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TYNEDALESMAN

MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY
NUMBER 154�������������SUMMER 2008

COMMERCIAL NEWS AND “ANNO DOMINI” ARTICLES PAGE

Commercial News
by Ivan Ward

After a slow start to the season, we all hoped that, come the warm summer months, things would pick up. Regrettably it was not to be: passenger numbers have remained about 20% down on last year, possibly due to the high petrol prices and the weather.

However, we must not be downhearted: Teddy Bears’ Picnic, like the Easter Egg Hunt was successful with slightly less passengers than last year � but again the weather was against us.

The buffet coach has, since the start of the season on Good Friday, 21st March 2008, been operated for 56 days out of a possible 81 days (up to 3rd August), which is a magnificent achievement for the small band of volunteers. The best news is that, in spite of less passengers, buffet sales are up by 6%. Unfortunately this cannot be said for shop sales, which are down in line with passenger numbers, though the spend per passenger is the same as last year.

Our 25th Anniversary on Wednesday, 30th July, was a great success. Some 80 guests and members enjoyed a pleasant ride to Kirkhaugh, followed by an excellent buffet at Alston House Hotel where our patron, Lord Inglewood, cut the birthday cake. This event was followed on Saturday and Sunday by the Anniversary Gala Weekend which was very successful. Seven trains were run each day and the “Behind the Scenes” tours were well patronised. Well done to everybody who organised the Gala Weekend.

(At the time of writing this article.) Before we know it, our Halloween weekend will be upon us, followed closely by the Santa Specials. In the next few weeks I shall be starting to unpack the Halloween boxes and to open up the Grotto, so be warned you regular volunteers, if you venture into the carriage works that I might find you a job to do. The buying of Santa’s presents began in January 2008 and has continued throughout the year; hopefully this aspect of the event will be finished by the end of September 2008.

So finally, if you have a spare day or two and would like to help then please get in touch.

Anno Domini
by Ivan Ward

I have been Head of the Commercial Department for more years than I care to remember, but nobody can go on for ever. Next January, I will be 74 and I am getting arthritic, wheezing like a worn out steam locomotive and a bit forgetful, so I require a successor.

The Council of Management have asked me to put down on paper what is involved as Head of Commercial Department, so the following is a brief list of the department’s responsibilities (though not including every little detail).

  1. Railway Shop.
  2. Catering.
  3. Booking Office.
  4. Publicity.
  5. Timetable and information leaflet, etc.
  6. Public Relations.
  7. Employment.
  8. Insurance.
  9. Special Events.
  10. Liaison with tourist bodies and similar organisations.
  11. Christmas Raffle.
  12. Department Budget.
  13. Visitor Guides � advertising.
  14. Taking Timetable.

The Commercial Department generates the bulk of the income for the Society. Failure to find a person or persons to undertake the above activities could be very damaging.

It is imperative that a suitable replacement is in place as soon as possible, so that a smooth hand-over can be achieved. The next critical item is the timetable and information leaflet, which must be planned and then agreed by the Council of Management by the end of September 2008.

For more information, see Ivan Ward at Alston most weekends or contact him.

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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 compilers

Mission 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, September 2008.

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