| | The Council of Management acts as the decision making body of the Swanage Railway Trust. Members - who are legally Directors - are elected annually at the AGM and serve a two year term. Half the Council must be elected each year which can occasionally mean that one person only serves a one year term dependant on resignations and co-options.
The Council has the ability to co-opt up to four members who generally either replace members who have resigned or provide specialist knowledge. Co-opted members have to stand for re-election at the next AGM.
|  | Steve Doughty - Chairman | | The Chairman is appointed by and from the members of the Council of Management. There is no fixed term and the CoM can appoint a new Chairman at any time. The Chairman is also a Director of the Swanage Railway Company. 2008 Election Address: I've been part of the management of the Swanage Railway for over 15 years, during which time we have achieved many things. However, I'm concerned that the Council spends little of it's time on its primary charitable duties such as fundraising and addressing the capital needs of the railway and too much time discussing operational issues that are the responsibility of others. many of our assets are worn out and without focus on raising money for renewals there is a real risk of our railway grinding to a halt. The Council's management workload is also not well balanced, with too few members taking an active role in the business of the Trust itself. I would therefore like to see more emphasis on targets and members of the Council accepting that election requires a commitment to a leadership role for delivery of Trust goals and a willingness to be held accountable for results. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: | | Liz Sellen - Deputy Chairman |  | The Deputy Chairman is appointed by and from the members of the Council of Management. There is no fixed term and the CoM can appoint a new Deputy Chairman at any time. 2009 Election Address: Almost 20 years a volunteer in addition to maintaining Trust membership records, I volunteer at special events and the Wessex Belle. I am an active member of the CoM’s Members & Volunteers and Fundraising & Appeals Groups covering areas including volunteer recruitment, retention and facilities, funding and sponsorship including our annual draw and I support and work with our Sygnets Youth Group - the Railway’s future. Past months has seen great strides towards Trust objectives. I feel honoured to have participated in these. It has also seen us facing unprecedented challenges in other areas as the world experiences recession and all that entails. I remain committed to a Trust based organisation, to working with others on ensuring we raise funds for our capital needs and to giving encouragement and support to all staff and volunteers as without them we would not have our railway. Term ends: 2011 Around the Railway: Membership Office, Santa Specials. Liz Sellen is also a Director of the Swanage Railway Company. |  | Andrew Moore - Treasurer | | 2009 Election Address: Having served on the Council of Management as the Trust’s Treasurer for the past seven years, I seek the continued support of members at the forthcoming election. I have been active in railway preservation for the past twenty five years and I believe I have used my experience to the advantage of the Swanage Railway in developing a quality system of financial management. I am also the Finance Director of the Company and I believe this joint role helps ensure the Trust and Company’s finances remain aligned with our overall strategic objectives. I am also a volunteer train manager on the Wessex Belle. The Railway is dependent for success on the tremendous commitment of volunteers and the generosity of its many supporters. This is a members’ railway and we must continue to strive to make it a place where volunteers will wish to come and participate. Term ends: 2011 Around the Railway: Wessex Belle, Finance Office. Andrew Moore is also Financial Director of the Swanage Railway Company. |  | Mark Woolley - Secretary | 2009 Election Address: Member of the Railway for over 25 years and current Trust Secretary. I feel that my knowledge and experience will be hugely beneficial as the Trust looks towards fulfilling its ultimate objective of regular trains between Swanage and Wareham. I have always been a strong advocate of the principle of a membership controlled railway and will work tirelessly to ensure that this is upheld. In addition to continuing fundraising activities, I am committed to pursuing the following objectives in the immediate future:- Improving communication across the Railway with the members and working volunteers in particular
- Encouraging the principles of trust and mutual respect across both the SRT CoM and SRC Board
- Encouraging the continuation of a sustainable restoration programme of our valuable Bulleid and Maunsell heritage rolling stock.
Thank you for your generous support in the past – I look forward to continuing to serve you in the future. Term ends: 2011 Around the Railway: | | | Steve Barker | | 2008 Election Address: I have been an active working volunteer with different departments since early 1981. I have worked through the footplate grades and passed out as a driver in 1992. I have recently been heavily involved in organising, and being the Responsible Officer in charge of our successful Beer / Diesel weekends and last years '40 Years of end of Southern Steam' gala. My day job is as a fleet manager with SouthWest Trains in the control room at Waterloo ensuring that each day's service runs smoothly. I am standing for election because I believe with my operational expertise, both professionally and with the Swanage Railway Project, I will add greatly to the skills profile of our Council thus stimulating a greater range of ideas and debate. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: Operations Department |  | David Budd | | 2009 Election Address: Joined the Railway project around 1972 and became a PLM in 1988. As a local councillor in Wareham campaigned for the reinstatement of the railway, both inside and outside the council chamber. The County Council’s observer on the Council of Management from 1997 to 2002, co-opted to the CoM during 2003, elected at the 2003 AGM and re-elected in 2005 and 2007. Regularly attends and contributes to CoM meetings, including CoM Members and Volunteers Group. Volunteers as time allows, including barman on the Wessex Bell dining train when the Train Manager is desperate! The Railway must continue to spend wisely so that there is money in the bank to see it through the winter period without the need for expensive bank borrowings. Supports the aim of reinstating a year-round service between Swanage and Wareham, whilst maintaining the viability, heritage character and atmosphere of the Swanage Railway. Term ends: 2011 Around the Railway: |  | Doug Chick | | 2008 Election Address: A member of the Council of Management for the last 12 years and an active volunteer of over 25 years. I can be found most Saturdays at Swanage, working in the Carriage and Wagon department. Much has been achieved by you, the volunteer members, in building our heritage line and this must be protected at all times. This is why I am fully committed in ensuring the railway remains in control of its members by the democratic process of one member one vote. Finances as ever, remain challenging, so we must continue to live within our means. I am happy to discuss differing issues with members and, if appropriate, take those views forward to be aired at Council of Management meetings. Your past support, as always, has been greatly appreciated and I hope you can support my nomination to represent you again. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: Carriage & Wagon |  | Graham Cope | | 2009 Election Address: As a member of the CoM, I have worked for the Swanage Railway's objectives, volunteering most weekends as a guard or signalman. I assist with timetabling and am minute taker for the Railway Company. I firmly support the principle of our railway remaining within the control of the Trust membership through elected representatives and work closely with the Chairman as his deputy to retain this. We have recently risen to several big challenges, enhancing our position with those running the main line. We have bigger challenges ahead, to ensure that our core values as a volunteer run heritage railway are not compromised and that strong financial management processes lead us through these difficult times. Volunteers and visitors keep the Railway project alive. Their views need to be heard and I will do all I can to represent you, the members, on the Trust Council to the best of my ability. Term ends: 2011 Around the Railway: Guard and Signalman | | | Linda Moore | | 2008 Election Address: I have lived in Swanage for the past five years and have become increasingly active as a volunteer on the Railway. For the past eighteen months I have participated in the management and operation of the Wessex Belle which has included actually working on the train, co-ordinating staff and planning future activity. The Swanage Railway is something to be proud of and I am anxious to ensure that future opportunities are grasped and I consider that being local and frequently on the Railway I can help ensure this happens. By seeking election to the Council of Management I believe I will bring a female perspective to the Council and I hope to bring forward new ideas. I firmly believe that this is a member's railway and that we must continue to strive to make it a place where volunteers will wish to come and participate. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: Wessex Belle |  | Clive Morris | | 2009 Election Address: I am privileged to serve the Swanage Railway as a very active volunteer and CoM member. During my time on the CoM we have seen great advances in achieving our objectives, particularly towards a full main-line connection. I will continue to use my experience to help the management team make the best operating and strategic decisions by detailed analysis of our financial information. Particularly during these times of economic uncertainty it is essential we continue to improve our financial management and systems to guarantee future financial strength. As your elected representative I will continue to support the principle of Trust members retaining control of our railway, for which so many have worked long and hard. Through your support, the views of volunteers and members will continue to be advanced to Company and Trust. I will strive to protect our future by promoting a balance between heritage and transport objectives. Term ends: 2011 Around the Railway: Signalling and Stations |  | Frank Roberts | | 2009 Election Address: Having joined the Railway in 1983, I led Telecom installations for 22 years and established the strong ‘Army Link’ between the Railway, Town and the British Army. In tandem with a full military career, I served on the CoM and also the Company Board immediately following the 1991 financial crisis and then again form 1999. I am passionate about the role of the volunteer. In 1984, I fitted out the first sleeping carriage, almost single-handed and by 1987 created Induction Days for prospective volunteers. I accept the need for core paid staff but will strongly support initiatives to underpin voluntary contributions, especially in management functions. Over recent years, I have financially supported a number of projects, including disabled access for Herston Halt (2004) and this year its new platform. I manage twelve stations on the national network and recently gained a BSc degree in Railway Operational Management. Term ends: 2011 Around the Railway: Telecoms, Herston Halt |  | Peter Sills | | 2008 Election Address: During the past five years I have endeavoured to bring to the Swanage Railway a mixture of my business experience and enthusiasm for the 'Southern', by profession I am a businessman with a background in corporate communications and publishing. I am currently a Swanage Railway Trust and Company director. I also sit on the Financial Review Committee, Marketing Committee, Funds and Appeals Committee and Chairman of the Purbeck Mineral and Mining Group. I am totally committed to the future of our heritage railway. The current challenges that face our railway in this current harsh economic climate are numerous - but they need to be faced up to and overcome. We also need to continue to work towards the goals of reconnection with Wareham, regular through workings and a 'centre of excellence' for all matters 'Southern'. If re-elected I will continue to work towards these targets. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: Signalman, Mineral & Mining Museum. Peter Sills is also Chairman of the Swanage Railway Company. |  | Mike Stollery | | 2008 Election Address: Despite its success, the Railway faces many new challenges especially financially and commercially. Whilst these are the immediate responsibility of the hard-pressed directors of the Railway Company, it is the duty of the CoM members to give them every support and encouragement to meet them, which if re-elected, I will continue to do. The fundamental aims of the Railway Project, of which I have been part since its inception, must be safeguarded. However, capital is urgently needed to fund the Railway's developments, to improve working conditions for volunteers and staff and to enable standards to be maintained and improved. Therefore, I am actively involved with fundraising and in planning and negotiations with outside bodies to develop the Railway's future depot facilities and covered accommodation for our heritage stock. I believe I can best carry out these responsibilities as a CoM member and I therefore seek your support once more. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: Draw ticket selling, Carriage & Wagon |  | Bill Trite | | 2008 Election Address: Having recently stepped down after 17 as Chairman, I ask for your continues support to serve on the Trust council where I believe my understanding and experience are relevant and where I would like to concentrate on the essential task of fundraising. The underlying principles in which I have always believed and which have sustained us are, I think, just as important for the future: an organisation democratic at its roots; a Trust-based Railway governed by and through its Members; fair play and transparency in our procedures; respect for individual effort and commitment; faith in our volunteers and supporters. The future will be no less difficult - probably more so, since so much relating to the Wareham link is not in our hands and the cost of maintaining a safe, functioning railway is spiralling. Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: |  | Andy Vincent | | 2008 Election Address: I am an active Carriage & Wagon volunteer and have been on the Council of Management for five years. I also work with the fundraising, marketing and heritage assets groups. I believe we must: - remain a volunteer based and membership controlled organisation
- do more to support the volunteers we rely on to continue our success and attract new volunteers to continue that success
- consult with and more clearly communicate our plans and aspirations to members and volunteers alike
- retain the ambience of a seaside branch whilst building our heritage to ensure that we are seen as more than a train ride
- become more focussed on fundraising and especially in grant funding
- build our financial strength to give us the resources to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead
Term ends: 2010 Around the Railway: Carriage & Wagon |  | Mike Whitwam | | 2009 Election Address: I am honoured to be your Chairman and a part of the giant leap forward the railway has taken this year with our first passenger trains from London. These were momentous occasions. We must, however, ensure that our core values as a volunteer railway are in no way compromised. In particular, we must ensure that our financial management systems are sufficiently robust to weather the challenges that lay ahead, both in the national economy and future development of our railway. I firmly support the democratic system whereby our railway remains within the control of its members and volunteers and will continue to do so. I have been a volunteer signalman since 1997 and also Volunteer Liaison Officer, as well as undertaking roles in youth protection, signalling training and on the Rules Committee. I work around the railway most days and am always happy to address any problems from members. Term ends: 2011 Around the Railway: Signalman, Volunteer Liaison. Mike Whitwam is also a Director of the Swanage Railway Company. |
| | | | Quick LinksSwanage Railway Trust Latest News Appeals & Fundraising Members & Volunteers In This Section Archive 2009 Election Result| Mark Woolley | 432 | 81.97% | | Liz Sellen | 414 | 78.56% | | Mike Whitwam | 399 | 75.71% | | Frank Roberts | 356 | 67.56% | | Andrew Moore | 350 | 66.41% | | David Budd | 313 | 59.39% | | Graham Cope | 294 | 55.79% | | Clive Morris | 241 | 45.73% | | Richard White | 238 | 45.16% | | Pete Renaut | 234 | 44.40% | | Paul Clements | 220 | 41.75% | | Bryan Stanley | 186 | 35.29% |
527 votes were cast with 2 spoiled papers. Turnout was 13.2%
Council Meeting Dates- 31st October - 2pm
- 21st November - 4pm
- 9th January - 2pm (cancelled)
- 30th January - 2pm
- 27th February - 4pm
- 24th April - 2pm
- 22nd May - 4pm
- 26th June - 2pm
- 31st July - 4pm
- 21st August - 2pm
- 25th September - 4pm
- 30th October - 2pm
- 27th November - 4pm
- 8th January 2011 - 2pm
Meetings are held in the Rectory Classroom, Church Lane, Swanage with members invited to air any concerns at a 15 minute 'open' session at the start of each meeting.
2010 Annual General MeetingThe 2010 AGM will be held at the Mowlem Theatre at 2pm on 9th October
DownloadsThe following files are in PDF format and are large files that may take some time to download. The policy document will be available after the policies have been reviewed at the first CoM meeting of the new term 2009 AccountsThe following files are in PDF format and are large files that may take some time to download. SRC Strategic Plan 2006-11The following files are in PDF format and are large files that may take some time to download. The SRC section of the web site is still being updated. In the meantime the Railway's current Strategic Plan is available through the following links. These files will be returned to the SRC section in due course. PhotographsAll photographs on this page by and copyright Andrew P.M. Wright,
Swanage Railway official photographer |
