The Swanage Railway Trust
- Council of Management - 2008/9
| The Council of Management acts as the decision making body of the Swanage Railway Trust. Members - who are legally Directors - are elected annually at the AGM and serve a two year term. Half the Council must be elected each year which can occasionally mean that one person only serves a one year term dependant on resignations and co-options. The Council has the ability to co-opt up to four members who generally either replace members who have resigned or provide specialist knowledge. Co-opted members have to stand for re-election at the next AGM. | |
Mike Whitwam - Chairman | |
 | The Chairman is appointed by and from the members of the Council of Management. There is no fixed term and the CoM can appoint a new Chairman at any time. The Chairman occupies the same position on the Board of the SRC. 2007 Election Address: In my position on the CoM, I have represented the members of the SRT for 8 years now. During that time, I have vociferously opposed any move which would compromise the democratic system whereby the Railway is controlled by its members and volunteers through the CoM. I am also totally opposed to any move towards a plc; any company set up for services to Wareham or beyond must remain under the control of the SRT As the Railway’s Volunteer Liaison Officer, my position on the CoM is vital to ensure that the interests of volunteers are paramount in all decisions taken. I am also a Signalman and the Railway’s Signalling Training Officer, having helped to build up an excellent team of Signalmen. I am now living in Swanage and do some work around the railway most days. I am always happy to deal with any problem or questions from members. Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: Signalman, Volunteer Liaison |
Steve Doughty - Deputy Chairman | |
 | The Deputy Chairman is appointed by and from the members of the Council of Management. There is no fixed term and the CoM can appoint a new Deputy Chairman at any time. 2008 Election Address: I've been part of the management of the Swanage Railway for over 15 years, during which time we have achieved many things. However, I'm concerned that the Council spends little of it's time on its primary charitable duties such as fundraising and addressing the capital needs of the railway and too much time discussing operational issues that are the responsibility of others. many of our assets are worn out and without focus on raising money for renewals there is a real risk of our railway grinding to a halt. The Council's management workload is also not well balanced, with too few members taking an active role in the business of the Trust itself. I would therefore like to see more emphasis on targets and members of the Council accepting that election requires a commitment to a leadership role for delivery of Trust goals and a willingness to be held accountable for results. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: Steve Doughty is also a Director and Deputy Chairman of the Swanage Railway Company. |
Andrew Moore - Treasurer | |
 | The post of Treasurer to the SRT is by appointment and the holder is not required to have been elected or to have stood for election. There is no fixed term and the CoM can appoint a new Treasurer at any time but the convention is to review the post each April. Around the Railway: Wessex Belle, Finance Office. Andre Moore is also Financial Director of the Swanage Railway Company. |
Mark Woolley - Secretary | |
 | The post of Secretary to the SRT is by appointment and the holder is not required to have been elected or to have stood for election. There is no fixed term and the CoM can appoint a new Secretary at any time but the convention is to review the post each April. Mark Woolley has been a member of the Trust for over twenty years and Secretary of the Council of Management since 1991. He has played a proactive role in helping to develop the railway towards its ultimate objective of Wareham and in the transition of the Railway's governing body from the old Southern Steam Trust to the new more democratic Swanage Railway Trust. His experience and background knowledge are a dependable asset to the Council of Management. Around the Railway: |
Steve Barker | |
| 2008 Election Address: I have been an active working volunteer with different departments since early 1981. I have worked through the footplate grades and passed out as a driver in 1992. I have recently been heavily involved in organising, and being the Responsible Officer in charge of our successful Beer / Diesel weekends and last years '40 Years of end of Southern Steam' gala. My day job is as a fleet manager with SouthWest Trains in the control room at Waterloo ensuring that each day's service runs smoothly. I am standing for election because I believe with my operational expertise, both professionally and with the Swanage Railway Project, I will add greatly to the skills profile of our Council thus stimulating a greater range of ideas and debate. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: Operations Department | |
David Budd | |
 | 2007 Election Address: Joined the Railway Project around 1972 and became a PLM in 1988. As a local councillor in Wareham campaigned for the reinstatement of the railway, both inside and outside the council chamber. The County Council’s observer on the Council of Management from 1997 to 2002, co-opted to the CoM in 2003 and subsequently elected at the 2003 AGM and re-elected in 2005. Regularly attends and contributes to CoM meetings and serves on the CoM Members and Volunteers Group. Trust member of the joint Swanage Railway Trust / Swanage Railway Company Finance Review committee. The railway must continue to spend wisely so that it can avoid expensive bank borrowings during the winter period. Supports the aim of reinstating a year-round service between Swanage and Wareham, whilst maintaining the heritage character and atmosphere of the Swanage Railway. Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: |
Doug Chick | |
 | 2008 Election Address: A member of the Council of Management for the last 12 years and an active volunteer of over 25 years. I can be found most Saturdays at Swanage, working in the Carriage and Wagon department. Much has been achieved by you, the volunteer members, in building our heritage line and this must be protected at all times. This is why I am fully committed in ensuring the railway remains in control of its members by the democratic process of one member one vote. Finances as ever, remain challenging, so we must continue to live within our means. I am happy to discuss differing issues with members and, if appropriate, take those views forward to be aired at Council of Management meetings. Your past support, as always, has been greatly appreciated and I hope you can support my nomination to represent you again. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: Carriage & Wagon |
Graham Cope | |
 | 2007 Election Address: In four years as a member of the CoM, I have worked for the Swanage Railway’s objectives, additionally volunteering most weekends as a guard or signalman and assisting with rostering and timetabling work. I continue to firmly support the principle of our Railway remaining within the control of the whole Trust Membership, through their elected representatives – something we should never take for granted. Volunteers’ concerns often bridge into “Company Matter”. As part of the Members and Volunteers sub-group, I am able to discuss solutions which can then be presented to the company via the General Manager. Volunteers and visitors alike keep the Railway Project moving with their time and money – but they all have a choice. I seek re-election to do all I can to keep them returning and to represent you on the Trust Council to the very best of my ability Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: Guard and Signalman |
Nick Lloyd | |
| 2007 Election Address: I have been closely involved with the Swanage Railway for ten years, as a volunteer in the Operations Department (Fireman), as former seasonal staff in Passenger Services Department and as an administrator in connection with special events. Thus, I’m very familiar with how the Railway operates and its all-important volunteers. Professionally, I am a law graduate practicing in the Banking and Business Department of a large law firm in the south west. I recently completed a postgraduate study in legal practice, including business law and administration. I think this legal background, combined with the insight of an experienced volunteer, would be of considerable value to the Council of Management. I am committed to our Railway and believe it should remain in the control of the Trust and the whole Trust membership through its elected representatives. I feel I have something worthwhile to offer and ask for your support. Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: | |
Linda Moore | |
| 2008 Election Address: I have lived in Swanage for the past five years and have become increasingly active as a volunteer on the Railway. For the past eighteen months I have participated in the management and operation of the Wessex Belle which has included actually working on the train, co-ordinating staff and planning future activity. The Swanage Railway is something to be proud of and I am anxious to ensure that future opportunities are grasped and I consider that being local and frequently on the Railway I can help ensure this happens. By seeking election to the Council of Management I believe I will bring a female perspective to the Council and I hope to bring forward new ideas. I firmly believe that this is a member's railway and that we must continue to strive to make it a place where volunteers will wish to come and participate. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: Wessex Belle | |
Clive Morris | |
| 2007 Election Address: Whilst working as a volunteer, mainly in signalling but also catering and station duties, I meet and enjoy working with so many other members. I’m impressed by the hard work everyone cheerfully performs and the way they co-operate to make ours the most welcoming and professional of UK’s Heritage Railways. Members are the life blood of our Railway and I will ensure they are valued, supported and encouraged to maintain the ‘spark’ which makes us the best. As members’ interests are paramount, I will only support funding methods which maintain membership control rather than selling Railway assets to outside interests. I have served as a CoM member for two years and work on Membership, Fundraising and Financial Review teams. With your support I will continue to use my enthusiasm, time and business experience to ensure our Railway keeps its great spirit and stays strong to achieve its charitable aims. Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: Signalling and Stations | |
Pete Renaut | |
 | 2007 Election Address: As an active Railway volunteer now for over 25 years, I have been championing the role of volunteers throughout my 20 years on the Council. I would like to continue to do that. We have achieved so much and overcome so many difficulties, that I want to see the job through by finally getting the railway to Wareham. I support our present managerial arrangements based on One Member –One Vote. I spent 17 years on the P-Way gang and undertook guard duties and carriage maintenance but since 2001 have been crippled with arthritis that now prevents manual work. I now look after PLM administration and find that my knowledge and experience gained in Operations and Permanent Way are valuable assets for the Railway. I hope you will allow me to continue to work for the achievement of our goals and the interests of our membership by re-electing me to the Council. Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: Carriage & Wagon |
Liz Sellen | |
 | 2007 Election Address: A member since 1990 and Council of Management member since 2002, my volunteering includes Fundraising, Membership, Marketing, Publicity and Wine & Dine. Over the past two years, I have assisted with developing CoM training, in progressing Trust memorial policy/procedures and am the leader of the Members & Volunteers Group. I am currently obtaining Criminal Records Bureau clearance for working with young persons on the railway as part of its recognized juvenile protection team. In addition, I continue to handle most membership matters including gift aid recording, attend marketing and publicity events, fund raise and handle administration for the annual Draw. I am committed to ensuring the railway remains membership led as it progresses its aims, to continuing its financial stability and protecting past achievements whilst at all times complying with the roles and responsibilities set out by the Charity Commission and Trust policies. Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: Membership Office, Santa Specials |
Peter Sills | |
 | 2008 Election Address: During the past five years I have endeavoured to bring to the Swanage Railway a mixture of my business experience and enthusiasm for the 'Southern', by profession I am a businessman with a background in corporate communications and publishing. I am currently a Swanage Railway Trust and Company director. I also sit on the Financial Review Committee, Marketing Committee, Funds and Appeals Committee and Chairman of the Purbeck Mineral and Mining Group. I am totally committed to the future of our heritage railway. The current challenges that face our railway in this current harsh economic climate are numerous - but they need to be faced up to and overcome. We also need to continue to work towards the goals of reconnection with Wareham, regular through workings and a 'centre of excellence' for all matters 'Southern'. If re-elected I will continue to work towards these targets. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: Signalman, Mineral & Mining Museum. Peter Sills is also a Director of the Swanage Railway Company. |
Mike Stollery | |
 | 2008 Election Address: Despite its success, the Railway faces many new challenges especially financially and commercially. Whilst these are the immediate responsibility of the hard-pressed directors of the Railway Company, it is the duty of the CoM members to give them every support and encouragement to meet them, which if re-elected, I will continue to do. The fundamental aims of the Railway Project, of which I have been part since its inception, must be safeguarded. However, capital is urgently needed to fund the Railway's developments, to improve working conditions for volunteers and staff and to enable standards to be maintained and improved. Therefore, I am actively involved with fundraising and in planning and negotiations with outside bodies to develop the Railway's future depot facilities and covered accommodation for our heritage stock. I believe I can best carry out these responsibilities as a CoM member and I therefore seek your support once more. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: Draw ticket selling, Carriage & Wagon |
Bill Trite | |
 | 2008 Election Address: Having recently stepped down after 17 as Chairman, I ask for your continues support to serve on the Trust council where I believe my understanding and experience are relevant and where I would like to concentrate on the essential task of fundraising. The underlying principles in which I have always believed and which have sustained us are, I think, just as important for the future: an organisation democratic at its roots; a Trust-based Railway governed by and through its Members; fair play and transparency in our procedures; respect for individual effort and commitment; faith in our volunteers and supporters. The future will be no less difficult - probably more so, since so much relating to the Wareham link is not in our hands and the cost of maintaining a safe, functioning railway is spiralling. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: |
Andy Vincent | |
 | 2008 Election Address: I am an active Carriage & Wagon volunteer and have been on the Council of Management for five years. I also work with the fundraising, marketing and heritage assets groups. I believe we must:
Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: Carriage & Wagon |
Richard White | |
 | 2007 Election Address: Current member of the Council of Management. PLM and regular volunteer since 1998 involved in P-Way (Wayne’s Gang) and the PMMMG. I also prepare the Grand Draw audit for the Gaming Board. Chairman of Project 62 (30075 and additionally instigated the acquisition of 30076 from Bosnia last year) As a working volunteer and member of the Membership and Volunteer Group within the CoM, I use my experience working round the railway to priorities issues including those raised with me by members. The Trust should ensure the aims of the Railway are fulfilled and that funding for heritage and membership issues is available to those who wish to come forward with appropriate projects to the benefit of the Railway. I support the Directors of Swanage Railway Company in their operation of the Railway and additionally believe that the CoM has responsibility in ensuring that this is in line with member aspirations. Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: Annual Draw |
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| • Home Page • Introduction to the Project • Council of Management 2007/8 • Council of Management 2006/7 • Council of Management 2005/6 • Council of Management 2004/5 • Council of Management 2003/4
Election Result
565 votes were cast with 2 spoiled papers. Turnout was 14.2%
2008 AccountsThe following files are in PDF format and are large files that may take some time to download. These will be available in Spring 2009
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PhotographsAll photographs on this page by and copyright Andrew P.M. Wright,Swanage Railway official photographer |