| | The Council of Management is the Trust's Board and is concerned more with strategy and fundraising with operational matters devolved to the trading subsidiary, the Swanage Railway Company. These notes provide an overview of some of the matters discussed this month. - CoM meetings now start at 2:00 p.m. An open forum for Members and Volunteers is held prior to the start of formal business. One Member attended this forum.
- The 2005 Grand Draw netted a final profit of approx. £12,000 and plans are being drawn up for 2006. As last year the first prize will be £5,000. Local businesses are being approached to secure donations of runner-up prizes. We also hope to locate a sponsor for the ticket printing.
- Plans have been produced to construct a timber kiosk on Swanage station platform near the booking hall. The design will closely resemble the kiosk that existed during BR days. It will be used primarily to sell tea and coffee although it is hoped that draw tickets may also be sold from here.
- The CoM will be holding a special meeting to discuss volunteer issues – and in particular improvements to facilities – on 21st January. We hope that it will be possible to implement any specific proposals that arise from this meeting. The General Manager has also arranged a meeting with users of the sleeping coach a week later on 28th January.
- As part of the policy of improving communication, the Railway’s official website will be enhanced to include routine staff, volunteer and membership information.
- Members Weekend will take place on 25th – 26th March. An open forum with the Council of Management has been arranged at 2:00 pm on the 25th in the Mowlem Committee Room. Brake van rides will be available on Saturday morning and all day Sunday.
- A paper mail-shot will be sent to all SRT Members in the next few weeks. This will include a general update, an updated legacies request, a heritage coach update and appeal (see below) and a pre-order form for the new Swanage Railway guidebook.
- Restoration of Bulleid brake coach no. 4365 continues at Ramparts. It is estimated that a further £20,000 will be required to complete the coach externally including the running gear. The CoM is committed to safeguarding the restoration of this vehicle, hence the appeal referred to above.
- The CoM is actively looking into practical ways of advancing the restoration of the other Bulleid and Maunsell coaches within the Trust’s ownership. We will therefore be discussing options with a consultant who has practical experience of identifying money available from the Heritage Lottery fund.
The next CoM meeting will take place on Saturday 28th February 2006 at 2:00 pm in the Rectory Classroom, Church Hill, Swanage. |
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