Council Report - 1 September & 20 October 2007

At September’s almost four hour long meeting, Council returned to the subject of locomotive liveries. We decided 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 continuing to take 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. Almost all our carriage bodies are over 30 years old and visitors are becoming increasingly demanding in the matter of passenger comfort as well as other aspects of their experience on the TR. 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 such were needed, Council agreed to set up a working group on this subject also. Appointments to both groups were 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, and a report teasing out the common ground in ideas put forward so far should be presented to the December Council meeting. The Outdoor Foreman again 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 on the future of the Shop & Catering Committee 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.

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 a proposal from our new Archives Officer, Don Newing, 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.

The October meeting started with the usual round of elections and appointments. This included the establishment of an Executive Committee, which is intended to meet monthly to enable us to respond more immediately to developments than the Board, the business of which has grown too much to be conducted in four meetings a year. Membership comprises the General Manager, the three Council appointed Railway Company Directors, the Accountant and Secretary, the Chairman and Vice-chairman of Council, and an additional member appointed by Council, initially David Mitchell. Other business included the approval of £4000 funding for improving the “downstairs” shower in Llechfan and the possibility of sponsorship for provision of the mobile phones needed for the revised Incident Control Plan. The revised format of the 2008 timetable leaflet was generally welcomed, and comments, such as the legibility of the timetables themselves will be addressed for 2009. And if anyone has a suitable portrait format photograph for the cover - showing sky, scenery and people as well as a train - the Marketing Groups would be delighted to hear from you.

Philip Sayers
24 October 2007