The Swanage Railway Trust
- Swanage Pump - General Manager's Newsletter - November 2005
 | Publicity – help still needed!The 2006 Timetable leaflet should be ready in the next month and, as ever, help is needed with distributing both this and posters to helpful locations around the area. If you are aware of a location that could display either leaflets or posters (or, even better, both) please see myself or Dave Green to arrange to collect some brochures when they arrive. Supporting other attractions which compliment our services Our core business of tourist travel generated from Norden Park and Ride and Swanage has served us well for a number of years now but has reached the limit of its carrying capacity at certain times of the day/year. We therefore need to look at ways of developing other markets which will generate traffic at times when our current core business is not already well patronised. An existing example of co-operation which has resulted in an increase in passenger numbers is our joint ticketing with Wilts and Dorset from Bournemouth which we piloted this season. Due to the length of journey from Bournemouth this has resulted in most passengers taking advantage of this using otherwise les well used trains. We hope that this venture will continue to develop during the 2006 season and we are discussing plans with Wilts and Dorset. It has been decided to stop offering joint tickets between ourselves and the National Trust at Corfe Castle. This will be replaced by a scheme where all holders of Swanage Railway tickets will be entitled to a discount off the normal admission price for the castle. However, Corfe Castle Model Village are celebrating their 40th Anniversary in 2006 and we have joined with them to offer a Joint Travel/Admission ticket similar to the previous National Trust joint offer. As part of this we will be mentioning them in our 2006 timetable and they will reciprocate with the inclusion of Norden Park and Ride in their 40th anniversary leaflet. Development of Special Events. Whilst it is true that we are in the fortunate position of not needing Special Events to maintain our revenue during the main summer season they are a valuable addition to our income in the shoulder months. For this reason we are looking at
Apart from the Santa Specials our last Special Event of 2005 are our Open Days (19th and 20th November) for local residents and visitors. These aim to interest people in our services and special events as well as try to entice a few more people to join us as volunteers – please attend and help to make people welcome if at all possible. Volunteers to provide guided tours are still needed on both days. Health and Safety UpdateSafety Management SystemThe first stage of issuing the Safety Management System has now taking place. The central document is available around the railway. Department Managers hold a copy of section relevant to their department and in addition copies will be held at the following locations:
Please read and familiarise yourself with this document as it contains important information about how the railway, and its health and safety, are managed. It also outlines personal responsibilities. Further sections of the SMS will be issued monthly with the aim of having all current documentation issued by 31st December 2005. Details of these and any subsequent additions/alterations will be included in this newsletter and on the weekly Traffic Notices. IMPORTANT – NEW REGULATIONS CAME INTO FORCE FROM 17th OCTOBER 2005 As reported in the relevant Traffic Notices from Monday 17th October new regulations for the reporting of accidents and incidents came into force. It is important that any such event is reported immediately to the Responsible Officer via the nearest signalman. In cases of serious accident it is a criminal offence to undertake any work on site other than to protect or save life without approval from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch. Likewise, it is a criminal offence not to report any incident or accident. All members of staff should be covered as long as existing procedures are followed regarding verbal reporting to the Responsible Officer followed by a written report. Further information can be obtained from myself or leaflets in the lobby of Station House, Swanage. Working PartiesThere are a number of groups that meet to do specific tasks on a variety of days. They are all only too pleased to welcome new people to help – even if only on the odd occasion. A contact name and number is given so that you can check details beforehand if you wish. It would also be great if new volunteers could be brought in who have previously not volunteered because of the regular commitment required for many other jobs on the railway. Carriage CleaningMeets 2nd weekend of the month at Swanage station. Contact Mike Standhaft Infrastructure Support Group (ISG)Meets 3rd Saturday of the month, locations vary. Contact Frank Roberts 07703 566941. S&T WorkMeet most Wednesdays, usually starting at Corfe Castle. Contact: Dave Cobb Carriage and WagonMeet weekends in the Swanage Goods Shed. Contact Jeremy Weller. Proposed Special Events for 2005/2006Santa Specials
Christmas Dining Trains
‘Day out with Thomas’
Branch Line Weekend
Easter Specials
Beer Festival
Swanage Carnival Fireworks
Grand Steam Gala
‘Day out with Thomas’
'60's Weekend
Notes:
Around the RailwayRetailShop opening times for October are Monday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 10.00am to 5.00pm. November times are, Tuesday to Friday 10.30am to 3.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 10.00am to 4.30pm, the shop being closed on Mondays. Station CateringSwanage Birds Nest September figures were above budget and October has continued to be very busy, lots of coach visitors and people taking late holidays. Norden Nest The buffet at Norden continues to make good progress – we have opened daily throughout October with the exception of four days due to staff and volunteer holidays. The Norden Nest will be open in November at weekends only. OperationsThe rolling stock situation is not very good regarding siding space we are finding ourselves spending hours moving vehicles to facilitate our program of work, for other departments as well as necessary stock movements for operation of the railway. The November timetable will allow a tidying up of this situation, the department has supplied motive power and personnel to start putting catch points in at the Motala interface. Certain L&SWR vehicles will be moved into position behind Corfe goods shed to be cosmetically restored to make the yard look more authentic. This will make space to store the Maunsell coaches, which have recently arrived at Norden, and are currently being stored on the main line north of Arne Bridge. Steam power is very thin on the ground at least until 6695 is accepted for traffic. I am hopeful that the system of training new operations staff will be in full swing for the new year, I am hopeful that the process for new people can be made more interesting because as our operation becomes more and more regulated by outside influences so it becomes less inviting to new volunteers, we all know that this is necessary. Most of the preserved lines are finding that they have a problem attracting new people we need to make the process as easy as possible. Locomotive, Carriage & WagonLocomotives
Coaches
TSO 4416 on the carriage jacks for steam heat repairs so no spare coach InfrastructureWaste Management. The main policy is still being pulled together. The hazmat waste bins are due to be moved to Swanage tomorrow, Fri 28 Oct. Agreement is forming on where to put three sleeper walled bins at each of Norden, Corfe and HX so as to aid site and Tidy Train management. A family of signs are to be produced to identify parts of the system ie which bin is for batteries, and which is for paint tins. The background will be light green (Southern No 4!). Project Eldon & Management of Norden Pad. A successful site meeting was held earlier in the month, followed up by a plan, which has met with general agreement, then on 15 Oct the ISG did a good days graft. The metal skip(Eldon’s) is now clear of rubbish and the bins are moving to Swanage. We look to Ops for assistance on the movement front. However … Project - Herston Yard. I am now convinced that the development of Herston Yard is the key to the clearance of Eldon’s. We now appear to have the lift capability, the will, and are making arrangements for the move. But we have to have somewhere to go to; and that is needed 12 months of the year not 3 and a bit. Plans have now been drawn up for the ground works required so as to enable a Dolphins length vehicle to be clear to the west of Washpond Lane. Electrical Engineering. Mark has agreed to become the Electrical Engineer leaving the Manager’s post vacant – hopefully this will be filled by a qualified person. Infrastructure Support Group. Despite the fact that we have now met six times, attendance is still a little disappointing. Clearly if we hope to assist in reducing the mountain of “Backlog Maintenance” we need a few more people to lend a hand. All six of the days have been relaxed, satisfying and most definitely effective. The term effective borne as a result of the successful completion of the fence around the Swanage Picnic Area (opened in Aug), the move of the Swanage Gas Store (now completed), the prep and primer of the wagon to run with the hiab (on hold due to damp weather) and most recently the start made at Norden Pad. We need support, from all levels. Civil EngineeringSwanage Signal Box The original macerator to the toilet has been removed and replaced with a refurbished unit. The toilet is now functioning correctly. Bridge 26a The original timber handrails to this structure have been removed and are currently being replaced with steel ones. Thanks are due to Roger Sinar for organising the oxy-acetylene equipment, Ops. For the novel method of transportation to site and to Paul Allwood for his work with the gas axe. Building work - General An asbestos survey has been received from Swanage Town Council for Swanage Station and Dorset County Council have agreed to action one immediately for Corfe Castle Station. Signal and TelegraphFlooding On Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th October there was serious flooding to the Swanage Signal Box locking and relay rooms. The water was 5” deep up to the door sill on both days which was pumped out on both of the days. A meeting has been arranged with P.Way, Civils and S&T to look at the short, medium and long term solutions to the problem and a report will be prepared for the next board meeting. Motala signalling. The S&T equipment was moved on site during the 1st week in October. To date the ground frame, kiosk, 1st set of catch points with its associated cranks and rodding have been installed. During the 2nd week of November the 2nd set of catch points will be removed from Herston by P.Way and installed at Motala. This will be followed by the final connections to the ground frame, erection of a gate at the boundary, and the planting of stop and distant boards either side of the connection. The planned completion should be the 30th November. There have been ongoing discussions with Network Rail regarding the connection work and the documentation for the working of trains between the Swanage Railway and the National Network. Equipment More surplus S&T equipment will become available from the Medway re-signalling project during November and it is the intention to obtain equipment which will build up our stock where shortages are being experienced. TelecomInternal Telephone System & Cable Network Another connection was made to the system; a phone has been installed in the Mess Van at Norden for use by Derry Thompson and the Diesel Group. (Corfe 51). The phone in the Sleeping Car seems to have come in for some rough treatment again, and had to be re-assembled as it was causing an alarm on Swanage exchange. Business Communications Manager & BT Lines The Operations BCM phone has now been installed. Their new number is Extn. 203 - DDI 01929 475203. Arrangements have been made to cease their old numbers, and provide broadband. Also the Volunteer Liaison Officer has a new phone, Extn 232 – DDI 01929 475212, this is situated in the Rutland Room adjacent the computer. Permanent Wayw/c 21st Sept.
w/c 26th Sept.
w/c 3rd Oct.
w/c 10th Oct.
StationsSwanage
Herston
Harman’s Cross
Corfe Castle
Norden
VacanciesContact the named person (via Station House) for more information:
Notes from the Board Meeting on October 29thOpening remarksThe death of George Elliot, former Train Crew Inspector, was noted with regret. Health and SafetyA site inspection of the Sleeping Car had taken place. One or two modifications need to be made and Malcolm Munro will put these in train. The derailment of Thomas was noted. Following various e-mails a Work Instruction relating to needlestick injuries will be drawn up by Malcolm Munro for inclusion in the SMS. The continuing problems at Pondarosa Crossing were recorded. A possible method of providing NR PTS training is being investigated. FinanceThe situation is currently better than we would have expected with improved revenue since late August. Caution is still required to make sure that spending remains within limits for the remaining two months of the year – we need to return a profit this year. The situation regarding cash flow is also improved. General Manager’s ReportThe meeting to discuss the development of the Station Buffets was reported. A number of action points resulted and are in the process of being further discussed. It is probable that a proposal will be brought forward for a drinks outlet on the platform at Swanage Station. The SMS issue of the SMS was reported as was the plan to issue the General and Departmental Instructions before the end of the year. HMRI have asked us to submit a draft Safety Case – ideally by 31st December. I had a meeting with Keith Morgan and Andy Vincent about website maintenance and Andy is now going to take this on as part of the Marketing Department. At a meeting of the Association of Purbeck Tourist Attractions ways of encouraging visitors to the area were discussed and I have offered our services as a way of providing cohesion to disparate attractions – with a hopeful result in increased use of our trains to access them. This idea was further discussed by Corfe Parish Council and with the National Trust. It was agreed that further developments would be reported as they take place. My visit with Michael Baker to the IoWSR to find out about their School Education Programme was reported. Michael is working on some ideas for future development – possibly with a trial early next year. Meridian and BBC Countryfile filmed on the railway – screening dates are not yet known. The Marketing Committee had met and discussed its role – is it for strategy or tactics. No conclusion as yet but the discussion is underway. A meeting with NR had taken place at Waterloo and the Project Team are going to visit us on 4th November to discuss the way ahead. The Directors discussed the policy for Norden Station and its presentation and Peter Sills, Frank Roberts and myself were tasked with taking this matter forward in line with the Board’s opinion. It was agreed that fares for 2006 would be advertised as “Adults from £7.50 and Concessions from £5.50” to provide some room for variation during the period of the timetable leaflet. Progress ReportsIt was reported that there has been no formal contact from BP or DCC regarding Furzebrook. Future Meetings
SRT Open ForumAn Open Forum is held before the monthly meeting of SRT Directors (CoM) in the Rectory Classroom – the next meeting is on 26th November 2005. It will take place at the new time of 2pm. Nick Brown |
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