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Author Topic: West Somerset Railway - heritage line, Bishops Lydeard to Minehead - merged topic, ongoing discussio  (Read 183417 times)
SandTEngineer
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« Reply #195 on: November 10, 2018, 15:40:56 »

Repercusions have started: http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/17215031.two-board-members-of-west-somerset-railway-announce-resignations/?ref=mr&lp=1
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grahame
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« Reply #196 on: November 10, 2018, 17:44:19 »


And sad to see repercussions on the repercussions ... the public comments seem less than helpful!
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TonyK
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« Reply #197 on: November 12, 2018, 18:39:43 »

And sad to see repercussions on the repercussions ... the public comments seem less than helpful!

But not very informed one man (women don't troll heritage railways) said:

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Obviously they've not achieved what there role was, and there out before there pension is reprimanded, cowards.

so managing two wrong versions of the common there / their / they're homophonous error. I would think he is probably not the HR (Human Resources) member of a FTSE 100 company.
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Lee
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« Reply #198 on: November 16, 2018, 08:38:44 »

From Rail Advent:

Quote from: Rail Advent
The West Somerset Railway PLC Chairman, Jon Jones Pratt, has released an update on the situation at the West Somerset Railway, which sees the railway close for 3 months in 2019.

The chairman has explained a number of key changes that will be made in the future, this follows on from the most recent board meeting.

The first change comes as Jon Jones Pratt has been elected unanimously to take on the role of Chairman on a permanent basis, rather than the current interim basis.

He is now working to restructure the board and focus on recruiting new professional directors with key portfolios in order to take the railway’s 2019 business plan and to deal with the recommendations from the Office of Rail and Road.

The board has seen a number of resignations from current directors recently (more information here). Mr Jones Pratt has thanked them for their good service.

Long-serving WSR plc managing director and HRA Vice Chairman Mark Smith has agreed to re-join the Board as our Policy & Business Development Director.

Now, what we must point out is that the ORR» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) has NOT issued either an Improvement or Prohibition Notice on the West Somerset Railway, this is highlighted by the fact that all of the Santa Specials and Winter steam trains in December are running, and are filling up quickly. Make sure you give them a visit, I’m sure they would love to see you!

The railway also hopes to see GWR (Great Western Railway) Manor Class loco No. 7828, originally named ‘Odney Manor’, to return to traffic in December. However – it will probably return in the guise of ‘Norton Manor 40 Commando’

Jon Jones Pratt is currently working on a specific action plan alongside the ORR about their recommendations. He has also made it 100% clear that there was never any major safety threats or unreported dangerous occurrences.

The decision by the West Somerset Railway to close for three months in 2019 has been seen as a positive and responsible decision by the Office of Rail and Road and demonstrates a commitment towards the safety of staff and visitors.

In reality, the closure of 3 months only contains 17 days of normal railway operations and four gala days. Jon Jones Pratt has pointed out that this will hurt the railway financially but it is a short-term pain for the long term as they address the action list.

The ORR letter to the chairman runs for a full eight pages long, however, there is only 5 key points that they have raised that the railway must take action for. Some of these changes are already underway, such as improvements in safety and infrastructure, tightening up procedures, record keeping and compliance, and staff and director appointments.

The West Somerset Railway has already had kind offers of help and assistance from other heritage railways for the postponed Spring Steam Gala. This includes the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the Welsh Highland Railway and Tyseley.

This shows a big family relationship that exists when it comes to the heritage railway industry, and it is great to see. A new Acting Chief Mechanical Engineer post will be announced shortly.

In terms of more improvements, the railway will be focussing on the training and competency of all staff who hold safety critical roles, such as Drivers, Firemen, Guards, Signalmen and other operating staff. So a new SMS will be written shortly and the HOPS system set up to operate correctly.

Two areas have already begun, along with a department by department review and audit. Mr Jones Pratt has also invited the ORR to deliver some key learning messages and to assist with their training programme of which mandatory dates will be sent out soon – this will also be attended by an ORR representative.

To embrace the changes, the railway needs to tighten up its procedures to improve the heritage culture that the West Somerset Railway offers.

Jonathan Jones Pratt has made a personal commitment and the board must:

- The railway must turn this business of ours around

- The railway must operate in a fully compliant manner to satisfy the ORR

- The WSR must improve our revenue and cut our costs where we can

- They must build our business markets further, and focus on the future.

- A recovery plan will also be drawn up at Board level and with senior management

Jonathan Jones Pratt has spoken with members of the Planning Team to let them know about the gala cancellation, and are now looking into holding a gala at a later date to coincide with their 40th Anniversary, once a date is agreed, we will update you.
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Lee
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« Reply #199 on: November 28, 2018, 08:47:07 »

From the BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

West Somerset Railway (WSR) has vowed to overcome "disharmony" as it carries out a "recovery plan" following an inspection.

WSR decided to close for three months from January following an audit by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about)).

The heritage railway was told it had a "significant number of important actions to take" earlier this month.

One of the key issues was tension which had existed between the two main parts of the railway, WSR bosses said.

Chairman Jon Jones Pratt said "disharmony" between West Somerset Railway Plc and West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) was well known, but the two parts were "working very closely together" on the modernisation plan.

The railway is run by the plc, which employs paid staff. The association is made up of some 1,000 volunteers.

"Ultimately the two organisations need to work aligned for the greater good of this railway," said Mr Pratt.

"It is poor there have been issues in the past, but we've got to move forward."

Following the report by the railway watchdog, WSR promised to "focus on qualifications and effective record keeping".

Mr Pratt said a new board was in place and volunteers were now getting regular updates and being "up-skilled".

He added the structure of the board was also changing with each member getting a specific portfolio responsibility, such as compliance or health and safety.

The closure will only affect 17 days in February when a service normally runs, but the tracks will be in use for engine testing and general maintenance work.

The railway is also hoping to grow its service and has submitted a bid to Great Western Railway (GWR (Great Western Railway)) to run a commuter service from Minehead to Taunton next summer during its 40th anniversary year.

The trial period will run for 50 days during peak times, with the aim of bringing in a regular service, if there is enough local demand.

A GWR spokesman confirmed the bid was made in October and will announce the successful bids in the new year.

Unless, I've missed something ground-breaking news-wise, isn't the bid for Taunton-Bishop's Lydeard connectors only?
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« Reply #200 on: November 28, 2018, 16:53:01 »

From the BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Unless, I've missed something ground-breaking news-wise, isn't the bid for Taunton-Bishop's Lydeard connectors only?
That was my understanding too
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« Reply #201 on: January 23, 2019, 07:58:55 »

An interesting development that will see the line closed between the 2nd of January and the 01st of April .

http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm

And from This is the West Country

Quote
Jobs go at West Somerset Railway amid three-month closure after safety inspection

THREE jobs have been axed at West Somerset Railway (WSR) as the organisation confronts a need 'to reduce costs'.

The head of commercial, head of human resources and head of operations roles have been axed in the shake-up, which the railway says is in a bid to 'improve the efficiency and sustainability of the railway in the long term'.

It is not clear how many other positions are under threat.

Chairman of the WSR, Jonathan Jones-Pratt, said: "This is a very challenging time for the railway and we recognise that these decisions have a very significant impact on all our staff, but particularly those directly affected.

"We are very saddened indeed when we have to lose any of our highly committed staff team, but we must act in the interests of the future of the railway as a whole.

"All the staff who have recently left and those who may, following consultation, be leaving in the near future, shall go with our very best wishes for the future."
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Lee
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« Reply #202 on: January 23, 2019, 08:37:06 »

The Chairman had clearly flagged up that a restructure of all departments would take place in early 2019, and this would be consistent with that.

For me, the test for the future of the railway will be whether the WSR genuinely moves on after the closure period, or whether there are further issues beyond that point.
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« Reply #203 on: January 23, 2019, 08:46:35 »

It's very sad to see this happening. Hope the new chairman can turn it round as it's a wonderful railway.
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« Reply #204 on: January 25, 2019, 08:09:51 »

A new community engagement officer has been appointed at the West Somerset Railway - https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/17383448.new-appointment-at-west-somerset-railway-days-after-three-jobs-axed/
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« Reply #205 on: February 24, 2019, 02:01:38 »

The Chairman had clearly flagged up that a restructure of all departments would take place in early 2019, and this would be consistent with that.

For me, the test for the future of the railway will be whether the WSR genuinely moves on after the closure period, or whether there are further issues beyond that point.

For any Coffee Shop member who are more deeply involved with the West Somerset Railway - from news update on their web site

Quote
Dear Shareholders, Volunteers & Staff Colleague’s

We have now been able to confirm a new date for the meeting previously due to be held on Saturday 2nd February 2018.  We would like to invite you to the meeting on Saturday 2nd March 2019, 11am at Oake Manor, Oake, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 1BA.

We will discuss how your railway will be facing up to the challenges of operating England’s Longest Heritage Railway.  What work is planned and what will be deferred for future closure periods, in order to operate our Steam Railway using locomotives which would not have operated on our line in British Railway days.

There will be a series of presentations, at the end of which there will be plenty of opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

If you would like to attend the meeting, please register your attendance with Kerry Noble on 01643 700407 or kerry.noble@wsrail.net

Jonathan Jones-Pratt

Chairman
 
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TonyK
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« Reply #206 on: February 24, 2019, 15:35:25 »

I'm glad to see that there is no mention of a "meaningful vote". We don't want mass resignations.
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« Reply #207 on: March 13, 2019, 19:22:42 »

Interesting report on TV news about the WSR.
rather doomerish about recently "nearly going bust" But also sounded optimistic about through running to the national network and referred to "talks with GWR (Great Western Railway)" about this.

It was not clear exactly what is talked about, Through GWR services to Minehead ? or a connecting service to Bishops lydeard ?

An interview with Mr. Mendoza was included, the leader of a local group who are pushing for through running.
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« Reply #208 on: March 14, 2019, 05:24:16 »

The volunteers are doing an excellent job trying to keep the show on the road.

The board of directors on the other hand...
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« Reply #209 on: March 14, 2019, 09:53:56 »

The volunteers are doing an excellent job trying to keep the show on the road.

The board of directors on the other hand...

Without good leadership, no amount of goodwill will keep the show on the road. I note that the WSR is taking steps to beef up its board - I don't have a view on whether this will be effective, but I certainly wish them well:

Quote
The West Somerset Railway (WSR) plc has taken steps to further strengthen the Board of Directors with three new role and advisor appointments.

Former WSR plc Managing Director and Heritage Railway Association (HRA) Vice Chairman Mark Smith, who became a plc director late last year, now becomes the company's new Vice Chairman and he will bring his wealth of heritage railway experience to bear on operations.

Mark Smith was MD of the WSR for 18 years from 1988 to 2006 and oversaw one of the biggest growth and successful periods seen on the 23 mile line before 'retiring' and taking on various roles with the HRA.

Martin Brown has been appointed as Safety & Compliance Adviser to the board initially, but with a view to him becoming a full director in due course after a trial period. Mr Brown is currently Crossrail's, or the Elizabeth Line's, Health and Safety Director.

He has a Mechanical Engineering Degree (Sheffield), an MA in Industrial Relations (Warwick) and undertook post graduate research work at Imperial College on impacts of the changes from the Health & Safety at Work Act.

See full announcement on WSR website
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