.HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION.

Established HRA member, Severn Valley Railway, held a press event to mark it being joint winner of the HRA Annual Award (large groups). The Award was presented by Vice Chairman, Mark Smith. (photo Severn Valley Railway)

New HRA applicant, the National Wagon Preservation Group, held a Members/Media Day at the Chasewater Railway on Saturday 19th March 2016 (photo John Crane)

SIDELINES 144 APRIL 2016 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 144 2 of 15 .HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION. SIDELINES 144 13th APRIL 2016

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’ WEBSITE. SIDELINES AND BROADLINES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOADING www.hra.uk.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 320 Fax: 0845 528 0775 Email: [email protected] INDEX SIDELINES 144 1/ STATION TO STATION QUEENS CELEBRATION. 2/ MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS. Crewe Heritage Trust. National Wagon Preservation Group. Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust. 3/ HRA AUTUMN WEEKEND NEW ROMNEY. 4/ GIVING TO HERITAGE. 5/ THE HERITAGE ALLIANCE. 6/ PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN CULTURE SURVEY. 7/ ADVICE AND LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM THE FUNDRAISING ADVICE TEAM. 8/ TO BURN OR DROP – HOW TO GET RID OF THE WASTE. 9/ SEMINAR FOR INDUSTRIAL, MARITIME AND TRANSPORT PRESERVATIONISTS. 10/ GRANTS FROM BETTER COMMUNITY BUSINESS NETWORK. 11/ FULL DAY WORKSHOP ON CROWDFUNDING. 12/ CHARITIES AND THE EU REFERENDUM. 13/ INTRODUCTION TO A CAREER IN THE RAILWAY INDUSTRY. 14/ HRA PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA COMPETITION – new address for entries. 15/ NATIONAL RAILWAY HERITAGE AWARDS - Call for Entries 16/ £4m OF NEW FUNDING FOR ENGLISH MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES. 17/ THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride – Do you Believe? 18/ LEAFLETS. 19/ SIDELINES/BROADLINES, MEMBERS EVENTS, EMAIL PROBLEMS 20/ ELECTRONIC STORAGE. 21/ HRA FRIENDS 22/ ISLE OF MAN HORSE TRAM. 23/ RPSI GENERATE MORE PUBLICITY FROM HRA AWARDS. 24/ APPEAL LAUNCHED TO BOOST OSWESTRY RAILWAY STATION. 25/ FOR SALE - STEAM LOCOMOTIVE. 26/ FOR SALE - DURABLANKET CERAMIC INSULATION LAGGING. 27/ WANTED - INKED RIBBONS FOR TICKET DATING MACHINES. 28/ WANTED - COMPARTMENT SLIDING DOORS. 29/ WANTED - A SIGNAL AND POST. 30/ WANTED - WHEELS FOR SPURN SAIL BOGIE. 31/ WANTED - WAGONS. 32/ WANTED - INFORMATION ON M.S&L.R. SUBURBAN COACH. 33/ WANTED – PHOTOGRAPHS OF SOUTHPORT SAND COMPANY RAILWAY. 34/ SERVICE OFFERED FFESTINIOG TRAVEL HRA CALENDAR PAGE 15

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 144 3 of 15 1/ STATION TO STATION QUEEN’S CELEBRATION. Over the past few months a small team of organisations from across the railway industry, have been working hard to create a platform on which to promote our industry as a "force for good" within society. Our plan is to stage the UK's largest celebratory party to mark HM Queen Elizabeth II, 90th Birthday. On the 11 & 12th June 90 stations across the entire network will open their doors in order to host an array of celebratory events across the UK network. With every TOC hosting their unique family events this is the largest industry celebratory collaboration ever planned and already we have received offers of media coverage support from national and regional TV, as well as a number of radio stations such as Magic FM and the BBC to name but a few and now we need your help!

This will be arguably one of the best collaborative opportunities to promote vision and values both you as HRA members and we as an industry pose to families across the UK and beyond. Therefore we would like you to provide support through the following channels:

 Offer ideas on how you as an organisation can contribute to this historic event

 Offer a financial contribution (£250 per HRA Member) which would support the costs of promoting your events on the official Queen’s celebratory website. In addition you will also receive a selection of branded merchandise which will be used across the entire UK Network.

 Industry spokesmen and women who can be called upon to speak to the media if required.

Please note that this is a non for profit event with all proceeds going to the Charities our Industry currently support.

Please note we are requesting a nominal fee of £250.00 from HRA members and when you consider that the website will be promoted via 90% of the UK’s train operators together with rail member groups, trade press and in due course through local and national press there has never been a better opportunity to reach out to the general public.

For examples of how other HRA Members have come on board please click onto www.queenscelebration.com

Any further questions please do not hesitate to contact Chris Leech MBE Email: [email protected] Please contact Chris urgently if you are interested in taking part as the target of 90 will soon be reached.

2/ MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS.

Crewe Heritage Trust. The organisation administers the Crewe Heritage Centre. The centre is constructed on the site of the original Crewe locomotive works. The centre is home to 3 signal boxes; Crewe North Junction, Crewe Station A and Exeter West. The last remaining Advanced Passenger Train is preserved here, as well as examples from class 03, 47 and 87. There is also a 600 yard miniature railway, with two engines, which are in full working order.

National Wagon Preservation Group. The aim of the group is to preserve and exhibit a selection of wagons built for the formation of British Railways in 1948. However older wagons will not be overlooked if they are considered at risk. At present the group have preserved two MGR coal wagons, and a TEA tank wagon. Stock at present resides at Barrow Hill, Chasewater, and Epping and Ongar. An often overlooked area of railway preservation.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 144 4 of 15 Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust. The RSL> own six ex BR locomotives, which are available for operation on the main line, and heritage railways, including Royal Scot, King Edward 1, Britannia, Blue Peter and two Merchant Navies. They have excellent overhaul and repair facilities at the former Crewe Diesel Depot. The Trust is a registered educational charity.

Any queries should be directed through Steve Wood Corporate Membership Secretary, within the prescribed 28 day time period at, 15 Croftlands Drive, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SJ Tel: 0800 756 5111 Extension 421. Email: [email protected]

3/ HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION – AUTUMN WEEKEND NEW ROMNEY. September 2016

Early notice of the HRA Autumn meeting, Friday 16th to Monday 19th September inclusive in Kent.

Friday evening starts with a fish and chip supper at the glorious Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. A nonstop special train will be running especially for us at line speed from Hythe to Dungeness and return. You will have a chance to experience at first hand the brand new facilities at Dungeness station.

Saturday morning has the HRA general meeting at Hythe station with a buffet lunch followed by a visit by train to New Romney station where there will be a superb opportunity to have a private tour of the loco shed, carriage shed and workshops or a masterclass in level crossing operation and installation.

In the evening we return to New Romney station for a "hog roast". There will also be a chance to drive one of their spectacular steam locos for those who book early. Plus you get the chance to enjoy an evening with a cross section of heritage railway enthusiasts.

Study visits will be also arranged for Sunday at Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway and on Monday to the facilities at Kent and East Sussex Railway for those who are able to stay longer.

For those who want to book hotel rooms now, we have an offer from Holiday Inn Express, Cheriton Park, Folkestone CT18 8AN of a 10% reduction on their flexible B&B room rate, book direct with the hotel on 01303 298450 quoting "Heritage Railway Association". This will be the base hotel. Or there are other hotels and B&B's in the area which may offer you a better deal.

As usual we will be planning to arrange a coach shuttle service to and from the hotels and/or other convenient pick-up/set-down points throughout the weekend. There will also be a pick- up at Ashford station to Folkestone/Hythe on the Friday afternoon and a return to Ashford station on the Sunday afternoon. Arrangements will also be made as required for drop-offs at convenient stations on the Monday afternoon.

Further full details will be published on the HRA website www.hra.uk.com in early May when bookings will open; and will be repeated in the next edition of Sidelines.

Watch this space!!

Don't forget the number of driver experience slots on Saturday evening is limited.

So book early!!

Bill Askew, HRA Meetings Organiser, Tel: 0800 756 5111 ext 427 Landline: 01992 469197, Mobile: 07484 110961, Fax: 01992 462886

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 144 5 of 15 4/ GIVING TO HERITAGE (GtH). The Heritage Alliance is delighted to announce that it has been awarded £250,000 under the Heritage Lottery Fund Catalyst Umbrella programme to extend Giving to Heritage (GtH) for another 12 months from June 2016.

The Heritage Alliance will continue to work with delivery partner The Institute of Fundraising (IoF) on the extension project. This closer relationship has already resulted in a number of participants becoming members of the IoF.

Due to the strong demand in the independent heritage sector for continuing fundraising training, there will be a series of workshops, webinars, coaching and other training events at locations across England for both inexperienced and experienced fundraisers. In addition, a series of new workshop subjects will be launched covering how to apply for social investment funds and how to set up a community shares project. Further details will be announced shortly.

In the last two years GtH workshops have achieved an excellent attendance record, with participants spread across the whole heritage sector. One puzzle has been the low attendance at workshops held in the North East and East Anglia. The range of past experience of participants has proved a challenge but we are delighted to report that many were beginners in this discipline who have used this as a very useful introduction into fundraising techniques.

GtH is enthusiastically supported by HRA. Sam Bee sits on the GtH Steering Group. So let us have your enthusiastic response to this additional opportunity to hone your skills in a much needed area of heritage railway operation.

Please keep an eye on The Heritage Alliance website and GtH at: www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/gth/ Sam Bee - HRA Heritage Alliance Liaison Officer

5/ THE HERITAGE ALLIANCE (THA). Perhaps readers would be interested in the workings of THA Funding Advisory Group. This is composed of people from a variety of organisations involved in heritage, of immediate interest to us are the Chief Executive of AIM and the author from the HRA. We meet several times a year.

As an outline of the varied subjects covered recently I give for example: a) Gift Aid – a presentation and discussion by the senior Civil Servant who is looking at the effectiveness of the Gift Aid relief for charitable giving. b) Social investment and heritage – two representatives from Big Society Capital outlined the concept of those with funds to invest putting it to work for the benefit of heritage, rather than investing in ‘the market’. c) Funding aspects of the latest Charities Bill - covering regulation and trustees responsibilities i.e. governance of Registered Charities. Now Law, it is the Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act. d) Outcome for heritage of the Budget March 2016 e) Funding implications for heritage following the EU referendum.

All of these can be seen to have implications for heritage railways. The THA interacts with Government departments and politicians to provide representation at the highest levels on behalf of its’ one hundred plus member organisations . SAM BEE

6/ PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN CULTURE SURVEY. For 30 years until 2012 the 'Private investment in Culture' survey was the main source of information on levels of fundraising in the arts and culture sector. Arts Council England is now relaunching this study, providing vital data on the fundraising landscape. All arts and culture organisations in England are invited to take part and the findings will generate valuable insights for them and their funders and donors. Both the Association of Independent Museums and the Museums Association are encouraging members to complete the survey, as are we. ACE is endeavouring to understand its constituency better and this includes heritage railways. It’s important that they understand our strengths and weaknesses, not least in this field of fundraising where their future policies can help us to be more successful.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 144 6 of 15 HRA members are encouraged to participate in the survey which can be accessed http://warp.dinksurveys.com/start?sid=7e3bec6e-37cf-4124-aeaa- 4ae7f58434e5&_oid=e81d08480ed4d5374a13592fdf94b784. The website is perhaps optimistic in its assessment that the survey ‘should only take 15 minutes to fill in’ and, in fact, you - or preferably your fundraising officer - will need 3 years accounts and fundraising figures for your organisation to do the job properly. Nevertheless, if HRA members submit data, then we can expect ACE to be better informed on our sector’s needs in the future. Oh! and the site offers Amazon vouchers as a prize for one lucky participant!

7/ HRA HERITAGE COMMITTEE: ADVICE AND LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM THE FUNDRAISING ADVICE TEAM. We are pleased to report that the Fundraising Advice Team has been receiving a steady flow of requests for advice and letters of support. However, we felt it would be useful to offer a few guidelines on how to ensure that you get the best service from us.

Please allow as long a lead time as possible when making your requests as it can take some time to get in touch with the most appropriate person to respond. This means requesting a letter of support at least three weeks before you plan to submit your application, and longer if possible, so that we can ensure that we can meet your deadline for submission.

Please give as much detail as possible when making your request, giving an outline of what your project will do and what the outcomes will be for the heritage, for your organisation, for communities and for individuals. If drafted your application and activity plan, it would be useful to attach these to your request. As these are required outcomes for HLF and many other funders, it is important that we understand them, so that we can make a properly supportive response rather than a bland statement of approval.

Where we think it is unlikely that your outcomes will meet the criteria for HLF and other funders, we will let you know and ask you to work on them further before we can provide a supporting letter. Whilst this may seem negative, we aim to ensure success and cannot offer HRA support unless we feel that your project is worthwhile and will meet funders’ criteria for grants.

And finally, when you do hear the outcome of your application, please let us know! We look forward to receiving your requests for support to email [email protected] Helen Ashby

8/ TO BURN OR DROP – HOW TO GET RID OF THE WASTE. The Dept. of Environment produced an update on Environment Agency exemptions in April 2014. Two of them may well be applicable to members D2 an exemption allowing the emptying of toilet waste from heritage rail vehicles on the track D7 an exemption permitting the burning of vegetation waste on site i.e., tree trimmings, roots, branches, etc.

For further details of what’s involved and how to register your exemption go online to the website – Environment Agency ‘Waste exemptions: Disposal of wastes’ and check out the different details they require.

Note: registered exemptions are valid for three years. Thus, keep a record of when you registered your exemption and diary it forward so you don’t miss the third anniversary. For those who have already done it – well done. For those who still need to – the time has come………… Thought: Suspect D2 will only apply to standard gauge operations where you allow usage of the toilet facilities – whilst the train is in motion. If you have converted to self-contained waste storage – you do not need to register under this D2 heading – but you might under another section when you have considered how you are going to dispose of the tank contents………… Tony Tomkins HRA Environmental Adviser.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 144 7 of 15 9/ SEMINAR FOR INDUSTRIAL, MARITIME AND TRANSPORT PRESERVATIONISTS. 11 May, Liverpool Maritime Museum: Seminar for Industrial, Maritime and Transport Preservationists on developing a North West network of co-operating projects to follow up the sell out "Reconnections" Conference held in Titanic Hotel, Liverpool in October 2015. Programme includes innovative rail and maritime projects, HLF policy, support on communications, fundraising a problem solving panel of experts and a guided tour and case study presentation on Daniel Adamson now completing a £3.8M Heritage Lottery Funded restoration. Charge of £15/10 concessions to cover costs including lunch. To register and for more detail see: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reconnections-conference-follow- up-seminar-tickets-24455564251?aff=es2 Henry Cleary.

10/ GRANTS FROM BETTER COMMUNITY BUSINESS NETWORK. If any members have a requirement for a small grant up to £3000.00, they can apply to the Better Community Business Network. All you need to do is go to go to: http://bcbn.org.uk/grant-initiative.html to download an application form. Your application must provide details to include some benefit within your community, e.g. providing education to school children. Martin Smith, Training & Education Committee Secretary. Email [email protected]

11/ FULL DAY WORKSHOP ON CROWDFUNDING. Another workshop on fundraising using Crowdfunding is taking place in Lancaster on 16th May from 9.30 to 15.30 at a cost of between £20 and £60 depending on the size of your organisation. If this type of fundraising is for you there are further details from: http://lancastercvs.org.uk/event/crowdfunding/ Martin Smith

12/ CHARITIES AND THE EU REFERENDUM. For those members who are registered charities, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) of which HRA is a member, has written a discussion paper on the forthcoming EU referendum. This can be accessed at:- http://files-eu.clickdimensions.com/ncvoorguk-ahxvj/files/ncvo-eu- referendum-discussion-paper.pdf? Members are encouraged to read this. Martin Smith.

13/ INTRODUCTION TO A CAREER IN THE RAILWAY INDUSTRY. Members wishing to make a career in the railway industry are invited to an ‘Introduction to the Railway Industry’ being held by the Institute of Railway Operators(IRO) on Tuesday May 10th at the National Training Academy for Rail in Northampton. This is a full day course, £350.00 for members of IRO and £400.00 for non-members. Further details from:- [email protected] or phone 03333 440523.

14/ HRA PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA COMPETITION – new address for entries. The entry form for the HRA Publications and Media Awards was included on the back of Sidelines 142 (December). The closing date is 24th May 2016 but please note that Clifford Jones now requests that further entries are sent to a new address of 23 Kingsmead Park Elstead GU8 6DZ. Clifford Jones (Email. [email protected])

15/ NATIONAL RAILWAY HERITAGE AWARDS - Call for Entries Easter is now passed and that busy period of preparation for the 2016 running season has passed. Hopefully it was a successful time and the changeable weather did not deter visitors (though cooler temperatures can sometimes be better for passenger numbers!)

With the slight reduction in train activity perhaps now is the time to consider making that scheme submission to the 2016 NRHA competition! The Awards criteria and Entry Form can be found on our website (www.nrha.org.uk). Completing the form 'online' is easy and the closing date for entries is 15th May 2016.

Already there has been a trickle of entries and I now look forward to that turning to a flood of schemes! Clive Baker (Joint Chairman of the Judges)

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 144 8 of 15 NEWS FROM HERITAGE ALLIANCE and its newsletter ‘Heritage Update’ provided by our representative John Jeffery.

16/ £4m OF NEW FUNDING FOR ENGLISH MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES. Culture Minister Ed Vaizey announced on 23 March that museums and galleries across England will receive funding of £4 million. The grants, jointly funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Wolfson Foundation, will be used for renovation and improvement projects in museums and galleries. This will allow institutions to increase access, improve displays and enhance public spaces. Since the Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund was created in 2001, the partnership has committed £39 million and funded 336 projects throughout England. The Culture Minister said: "Our national and local museums and galleries are among the best in the world and this fund is an important contribution to their continued success. The partnership with Wolfson is a much-valued source of support for the sector and a fantastic example of what can be achieved when public funds are matched with private philanthropy". Museums and galleries will be invited to submit bids for capital funding from April 2016.

COMMERCIAL ITEMS.

17 THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride – Do you Believe? The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg has become a firm favourite with all ages at Christmas each year and The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride introduces a whole new audience to heritage railway attractions with huge brand power and marketing support behind it. Having seen the great success with the event in the USA and at both Dartmoor and Weardale Railways in the UK, The Polar Express Tram Ride was introduced at Seaton Tramway in Devon for the first time in 2015 and far exceeded all expectations for everyone involved in its production. We are also proud to announce that 2016 sees the arrival of another new partner, Telford Steam Railway, who will be offering their inaugural trip in early December and plan to have some amazing festive thrills lined up along the route.

Seeing extremely happy customers and creating memorable experiences is something we all strive to deliver in the heritage rail industry. RAILiMOTION Ltd is the official company representing Rail Events Inc. in the UK and northern Europe, the licensed agent of Warner Bros for The Polar Express Train Ride Experience, of which it has over 50 partners in the USA and four in the UK. It is envisioned that the number of partner railways for the Polar Express in the UK & Europe will increase in the next couple of years and RAILiMOTION will assist at every step of the way which includes marketing & merchandising opportunities.

Here are some links to our partner railways currently operating THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Experience: http://www.tram.co.uk/the-polar-express-tram-ride https://telfordsteamrailway.co.uk/polar-express-comes-telford-steam-railway/ https://www.weardalepolarexpressride.com/ https://dartmoorpolarexpressride.com/

And here’s a video link to the original production at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Steam Railroad in Durango, Colorado: http://youtu.be/BJPwV-Zw7kY

If you are currently running Santa train rides or just want to find a new event and would like to discuss whether THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is something which your railway would be interested in developing in the future, then please contact: Jenny Nunn, RAILiMOTION Ltd, [email protected] or call 07904 966327.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 144 9 of 15 18/ LEAFLETS. Many thanks to those members who sent me 50 copies of their leaflets following my request in Sidelines 143. It has been pleasing to see that several smaller railways have taken this up. Thanks also to those that ordered quantities of the HRA Railway Guide. Following coverage in several tourism publications and due to the amazing amount of interest raised by Flying Scotsman’s return to the mainline, requests for the Guide are coming in from a range of places; two have come from Australia. If you have not sent any of your timetables but still want to, please pack fifty copies securely (this quantity does not survive the post in just an envelope) and send them to John Crane, Heritage Railway Association, 10 Hurdeswell, Long Hanborough, Witney. OX29 8DH. ------

19a/ SIDELINES / BROADLINES. Following my comment in Sidelines 143 I have received a few responses to the thought of combing Sidelines and Broadlines. All but one favour the combined format. With regard to photos, apart from the cover, these will be limited to those actually needed to illustrate a point.

19b/ MEMBERS EVENTS. Further to Sidelines 141 item 8, The response to the listing of Members’ Events in the members section of the website has only received one response. This is rather a shame as the idea of producing this information in advance of public announcements came from a member at a general meeting to allow for co-operation between members and to avoid clashes. I will now regard the subject of this advance notification as dead.

19c/ EMAIL PROBLEMS. Please accept my apologies if you are awaiting a reply to an email. In the early part of the year, I suffered major problems with emails downloading multiple copies to the extent that I could not keep up with deleting them and my machine just clogged. In the rush, I may well have deleted items wanting a reply or for inclusion in Sidelines. John Crane.

20/ ELECTRONIC STORAGE. A member has reminded me of some comments I made in Sidelines 140 about methods of storing information and that a reminder might be sensible. Optical discs are far from permanent and should be copied every few years. The life depends on the storage conditions and the quality of the discs. I have had discs unusable after nine years. A work colleague, who admittedly was trying to be awkward, bought some cheap discs and then left them in bright sun – unusable within hours. Reasons for these problems are that discs can fade or the plastic separate.

Magnetic tapes have been known to last twenty years – note have been known to, not that they will (some have lasted longer). With tapes the magnetic oxide can come off the tape, losing the magnetic recording and also making replay impossible because of head clogging. Also bear in mind that you have to find a machine that can play them. If you have a machine, does it still work and if not can you get the parts and knowledge to repair it.

Films – colour film can fade although modern stocks are far better but even some recent ones faded badly within a couple of years. However whatever you do, do not throw films away – transfer methods improve so that higher picture quality than was once possibly can be obtained and recovery methods are improving. Kodachrome was renowned for its long life so certainly never junk any photographs or cinefilms shot on that. What should you use to record on? Carving in granite seems pretty good for a long life, otherwise do not trust anything and keep updating via methods that do not lose quality. This is fairly easy nowadays, although the quantity of material involved may well be a problem. J.C.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 144 10 of 15 21a/ HRA FRIENDS. A reminder that this class of membership is open to individuals who are interested in the activities of the Association, want to receive HRA information direct or wish to support the work of the Association.

21b/ HRA FRIENDS. MEMBERSHIP AND INTER-RAIL CARDS 2016/17 Many thanks to all Friends of HRA for supporting HRA through your membership, the purchase of the Friends Inter-Rail cards, and donations.

Friends Membership & Inter-Rail 2016 Annual Friends membership runs from 1 March 2016 to 28 February 2017. The membership cost for 2016 is £21.60 (unchanged) if you receive HRA communications by email. (The HRA Annual Report will be posted to all members).

The membership cost is £25.60 for postal communication – i.e. for members who do not have email contact and who are not buying an Inter-Rail card (but £21.60 if you are buying a card). The additional charge (£4) is to offset the cost to HRA of postage and packing and will be treated as a donation.

The cost of an Inter-Rail card is £120, which is in addition to the membership fee, so the total cost for membership with an Inter-Rail card for all annual–paying members is £141.60.

It is not necessary to send me a completed renewal form (available on request), but please notify me of any changes in your details, e.g. address, phone numbers, new email address etc.

If you are paying by cheque, please send it to me, payable to Heritage Railway Association, with at least your postcode (so that I can identify you correctly).

If you wish to pay by credit or debit card, please visit the HRA Shop website: www.hra.uk.com/mem_friends.php

It would be a help if you would please notify me (e.g.by email) if you are paying by credit/debit card, through the HRA Shop.

Life Members especially those who receive items by post are requested to confirm their continuing interest in HRA and to send a donation of at least £5, to offset postal costs. (One Life Member who does not have internet access is setting up a standing order to pay an annual donation to HRA.)

Any Life member who has not been in contact with me for 2 years or more will be removed from the distribution list later in the year.

Donations are very welcome to support the work of HRA and will be acknowledged, as will all renewals. Renewals can be made through the HRA Shop website

Many thanks again for your support.

Alan Saunders Friends (Private Members) Secretary 31 Cedar Avenue, MALVERN WR14 2SF

Telephone 0800 756 5111 Ext 423, or 01684 572654 Email [email protected]

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 144 11 of 15 NEWS UPDATE

22/ ISLE OF MAN HORSE TRAM. Happily there has been an agreement between Douglas Corporation and the Isle of Man Government that the nationalised Isle of Man Railways will run a service on the horse tramway for this summer, but what will happen after that is very uncertain and this could be its last year of operation.

23/ RPSI GENERATE MORE PUBLICITY FROM HRA AWARDS. The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland organised a special event at Whitehead on Saturday 2nd April when the President of the Heritage Railway Association, Lord Faulkner of Worcester, unveiled a plaque which had been awarded to the Society in the HRA Publications and Media Awards. The award was in recognition of Mike Beckett’s “RPSI 50” film which was produced in 2014 to mark the Society’s Golden Jubilee. The award was announced in September 2015 and now the plaque has been unveiled at Whitehead Excursion Station. It was a day of celebration for the RPSI and around 80 volunteers and special guests took up the invitation to attend the ceremony. On the screen behind the lectern, the award-winning “RPSI 50” DVD was already playing. The film was shot, edited and produced by member Mike Beckett and has been much acclaimed by all who have seen it. The film features footage of the Society’s early days, views behind the scenes, and interviews with several of the Society’s leading lights.

24/ APPEAL LAUNCHED TO BOOST OSWESTRY RAILWAY STATION. Oswestry-based Cambrian Heritage Railways (CHR) has launched a £20,000 appeal to help further return the Shropshire market town's restored historic station to its heyday of the 1950s. The appeal will cover the refurbishment of the former Down platform, reinstatement of the three lines that once ran through the station – a significant feature of the site – and the addition of further railway features, furniture and landmarks to the station area. Volunteer-run CHR is currently busy extending its running line at Oswestry, which it is expected will see passenger trains running to Weston Wharf, on the southern edge of the town by Easter 2018, a distance of one and three-quarter miles. There, the railway will provide a valuable public transport connection to the visitor centre operated by popular local micro-brewery, the Stonehouse Brewery. Since CHR gained access to the Gobowen to Llanddu railway line in 2009, significant progress has been made with the Oswestry station area. They were greeted with a site that was almost completely derelict. One of the two through platforms had been removed, the other was overgrown – and fly tipping had taken place, with almost all features of a working railway wiped away. Since that time, they have cleared the site, completely reinstated one platform, refurbished the track, reinstated signals, a water column, signs and started regular passenger train running again over a short distance to Middleton Road bridge. This has created an operational station again, which is used for passengers and a growing list of special events, becoming an important asset to the local community.”

FOR SALE / AVAILABLE

25/ STEAM LOCOMOTIVE. ‘VANGUARD’ 0-6-0 Tank Steam Locomotive, TKH series 3A Ferrum 47, Built Chrzanow Works, Poland 1959 Works No. TKH 5374

Arrived at Northampton and Lamport Railway 1992 In service 1997 – 2008 (Major overhaul started 2008) Now 75% of the way through overhaul. New side tanks. New Smokebox. New front tube plate. New steam pipes. Further work needed and price of sale will reflect the ongoing work needed. TKH spare parts also available for sale. All realistic offers considered – (fully functioning similar locomotives valued in region of £80,000) Please contact Dr. C. Wilson Tel. 01604 751032 or email [email protected] to discuss further.

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26/ DURABLANKET CERAMIC INSULATION LAGGING. 3 rolls - 7.3 metres length x 1.2 metres wide x 25mm thickness. Offers to Neil Evans, Foxcote Manor Society. Tel: 01606 553808. Buyer to collect (Cheshire)

WANTED

27/ INKED RIBBONS FOR TICKET DATING MACHINES. The Chasewater Railway Museum has been trying, so far without success, to source replacement inked ribbons for a number of standard booking office ticket dating machines. Re-inking existing ribbons is problematic in the extreme, but with so many heritage railways still using Waterlow and similar machines, hopefully someone can point us in the right direction. Any help will be appreciated. Contact David Bathurst, Chasewater Railway Museum Email [email protected]

28/ COMPARTMENT SLIDING DOORS. 4 corridor sliding compartment doors for 1956 BSK complete with rails and door furniture. Please contact Chris Lediard on 01670 790268 or Email, [email protected] with offers.

29/ A SIGNAL AND POST. We want a signal, which we could install on the main cycleway at Yeovil Country Park, on the old railway line. We would install an interpretation panel with this to enable local people and visitors to have a greater understanding of the railway heritage of Yeovil Country Park and Yeovil itself. We are planning to develop a walks leaflet which will link to the railway line and cover the railway heritage through the park and this would tie in very nicely with this project. Contact Becky Russell, Community Ranger, Yeovil Country Park. Email. [email protected]

30/ WHEELS FOR SPURN SAIL BOGIE. Spurn Lighthouse has just been refurbished, and YWT have an idea of making a replica sail bogie like the ones that were used on the Spurn military railway line and require a set of wheels.. 12 to 18 inch wheels from, for example, a timber bogie or a plate layers trolley could be suitable (especially with standard gauge axle) for use in the replica. If you can help please contact Phil Mathison Email. [email protected]

31/ WAGONS. I would like to buy one or two goods wagons, with running gear, to be used stationary as ablutions on our old GWR railway station. An open type, a mink van or similar would be suitable. With wheels, not serviceable to move is fine. If you have something that may be of interest contact Graham Carless, Station Cottage, Berrington, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY5 6EZ, 07792203745, [email protected]

32/ INFORMATION (This is a repeat of a request made in an earlier Sidelines) MANCHESTER, SHEFFIELD & LINCOLN RAILWAY SUBURBAN COACH. The Great Central Railway have a coach on site which is in a poor condition and a coach restoration group would like to restore it, however, before they can be begin it is necessary to ascertain the owner. Extensive enquiries by the Great Central Railway indicate the coach was purchased for the Ystwyth Valley Railway of Newtown, Powys. Letters to this railway have elicited no response. If any readers know of this railway and its address it would be appreciated if they could contact [email protected]

33/ SOUTHPORT SAND COMPANY RAILWAY – PHOTOGRAPHS REQUEST. Mr John Eccles (Friend of HRA) would be very interested to learn of the whereabouts of any photos of this railway. The Southport Sand Company railway was a narrow gauge line which operated from the early 1930’s to the mid 1950’s from a location opposite the former L&Y electric power station, alongside the

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 144 13 of 15 Liverpool-Southport railway line. Much is known about the railway, but no photographs have come to light. It would be appreciated if there is any HRA member who could help pictorially regarding the history of this railway. Contact details are: Mr J M Eccles, Flat 4, Hazelwood, 268 Liverpool Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 4QA Tel 01704 550392 Any messages for Mr Eccles by email may be sent to me for forwarding: Alan Saunders, HRA Friends Membership Secretary, [email protected]

SERVICES AVAILABLE.

34/ FFESTINIOG TRAVEL - EXPERTS IN GROUP RAILWAY TOURS.

Rail tour operator Ffestiniog Travel (FfT), sister company to the Festiniog Railway Company (FR Co), has been running comprehensive rail tours for over 40 years and profits support the continued preservation of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. The majority of this money has been used to finance the building of new carriages to help accommodate the growing number of passengers travelling on these railways with the comfort levels expected by tourists in the 21st Century.

The travel company has escorted people to heritage railways across the globe, from iconic routes to less well known lines and every visit helps support their preservation too. As well as experts in arranging both travel and accommodation it produces tours that contain unparalleled access to these railways through private, guided visits to the workshops and exclusive chartered journeys.

This travel and railway expertise means FfT is best placed to arrange private tours for railway groups within the UK and abroad. Recent clients include:

 The Railway Study Association (RSA) - FfT arranged flights and accommodation for a trip to Chicago;  Zermatt Rail Travel - FfT arranged transport and accommodation for the Swiss groups to visit the UK and planned excursions with local guides around Chester and North Wales, which included journeys on local heritage railways and guided tours to many tourist sites and National Trust properties;  The Fédération des Amis des Chemins de Fer Secondaires (FACS), who wanted FfT to organise a trip to Scotland which required both rail and accommodation arrangements.

If you need advice on how to arrange group visits to railways around the UK, Europe or destinations further afield such as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in India contact FfT direct on 01766 772030 or email [email protected]. To find out more about FfT and its programme of escorted tours for 2016 as well as its wide range of Tailor Made tours, visit www.ffestiniogtravel.com Every time you travel with FfT you are supporting the FR Co and many heritage railways around the world.

HRA CALENDAR NEXT PAGE

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 144 14 of 15 HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION : MEETINGS & EVENTS 2016

MARITIME HERITAGE TRUST : Reconnections Conference Follow Up Seminar Wed 11th May - Venue: Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool (11 00 hrs – 17 00 hrs). Seminar for transport heritage preservationists on developing a north west co-operation network, including a guided tour and case study of the Daniel Adamson ship restoration project now completing an HLF funded £ 3.8M restoration. For further details see: www.eventbrite.co.uk or MHT website: www.maritimeheritage.org.uk/events-and-attractions

AIM Association of Independent Museums : National Conference. Thurs 23rd - Sat 25th June Venue: Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh The major annual gathering of colleagues from the wider independent museums and heritage attractions sector. Highly recommended by those who have attended previously. Principal theme: “Elements of Success”. Full programme of lectures, workshops and social events. Full details: www.aim-museums.co.uk/conference

HRA AUTUMN MEETING WEEKEND. Sat 17th - Mon 19th September 2016 General Meeting as last year on morning of Sat 17th; Lead host Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway; Additional visits to Sittingbourne & Kemsley Railway and to other locations in Kent. Accommodation at various hotels in Hythe, Cheriton and Folkestone.

HRA AUTUMN MANAGEMENT FORUM + GENERAL MEETING + SEMINAR. Tues 8th - Wed 9th November 2016 - Venue: Crewe Alexandra FC, Crewe Seminar: “Volunteer Recruitment & Retention” (Tues 8th) Brief General Meeting and Management Forum (Wed 9th)

THA Giving to Heritage FUNDRAISING SKILL TRAINING WORKSHOPS. As announced elsewhere in this issue, the THA Giving to Heritage training scheme will be extended for a further year, re-commencing in June. We hope to include details of new programme of workshops in events calendar in next Sidelines..

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.

______© 2016 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

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