It has been over a month since my last Blog.
Since then I've had 3 Board meetings, an AGM for CSRE, Robertsbridge 2020 Ltd and of course, the main event, the K&ESR AGM at Northiam. This was my first, and I don't mind admitting I was a little nervous!
But all of the nerves disappeared as soon as I stood up to speak, and an hour and a bit later it was all over.
As I write, only another 359 days to go to the next one, assuming that I am elected Chairman again in November.
The main running season finished with the last Thomas event and passenger numbers were down on last year. That was a little disappointing as evreyone had worked hard to make it a success.
The Thomas brand is an important revenue stream for us, and we need to look at ways of improving our offer, or find something which will give the same net profit. The latter is a difficult one!
The Hoppers event was brilliant and I spent the Saturday at Bodiam. The attention to detail was noticable and the atmoshere was great. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and it was a finacial success too. The best of both worlds!
I spent a Friday with the T.A. Rail troop on Popes Straight where we replaced a number of rails which had bent rail ends. They were a great bunch of blokes and they quickly got the hang of what was required.
Elsewhere they helped the 4253 Group, cleared Tenterden head-shunt of a lot of scrap - and cut it up too.
The G.W. Railcar group were given a hand and the engines were removed and steam cleaned.
The Railway has benefited from a number of bequests this year - to the tune of circa £240,000. If you read it slowly you will understand just how far this will go to repay the Bodiam Bonds, due for repayment from June 2013 onwards. All future bequests will enable us to make much needed improvements to our infrastructure, perhaps even new Volunteers accomodation!!
Thanks to those who remembered us.
