For the fifth year running, Swanage Railway has been awarded the accreditation of Quality Assured Visitor Attraction by Visit England. This is a credit to all the Swanage Railway staff who have worked hard to make the Swanage Railway what it is today. The report noted:

“The Swanage Railway continues to offer memorable experiences to visitors of all ages and interests, staff in all areas of the attraction are friendly, proactive, enthusiastic and knowledgeable; their good customer care enables visitors to benefit from their trip on the Railway.”

Some of the key areas noted were as follows:

• Good and reliable information provided before and during the visit.

• Punctuality of the trains.

• Very friendly and helpful staff.

• Proactivity of staff adding to the enjoyment of the visit.

• Major improvements in the Bird’s Nest and shop.

• Provision of facilities for disabled passengers.

However, there are some areas where we can look to improve in particular regarding signage and cleanliness in some areas. The friendliness and helpfulness of the Swanage Railway staff is a recurring theme throughout the report from an independent professional inspector. This reflects the public’s view of the Swanage Railway as noted in our recent Passenger Survey. This showed that the friendliness of staff was rated extremely high.

Well done to everyone who has done their bit to help gain this award.

Martin Payne

Commercial Manager

27th October 2011