Council Report - 1st September 2007

Almost at the beginning of the meeting, Council returned to the subject of locomotive liveries, deciding that, when it is repainted black this winter, No. 1 Talyllyn should continue to carry its name on nameplates on the bunkers rather than the alternative of the names being painted on the saddle tank, although occasionally they may be removed and the name placed on the saddle tank for photographic charters. Council also agreed the proposed lining details for both No. 1 & No. 2 Dolgoch.

Marketing is currently taking a high profile and Council agreed to the setting up of a “Product Enhancement Group” which will have the role of identifying, finding funding for, and delivering improvements in the experience we offer to visitors. Not unrelated was the suggestion from the Finance & General Purposes Committee that we needed to develop a policy for the renovation or renewal of our coaching stock. With two exceptions all our carriage bodies are over 30 years old and indications are that visitors are becoming increasingly demanding in the matter of passenger comfort as well as other aspects of their experience on the TR - except of course for those who prefer open coaches with wooden seats regardless of the weather. Since there are a number of considerations ranging from what sort of coaches we wish to have in the future through legislative requirements and maintenance, to where to house any additional coaches if we were to decide such were needed, Council agreed to set up a working group on this subject also. Appointments to both groups will be made at the October meeting. Whilst on the subject of rolling stock, Council thanked Philip Eaton of the Young Members Group for organising carriage washing sessions on Wednesday evenings this summer - the improvement in the appearance of our trains has been most noticeable and much appreciated. The Young Members Group were also thanked for their successful “Run for Home” event which raised £700, half of which will go towards new cylinders for loco No. 1 Talyllyn.

Council agreed with the Engineering Committee’s recommendations for workshop priorities this winter. A working group of the Engineering Committee looking at possible redevelopment at Pendre has been unable to come up with an agreed recommendation. The Engineering Committee therefore recommended it be wound up, but Council was anxious to maintain the momentum, although any outcome is likely to be a staged redevelopment rather than a “Wharf style” large project. As at the June meeting, the Outdoor Foreman reminded us about the need to reduce the backlog of routine tamping, which is essential if we are to protect our investment in track materials, and appealed for more help with outdoor maintenance.

A working group has been considering the future of the Shop & Catering Committee and recommended the appointment of a Shop & Catering liaison officer rather then retain a full committee at this juncture. Council appointed Barbara Fuller to this post, though, if there were a change in circumstances, there might be a future reinstatement of some form of committee.

Our new Archives Officer, Don Newing, distributed a written report which must be a first from an Archives Officer, not that he has promised one for every meeting! To make the archives more accessible, and to raise a little money to enable bids to be made for relevant items advertised on e-bay, Council agreed to his proposal to sell CDs of issues 1 to 10 of the Talyllyn News dating from the mid 1950s. Still on historical matters, the Corris Railway in 2009 will be celebrating 150 years since it opened as a horse drawn tramway. This is seen as a major publicity opportunity for both the CR and the TR and discussions will be continuing with the CR on possible Talyllyn participation.

Finally, Council said its thanks to David Mitchell, who was attending his final Council meeting after a third stint on Council lasting 14 years, both for his work on Council and as a Director and Managing Director. However, he has promised that he will not be disappearing entirely.

Philip Sayers 7 September 2007