TYNEDALESMAN
MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY
NUMBER 153 SPRING 2008COMMERCIAL NEWS
Commercial News
by Ivan WardThe 2008 season got off to a very wet and cold start, which has reflected badly on our passenger numbers.
With Easter being so early this year, it became quite a rush to get the buffet coach and shop back together again after alterations and painting. All our coaching stock was cleaned and serviced and was ready to roll on Good Friday.
The Easter Egg Hunt, as an event, was successful but the low number of passengers was a disappointment. It is a long time since a special event has not financially produced a surplus or broken even. Let us hope that by 5/6 July (Teddy Bears’ Picnic) the weather will be kinder.
On the catering front, the buffet coach has operated for 30 days out of a possible 38 days (up to 31st May 2008). Thank you to the stalwart band of volunteers who have made this possible.
The painting of the booking office/shop was an opportunity to give the premises a good clean and get rid of unnecessary clutter. It certainly looks better for it. Once again, the range of gifts has been extended and, in spite of poor passenger numbers, sales have been reasonably steady. The staffing of the booking office/shop has not been a problem up to now. John Wilks is back with us after his spell at the Darlington Railway Museum, Ann Richardson has joined us again for another season, and we welcome a newcomer to the team - Hannah Kay.
I will end with my regular appeal for help at the Special Events. There is nothing complicated or difficult and the reward is seeing the happy smiling faces of our customers! If this does not appeal to you, there are plenty of other tasks which are not strenuous but someone has to do them. Contact the volunteer liaison officer, Mike Ryan.
Ivan Ward
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For more information about the South Tynedale Railway, please contact:-
THE SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY,
Registered Office Address:-
The Railway Station, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3JB.
Telephone 01434 381696.
Talking timetable - Telephone 01434 382828.
Registered Charity No. 514939.
Limited by Guarantee: Company Registration No. 1850832 (England).E-mail enquiries - please click on links below:
South Tynedale Railway information - Send e-mail to South Tynedale Railway
STRPS membership information only - Send e-mail to Kathy Aveyard
Tynedalesman information only - Send e-mail to Tynedalesman compilersMission Statement for the South Tynedale Railway:-
�To provide satisfaction for our customers and volunteers
by operating a friendly, safe and efficient narrow-gauge railway.�
© South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society, June 2008.