Council Report - 2 September & 21 October 2006

Like the June meeting, the September Council meeting was a four hour marathon, though on this occasion the Minutes Secretary enjoyed the reward of a journey home on the empty stock of a private charter train which just happened to arrive at Wharf at the right time! Indeed the October meeting, which included the annual "mayor making", was only a little longer at just under four and a half hours, excluding the 90 minute break in the middle.

Perhaps not surprisingly given the reduction in traffic this year, Council agreed an increase in the annual Marketing Budget from £25K to £30K. Timetable distribution was identified as a problem - one not exclusive to the TR - and improvements are planned for next year. There were suggestions that we needed to motivate members to distribute timetables to back up the paid distribution services which we use, although many outlets will only allow leaflets to be displayed if they have been placed there by the distribution company which has the concession for that outlet.

Those of you who are avid readers of the list of Council appointments made at the October meeting will notice that the Marketing Committee has been divided into a Marketing Strategy Group and a Marketing Implementation Group. Marketing now has so many facets that it is becoming increasingly difficult for one committee to cover them all adequately, whilst experience suggests that smaller groups tend to be more focused and effective. The Shop & Catering Committee was not reappointed since Council decided to set up a small temporary working group to examine how the Society can most effectively contribute to the future success of these important activities. A pleasant event at the October meeting was the presentation of life membership to our newly elected vice-President Colin Roobottom as an award for having served forty years as Accountant and Treasurer.

On other topics:

grants have been awarded for the new car park sign now in place at Wharf and for a slide to be installed next year at the Abergynolwyn playground - the Fund Raising Officer has asked for ideas for other projects for which sponsorship might be a possibility;
a report has been received on the condition of School (Ffordd Cadfan) bridge - the bridge shortly before arriving at Pendre from Wharf - although it is believed that the highway authority has been responsible for its maintenance since strengthening in 1954;
Council agreed to renew the registration of the internet domain name TRPS.org.UK - although not currently in use it might be required in the future;
Council also agreed a list of winter workshop priorities with the addition to the medium priority list of trials with a new carriage heating system - important if we wish to encourage business in the colder months of the year;
Concerns over the effect of the TROPS electronic booking system on volunteer availability in the Loco Department, and whether we should continue to require Drivers and Guards to retire from those roles at the end of the year in which they reach the age of 70, were referred to the Traffic & Operating Committee;
Council accepted with thanks Peter Austins formal resignation from the post of Wharf Project Officer now that the redevelopment has been virtually completed;
a working group has been appointed to examine the feasibility of setting up either a public or private bar at Wharf station - if practical, this might have attractions both in terms of income generation and of providing a safe environment for volunteer recreation.

Philip Sayers
23 October 2006