Council Report - 1 March 2008

Council met for the first time in the refurnished Slater Room at Wharf Station rather than The Porter’s Platter cafe. Although a little cosy - perhaps too cosy as the meeting went on for four hours - the combination of more comfortable chairs and better acoustics with no noisy catering equipment means that it will be the preferred meeting place for the indefinite future. Rest assured, there is still room for observers.

Three appointments were made, Chris Price to the Vice-Chairman’s post vacated by Lis Mann at the December meeting, David Mitchell as Press Officer, pending the development of a job description for a more ambitious public relations officer role, and Barbara Fuller as Locomotive Crew Roster Clerk. Council also endorsed the Board’s appointment of David Jones as Locomotive Running Foreman.

Council heard that there had been a encouraging start to 2008 over the February School Half-Term period, with the revamped Wharf cafe and shop also doing well - and a breakfast service should be trailed at Easter. However, the immediate financial outlook remains difficult and it is important that we keep a tight rein on expenditure (for example please turn off lights that are not required) as well as encouraging custom, whether of the train service, shop and cafes or of the “added value” experiences in the form of footplate experiences, Talyllyn Treats and weddings.

For years, a volunteer booking form has been included in the December Talyllyn News. With the increased use of on-line booking, Council agreed this was no longer appropriate, but booking forms will still be sent to new members, whilst those not on the “TROPS” system, or junior volunteers needing a parental consent signature, will continue to be able to download forms from the website or request them from Wharf Station. The need for volunteers is as great as ever and I am sure the News will include regular reminders of this.

Council also agreed:

that the Llechfan Working Group should review the arrangements for managing the hostel;
to minor updating of the plaques recording the twinning agreement with the Puffing Billy Railway near Melbourne, Australia;
to the TRPS participating in a Gala to be held on the Llangollen Railway in April 2009, which will include a re-enactment of the steam hauled main line TRPS AGM specials which used to run from London to Towyn, as it was then spelt, in the 1950’s and 60’s - for several years using the Ruabon - Morfa Mawddach (Barmouth Junction) line through Llangollen for the outward journey.

Further discussions on a possible link with a Dutch narrow gauge museum railway, and a discussion on the future shape of the Talyllyn News given the development of electronic communications, will be on the Agenda of the “June” (actually 31 May) Council meeting.

Philip Sayers
6 March 2008