At last evening's Board the Commercial Director reported on the need to improve facilities at Winchcombe Station in the light of the increasing off train use of the station
He illustrated school based activities which have increased from 8 school visits in 2010 to 47 this year. With so many children, the limited W toilet facilities present a significant problem as they do for Beer festivals, Thomas etc
We also discussed the desirability of an information centre and more permanent cover for activity on platform 2
The Board has decided, subject to consultation and involvement of all relevant parties, to draw up two schemes:
The first to extend or build separate additional toilets on Platform 1
The second to broadly double the size of the Platform 2 waiting room
A project and design group is to be chaired by Alan Bielby Projects Director and an early task will be to talk to planners
On finance once viability and cost has been established, the idea is to approach GWRT for a grant from the Tim Mitchell legacy
MT
Saturday, 31 August 2013
Friday, 30 August 2013
Another major step
I am delighted to report that Alan Bielby was able to advise the Plc Board this evening that planning consent has now been received for Broadway Station
The actual consent is to construct three Broadway railway station buildings to replace the original ones demolished by British Railways
There are 8 conditions none of which are a major challenge but we do have to submit full details of soft landscaping works before building can commence.
We will also of course have to square with Building Regulations but this is a major step.
Its now down to the Development Foundation to find the money
My personal congratulations to Alan, Bill Britton and the BAG members for their inspiration, effort and patience
MT
The actual consent is to construct three Broadway railway station buildings to replace the original ones demolished by British Railways
There are 8 conditions none of which are a major challenge but we do have to submit full details of soft landscaping works before building can commence.
We will also of course have to square with Building Regulations but this is a major step.
Its now down to the Development Foundation to find the money
My personal congratulations to Alan, Bill Britton and the BAG members for their inspiration, effort and patience
MT
Elegant Excursions - Some Facts
I understand that there is gossip as to the future of this dining train on the GWR
Perhaps some facts will help since there is no plan to remove EE from the Railway
The present agreement with EE expires on 31st March 2014
The Plc Board has discussed this and instructed that there should be negotiations for a renewal from 1 April 2014
A first meeting was held with an EE representative this week when revised draft terms were tabled
In addition practical issues were discussed including potential time table paths in 2014, appearance and safety
Why don't people ask instead of tittle tattling?
MT
Perhaps some facts will help since there is no plan to remove EE from the Railway
The present agreement with EE expires on 31st March 2014
The Plc Board has discussed this and instructed that there should be negotiations for a renewal from 1 April 2014
A first meeting was held with an EE representative this week when revised draft terms were tabled
In addition practical issues were discussed including potential time table paths in 2014, appearance and safety
Why don't people ask instead of tittle tattling?
MT
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Numbers
For those interested in numbers we carried 555 visitors last Saturday, 620 Sunday and 503 bank holiday Monday. Last year was 429, 446, 292 respectively. In 2009, our previous best year, numbers were 603, 560, 618. So not our best bank holiday weekend ever but very nearly!
However over the 7 day period ending with the Monday we had 2777 visitors this year as against 2329 in 2009. Our midweek trains are now busier than at weekends.
One other point I find interesting is that in each of the past 5 years the numbers of visitors tailed off immediately after the bank holiday Monday - presumably everyone going home and getting ready for school!
The Friday evening rail cruises continue to attract a good number - 84 two weeks ago and 78 last Friday. One more to go.
Colin Fewell
However over the 7 day period ending with the Monday we had 2777 visitors this year as against 2329 in 2009. Our midweek trains are now busier than at weekends.
One other point I find interesting is that in each of the past 5 years the numbers of visitors tailed off immediately after the bank holiday Monday - presumably everyone going home and getting ready for school!
The Friday evening rail cruises continue to attract a good number - 84 two weeks ago and 78 last Friday. One more to go.
Colin Fewell
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
Name rank and number
Having had to delete two comments today, may I remind that you need to give your name when posting - and not just Bill. Bill who?
M
M
TCB
Nothing major to announce at present
Met with the Co Sec yesterday to discuss the Board meeting on Friday evening and several legal issues that are on going. These might hint where we met:
Other things
Whilst at CRC I noted that the fencing of the GWR parking area kindly undertaken by the Racecourse is now complete. We are now looking at ways of encouraging more efficient parking
The Bank Holiday was tremendous for ticket sales with the Friday to Tuesday period producing £22,639. 2013 is now the most successful season ever in financial terms. This has really stabilised the Railway's future
The new Bridges to Broadway Share Offer document has now completed its compliance audit and will go to Board for final adoption on Friday. Launch will be on 30th September with a press etc ceremony on Evesham Road Bridge at Broadway
In preparation for the associated new share records required our new CRM data base software (financed by a Big Lottery Grant) is being customised. In addition all present share holding data is being uploaded so that future administration of shares will be much simplified and data more readily accessed
OTC will be acquiring a commercial dish washer for installation at Winchcombe. This should ease the end of day burden
There has been 12 requests for the info pack re the Flag & Whistle franchise. Closing date for bids is 30th September
Elsewhere there is a question as to how the Development Foundation is doing. This is always difficult to quantify since it is a moving feast. This is a taste and its not always easy to say what might have happened without the Foundation. Money comes to the Plc and GWRT as appropriate. We have 5 year giving covenants of £24,775, Appeal Board and Patrons have donated £29,000, Members £10,000, Grants £26,968 and Legacies of £516,260. That should indicate why I am so excited at the concept and what is being achieved. In addition Chris Bristow and Maxine Barton-Hawkins have done all the preparation work for the new share offer. The document is stunning and I think will become a railway collectors item
GWR has agreed to a 10 day extension to the Broadway planning application deadline. This is to enable the District Council to complete its consultations delayed because of the holiday period
MT
Met with the Co Sec yesterday to discuss the Board meeting on Friday evening and several legal issues that are on going. These might hint where we met:
Other things
Whilst at CRC I noted that the fencing of the GWR parking area kindly undertaken by the Racecourse is now complete. We are now looking at ways of encouraging more efficient parking
The Bank Holiday was tremendous for ticket sales with the Friday to Tuesday period producing £22,639. 2013 is now the most successful season ever in financial terms. This has really stabilised the Railway's future
The new Bridges to Broadway Share Offer document has now completed its compliance audit and will go to Board for final adoption on Friday. Launch will be on 30th September with a press etc ceremony on Evesham Road Bridge at Broadway
In preparation for the associated new share records required our new CRM data base software (financed by a Big Lottery Grant) is being customised. In addition all present share holding data is being uploaded so that future administration of shares will be much simplified and data more readily accessed
OTC will be acquiring a commercial dish washer for installation at Winchcombe. This should ease the end of day burden
There has been 12 requests for the info pack re the Flag & Whistle franchise. Closing date for bids is 30th September
Elsewhere there is a question as to how the Development Foundation is doing. This is always difficult to quantify since it is a moving feast. This is a taste and its not always easy to say what might have happened without the Foundation. Money comes to the Plc and GWRT as appropriate. We have 5 year giving covenants of £24,775, Appeal Board and Patrons have donated £29,000, Members £10,000, Grants £26,968 and Legacies of £516,260. That should indicate why I am so excited at the concept and what is being achieved. In addition Chris Bristow and Maxine Barton-Hawkins have done all the preparation work for the new share offer. The document is stunning and I think will become a railway collectors item
GWR has agreed to a 10 day extension to the Broadway planning application deadline. This is to enable the District Council to complete its consultations delayed because of the holiday period
MT
Tuesday, 27 August 2013
Thomas
Bookings are looking good which raises the usual issue of a need for far more support from volunteers to help over the weekend of September 21st and 22nd. We are VERY low on support at the moment. I know Thomas isn't everyone's favourite, but we can't just rely on the usual band of supporters. We need far more! In a year when we need to replenish our financial reserves, it is a good moneyspinner. We exceeded budgeted income in June and hopefully this will be repeated in September. Please, any help you can give - even if it is just for a few hours, would be gratefully appreciated. Please contact Mike Parsons at parsonsm@hotmail.co.uk. Many thanks
Colin Fewell
Colin Fewell
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