Council Report - 4 June 2005

We had double the number of observers at the June Council meeting, two instead of the one in March. 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 July if you wish to apply to observe the meeting on 3 September. Five places are available.

Passenger bookings from the start of season are up by 2.2% (public +2.9%, members -1.0%), helped by a good Spring Bank Holiday week, but expected traffic revenue is up by 14%, for which we have no clear explanation considering that fares have not been increased.

The new Wharf has made a good start with shop takings up by 10% (8.9% after allowing for a reduction in sales at Abergynolwyn), a result which might make some well known high street chains feel envious. However, concern was expressed that the shop closed before the two last trains in Spring Bank Holiday week. Whilst experience has show that passengers on last trains generally want to go straight home and it is not worth paying staff to stay open, we might be able to do so if we had sufficient volunteers - from personal experience I can assure you the shop can be enjoyable! Wharf public catering sales have increased by 72% and Abergynolwyn sales by 8.9%. Our thanks are due to all those who have helped to achieve these results. However, volunteer sales are down by 12% and Council set up a working group to address the issue of volunteer discounts. The TR Company Board has also devised firm proposals to improve catering staffing arrangements.

Other Wharf issues discussed were the need for signs indicating that CCTV cameras were in operation and to encourage cafe patrons to use the doors onto the platform rather than carry drinks etc through the shop - at present many think they are purely fire exits - and a case in which the Young Members Group, Area Groups etc can display notices where they can be seen by the public. A Wharf opening event for members was agreed for AGM weekend.

Inviting members who are UK tax payers to make gift-aided donations when renewing subscriptions has proved well worthwhile - please remember this when renewing your subscription for 2006.

The revised railway safety regime is not now expected to come into force until October this year due a drafting error in the legislation. The annual health and safety audit will take place in September but we were reminded that H&S is an ongoing issue and we all need to be careful how we carry out our duties and jobs and where we leave tools, piles of materials and arisings, etc.

Council discussed possible mechanisms for deciding on locomotive liveries and a range of possibilities will be put before the AGM for members to vote on by ballot.

Bryncrug Community Council have asked for bilingual signs at Dolgoch Falls Station - these will have to await their turn in the list of priorities - and for a contribution towards new honesty boxes for visitors to contribute towards the upkeep of the ravine. It was thought that it might be more appropriate if we offered to repair the path from the hotel to the station instead.

Policy on fares for disabled passengers were discussed at a recent Heritage Railway Association meeting and it appears that some railways, instead of giving a discount as the TR does, charge full fare but allow any carer to travel free. The Traffic Manager will be making recommendations in his submission on 2006 fares to the Finance & General Purposes Committee.

Our twin in Australia, the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Council agreed to present a replica nameplate and other items to be mounted on a plaque in Australia (quite apart from transport difficulties, the import of wood into Australia is not allowed, presumably to prevent the infestation of trees from which our future supply of sleepers will come).

Finally, the Society & Membership Committee reminded Council that we have not had a Society Publicity Officer for some time and we urgently need to fill this important post. Any volunteers, please?

Philip Sayers
11 June 2005