There are seven candidates for six positions:
Matt James
Occupation: Network Rail Controller
Year joined TRPS: 2000
Service on Council: 2023 – 2025
I am running for council this year, after the traditional arm twisting and beer mat in the Tred. I was previously on council from 2023 to 2025 and in that time, I was a committed member, always happy to challenge and push for change, while valuing the railways heritage.
I have always been a passionate member of the TRPS. Starting on the railway as a Tracksider in 2000 when I was 4, then moving into the Loco and Traffic departments at 14 and since then becoming a Controller, Diesel Driver, Fireman, Guard and Blockman. Along with various roles on different committees, including; YMG, M&AC and T&OC. My view for council has always been that the Talyllyn Railway should value and cherish its heritage, but in these challenging and difficult times, needs to look forward and not be afraid to adapt in this ever-changing world.
Gareth Jones
Occupation: Retired Town Planning Consultant
Year joined TRPS: 1968
Service on Council: From 1998
We live in exciting but challenging times. Having successfully obtained the NHLF grant for the Pendre redevelopment project there remains an enormous amount of work to be done on many fronts to deliver the outcome, and I think I can use my professional planning experience to continue to contribute to this process.
At the same time we must recognise the gradual year on year decline in passengers, the economic realities of the times we live in, and the need to steer ourselves through them whilst ensuring the Railway remains on a viable footing. We have a fantastic set of staff and volunteers and together I believe we will continue to do so. I think my years of experience can help us succeed. So I again offer my long experience and logical and practical approach to problem-solving, and ask for your vote for me to serve another term.
John Robinson
Occupation: Retired
Year joined TRPS: 1962
Service on Council: 1983 – 2020; From 2021
Controller, Blockman, Booking Clerk. Member of Traffic & Operating Committee from 1979 (currently secretary), Membership & Activities (and predecessors) from 1983 and Strategy Group. Talyllyn representative to National Transport Trust and Society representative to Heritage Railway Association.
I believe that I still contribute usefully to Council debates. I continue to support the Talyllyn tradition of high operating standards coupled with a friendly attitude to members of the public, whilst enjoying ourselves on and off the job. We must continue to provide an atmosphere which attracts new, and especially young, volunteers and retains them.
The Lottery and other grants, with the generosity of our members, give the Railway a great opportuntity to tackle the longstanding need to provide better workshop facilities and the more recent problem of limited volunteer accommodation in the area. The challenge is to achieve those aims while satisfying the demands of the grant-making bodies and above all preserving the essential Talyllyn spirit. Nevertheless, I have great confidence in the future of the Railway.
Andrew Simner
Willing to serve as Company Secretary
Occupation: Chartered Accountant
Year joined TRPS: 1996
Service on Council: From 2023
Serving as your Secretary has been one of the real privileges of my time with the Talyllyn. At heart, it is a role about care and continuity. Like many volunteer roles, much of the work goes unseen – but it is the quiet machinery that keeps the Society, Holdings and the Railway Company running steadily and well, and I take real pride in getting it right.
I bring diligence, patience and a deep affection for the Railway and its Society. I listen carefully, offer my own perspective from working in a large business, and always try to serve the membership well.
Mark Tibbutt
Occupation: Semi-retired Nurse
Year joined TRPS: 1984
Service on Council: 2021 – 2025
For over 40 years, the Talyllyn Railway has been far more than a railway to me. It has been a community, a place of friendship, learning and belonging. Having served on TRPS Council between 2021 and 2025, I would welcome the opportunity to continue contributing to the Society. As Archivist, I continue to preserve and digitise our history and, alongside Frank Nolan, am developing Talyllyn Voices to record the memories of those who have shaped our Railway.
I believe Tywyn is as important to the Railway as the Railway is to Tywyn, and I value inclusion, recognising that people of all ages and backgrounds each bring something unique. I am approachable, a good listener and willing to challenge issues where I believe we can do better by researching the evidence, understanding the wider context and encouraging positive change. Thank you for taking the time to read my statement.
David Ventry
Occupation: Retired Railway Civil Engineer
Year joined TRPS: 2007
Service on Council: From 2010
If elected I will do all I can to make the TR prosper financially, control its costs, deliver a friendly and welcoming environment to all, retain the historic atmosphere and do so in a safe manner. People are our most valuable asset; we must encourage, develop, train and motivate them to ensure that our successors are ready for whatever the future holds for our Railway.
Ben Woodford
Occupation: Chief Electrician – Warwick Arts Centre
Year joined TRPS: 2016
Service on Council: None
It feels like more than 4 years have passed since I started volunteering on the railway, and I fully credit that feeling to the sense of camaraderie and family that exudes throughout the fabric of our railway.
Part of this is the fantastically wide range of ages present in both our volunteer members and the wider membership of the society, and the cooperation between the two. And I firmly believe these relationships, and the ability of one generation to pass down knowledge and skills to the next is key in ensuring that the society is still here in another 75 years.
I hope that I can help to preserve the amazing community and volume of our younger volunteers and work to see that they are supported and encouraged to grow in their abilities as society members and future leaders, whilst ensuring our past and heritage are maintained and respected
