tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56645226805935382272024-02-20T12:04:43.839+00:00GWR Boardroom BlogGWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.comBlogger374125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-54972041921893724422018-08-04T11:05:00.001+01:002018-08-04T11:05:37.402+01:00Passenger numbers to the end of JulyYou will I am sure be interested to know that as at the end of July, we saw almost 72,000 passengers (not including the race trains, fire and drive and evening specials.) This compares with just over 46,500 at the same point last year. So, we are up 54% year on year.<br />
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Looking at our special weekends, all have been extremely successful with significant increases on previous years. As reported earlier, the wartime weekend was up 11%, the steam gala 66%, real ale weekend 69%, the bus rally 10% and so it goes on. The recent diesel gala was amazingly successful at a 28% increase when one considers the unbelievable weather that weekend! (One day I burnt and the next got soaked!)<br />
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The one event that has bucked the trend this year was "Day out with Thomas" where visitor numbers were down. No one knows the reason for this but it seems families are less excited by Thomas than they were. Our final visit from Thomas will be in September so it will be interesting to see how numbers stack up that weekend.<br />
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That's the good news! It means we are able to rebuild our reserves that were seriously depleted by our opening to Broadway at Easter and look at a number of important maintenance and development projects.<br />
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However along with the good news I want to remind everyone that this is a mostly volunteer run railway - something a large number of our passengers don't realise. It can only be successful if we continue to provide a rewarding hobby for our 950 volunteers - we must all <u>want </u>to come to the railway! As we start to plan next year's timetable we will be taking account the many concerns volunteers are now expressing so that we can continue to be the "Friendly Line." Please don't expect any increase in services!<br />
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Colin Fewell<br />
Commercial DirectorGWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-67501566596027141462018-06-04T13:02:00.001+01:002018-06-04T13:02:30.036+01:00Visitor numbers to the end of MayThe massive increase in visitor numbers since we opened to Broadway shows how important this extension is to our line, and is a reward to every volunteer who put in so much hard work to make it happen.<br />
Overall, the total number of passengers who travelled with us on service trains up to the end of May has grown to over 40,000 as against 26,000 last year. The most spectacular increase was the May Day weekend where our numbers more than double last year's total.<br />
April and May are always very busy months with not only our Wartime in the Cotswolds weekend, our bricks event, the real ale weekend and most recently our fabulous steam gala all of which produced record numbers of visitors.<br />
What is clear from analysing the figures is that passengers are now, more than ever, using our railway to "get somewhere" rather than use it for a round trip. Just look at the numbers getting on at Toddington or Winchcombe who are travelling to Broadway for lunch and shopping and you can see what has changed.<br />
As always, thanks are due to all the volunteers who not only made this happen but are now facing the "marauding masses" on a daily basis. We are going through exciting times<br />
Colin Fewell<br />
Commercial Director<br />
<br />GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-86985275186024755082018-06-04T09:22:00.003+01:002018-06-04T09:22:50.985+01:00GWSR makes splendid Financial Progress in 2018 season!<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Dear supporters of the GWSR,</span><br />
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It is sometime since I wrote to update you on progress at the railway but there is now much to say.</div>
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Firstly, the railway had a terrific financial year to 31 January 2018 with record passenger numbers at 101,000 and record turnover oft UKP1.7M. These figures have grown along with profits for 5 years in a row since the line was re-opened in 2012 after the land slip.</div>
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During last year steady progress was made toward opening the Broadway station, with the first train crossing the bridge and easing into the station for the first time in 58 years on 23rd December - a very nice Christmas present!</div>
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However, all 2017 activity feels like ancient history since so much has happened in the new operating season which commenced in March with the trains for the Cheltenham Festival.</div>
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We carried a record 3,000 passengers to the races which was slightly more than 1% of the 262,000 people who visited the race course! We had terrific publicity by carrying Chris Evans and his guests as part of his Children in Need appeal and, in fact, Chris will be repeating this event at next year's Gold Cup Day when we will also be putting on an extra train!</div>
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Then followed the low key but nevertheless exciting official opening to Broadway on Good Friday, 30 March, at which I expect many of you were present. Richard Faulkner cut the ribbon and then Foremarke Hall, in beautiful condition, headed off with the train full of passengers for Cheltenham for the first time in 58 years. Truly a great achievement after 10 years of work by our volunteers! </div>
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April saw our weekend Wartime in the Cotswold event grow significantly with more than 3500 attendees (2017 3100).</div>
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In May we had the biggest steam gala ever, far surpassing the records set for attendance and turnover in 2016. For the 3 days we had 4 guest engines and the added attraction of Broadway combined to attract 6000 passengers! Most trains were like the real railways with standing room only!</div>
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However, Broadway has also contributed to an enormous growth in our operations on regular timetabled days - comparing year on year so far, passenger numbers are up 57% and ticket revenue 74%! How many businesses are doing better than that?</div>
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All of the above have contributed to rebuilding the finances after our very extensive winter capital expenditure program which saw the completion for operations of Broadway station, a new pumped sewage system at Toddington and the rebuilding of Bridge 34 at Gotherington. </div>
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The cash from operations has arrived just in time as, for the Board, the recent bridge strike at the Broadway bridge, where a lorry loaded with an agricultural baler crashed against the side of the bridge leaving the baler broken in half in the road, was the last straw (pun intended)! We have now ordered a bridge crash protection beam system for erection in August to protect this vital bridge from further damage by reckless drivers.</div>
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Also welcome is the steady progress by Wychavon, mostly behind the scenes, on the development of the car park on railway land adjacent to the Broadway station which we anticipate being open by the start of next season at the latest. I think the above passenger numbers show that the decision by Wychavon to invest in the car park in support of tourism was, indeed, a good decision.</div>
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That's probably enough superlatives from me - do please visit the railway often and, if possible, before the Blue King leaves in about a week!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Chris</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Chris Bristow</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">GWSR PLC Finance Director</span></div>
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GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-75734749272744546732018-04-29T19:26:00.000+01:002018-04-29T19:26:01.625+01:00Wartime in the CotswoldsYet another record broken! A 10% increase in visitors this weekend which is remarkable considering the appalling weather. Lots of praise from everyone for what is clearly the leading Wartime experience locally. And with Broadway getting involved this year, there is more to come in the future - but hopefully under blue skies<br />
Colin Fewell<br />
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.GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-57020700471188702782018-04-27T14:12:00.002+01:002018-04-27T14:12:23.111+01:00Asparagus ExpressThe start of the asparagus season is very important to the Vale of Evesham and they celebrate it in style. This year they chose our railway to take the first spears to Cheltenham to present to Edward Gillespie and the Riding for the Disabled. The day started for many with breakfast at the FAleece at Bretforton then a ride in Morgan cars to Broadway Station from where they travelled - many of them slightly inebriated - to Cheltenham Racecourse. A good time was had by all as these photos show.<br />
Colin Fewell<br />
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<br />GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-48062133681660385472018-04-23T17:47:00.001+01:002018-04-23T17:47:37.273+01:00Asparagus expressWatch Midlands Today this evening for a report<br />
Colin FewellGWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-63628938189799042002018-04-03T11:49:00.002+01:002018-04-03T11:49:46.263+01:00A very successful weekendAfter a very exhausting few months, and a particularly exhausting Easter weekend, I can report that our opening to Broadway was a tremendous success. We were very worried about overcrowding on the platforms and on our trains and had numerous meetings to plan for the "worst" where we might even have to close down stations. However the Great British weather intervened and passenger numbers were absolutely at the right level - roughly 1000 people a day. And with trains every hour and one extra carriage on two of our sets, everyone could be seated comfortably. I heard no negative comments from anyone, nothing but praise about our friendliness, the quality of our locos and rolling stock and most importantly the work done to (almost) complete Broadway Station. There is no doubt that the goodwill generated by everyone, and I do mean everyone, this weekend will put us in a great position for the future. And if anyone has doubts, have a look on social media!<br />
A great weekend<br />
Colin Fewell<br />
Commercial DirectorGWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-43429929795742241432018-03-31T17:58:00.004+01:002018-03-31T17:58:56.318+01:00Volunteer and major shareholder and donor specials8 trains , 2 days and about 1750 people! I hope everyone got the same kick out of being on a train arriving at Broadway Station as I did. There were tears in people's eyes and lumps in throats. It just makes the tremendous efforts by everyone over the past few years so worthwhile. And what publicity we got! Although BBC and ITV filmed the event, Midlands Today had a feature on the Wednesday evening of last week and ITV central yesterday on Good Friday. And now lots to see on social media.<br />
Colin FewellGWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-36317812368375380282018-03-31T17:53:00.003+01:002018-03-31T17:53:52.733+01:00Good FridayJust a quick note here as there is still much to do, but Good Friday was absolutely brilliant. Yes the weather was a disappointment but actually it benefited us greatly as it meant we didn't have to restrict entry and everyone got a seat. Over 850 people came to the railway - well over double on the same day in 2017, and the atmosphere was terrific. Thanks to everyone for making this day extra special. I won't mention names but you only have to go onto youtube to see how successful it was. Now to prepare for the rest of the weekend!<br />
Colin FewellGWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-35636515786456109282018-03-19T20:19:00.001+00:002018-03-19T20:19:35.782+00:00Race trains for Cheltenham Festival start the season in fine style!Dear GWSR supporters,<br />
<br />
With volunteer and shareholder trains to Broadway now just over a day away, and the official opening to the public next week on Good Friday, I am pleased to let you know that the race trains kicked of our season in fine style!<br />
<br />
It was another record year with, for the first time, all trains sold out and 3000 passengers carried. Revenue reached a new record as did cash profits and this was partly based on the sale of 600 bottles of champagne and 1200 cans of Guinness - race going is thirsty work apparently!<br />
<br />
The result was a huge credit to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly and professionally to make this the most enjoyable experience possible for our passengers.<br />
<br />
Needless to say the three rostered locomotives looked fantastic; P&O, Foremarke Hall and Dinmore Manor were a great credit to the steam loco department.<br />
<br />
On Gold Cup day we welcomed Chris Evans, his wife and the eight winners of his charity auction of a Day at the Races for Children in Need. Also in his party were the two-time Olympic gold medal cyclist, Victoria Pendleton, now a jockey. The attached photo shows Chris and Victoria enjoying a chat with P&O's crew of Andy Beale and Ben Evason.<br />
<br />
You probably know that it was Andy who first prompted Chris's interest in including us in his race package by phoning in last year to the Radio 2 show to talk about his fabulous job of being a steam engine driver - well done Andy!<br />
<br />
I think all our guests enjoyed the experience and we hope to welcome them back in the future.<br />
<br />
So, for now it's goodbye to the races and hello to Broadway!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO44pbr9CiKOUO1-ytLCWRebrCNd66eX8zd8Prn13GOta6wTjoXQ3RPXvReHKVInJozuZbLBgpwfi6IGjkFQFznnpIgJhQA0c4WmmxDqv-NXdrizCjxeWqE-7R64s07gx-q7i_0frzK0/s1600/DSC01995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO44pbr9CiKOUO1-ytLCWRebrCNd66eX8zd8Prn13GOta6wTjoXQ3RPXvReHKVInJozuZbLBgpwfi6IGjkFQFznnpIgJhQA0c4WmmxDqv-NXdrizCjxeWqE-7R64s07gx-q7i_0frzK0/s320/DSC01995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
All the best,<br />
<br />
Chris<br />
Chris Bristow<br />
GWSR PLC Finance DirectorGWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-60786067868408204752018-03-12T11:05:00.001+00:002018-03-12T11:05:40.110+00:00Asparagus ExpressSt George's Day Monday April 23rd is the traditional start to the Evesham asparagus season. This is always celebrated with a special presentation of the first spears to someone well known. This year the GWSR has been chosen by Wychavon District Council as the means of transporting the spears to Cheltenham. Full details are on their website http://www.britishasparagusfestival.org/<br />
Colin Fewell<br />
Commercial DirectorGWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-8845014645416449552018-03-12T10:59:00.001+00:002018-03-12T10:59:39.217+00:00Opening to BroadwayIt's a very hectic time for all of us at present so this is a fairly brief update on our plans for the Broadway opening in a few weeks time.<br />
<br />
You will have seen that we started selling tickets on line for the 4 days of Easter some while ago. This was done partly to gauge public interest and give us an idea how busy the trains would be and partly to reduce queuing at booking offices. You may also have seen that we have now stopped selling advance tickets for Good Friday due to the exceptional demand. Obviously for safety reasons we have to limit final numbers on trains and although we have stopped selling in advance, we will be making tickets available on the day up to the point when trains do become full. We have a plan in place to check numbers at each station and on each train so that if we are in danger of being overcrowded at any time, we will stop selling tickets until that full train has departed. At present, we anticipate the very first trains out of Broadway and Cheltenham Racecourse (both timed at 09:40) will be the most crowded. It should get easier as the day progresses.<br />
<br />
On the very first train from Broadway will be Lord Richard Faulkner (who will unveil a plaque) and a number of local council officials and major supporters. On the 11:00 departure from Toddington will be ex Chairmen of the plc plus a special guest - Peter Taylor who at the age of 94 has expressed a wish to join us. He drove Cadbury no. 1 on the very first day of steam passenger services! We very much look forward to hearing his memories of that famous day. Overall, the celebrations on that day are being kept very low key as we still have a lot of work to do to complete the station at Broadway.<br />
<br />
Sales of tickets for the rest of the weekend are going well but there doesn't appear to be the same high demand. We therefore don't at present anticipate overcrowding and hopefully we will be able to continue to sell tickets all the way through.<br />
<br />
As an added attraction on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there will be an exhibition by loco owners groups in the newly opened Tim Mitchell building at Winchcombe. On the Easter Monday we have our usual Easter eggspress with lots of activities also at Winchcombe.<br />
<br />
Once we get past the initial excitement of Easter, we start our regular services and from talking to people, I think these will continue to be very busy!<br />
<br />
Colin Fewell<br />
Commercial DirectorGWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-34787090263024578462018-01-29T10:02:00.001+00:002018-01-29T10:02:47.717+00:00Broadway Car Park - some answers to your questionsDear Fellow Supporters of the GWSR,<br />
<br />
I am pleased to say that the correspondence I have received, both here on the blog and by email, about the car park is overwhelmingly positive.<br />
<br />
Several important points have been raised by a number of you, so here goes with a general reply;<br />
<br />
1. The railway's right to vehicular access on the west side of the embankment just south of Broadway Station bridge will be retained and available to the GWSR at all times.<br />
2. The car park will be for 99 cars (2 disabled spaces), the part nearest the station will be tarmac and the further part chippings, like Wychavon's Childswickham Road car park.<br />
3. The council have budgetted £650,000 for the car park's construction and they plan to have it open in August 2018.<br />
4. The contract with Wychavon will require that the use of the land by Wychavon may only be for car parking.<br />
<br />
I trust the above covers certain legitimate concerns raised which, for clarity, I had left out of my original post.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your comments.<br />
<br />
Chris<br />
<br />
Chris BristowGWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-76442872236472549372018-01-20T15:08:00.000+00:002018-01-20T15:08:09.606+00:00GWSR has another record year in 2017!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway has record year in 2017 –
the fifth in a row!<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Dear fellow GWSR Supporters,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our railway had another record year in 2017 carrying slightly
more passengers, 101,000, and earning more revenue, £1.7 million, than the
previous records set in 2016. Passenger numbers would have been higher but for the loss of 3
operating days due to snow and ice over the Christmas period – the first
operating days lost to wintry weather since 2010.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact, since the line was rejoined in 2012 after the
landslips at Winchcombe, the railway has enjoyed 5 seasons of steadily
increasing passenger numbers, revenue and operating profit. During this time
volunteer numbers have grown to around 950 while salaried staff numbers have
remained at 5. This year, as always, the 5 resident steam and 7 diesel locos
performed excellently.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some highlights of the year for me were the ‘Broadway – the last mile’ share issue which closed in April
with share purchases and donations topping £1,330,000 about £80,000 more than
our target amount. Great progress was made in the extension of the railway to
Broadway in order to meet the scheduled
opening to the public on Good Friday, 30 March. Tracks were completed and the
first train ran into Broadway station on 23 December 2017 an event much covered
in the media – see photo. In addition, huge progress was made on the station
site, including a new steel riveted roof structure replicating that at
Toddington and fabricated in our steam loco department.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Equally exciting events occurred on the running line during
the year, with the opening of the beautiful Hayles Abbey Halt in June, for
which the railway was highly commended at the National Railway Heritage Awards.
In October, the all new visitor centre, named the Tim Mitchell Building, in Winchcombe was opened in time for the
Santa season. The building, which won an AVIVA community award in 2016, is
designed in the style of the GWR goods shed at Ashburton and looks very much in
place at Winchcombe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, the railway was delighted that Wychavon District
Council have approved a new car park on railway land at Broadway, thus showing
their support for the tourism the railway brings and easing the parking
pressure in ‘the jewel of the Cotswolds’.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turning to 2018, there is much to look forward to! With
Broadway opening on Good Friday, the railway will be operating over a 15 mile
route and on many days will operate 3 rakes of 8 coaches to meet anticipated
demand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you know, all of the railways profits are ploughed back
into the infrastructure and, with the current phase of Broadway capital expenditure
drawing to a close, the emphasis this year will be on the existing running
line. Highlights of the major investment program are a new steam loco
facility at Toddington, a Signal and Telegraph workshop and a carriage shed
both at Winchcombe!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It promises to be a very exciting year on the GWSR, ‘the
friendly line in the Cotswolds’, and I look forward with my fellow volunteers
to welcoming you to the railway in 2018!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chris</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chris Bristow</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
GWSR PLC Finance Director</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-16840607633061266722018-01-12T17:15:00.000+00:002018-01-12T17:15:05.892+00:00Wychavon District Council to build car park at Broadway<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Wychavon District
Council to build car park at Broadway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Dear supporters of the GWSR,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">I am
delighted to be able to tell you that Wychavon District Council (Wychavon)
approved the construction of a car park at Broadway at their executive meeting
on Wednesday 10 January 2018. The funds were allocated to the project and the
chief executive was given authority to acquire the land from us and build the
car park. Privately I have been advised that it should be open by August 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The details
of the deal we have done with them are straightforward; we transfer the
ownership of the land on the west side of the railway between Broadway Road and
Childswickham Road to Wychavon and they build a car park for which they receive
the income from parking fees. The board has agreed that part of the cost of
parking will be refunded to our passengers who commence their journey at
Broadway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Although I
realize that giving up assets, land in this case, can be controversial, the GWSR board felt that, as the railway have neither the funds to build a car park nor
the expertise to manage the planning and highways approval processes, it was
therefore decided that this was the pragmatic way to proceed with this part of
the Broadway extension project – I do hope you all agree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">You may well
be interested to view the Wychavon meeting and, in particular, car park
decision by clicking on Wychavon.public-i.tv. The session relevant to us starts
at the 27<sup>th</sup> minute. What I think you will find remarkable and
gratifying is the overwhelming support the various Wychavon council members
give to the railway, their recognition of our contribution to tourism and their
desire to work with us in the future. To my mind the support of local
authorities and communities is vital to our railway’s long term success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Best wishes
for 2018!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Chris<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Chris
Bristow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">GWSR Finance
Director<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-6694944494837523242018-01-02T11:23:00.001+00:002018-01-02T11:23:29.081+00:00Some figures to make this a Happy new Year<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
In my November report to the Board, I said
<b>“Unless things go awry between
now and the end of the year, we should at least match our record final total of passenger numbers
in 2016.</b><br />
<br />
Well, we all know what happened weatherwise! The bad news is that things did go awry with a cancelled santa day due to snow (resulting in losing over 1000 passengers and income at £16 per person) and two cancelled days after Christmas due to localised snow and ice and atrocious weather for the remainder of the season. However the good news is that even allowing for this, the final number of visitors to the railway during the 2017 season was 100,619 which
beats last years total of 100,020.<br />
<br />
This is a tremendous result - one every volunteer should be proud of. And if any of us have any doubts, take a look at Tripadvisor. ok we get occasional negative comments as does every heritage railway and tourist attraction, but the picture is clearly of a strong well run railway. <br />
<br />
Happy new year to everyone - roll on March!<br />
<br />
Colin Fewell<br />
Commercial Director<br />
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<br /></div>
GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-56499039646771028502017-12-19T10:51:00.000+00:002017-12-19T10:51:41.705+00:00Thank You from the Chairman and Board of the GWSR<span _mce_style="color: #323232;" style="color: #323232;"><span _mce_style="color: black;" style="color: black;"></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><strong>Thank You from
the Chairman and Board of the GWSR</strong> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">2017 has been
another very productive year for the Railway and that is down to efforts of all
our supporters, volunteers and staff throughout the year. The Board wish
everyone a Happy Christmas and are looking forward to another record year in
2018. You can see Richard's message here: <a href="https://youtu.be/i-BP9qZqkOI" id="LPlnk260669" previewremoved="true"><span style="color: blue;">https://youtu.be/i-BP9qZqkOI</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><strong>Santa Special
Messages</strong> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Here's just a
couple examples of the messages we are getting about the Santa Specials: <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><em>We had an amazing morning out on The Santa Special. My two little
girls had great fun! We love the trains and the chance to admire the beautiful
countryside that we live in but to do it whilst singing carols, hearing
Christmas jokes and meeting Santa was just fabulous. The mince pies were the
best I've ever had, the highlight for me was the team of volunteers who
welcomed us, entertained us, gave us refreshments, cracked jokes, made a
special effort with the children and beamed with happiness the entire time- it
was infectious!! You are all truly fantastic people! Thank you. X</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="display: inline !important; float: none; orphans: 2; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Truly magical day today! The Santa Steam Train was lovely, all the staff
were so friendly and talkative it made the day complete. We thought Santa was
great, he really engaged with the children and the gifts were the best they've
had from any grotto. The co<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="float: none; orphans: 2; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><em>mplimentary mince
pies/biscuits and hot/cold drinks were a nice touch..... Maybe add hot
chocolate next year too;</em> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></em><em> </em><br />
<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="display: inline !important; float: none; orphans: 2; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Well Done all Volunteers and supporters - have a very Merry Christmas </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-79711029280509300072017-11-28T18:09:00.000+00:002017-11-28T18:09:01.990+00:00Chris Evans to visit the GWSR on Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup Day 16 March 2018Dear Supporters of the GWSR,<br />
<br />
This post is to confirm that our railway is supporting one of the charity auctions recently organized by Chris Evans on his Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2.<br />
<br />
Each year Chris successfully raises funds for charity, and one of his auctions this year was entitled The Cheltenham Gold Cup Package which raised a whopping £149,549 for Children in Need.<br />
<br />
Gold Cup Day at the Cheltenham Festival is on 16 March next year (2 weeks before the Broadway opening!) and the 8 lucky winners will board train 2 at Toddington with Chris and his team for an all expenses paid day at the races.<br />
<br />
Classic Hospitality has graciously agreed to provide the necessary seats although the trains on Gold Cup Day are almost fully booked already. Our own GWSR staff will be on hand to ensure Chris and his guests get the very best of service on this very special day.<br />
<br />
Briefly the 8 winners start of by attending Chris's show live on Thursday in London before transfer by helicopter to the Lygon Arms, Broadway for dinner and over-night stay. In the morning it's breakfast at Jackdaws Castle, the racing stable of JonJo O'Neil, before transfer to Toddington and our own steam train to the races. After a day at the sport of kings there is a helicopter ride back to London. Let's hope the generosity of the lucky participants is rewarded by good luck in choosing winners on the day!<br />
<br />
For those who want the full itinerary please click on the link below<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1YCySpM59WRJ1RjRGgTCGB2/the-cheltenham-gold-cup-package-at-the-races">http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1YCySpM59WRJ1RjRGgTCGB2/the-cheltenham-gold-cup-package-at-the-races</a><br />
<br />
All good wishes,<br />
<br />
Chris<br />
<br />
Chris Bristow<br />
GWSR Finance DirectorGWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-81534752116211048312017-11-27T11:08:00.000+00:002017-11-27T11:08:23.132+00:00It's November so it must be santa timeAs is now becoming a "tradition", we held a special santa special for local charities this past Sunday. Chris Blake from the steam department did a great job in arranging a train full of people of all ages who wanted to see santa. This year we supported Acorns Hospice, Riding for the Disabled and Winston's Wish. Everyone had a great time and I would like to thank the organisers and all the volunteers who came along on the day to ensure everything ran smoothly.<br />
Those who were at Winchcombe will I am sure have been mightily impressed by the transformation of the brand new and bare Tim Mitchell building into the "elf centre". Led by John Appleton, there was a highly dedicated team of volunteers who worked ceaselessly to make this happen - and we shouldn't forget members of carriage and wagon and everything they did including of course the new "sleigh".<br />
Tickets for the santa specials which start next weekend are selling well with most days now sold out. With over 100 volunteers - and that is before you factor in those on operational duties each day - this is the biggest event of our year. <br />
Colin Fewell<br />
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GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-35672472481455616362017-11-23T09:32:00.000+00:002017-11-23T09:32:12.276+00:00A post from the Chairman
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I was ve<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>y honou<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ed and a little app<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ehensive
to be elected chai<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>man of GWSR Plc
last week. Fo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> those of you I don’t yet
know, I have been a wo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>king membe<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> on the <st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ailway
fo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> 35 yea<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>s
since 1982, and have been head of C&W fo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>
eighteen yea<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>s since 1999. In that
pe<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>iod, ou<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>
voluntee<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> <st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ailway
has g<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>own f<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>om
modest beginnings to the almost unimaginable size and complexity it is now.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">In little mo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>e than
seventeen sho<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>t weeks, it is going
to g<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ow even mo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>e as we open ou<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>
long anticipated extension to B<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>oadway.
A huge effo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>t is going on at the
moment to p<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>epa<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>e fo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>
that opening; both on site itself as the building wo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>k
p<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>og<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>esses,
and behind the scenes as all the nume<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ous
administ<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ative issues a<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>e dealt with. That so much has been achieved to
date, and that we <st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>emain on cou<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>se to open on time is to the g<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>eat c<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>edit
of eve<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>y single wo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>king voluntee<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>;
whicheve<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> depa<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>tment
you wo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>k in. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I am fully awa<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>e of all
the wo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>k that is unde<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>taken on a daily basis, both at nume<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ous sites on ou<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>
<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ailway and in countless homes as va<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ious depa<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>tments
wo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>k th<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ough
all that is necessa<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>y to keep the <st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ailway functioning. That so much has been able to
be achieved ove<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> the yea<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>s with vi<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>tually
all voluntee<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> labou<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> and suppo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>t
is t<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>uly amazing. Thank you all fo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> all you<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>
effo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ts to date.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">My job as chai<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>man is
to chai<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> and co-o<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>dinate the effo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ts
of you<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> di<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ecto<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>s, and all those engaged in wo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>king upon and continuing to build ou<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> <st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ailway.
I am dete<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>mined to ensu<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>e that we have an established vision fo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> the futu<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>e
which we can all ag<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ee with and wo<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>k towa<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>ds,
and that we delive<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> upon that
vision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">With you<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname> help, we
will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Richa<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>d G.Johnson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Chairman <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Glouceste<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>shi<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>e Wa<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>wickshi<st1:personname w:st="on">r</st1:personname>e
Steam Railway Plc</span>GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-47862492895783251012017-11-16T10:18:00.002+00:002017-11-16T10:18:24.117+00:00From the GWRT Chairman
The latest edition of our house magazine, The Cornishman, is
out today and GWRT members should receive their copy by early next week, apart
from our furthest-flung overseas members who may have to wait a little longer!
It's another cracking read so I hope that you will enjoy it. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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If you're not already a member, why not join GWRT? For your
subscription, you will receive the quarterly magazine and one voucher per year
for a day's free travel on GWR, excluding Santas, Special Events and Dining
trains. Go to the GWSR Home page, click on Supporting the Railway, Membership
and follow the links. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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A subscription also makes an ideal Christmas present for a
friend or family member; if you enter their details online but wish to give
them the membership pack yourself, e-mail me via the website with your name and
address so that I can send the membership pack to you. Alternatively, you can
print the form and send it to me at Toddington with your cheque and your
details.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Glyn Cornish<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Chairman, GWRT<o:p></o:p></div>
GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-3062344547420179022017-11-14T11:00:00.002+00:002017-11-14T11:00:22.942+00:00
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Broadway Station<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">At a Plc board meeting on Monday afternoon,
we discussed recent events and correspondence surrounding our earlier decision
to site a shop at Broadway. Having looked back through everything, it was
difficult to understand how that decision did not apparently reach those of the
Broadway group who are actually building the station, as it was clearly raised
and mentioned on a number of occasions at various planning meetings with
representatives of the Broadway team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">We also looked at the commercial
considerations surrounding the potential alternative uses of this part the
building, and felt clear that our original decision had been correct and remained
fully justifiable based upon the facts as we have them. That decision was based
in part on the potential unsuitability of this particular space for a café in
that it is quite small.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Having made those points, we are also aware
that we are dealing here not just with commercial reality, but also with
nostalgia and emotion. It is clear from many of the emails received in the last
week that many of our volunteers and supporters arriving at the station, would
welcome the opportunity for coffee and refreshments from a small café and were
expecting that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">We were encouraged by the fact that we have
been assured by a large number of the Broadway volunteers, that they feel that
there are sufficient numbers of them to be able to staff and resource a small
café on all operating days.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">With all that in mind we agreed to change our
original decision, and accept a café being sited at Broadway station, with the
following caveats. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Firstly, it would be necessary for the
Broadway volunteers to convince us that they had a viable business plan, and
that there were sufficient of them willing to staff it regularly to make it
work. Secondly, if it turned out not to be viable after a couple of years, we
would have to reserve the right to change the use of that particular space to a
different use. Finally of course, the café would be operated under the auspices
of our Railway Catering Services, and all new volunteers would need to be
suitably trained, and qualified in food handling techniques.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">We hope that this is a decision which will
be generally welcomed. There has been a large outpouring of emotion over the
last couple of weeks. Whilst we all welcome honest debate, some of the emails
which have been sent to us have been objectionable; some have been unacceptably
abusive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">We hope that on the basis of this decision,
we can all move forward together and accept and understand what it is we are
trying to achieve at Broadway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Richard Johnson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-9939887754911763822017-11-07T17:06:00.002+00:002017-11-07T17:06:53.800+00:00<h2>
<span style="color: orange;">Broadway update</span></h2>
<div>
Further to the posting to this blog yesterday, a number of different and sometimes conflicting issues have been raised by various parties.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I can advise you that all the issues will be considered at the next Plc board meeting on Monday 13th November.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
In view of the current position with the building works at Broadway, there is ample time to consider matters calmly, and reach a considered view.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As soon as there is something further to report, one of the directors will do so. Until we have had an opportunity to meet together and discuss things, it would be impractical for any one of us to comment further.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Richard Johnson</div>
<div>
Company Secretary</div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></div>
GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-36978906217880259992017-11-06T09:46:00.000+00:002017-11-06T09:46:10.356+00:00<span style="color: orange;">Broadway Station</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span>
There appears to be a lot of interest in a comment made on one of our blogs recently, about the proposed facilities at Broadway Station.<br />
<br />
More than two years ago, the board agreed that the retail space there would be more advantageously used as a shop, rather than a cafe. There has been no sudden change of plan as has been erroneously reported. All that happened was that a couple of weeks ago, a meeting was held at the station to determine the final positioning of electrical sockets, lights and radiators before the rooms were plastered.<br />
<br />
The reasons for the decision more than two years ago, are as valid now as they were then. We want to increase the size of our retail estate, as both the shops at Toddington and Cheltenham are too small. We see great potential for expanding our retail sales, and overall retail profitability. Having a busy and vibrant shop at Broadway, will be a very good attraction for all our future customers there.<br />
<br />
There has been some negative comment about the proposed installation of a coffee machine. That was seen as being potentially beneficial, as at Cheltenham. It was not expected to be in any way controversial, but can always be reconsidered if it is seen as unnecessary.<br />
<br />
We already have catering outlets at Toddington with the Flag & Whistle Cafe, and at Winchcombe with the Coffee Pot Cafe. We also have catering facilities on all our trains, and next year plan to include catering on the DMU. Plans for that have already been drawn up. With the growth in this aspect of our business this year, and anticipated further growth next year we believe that all passengers will be fully provided for.<br />
<br />
It is a part of our business strategy for next year that we want our passengers to spend time with us, and not just travel from Broadway to Cheltenham and back. We want them to get of and sample the Flag & Whistle, or the Coffee Pot. That is one of the reasons why the new timetable has been structured as it has.<br />
<br />
With the potential growth in all aspects of our Railway Catering Services, we shall need up to ten volunteer members of staff on each red timetabled day next year. Were we to build a cafe at Broadway, it would not only further increase the number of volunteer staff required on each operating day, but would have the potential to detrimentally dilute our overall catering services. We want people to arrive at Broadway station, join the train and sample either our on-board catering, or one of the other cafe's on our railway.<br />
<br />
I hope that that clarifies any misunderstanding which may have been caused by the various recent blog postings, and why we made the decisions we did when we did.<br />
<br />
Richard Johnson<br />
Director & Company Secretary<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span>GWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664522680593538227.post-7204009503317618592017-11-05T12:09:00.000+00:002017-11-05T12:09:00.784+00:00Passenger numbers at the end of OctoberWith the main season now having come to an end it is worth having a look at passenger numbers so far this year. The picture is very encouraging. You will remember we had a 13% increase in 2016 and I said at the beginning of this year I thought that with Broadway on the horizon, people would be holding back from travelling with us this year. Well, that hasn't happened. Overall we are about 3% up on last year. What is particularly interesting is that it is our "normal days" that have seen the increase whereas, apart from our Wartime weekend, our special events have levelled off - the weather having played a major role here. During October we had several record days with trains very full - something new for us and something we may well have to manage carefully in the future.<br />
<br />
Santa bookings are pouring in at a faster rate than ever before - some trains are already fully booked - so it looks as though final numbers at the end of the year will exceed 2016. This is of course provided winter doesn't provide any nasty surprises.<br />
<br />
Finally, you will be interested to know that within a day of putting the sale of tickets on line for the Easter Broadway opening next year, we started to sell tickets. It looks like a busy year ahead!<br />
<br />
Colin FewellGWR Board Room Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14103985393107188480noreply@blogger.com0