Council Report - 8 December 2007

Council accepted with regret Lis Mann’s relinquishment of the role of Vice-Chairman due to extreme pressure of work. A successor will be elected at the March meeting. Fortunately Lis will be continuing with her other TR activities.

The main discussions at the meeting concerned the 2008 budget and improvements to the Porter’s Platter cafe at Wharf. Due to poor weather and a less buoyant economy the level of business remained static in 2007. Without a fare increase but with increasing costs the financial outlook is poorer than a year ago, with the annual “trough” in cash reserves in the spring being a particular cause for concern. The support of the membership therefore remains essential. In this regard, as well as financial contributions, there is a need for volunteer help with administration and marketing and an appeal will be made for such assistance. Despite the financial outlook, Council approved expenditure of £25K on improvements to be made to the Porter’s Platter during the January closed period. These will provide better kitchen and counter layouts, which should reduce queuing time and result in the more efficient use of staff thus, it is hoped, further increasing business and profitability.

.Council heard that the revised TRPS Constitution will be sent out with the March Talyllyn News, so look out for it and do not consign it to the waste bin. Whilst on the subject of the News, ever since it first appeared over 50 years ago it has been “stuffed”, i.e. put into envelopes with any other items needing to go out, by a volunteer gang. Many other societies use their printer to stuff and post their magazines and, given the calls upon volunteers’ time and energy, Council agreed to look into whether this might be a viable option for us.

A few years ago there was a review of Council Committees which resulted, amongst other things, in the Members’ Activities Committee becoming the Society & Membership Committee with wider terms of reference than just organising social events. Although there are no plans to change these wider terms of reference, since the recruitment and retention of members is vital, the Committee wished to revert to its original title. After a short discussion, Council agreed to a slightly amended version of that title, namely “Membership & Activities Committee”. Council also agreed that Andy Vick should take over the organisation of the end of season bonfire event, and that he and Matt Dawson should attend a fireworks course so as to maintain a high standard of safety. The vacant Society Publicity Officer post will be filled by Chris Price working with a young volunteer Marc Smith.

A couple of “firsts” were reports from the new Executive Committee, which has already held two meetings, and from Barbara Fuller, the also newly appointed Shop & Catering Liaison Officer (do get in touch with her if you have any comments regarding the shop or catering rather than keeping your bright ideas to yourself). A suggestion was made to Council for closer links with continental, particularly Dutch, narrow gauge railways - as it was by then rather late, discussion of this was deferred to the March meeting. The Accountant circulated a note about a scheme by The Utility Warehouse Discount Club, which would enable TRPS members to make savings on electricity, gas and telecom bills whilst contributing to TR funds. Enough Council members having shown an interest, there should be an item inviting wider membership participation in the March News.

Philip Sayers

13 December 2007