategic Plan and appointing a new General Manager. It is essential that we keep these changes moving forward and do not allow stagnation to creep back in because it is our duty to make sure that the railway is in a sustainable position for many years to come.

Jonathan Mann; 51; Musician; 1983; from 2003

Driver, Blockman, Confidential Records Officer, Education Adviser, Chairman of S&L. Our passenger survey shows that 98% of passengers would recommend us to others; our members support us in many ways year after year; our volunteers travel hundreds of miles to work on the railway; our permanent staff, despite the workload of ensuring that we have a railway to run, also volunteer in their own time. As we all know, the Talyllyn is something special! The challenge is to encourage more people to travel to this part of Wales to ride on our railway, without changing its essential character. As a member of the Marketing Implementation Group, I have worked to produce posters, leaflets and advertisements to promote our railway. If re-elected, I will continue to work hard on both the Marketing of our railway and the retention of all that makes the Talyllyn so enjoyable for passengers, staff and volunteers.

Don Newing; 58; Engineering Consultant; 1971; from 1995

Trustee of Narrow Gauge Railway Museum since 1996. Archives Officer to railway and museum. Volunteer Passed Fireman. Restorer of wagons for museum. Convenor of Talyllyn Heritage Group. I will continue to work hard to preserve, interpret and promote the historic aspects of the Talyllyn Railway and the Society. I also fully support the initiative to secure the long term financial security of the railway.

Chris Price; 42; Chief Engineer Fairbourne Railway; from 1979; since 2005

Member of TOC 1997-2003 (Chairman 1998-2001), Chairman S&M committee and Llechfan working group, member of Marketing Strategy committee. Volunteer fireman and ex-member of full time staff. The last time I stood for council I called for openness. As I have not heard the rumbles of discontent we were hearing two years ago I feel that under the present chairman this has happened. As everybody else will probably go on about what an opportunity we have with the business plan and the new era of marketing I won’t bother. What would be far less boring would be me on Council; making sure my voice was heard and your opinions discussed in full. So go on put that cross next to my name, you know it makes sense.

Andrew Vick (Vicko); 23; Postgraduate student; 1998; nil

I have a big involvement with the railway, not only running duties as I am currently a fireman but I also find time to do some outdoor work and engineering. I have put a lot of time into Llechfan and am still working to continually improve the facilities. I have served on the YMG committee for 3 years, 2 as working party organiser, and one as chairman. I now only hold the post on the Llechfan working group and have done so for 3 years. I feel I have the experience to give something back to the railway and I feel the younger generation should have a representative on council.

Matthew Wear; 21; Motor Sports Manager; 2001; nil

Traffic and Operating Committee Member since 2006, Training Assistant since 2006. Volunteer Blockman, Guard and Stationmaster. I recognise that the railway has gone through some changes in recent times and that in order for us to continue and be in a healthy position we need to work hard on getting people to the railway and offering them an enjoyable day out. I have been regularly volunteering on the railway for the last 6 years and feel that I can have some input into the various areas of the railway. Everyone within the railway needs to make sure that we are both polite and courteous to one another and work as a team in order to achieve the results that we are striving to obtain. I hope that I can contribute to the continuing success of the railway, and help maintain the character which makes the TR so very special.

Noel Williams; 60; Retired local headmaster; 1979; from 2003

Regular volunteer as a guard, guards inspector, station master, passed cleaner and railway hedge layer. I serve on the following committees: Stations and Lineside and Marketing. I am also the administrator of the Talyllyn Railway Tote. Changes in the Railway management team have taken place recently and I and many other local volunteers must help these officers to take the Railway forward as a major tourist attraction and heritage venue in the area without destroying the unique atmosphere and welcome we can offer our customers.

Last modified on 26th. July, 2007 by John S. Robinson (Secretary@talyllyn.co.uk).

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