Council of Management - 2004/2005


 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
 

Bill Trite - Chairman

2004 Election Address: As someone privileged to have been in the Chair throughout the era of recovery from near-collapse, onward opening of Norden, removal of the Trust's debt and great commercial expansion, I'm acutely aware how much volunteers and Members have contributed in labour and cash to that success. Therefore I shall always support a structure which gives Trust members ultimate control of their Railway and puts volunteers at the centre of everything we do.

I reaffirm belief in a Railway which is not just efficient and safe, but volunteer-friendly and in which Members can always find a sense of genuine fulfillment.

Term ends:   2006

Around the Railway:

 

Steve Doughty - Deputy Chairman

2004 Election Address: As Deputy Chairman of the Trust and Company, my primary area of activity is the project to run a daily service to Wareham that doesn't jeopardise the atmosphere or finances of the heritage railway we have worked so hard to build. Increasingly, I am also focussed on how we raise the funds for the next stage of the growth of the railway, which will hopefully include facilities at Furzebrook and the provision of improved accommodation for volunteers at Swanage.

I am committed to living within our means financially and to the continuation of a membership-controlled railway.

Term ends:   2006

Around the Railway:

Andrew Moore - Treasurer

2004 Election Address: The past two years as Finance Director of the Company and Treasurer of the Trust have been extremely enjoyable and I believe I have contributed to the development of the Railway's financial systems and am now able to provide good quality financial information to both Board and CoM members.

I hope to continue to improve financial systems, reduce unnecessary costs and ensure that funds are spent sensibly and in accordance with Trust policies. I am committed to the Swanage Railway and will continue to use my 22 years of experience in railway preservation for the benefit of the Railway project.

Term ends:   2006

Around the Railway: Wessex Belle, Finance Office

Mark Woolley - Secretary

2003 Election Address: Member of the trust for over twenty years and Secretary of the Council of Management since 1991. I have played a proactive role in helping to develop the railway towards its ultimate objective of Wareham and in the transition of the Railway's governing body from the old Southern Steam Trust to the new more democratic Swanage Railway Trust. I feel that my experience and background knowledge are an asset to the Council of Management and would greatly value your continued support as I seek re-election.

Term ends:   2005

Around the Railway:

David Budd

2003 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. Co-opted to the Council of Management in 2003, having been the County Council observer on the CoM from 1997 to 2002. Believe my knowledge of the workings of local councils, particularly planning, can assist in the Trust's aim to reinstate a year-round train service between Swanage and Wareham. This must be achieved without damage to the heritage character and atmosphere of the Swanage Railway.

Term ends:   2005

Around the Railway:

Doug Chick

2004 Election Address: Currently a member of the Council of Management and Rolling Stock Committee. An active volunteer for over twenty years and a regular worker in the Carriage and Wagon department.

It is imperative that the views of the membership are sought so that I can reflect those views at meetings. Whilst it is important to seek additional funding for new works, restoration of heritage coaches, the extension to Wareham etc., it is vital that the ultimate control of our railway lies with its membership. I thank you for your past support and hope that you will support my nomination once again.

Term ends:   2006

Around the Railway: Carriage & Wagon - mostly Saturdays

Graham Cope

2003 Election Address: I am a volunteer guard, trainee signalman and roster clerk's assistant. For many, this would be more than enough, but I would like to become better informed about what should be a very positive and progressive phase in the railway's history. We rely on volunteers and visitors to keep the railway running and these people have a choice. I would like to do as much as we can to make their visit enjoyable so they return. Then we will be much better prepared for an exciting future.

Term ends:   2005

Around the Railway: Guard and Trainee Signalman

Brian Langdown (Resigned February 2005)

2003 Election Address: I have been actively involved in the Railway for more than 20 years. During this time I have worked mostly in a Civil Engineer capacity; at one time a Company director and currently a signalman and member of the C of M. I will always support the principle that the Trust remains democratic, ensuring that control of the Railway remains with the membership.

Term ends:   2005

Around the Railway: Signalman

Malcolm Munro

2004 Election Address: As a volunteer Signalman and Company Safety Officer, I am to represent:
  • The volunteer aspect with operational experience of how the project actually works
  • A local viewpoint with awareness of the issues at stake
  • Regulatory experience in Environmental and Health and Safety issues that affect the railway.

High standards must be balanced with the skills we have available to remain viable yet still be commercially compliant. At every level, our members, volunteers and paid staff play an equally important role in our success. Any future change needs careful consideration and debate.

Term ends:   2006

Around the Railway: Signalman and Company Safety Officer

Pete Renaut

2003 Election Address: An active Railway volunteer for over twenty one years, some family problems have prevented me from giving as much help over the last two years as I would have liked. I have still been championing the volunteers and would like to continue to do so. I still look after PLMs and hope to continue as a guard. I am involved with the Rolling Stock sub-committee that is now empowered to undertake a more defined role in prioritising Stock for restoration and renovation. My experience and knowledge is an asset to the Railway as well as, hopefully, my continued membership of the CoM.

Term ends:   2005

Around the Railway: Carriage & Wagon

Liz Sellen

2003 Election Address: An active volunteer for 13 years I am now able to become more involved in the Railway. I have experience of working in Carriage and Wagon, the Shop, and the Catering Departments. Currently, I work with the Publicity Unit and for the past two years have assisted in the running of the Santa Specials. I have recently joined the Membership Department team. A co-opted member of the Council of Management currently, I would like to continue in this area as an elected member and for this seek your support.

Term ends:   2005

Around the Railway: Membership Office, Santa Specials

Peter Sills

2004 Election Address: I am currently an active member of the Council of Management, having been co-opted in January this year. I am also serving as a Director of the Swanage Railway Company Board, Chairman of the Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum Group and a regularly rostered signalman. I have a professional background in marketing and communications and run an independent publishing company. If elected I will use my experience and professionalism to further the heritage and commercial aims of the Swanage Railway.

Term ends:   2006

Around the Railway: Signalman, Mineral & Mining Museum

Mike Stollery

2004 Election Address: With the Railway Project since 1972 as a volunteer, Trustee and CoM member, I support connection to the national network, providing the existing Swanage Railway is fully protected.

I am involved with crucial negotiations for the planned depot at Furzebrook. I am a Wessex Belle and Carriage and Wagon volunteer, championing restoration of the Railway's SR coaches. Chairman on the Purbeck Railway  Circle and member of the Publicity Unit.

Financial care is essential. We need to raise additional working capital to upgrade track and improve standards and facilities. I seek your support to enable me to assist in the Railway's continued development.

Term ends:   2006

Around the Railway: Wessex Belle, Carriage & Wagon - mostly Sundays

Andy Vincent

2003 Election Address: I hope that I can use my experience in marketing and project management to assist the CoM as we push for a mainline connection. However, I also think that it is vital that we do not lose sight of our heritage role. I believe that not only do we need to give greater emphasis to our heritage coaches - inevitably perhaps as a C&W volunteer - but also to provide our visitors with more information about all our vehicles and also the surrounding area. In short; to expand the experience beyond 'just a train ride' and ensure people return to see more.

Term ends:   2005

Around the Railway: Carriage & Wagon - mostly Sundays

Stuart Ward

2004 Election Address: I've been an active volunteer of the Swanage Railway for 15 years, the last 12 as head of Signals and Telegraph. I served four years on the Council of Management following near financial collapse in 1992 and was pleased to help restore stability to our project.

I have always maintained that the Railway should remain in the ultimate control of its members. The Swanage Railway is the marvellous result of so many members pursuing their own individual interests. I will strive to ensure our Railway achieves its final ambition yet continues to be owned and ultimately guided by all of us.

Term ends:   2006

Around the Railway: Signals & Telegraph

Mike Whitwam

2003 Election Address: Serving on the Council of Management for the past four years and being Volunteer Liaison Officer, has been very useful to represent the interests of volunteers as well as members. I am also a Signalman and Trainer of new Signalmen. I am around the Railway at least 4 times each week and always happy to listen to anyone's problems or to answer questions. I firmly believe that the Railway must always remain under the control of its members through the CoM and will ensure that this policy is maintained, including the 'NewCo' set up to run trains to Wareham.

Term ends:   2005

Around the Railway: Signalman, Volunteer Liaison

  

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2004 Election Result

Bill Trite46782.65%
Steve Doughty45881.06%
Andrew Moore39369.56%
Doug Chick35362.48%
Mike Stollery33960.00%
Stuart Ward33358.94%
Peter Sills32156.81%
Malcolm Munro29051.33%
Pete Pickering26046.02%
Dan Main24343.01%
Dave O'Neil21838.58%
Richard Welham20736.64%
Kevin Smith19434.34%
Clive Morris17430.80%
Mick Hatton15527.43%
Ian Diffey10518.58%
Peter Lejeune8214.51%

569 votes were cast with 4 spoiled papers.

 

Photographs

All photographs on this page by and copyright Andrew P.M. Wright,
Swanage Railway official photographer

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