| | 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
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| Mike Whitwam - Chairman (from June 2008) |
 | 2005 Election Address: I have served on the CoM for 6 years. As the Railway's Volunteer Liaison Officer, this helps to represent the interests of our volunteers as well as members. I am sincerely dedicated to maintaining our democratic structure whereby members and volunteers remain in control of the Railway through the CoM and would oppose changes to this system or conversion to a PLC, the members must retain full voting rights. As well as being VLO I am also a Signalman, Trainer of new Signalmen and serve on the Rules Committee. Last year I served on the General Management Team set up to run the Railway between General Managers. I project managed the new crossing at Corfe and all the non S&T work in the signal box. Usually at the Railway at least four times a week I am always happy to listen to problems or to answer questions concerning the Railway. 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. The Deputy Chairman occupies the same position on the Board of the SRC. 2004 Election Address: As Deputy Chairman of the Trust and Company, my primary area of activity is the project to run a daily service to Wareham that doesn't jeopardise the atmosphere or finances of the heritage railway we have worked so hard to build. Increasingly, I am also focussed on how we raise the funds for the next stage of the growth of the railway, which will hopefully include facilities at Furzebrook and the provision of improved accommodation for volunteers at Swanage. I am committed to living within our means financially and to the continuation of a membership-controlled railway. Term ends: 2008 Around the Railway: |
| 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. The Treasurer currently occupies the similar position on the Board of the SRC. Around the Railway: Wessex Belle, Finance Office |
| 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. |
| Bill Trite - Chairman (until June 2008) |
 | 2004 Election Address: As someone privileged to have been in the Chair throughout the era of recovery from near-collapse, onward opening of Norden, removal of the Trust's debt and great commercial expansion, I'm acutely aware how much volunteers and Members have contributed in labour and cash to that success. Therefore I shall always support a structure which gives Trust members ultimate control of their Railway and puts volunteers at the centre of everything we do. I reaffirm belief in a Railway which is not just efficient and safe, but volunteer-friendly and in which Members can always find a sense of genuine fulfillment. Term ends: 2008 Around the Railway: |
| | David Budd |
 | 2005 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 observer on the CoM from 1997 to 2002, co-opted to the CoM in 2003 and subsequently elected at the 2003 AGM. Regularly attends and contributes to the CoM and has participated in fund raising and distribution of promotional leaflets. One of five members of the Finance Review Committee striving to put the Railway's finances on a firmer footing - a process requiring tough decisions but essential if the Trust is to achieve it's aim of reinstating a year-round train service between Swanage and Wareham whilst maintaining the heritage character and atmosphere of the Swanage Railway. Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: |
| Doug Chick |
 | 2004 Election Address: Currently a member of the Council of Management and Rolling Stock Committee. An active volunteer for over twenty years and a regular worker in the Carriage and Wagon department. It is imperative that the views of the membership are sought so that I can reflect those views at meetings. Whilst it is important to seek additional funding for new works, restoration of heritage coaches, the extension to Wareham etc., it is vital that the ultimate control of our railway lies with its membership. I thank you for your past support and hope that you will support my nomination once again. Term ends: 2008 Around the Railway: Carriage & Wagon - mostly Saturdays |
| Graham Cope |
 | 2005 Election Address: For two years on the CoM I have worked for the Swanage Railway's objectives additionally volunteering most weekends as a guard or signalman and undertaking rostering and timetabling work. I 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. members and volunteers' concerns usually come within 'Company Matters' so I use my open invitation to Company Board meetings to keep up with developments and contribute as I see necessary. We rely on volunteers and visitors to keep the Swanage Railway going with their time and money but they all have a choice. If they dont enjoy themselves they wont stick with us. I seek re-election to do all I can to keep them returning and to represent you on the Council to the very best of my ability. Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: Guard and Signalman |
| Nick Lloyd |
 | 2007 Election Address: . Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: |
| Clive Morris |
 | 2005 Election Address: I am committed to our Railway's historic aims, yet as one of the Financial Review Team I know they cannot be achieved without winning the battle for healthy finances. I want to use my enthusiasm, time, and business experience to ensure the Swanage Railway is economically sound and maintains the support, skills and effort of members. As a hands-on volunteer (mainly signalling and station duties) I am constantly impressed by what individuals with a common purpose are achieving. I want to work maintain and enhance that spirit of co-operation as the basis for our success. If elected, I will strive to keep Member's interests at the heart of the Railway, both in everyday operations and future plans. As such, I am opposed to selling Swanage Railway as a plc and am convinced that other methods of funding are more appropriate. Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: Signalling and Stations |
| Pete Renaut |
 | 2005 Election Address: An active Railway volunteer for over twenty three years, I have been championing the role of volunteers throughout my (nearly) 18 years on 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 to Wareham. I support our present managerial arrangements based on One-Member-One-Vote and will not see the Swanage Railway sold off as a plc. Our location and customer base would then make us an obvious target for a purely commercial takeover. I still look after PLM administration and find that my knowledge and experience gained in Operations and Permanent Way are valuable assets for the Railway. I very much 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 |
 | 2005 Election Address: A volunteer since 1990, Council of Management members since 2002 and, since 2003 a key player in the Membership Department. I am committed to progressing the Railway's aims whilst safeguarding achievements already attained, as will as ensuring financial constraints where necessary and maintaining a membership led Railway. Fund-raising, publicity, marketing and membership are the areas I am actively involved in together with those roles and responsibilities set by trust policies. For the Council I have in addition undertaken allocated research work and with others worked on taking varying matters under discussion to completion. For membership I have overseen new computer processes, office relocation, telephone and Web connection updates and ensured Gift Aid declarations of members are acted upon. I am currently working on improvements to payment procedures and recording and enhancement of membership numbers. I ask for your support in this electiom. Thank you. Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: Membership Office, Santa Specials |
| Peter Sills |
 | 2004 Election Address: I am currently an active member of the Council of Management, having been co-opted in January this year. I am also serving as a Director of the Swanage Railway Company Board, Chairman of the Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum Group and a regularly rostered signalman. I have a professional background in marketing and communications and run an independent publishing company. If elected I will use my experience and professionalism to further the heritage and commercial aims of the Swanage Railway. Term ends: 2008 Around the Railway: Signalman, Mineral & Mining Museum |
| Mike Stollery |
 | 2004 Election Address: With the Railway Project since 1972 as a volunteer, Trustee and CoM member, I support connection to the national network, providing the existing Swanage Railway is fully protected. I am involved with crucial negotiations for the planned depot at Furzebrook. I am a Wessex Belle and Carriage and Wagon volunteer, championing restoration of the Railway's SR coaches. Chairman on the Purbeck Railway Circle and member of the Publicity Unit. Financial care is essential. We need to raise additional working capital to upgrade track and improve standards and facilities. I seek your support to enable me to assist in the Railway's continued development. Term ends: 2008 Around the Railway: Wessex Belle, Carriage & Wagon - mostly Sundays |
| Andy Vincent |
 | 2005 Election Address: I am seeking re-election to the Council because I feel that my skills in project management and marketing remain important in driving the Swanage Railway Project forward. I will also continue to strive for better communication within and about the Project. As an active volunteer in C&W I will continue to press the case for our heritage coaches through an approach that considers the future needs of the Railway and a realistic assessment of the role of these Southern Railway vehicles. The first success of this has recently seen Bulleid 4365 sent away for structural overhaul before restoration is completed at Swanage. I stepped into the role of project leader for this year’s Trust Draw and I have been responsible for the establishment of the Trust Web site to focus on the interests and needs of members whilst leaving the main Company site to focus on our visitors. Term ends: 2008 Around the Railway: Carriage & Wagon - mostly Sundays |
| Richard White |
 | 2005 Election Address: A PLM and regular volunteer since 1998, involved in track recovery, reinstatement of the Norden-Motala extension, refurbishment of the Network Rail half mile to Furzebrook, lineside clearance, the Mining Museum and building projects at Corfe Castle and Harmans Cross. Currently Chairman of Project 62 (USA tank 30075). My hands-on experience and contact with members and volunteers makes me appreciate the background work necessary to maintain our infrastructure, operations and organisation. We should recognise and build upon the physical, mental and financial contributions which our members and volunteers have made. The best way to ensure these persist is by the Trust membership as a whole combining to control the Swanage Railway for the benefit of all. I will keep faith with the efforts and frankly, the sacrifices made based on assurances that the Railway will remain Trust-controlled and not put at risk of takeover via conversion to a plc. Term ends: 2009 Around the Railway: Annual Draw |
