June 2011

On Sunday I visited Swanage Railway which I thought was very pleasant. The view from the footbridge at Corfe Castle Station of a steam engine in a delightful station with the castle in the background was wonderful. I would admit that it is probably better than Bodiam station with a view of Bodiam Castle, but we have nicer scenery on route.
Their use of IT is good too. Like us they use theatre style tickets rather than Edmonson tickets, and they have electronic point of sale equipment, which will be one of our next investments. Interestingly they had CCTV at their stations.
We have had a couple of thefts lately and the latest of our platform lighting at Wittersham Road station was unusual. All our staff and members are very upset about this. It appears to be a targeted crime as it takes some planning and effort to steal BR Lamp posts in tact, although two were broken. It is a sad reflection on our society that thieves target heritage environments and a charity for crime. Criminals must be looking forward to the proposed reductions in police resources. We on the other hand increase our crime prevention measures and deterrents. I suppose it will not be long until we have CCTV at all our stations too.
I also visited the House of Commons to go to a Heritage Railway Reception. The idea was to meet the local MPs and talk about the value of Heritage Railways to the economy. I found it very disappointing that neither of the two MPs that represent the line could find the time to attend. Politicians are always quick to state how they support tourism and the value it gives to their communities. According to Tourism SE the number of jobs the industry generates in Damien Green’s constituency would more than account for his margin of voters. I wonder if the tourism industry in the area said “if you are not interested in the major tourist attraction in your borough then we will vote for someone else” where that will leave him? I shall hold that thought. The other MP is Greg Barker to whom I would bet the same applies.
We had an enjoyable re-creating the last passenger train in 1961. It was great to meet some of the passengers of the LCGB charter and in particular Denis Roberts, the fireman of 32662 on 11th June 1961. It is just amazing that the same two locos are still in service, and I am grateful to Bressingham for painting the loco black for the occasion.
The number of visitors to the event was disappointing but we got tremendous coverage in the local press and I cannot recall a front page photo on Steam Railway before.
Our beer festival last week was great, despite the weather. I was able (off duty of course) to sample a pint of “99 Red Baboons” – what a wonderful name. It was one of the first beers to sell out so others clearly thought so too, and it was an excellent taste too.
Our Board signed off our timetable proposals for next year and I can reveal that we shall be having a sixties weekend, which we have not had for a few years and a World War One weekend when our vintage carriages will feature. We have a “new” one soon to leave our carriage restoration shed. More about that soon.