West Somerset Railway Association

Supporting the Heritage of the West Somerset Railway for 50 years

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WSRA Trustee meeting report 9 November 2021

The WSRA Trustees met on Tuesday 9th November at Bishops Lydeard Station.  Amongst the items discussed were:      

  • Minutes of the Previous meeting – on 12th October were approved and are available for members to view in the members section of this website.
  • Bristol & Exter Station Signs – It was agreed to place the order for the five signs to be cast with the foundry.  Trustees acknowledged that further fundraising may be necessary to cover transport and erection costs, but agreed to place the order for the signs now.
  • Covered Accommodation – Trustees were given an update on the progress of this group by GG who attends it for the WSRA.  It was felt that the priority for the WSRA must remain securing covered storage for the charity’s assets, expecially the Hawksworth saloon and the Quantock Belle set.
  • Rolling stock Agreements – It was reported that talks between WSRA and WSR PLC are progressing, although some details still remain to be ironed out.
  • Working with WSR PLC – Trustees were pleased to note that a meeting is planned for the Directors, Trustees and GMs of the PLC, WSRA and WSRHT on Wednesday 15th December.  Trustees hope that this will be successful and become a regular feature of railway management.
  • Membership Fees – Each year at this time a board decision is made regarding membership fees for the coming year.  Trustees noted that the current fees have been in place for 4 years and that costs have increased considerably during that time.  An increase in fees was therefore authorised from January 2022.  Trustees also agreed to extend the FREE offer for working volunteers until 31st December 2021.
  • Health & Safetly Lead – Trustees were pleased to appoint John Leach as WSRA H&S lead and board advisor.  John already fulfils this role for the Steam Rally.
  • PEG and Environment – The WSRA board was pleased to endorse the objectives of this group, which works across organisations on the railway.
  • Grant Applications – Trustees agreed to fund 7 new wagon plates for the wagon group, subject to confirmation of the ownership of the vehicles.