Council Report - 5 March 2005

The March meeting was notable for being the first at which an observer - only one - was present. We agreed to give the current arrangement a twelve month trial - if any member wishes to observe a meeting please get in touch with John Robinson by post by the Wednesday of the fifth week before the meeting concerned, ie by Wednesday 27 April if you wish to apply to observe the meeting on 4 June. Five places are available.

Final results for the 2004 season were passenger bookings down by 3.63% to 50,323 (92,670 journeys), but expected traffic revenue up by 0.4% to £280,920, public catering takings down by 1.8% (but volunteer catering takings increased by 7.7%) and shop takings down by 10%. Traffic at Christmas/New Year was up overall but Santa Special business was down and a working group will be looking at how to revitalise this event. Although passenger bookings in February were down to 601 from 663 in 2004, revenue was up. Whilst we have gone into the red this winter, the shortfall has been covered by short term loans from members, which may be required again next winter. Progress is being made with computerising the accounting system, starting with the payroll next month.

The membership travel survey will continue for this year, so please ensure you have a current membership card with you and that you have signed it before travelling.

Insurance premiums continue to rise and are now not far short of £22K a year. Whilst the latest increase is largely attributable to the cost of insuring the new Wharf building, it remains essential that we operate as safely as we can to minimise the possibility of having to claim and a possible subsequent rise in premiums.

The revised railway safety regime is now expected to come into force around June this year. Major Poyntz in his presentation to the HRA AGM referred to a derailment of empty stock at Pendre last season.

A working group has been set up to plan the formal opening of the new Wharf - as yet no date or other details are known (although the new cafe came into use on 4 March and the large exhibits are being moved into the Museum as I write this). Subject to the News Editor's agreement, a booklet to commemorate the redevelopment should appear with the June issue and be available for the formal opening. Given that we operated last year with a ban on parking at Wharf, it was suggested that this should become permanent so that the view, especially from the new Museum balcony, would not be spoilt by inappropriate motor vehicles. Various concerns were raised and the issue was referred to the Stations & Lineside Committee. A proposal from this committee that the red phone box which used to be at Wharf should not be sold was rejected (any offers?).

Whilst on stations, Council agreed that commercial advertising should not be permitted and asked the Stations & Lineside Committee to look at a suggestion that Abergynolwyn playground should be updated and a proposal by T-Mobile to erect a 10 metre high mast (disguised to look like a telegraph pole!) at the bottom of Abergynolwyn drive - unfortunately not on our land.. Approval was also given to investigating the feasibility of a plant/stock storage shed at Quarry Siding to make more space available at Pendre especially during the winter.

Murray Dods has stood down as Chairman of the Society & Membership Committee because of an imminent move to north Devon. Jane Garvey was elected as his successor.

Finally a proposal to increase subscription rates will be put before the AGM - details in the September News.

Philip Sayers
9 March 2005