CoM Summary - April 2008

A summary of proceedings at Council of Management (CoM) meeting held on 29th March and 26th April 2008:

• Action to transfer surplus rolling stock to other heritage railways is gathering pace. Options for storing long term restoration projects in off-site agricultural accommodation are also being investigated.
• A project plan will be drawn up for long overdue improved staff\volunteer washing facilities at Swanage.
• Whilst Furzebrook remains the favoured long term location for motive power and rolling stock servicing and covered storage facilities, the feasibility of developing something in the area of Herston Industrial Estate is also being investigated.
• Audited accounts for the year ended 31st December 2007 were approved at our April meeting. The audited Swanage Railway Trust consolidated accounts listed net incoming resources of £155,862 for the year and net assets of £1,259,984 for the SRT only and £1,357,777 for the Trust and Company combined. The Swanage Railway Company (SRC) recorded a net profit of £19,564 for the year. A summary of the accounts will be distributed to all Trust members with the AGM papers later this summer.
• Our external auditors, Shipleys LLP, have agreed to prepare a briefing paper for the CoM which deals with long-term options for raising large scale funds for capital developments.
• The CoM has agreed that £29,800 of general funds be used to construct a much needed 90’ inspection pit in the goods shed road at Swanage.
• We have also agreed that £500 be used towards the installation of a new fire alarm system at Corfe Castle station.
• It was agreed that, following its return to the Railway, Pullman Observation Car 14 will be loaned free of charge to the SRC for a 6 month period whilst its future use and suitability is evaluated.
• A new seven years lease of Herston Works – to be held by the Trust – is being pursued with Purbeck District Council.
• A grant application is to be submitted to the local Valentine Trust for the overhaul of the Mk. 1 SK(H) coach for disabled passengers.
• A £50,000 grant application is also being submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in respect of the development of the museum at Corfe Castle station to incorporate the Churchill funeral van (S2464S) and associated displays relating to railways in the life of Winston Churchill.

Mark Woolley

Trust Secretary