.HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION.

Ian Allan was presented with a plaque in 2006 to mark his outstanding contribution to railway preservation. His family and HRA Directors gathered at the Great Cockcrow Railway for the presentation by David Morgan.

SIDELINES 140 AUGUST 2015 HRA CONTACT EXTENSIONS

AG 06.06.2014 v3.1

Main Number: 0800 756 5111 Contact number for mobiles (diverts to main): 01924 918180

Directors Carriage Restoration (Michael Cope) 333 Brian Simpson 904 Chairman Corporate Membership (Steve Wood) 421 Mark Smith 902 Vice Chairman Environmental Adviser (Tony Tomkins) 413 (Business Development Acting) Finance & Accounts (Ian Leigh) 422 Peter Ovenstone 331 Company Secretary (Heritage & Scottish) Finance Directors Group (Robert Raynor) 302 Ian Leigh 422 Finance Director Friends of HRA (Alan Saunders) 423 General Meetings (Bill Askew) 427 Richard Barnes 310 (Mutual Insurance) Guidelines (Bill Hillier) 431 Geoffrey Claydon 903 (Legal & Parliamentary & Heritage Tramways) Heritage (General) (Peter Ovenstone) 331 John Crane 702 (Sidelines & Broadlines) Heritage Tramways (James Hammett) 530 Hugh Harkett 705 HRA Ireland (liaison-Steve Wood) 421 Internet/HRA Website 320 Bill Hiller 431 (Operating & Safety & Rail Cableways) InterRail Scheme (Mark & Sonia Dewell) 425 David Morgan 901 Legal & Parliamentary Affairs (Chris Austin) 410 Jenny Nunn 223 Lottery Grant Advice (Helen Ashby) 334 Media Adviser (Roger Carey) 4 Chris Smyth 701 (Training & Education) Member Services (Andrew Goyns) 320 Steve Wood 421 (Member Services) Operating & Safety (John Baxter) 431 1st Point of Contact (General Enquiries – Extension 1) Andrew Goyns 320 Publications Competition 102 Roger Webster 321 Publishing & Exhibitions (JC) 702 Rail Cableways (Martin Slader) 231 Online Shop Scottish (John Ransom) 510 HRA Shop – Meeting/Seminar bookings 2 Sidelines/Broadlines (John Crane) 702 Subject content Training & Education (Martin Smith) 520 Annual Awards (Mark Smith) 902 Travel Trade Liaison (via 1st Contact) 1 Annual Statistical Return (Bill Hillier) 431 Young Volunteers Adviser (Liz Fuller) 424 Business Development (General) (MLS) 223 Webmaster (Andrew Goyns) 320 C&W Competition (Chris Smyth) 701

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 140 2 of 10 .HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION.

SIDELINES 140 14th AUGUST 2015

Members’ Website www.hra.uk.com Public Website www.heritagerailways.com

Tel 0800 756 5111 ext. 702 10, Hurdeswell, Tel/Fax 01993 883384 Long Hanborough, [email protected] Witney, (for Sidelines contributions) Oxfordshire. OX29 8DH

DETAILS OF HRA DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS ARE LISTED IN THE MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK ON THE MEMBERS’ SECTION OF THE HRA WEBSITE. SIDELINES AND BROADLINES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOADING www.heritagerailways.com LOOK IN HRA DOCUMENTS

Correspondence and initial enquiries to: Andrew Goyns, 28 George Street, Altofts, Normanton, West Yorkshire WF6 2LT Tel: 0800 756 5111 x 900 Fax: 0845 528 0775 Email: [email protected]

INDEX SIDELINES 140

1/ HRA SEMINAR- YOUNG VOLUNTEERS. 2a/ HOW DO YOUR VISITOR FIGURES BUFFER UP? 2b/ HRA ON SOCIAL MEDIA. 2c/ TOURISM ALLIANCE AGM. BROADLINES 49 INDEX 2d/ WHAT’S GOING IN YOUR 2016 LEAFLET? MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 2e/ ENGLISH TOURISM WEEK. Moseley Vintage Toys, Train and Mines 2f/ HERITAGE OPEN DAYS. Museum 3/ GIVING TO HERITAGE. Tribute to Ian Allan Page 2 4/ HERITAGE FUNDING COURSES IN SCOTLAND. Tribute to Malcolm Burton Page 3 5/ HRA LEAFLETS AND POSTERS. Big Sustainability Event Page 3 6/ CROWDFUNDING. 7a/ HALLMARKS OF PROSPERING MUSEUMS.

7b/ NEW HISTORIC ENGLAND GUIDANCE ON ACCESS PUBLISHED. 8/ BIG SUSTAINABILITY EVENT. 9/ 16th CARRIAGE CONVENTION. 10/ TRACKBED PETITION. 11/ PHOTO DISCS.

12/ Wanted TEMPORARY HOME FOR EMU VEHICLE. 13/ Wanted DIESEL ROLLINGSTOCK. 14/ Wanted DIRECTORS. HRA MEETINGS & EVENTS CALENDAR page 10

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 140 3 of 10 1/ HRA SEMINAR- YOUNG VOLUNTEERS. Tuesday November 10th Grand Station Conference Centre, Wolverhampton

This seminar will cover issues including Safeguarding: Jan Webb, Principal Lecturer and Professional Lead for Child Health & Welfare, University of Greenwich Ensuring your young volunteers are insured: Richard Barnes Working with Youth Organisations: Representative from the Scout Association How other Steam Organisations involve young people: Elaine Massey, Steam Apprentice Club BESTT from the young person’s perspective: Philip Mason BESTT apprentice. Liz Fuller

2/ NOTES FROM THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.

2a/ HOW DO YOUR VISITOR FIGURES BUFFER UP? Visit England have announced the results of its 2014 tourism survey. Overall attractions reported a 4% increase in visits and 5% in revenue. Farms and heritage centres enjoyed the most significant growth increase at 10%+ YOY, perhaps a reflection of visitors wanting to get back to nature and explore their heritage in this economically restrained period. The research shows that those attractions investing in marketing and digital platforms have seen an increase in visitor numbers. Visitor admissions increased by +7% among those increasing their marketing spend, compared with only 2% for those who had cut back. According to Mintel research, around four in 10 domestic holidaymakers (an estimated 9.1 million adults) visit historical attractions. The VE research also emphasises the importance of investment and evolution, 83% of attractions now use at least one form of digital communication (outside of a website) and a quarter of sites in this year’s list offered an online booking facility for tickets / events – up from 21% in 2013. How does your social media, or mobile friendly website, engage visitors browsing and buying things to do while on holiday today?

2b/ HRA ON SOCIAL MEDIA. The HRA are keen to expand their work on social media, to expand our engagement with both target markets (such as families), as well as continue to inform enthusiasts about events and industry news, fundraising and developments. We are therefore looking for volunteers to assist with managing the HRA social media accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. We need to ensure that these continue to demonstrate the wide range of attractions and events, balancing between small and large members, standard and narrow gauges and museums and answer enquiries from members of the public professionally and in-line with our Social Media Policy. This includes sharing/re-tweeting member’s content, liking events and directing enquiries appropriately. Please get in touch with barbara.barnes.hra.gb.com to find out more.

2c/ TOURISM ALLIANCE AGM. Simon Hanney attended the above event for the HRA, with keynote address by Heather Wheeler (MP). Issues of particular interest to HRA members included discussion of the recent Government 5-point plan. There were many mentions about apprenticeships and the government is keen to promote the 3m new funded apprenticeships. HRA members have had success with engineering skills and knowledge transfer, but there are many other opportunities such as within customer service, marketing, retail, catering and Pway. This can help engage existing and new younger members to our sector, as well as help pass on skills, engage local support and media attention. Please speak with colleagues, as we are keen that HRA members snap-up as much of these apprenticeships as possible to help the industry seek the talent and show young people that the movement can form the basis of a career.

The Government 5-point plan (only a few pages long) is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-plan-to-drive-tourists-beyond-london This document includes a number of headline statistics on tourism, which might be useful when you are speaking to stakeholders and policy makers, to encourage their support for your railway and the economic benefits this brings to the area.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 140 4 of 10 The Tourism Alliance are continuing their excellent work to represent the industry in a number of avenues. For example contributing to the Triannual Review and petitioning for continuing the Coastal Communities Fund. One of their current themes is cutting the rate of VAT on tourism purchases, however HRA members are encouraged not to enter into this debate or comment publically, as with current austerity cuts we wish to avoid any wider review and potential loss of benefits from the current arrangements. The incoming Chairman (Bernard Donoghue) outlined that he has three P’s at the forefront of his mind….

People – We create the backdrop for people’s leisure time, creating memories, personal and family occasions, whether dates, days out, marriages or family holidays. We bring a benefit to society and leisure opportunities with happy memories. Stats indicate that attractions are more likely to be rated 5/5 on Trip Advisor if the name of a member of staff is included within the review. We need to invest in our staff and people, apprenticeships, better career progression and opportunities etc.

Product - We need to ensure we are getting it right, both within customer service and also the experiences offered. We are an industry which is constantly improving, but face challenges ahead.

Price – The UK is often perceived overseas as an expensive destination, we need to work to overcome that. We offer good value for money, we are internationally competitive and need to work to correct these perceptions.

2d/ WHAT’S GOING IN YOUR 2016 LEAFLET? In celebration of one of England’s greatest attractions and to mark the 300th anniversary of ‘Capability’ Brown, Visit England are promoting 2016 as the “Year of the English Garden” with a PR campaign and travel trade activity. Before you scroll on, consider…

Have you got a garden locally you could set up a joint offer (marketing, advertising and tickets)? Perhaps offering a train ride or entry and a visit to the gardens? Are your station gardens featured within your marketing activities for 2016? Do you have/can you promote an inter-station gardens competition (and promote this to the press)? Perhaps you could highlight the station garden’s provenance, with pictures showing how much work the team have undertaken to bring them back to their former glory?

VE have created a range of content and resources to help you capitalise on Year of the English Garden. The resources are free to use in your own marketing and PR activities, and have the potential to attract new visitors as well as convince “her indoors” that a visit to your railway is not just for boys (old and young!).

They are keen to hear about upcoming garden developments and 2016 garden events. Please send details to [email protected]

2e/ ENGLISH TOURISM WEEK. The English tourism sector touches everyone – visitors, residents and employees. The visitor economy is worth £106bn a year to England supporting thousands of businesses and seriously impacting on the performance of supplier industries including farming, transport, retailing, sport, museums and galleries, the theatre and other performing arts. Tourism cannot be offshored – it only happens here!

Are you planning something for ETW? To inspire you here is 101 Ideas: https://www.visitengland.com/biz/about-us/campaigns-and-opportunities/english-tourism-week/get- involved-english-tourism-week/101-ideas-english-tourism-week

Many railways have used this opportunity to invite their local MP down, perhaps organised a FAM trip, gained support, the ear of your MP, an opportunity to inform about why people should visit your railway and, of course, gain press coverage. https://www.visitengland.com/biz/about-us/campaigns-and- opportunities/english-tourism-week

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 140 5 of 10

2f/ HERITAGE OPEN DAYS http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ An annual heritage festival supported by the National Trust and funded by the People's Postcode Lottery and Historic England. Open Days take place from 10-13 September 2015 and aim to provide an exciting opportunity for visitors to explore historic sites and venues not usually open to the public for free. In 2014 a record three million visitors took part in Heritage Open Days proving that Heritage Open Days (HODs) are an excellent way to raise awareness of your business to a new audience, perhaps encourage people to return and encourage visitor footfall.

Perhaps you could organise shed tours, a visit to an engineering facility, a walk along a viaduct (outside of operational hours), all of which continue to be popular and are an opportunity to raise awareness of fundraising appeals and volunteering opportunities. While registration has closed for 2015, you could still contact [email protected] (020 7824 7180) or start discussions with your colleagues to look at what you could offer in 2016?

3/ GIVING TO HERITAGE. The schedule of workshop dates is as follows. Some have already been notified and this issue takes us to the Christmas break. There will be a further list to cover the new year up to the end of the funded programme in April. Steps are being looked at to perhaps continue this service to heritage organisations in some form or other, more of that anon. Meanwhile, please do take advantage of this very well received programme. Sam Bee, Heritage Committee HRA Workshops available to book now 10 Sept London, Burgh House, Heritage Fundraising Plan 15 Sept Manchester, Elizabeth Gaskell House, Understanding your Donors and Marketing your organisation 16 Sept, Dronfield, Peel Centre (N. Derbys), Major Donors. 17 Sept Worcester, Museum of Royal Worcester, Reporting success/ measuring impact 21 Sept, Derby Museum, Corporate Partnerships 23 Sept, London, Stephens House and Gardens, Making the Heritage Case 29 Sept, Birmingham, Soho House, Trusts & Foundations 2 October, London, Kelmscott House, Using digital and social media 7 Oct, Willis Museum, Basingstoke, Making the Heritage Case 13 Oct, London, The Gallery, Corporate Partnerships 14 Oct, York National Railway Museum, Understanding your Donors and Marketing your organisation 22 Oct, Museum of Bath at Work, Corporate Partnerships 3 Nov, Swindon, Steam Museum, Events Fundraising 4 Nov, Durham Cathedral, Major Donors 4 Nov, Manchester, International Burgess Foundation, Legacy Marketing 10 Nov, St Albans Abbey, London, Legacy Marketing 17 Nov, Peterborough Cathedral, Trusts & Foundations 20 Nov, London, Kelmscott House, Understanding your Donors and Marketing your organisation 23 Nov Coventry Transport Museum, Fundraising in the Community 25 Nov, London Foundling Museum, Major Donors 1 Dec, Southampton Sea City Museum, Using Digital and Social Media

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 140 6 of 10 3 Dec, Bristol, SS Great Britain, Trusts & Foundations 9 Dec, London Foundling Museum, Trusts & Foundations 10 Dec, Manchester, Elizabeth Gaskell House, Reporting success/ measuring impact

4/ HERITAGE FUNDING COURSES IN SCOTLAND. In addition to the Heritage Funding courses in England, there is a parallel scheme in Scotland - also HLF funded - Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage. It is a three year programme led by Arts & Business Scotland with Archaeology Scotland, Built Environment Forum Scotland, Greenspace Scotland and Museums Galleries Scotland. The programme is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund Catalyst grants to deliver a capacity building programme for heritage organisations across Scotland. Web site www.resourcingscotlandsheritage.org Jon Tyler

(Jon attended "Planning to Progress" on 11th March in Edinburgh and has a copy of the course materials which he would be happy to lend to anyone who wishes to see them. Email [email protected])

5/ HRA LEAFLETS AND POSTERS. Many thanks to those members who requested a stock of HRA leaflets and posters as mentioned in Sidelines 139. Just in case anyone else can still use a stock, the most economical amount to send out is a box of approximately 1300 leaflets. Posters can be any quantity you wish. Please state the quantity you can use. Email me at [email protected] . They will be sent out via Hermes so I will require a contact name and address.

6/ CROWDFUNDING. There will be further mainly FREE workshops for those wishing to know more about this way of project funding:-

Chelmsford – 1st December 10.00 – 15.30 Further details from:- http://www.voluntarysectortraining.org.uk/en/courses/event/146/Crowdfunding-for-charities-- community-groups-and-social-enterprises (n.b. there is a charge for this course of £60.00)

Bolton - 14th December – Community Volunteer Service – more details from:- [email protected];

London - 21st January – With School for Social Entrepreneurs – more details from:- [email protected]

Further information can be downloaded from the Government’s Department for Business Innovation and Skills on:- http://british-business-bank.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/230315-Equity- crowdfunding-report-final.pdf and the University of Kent has done a study on fundraising for unpopular causes which can be found at: - https://www.kent.ac.uk/sspssr/philanthropy/documents/Rising%20to%20the%20Challenge.pdf

Martin Smith, Training & Education Committee

7/ NEWS FROM HERITAGE ALLIANCE and its newsletter ‘Heritage Update’ provided by our representative John Jeffery.

7a/ HALLMARKS OF PROSPERING MUSEUMS. The Association of Independent Museums [Alliance member] has published a new framework which helps museums and heritage organisations identify best practice. Launched at AIM's national conference the framework, Hallmarks of Prospering Museums, helps museums and heritage organisations identify the key characteristics of best practice and describes the set of behaviours that make heritage organisations prosper and thrive.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 140 7 of 10 AIM’s experience shows that a museum’s success is not down to its size, funding or whether museums are led by staff or by volunteers. Instead AIM suggests that there are common characteristics to thriving museums which is rooted in how the organisations think and behave, rather than in their size or structures. This includes their culture of resourcefulness, passion and willingness to try new things – the things that give them their independent spirit. The publication of the Hallmarks is the beginning of AIM’s long–term strategy to share this thinking and culture. AIM will be examining each Hallmark in turn over the next years, sharing case studies, new and existing resources and insights, and support more museums in developing the Hallmarks for themselves. The Hallmarks are available for museums across the UK to download from the AIM website http://www.aim-museums.co.uk/

7b/ NEW HISTORIC ENGLAND GUIDANCE ON ACCESS PUBLISHED. Historic England has published new guidance to help property owners and managers provide easier access for all their visitors, regardless of their age or level of ability. The guidance, ‘Easy Access to Historic Landscapes’, outlines how organisations can help provide better access for people with disabilities to a historic park, garden or landscape. The Guidance provides further information on why access matters, planning better access, and where to go for advice. The document is a revised edition of previous guidance which has been prompted by the implementation of the Equality Act 2010. For more information see the Historic England website.

8/ BIG SUSTAINABILITY EVENT – MANCHESTER 25th June 2015 A report on this is included in Broadlines

9/ 16th CARRIAGE CONVENTION TO BE HELD AT THE FOXFIELD RAILWAY. The sixteenth annual Carriage Convention will take place at the Midlands based Foxfield Railway on the 2nd and 3rd of October. The Foxfield Railway will demonstrate restoration and vital maintenance techniques on coaches and wagons and explain some of the legal requirements in this restoration work. The Foxfield Railway is also the home of the NSRRSRT, better known as the "Knotty Coach Trust", with its two acclaimed Victorian North Staffordshire Railway carriages. Their ‘rebirth’ will form a major part of this weekend and they will also form a special train for delegates.

Delegates are welcome no matter where their practical interest in carriage and wagon work lies. They have included young volunteers, private restorers, heads of department from heritage railways and conservators from the National Railway Museum. The Transport Trust has kindly offered to cover the cost for two of the youngest delegates and this award will be made on the day. This is to encourage the recruitment and retention of younger volunteers so that heritage transport can look forward to a sustainable future with skills passed on. Price is £32 per head and includes rail travel over the weekend coffee/tea on Saturday and a lunch also on Saturday, day tickets are available.

Delegates should register an interest with Ron Whalley, Operations Director, at the Foxfield Railway, telephone 0774 847 5120 or preferably by e mail; [email protected].

10/ TRACKBED PETITION. (This is provided for information only – no HRA discussion has taken place on the subject). This petition seeks protection of former railway track beds from development so they could be reused at some point in the future. The link below allows you to sign. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/105077

11/ PHOTO DISCS. Do you store your photos (or other information) on optical discs? Remember these can have a limited life. I have lost some after nine years but fortunately had the photo / negative originals. An expert said, only half-jokingly, that a cheap disc, left in the sun could have a life as long as half an hour! Do not throw negatives or slide away, especially if the slides are Kodachrome. John Crane

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 140 8 of 10 MARKET PLACE

WANTED

12/ TEMPORARY HOME FOR EMU VEHICLE. The Southern Electric Group (SEG) are urgently seeking a new temporary home in the South East of England for one of their ‘4 Cor’ driving motor coaches, 11201. This coach has always been part of unit 3142 but has been at Horsted Keynes on the Bluebell Railway for the last 10 years initially on display and more recently in store. A reconfiguration of siding space at the station means there is no longer space for this coach to be accommodated at Horsted Keynes. 3142 itself is at the East Kent Railway (EKR) at Shepherdswell which is currently unable to provide space for an additional coach. We are seeking accessible space for 11201 to enable our volunteers to complete some work externally and internally on the coach to enable it to go to Shepherdswell in operating condition. Providing the new site can be reached by road it does not need to be at a location open to the public – we simply need to be able to work on the coach. If you can assist in finding or providing a home for 11201, please make contact with the SEG – email [email protected]

13/ DIESEL ROLLINGSTOCK (repeat request from Sidelines 139). One of our members is interested in obtaining the following: a railcar/railbus, an 03 or 04 shunter. A range of options will be considered, purchase, loan or just offer of a home. I have agreed to act as a contact as part of my diesel role for HRA so please contact me if you have anything you consider suitable. John Crane Email [email protected].

14/ DIRECTORS. The West Somerset Railway PLC is in the process of restructuring its Board in order to be able to meet the commercial, financial and business challenges and opportunities associated with running a heritage railway over the next few years.

Significant progress has already been made in appointing existing Board members to new Director portfolios. The PLC now wishes to complete this process by recruiting experienced and capable individuals to the Board to undertake responsibilities in the following areas:

Volunteer Development Marketing Inward Investment Safety Audit Human Resources

These are all voluntary positions. Some expenses are reimbursed in line with Company policies.

The West Somerset Railway is one of Britain's leading heritage lines and is working on a number of exciting and interesting projects designed to maintain the WSR as a major tourist and preservation attraction in West Somerset. The PLC approved its 10 year Corporate Plan in 2014 and is looking to strengthen the Board with people with the right leadership, strategic and other skills to complement those of existing Directors.

If you would like to receive a recruitment pack, then please contact

Steve Williams, PLC Planning Director Email [email protected] or by ringing 01823-4628908 or 07748-637209

If you would like an informal discussion on any of the roles, then please contact either John Irven PLC Chairman on 01984-631083 or 07928-258436 or Steve Williams

Completed CV’s and any other supporting information should be sent to Steve Williams. Closing date for applications is 5 p.m. on Monday 7th September 2015.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 140 9 of 10 HRA MEETINGS & EVENTS CALENDAR 2015 - 2016 Details of other organisations’ events of possible interest are also included.

THA Giving to Heritage FUNDRAISING SKILL TRAINING WORKSHOPS. New workshop subjects now available in the highly recommended programme organised by The Heritage Alliance in association with the Institute of Fundraising. Bookings now open for full autumn period September - December. Full programme of dates and subjects included in this issue of Sidelines (Item 3). For up to date information and any changes/additions, please also check the website: www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/giving-to-heritage

HRA AUTUMN GENERAL MEETING “WEST COUNTRY WEEKEND.” Friday 11th - Sunday 13th September - Lynton & Lynmouth, Devon. Final call for this year’s West Country Weekend... Full details and booking information [via the HRA Shop website] have been circulated to members. General Meeting on Saturday 12th Sept morning . Sun 13th Sept visit to West Somerset Railway.

WATTRAIN World Association of Tourist Trams & Trains CONFERENCE – JAPAN. Friday 23rd - Friday 30th October (add on tour Sat 31st Oct - Tue 3rd Nov). Conference theme ‘Sustainability of Tourist Trains and Trams. Hosted by Japanese Railway Museum at Omija, north-east of Tokyo. Mixed business sessions and visits Sat 24.10 – Tue 27.10; Further visits to rail heritage locations Wed 28.10 - Fri 30.10. Add On tour to southern Japan Sat 31.10 - Tue 3.11. Detailed programme and various ‘Package Prices’ from David Madden [WATTRAIN Chief Executive] Email: [email protected] Tel: 01263 824924; Tel: 07788 753302. Also information on WATTRAIN website: www.wattrain,co.uk

HRA ‘YOUTH DAYS’ EVENT. Saturday, 7th. November Venue: Amerton Railway, Staffordshire. Next in our series of special events for younger volunteers.

HRA AUTUMN MANAGEMENT FORUM + GENERAL MEETING + SEMINAR. Tues 10th - Wed 11th November 2015 Venue: Grand Station, Wolverhampton. Seminar: “Encouraging Young Volunteers” (Tue 10); General Meeting and Forum (Wed 11)

HRA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2016 WEEKEND. Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th February 2016. Venue for AGM and the Annual Awards Dinner will be the Grand Station Conference Centre in the restored former GWR Wolverhampton Low Level Station

HRA SCOTTISH FORUM 2016: “NEW BEGINNINGS” THEME. Saturday 5th + Sunday 6th March 2016. Linked to opening of new Borders Railway; Business meeting in Hawick; Accommodation base Galashiels/Melrose. Visits include Waverley Route Heritage at Whitrope, near Hawick

HRA SPRING MANAGEMENT FORUM + GENERAL MEETING + SEMINAR. Tuesday 8th - Wednesday 9th March 2016. Details + Venue Tbc. Please note these dates are one week earlier than the 2015 events.

FEDECRAIL ‘BODENSEE 2016’ CONFERENCE. Thurs 21st - Sat 23rd April Conference; Sun 24th - Fri 29th April Tour Programme. Venue will be eastern end of Bodensee at Dornbirn, near Bregenz, Austria. Envisaged visit programme will include heritage railways and museums in Austria/France/Germany/ Switzerland. Outline details in next issue. Contact for queries: [email protected]

For enquiries and booking details for HRA events (unless otherwise shown), contact: - Bill Askew (HRA Meetings Organiser) 24 Grosvenor Road, Broxbourne, Herts. EN10 7JG Email: [email protected] Tel: 0800 756 5111 x 427. ______© 2015 The Heritage Railway Association, Limited by Guarantee, is Registered in England and Wales No. 2226245 Registered office: 2 Littlestone Road, New Romney, Kent, TN28 8PL

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 140 10 of 10