. ASSOCIATION.

HRA ON TOUR – ROMNEY HYTHE AND DYMCHURCH RAILWAY – 17th September 2016 Photo Nigel Hunt

SIDELINES 147 OCTOBER 2016

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 147 2 of 17 .HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION. SIDELINES 147 21ST OCTOBER 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, john.@hra.gb.com 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 147

1/ GUIDANCE ON SHUNTING. 2/ HRA NOVEMBER SEMINAR & MEETINGS IN CREWE 3/ BREXIT - NEXT STEPS. 4/ RATES. Register now for your draft rateable value reminder 5/ RATES New Rating List Published. 6a/ THE HERITAGE ALLIANCE - BREXIT. 6b/ GIVING TO HERITAGE. 7/ TOOLKIT ON SOCIAL MEDIA. 8/ MENTORING COURSES. 9/ FUNDING TO BOOST VOLUNTEERING AMONG OVER 50S. 10/ NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR THE 2016 HRA AWARDS. 11/ CARRIAGE AND WAGON COMPETITION – possible non-arrival of entries. 12/ NATIONAL RAILWAY HERITAGE AWARDS 2016. 13/ HOPS. 14/ ROAD-RAIL VEHICLE USER GROUP (for Heritage Railways). 15/ HRA RALWAY GUIDE. 16/ HERITAGE RAILWAY TRUST ANNUAL REPORT. 17a/ SCOTTISH NEWS. STORIES, STONES AND BONES | HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND 17b/ SCOTTISH NEWS. TALK FROM SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE. 18/ PETER’S RAILWAY ENGINEER’S CENTRES. 19/ HRA ON TOUR – SEPTEMBER WEEKEND MEETING 2016 20/ BRAKEBLOCK FOR SR BRAKEVAN.

HRA NOVEMBER VOLUNTEER SEMINAR AND GENERAL MEETING & FORUM PAGES 15 & 16

HRA CALENDAR PAGE 17

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 147 3 of 17 OPERATING AND SAFETY

1/ GUIDANCE ON SHUNTING. Our Guidance Note on Shunting, including Coupling & Uncoupling was updated in May 2015. I have supplied a number of members with the updated document following specific queries but did not update it on our website, for which I apologise.

The current document (HGR-A0052-Is02 - Shunting-incl Coupling & Uncoupling) is now on our website, please consider it carefully.

It replaces (HGR-P0014-Is01 - Shunting: including Coupling & Uncoupling) which has now been deleted.

Bill Hillier, Chairman of the Operating & Safety Committee. Email [email protected] Tel. 0800 756 5111 Extn 431.

GENERAL NOTES.

2/ HRA NOVEMBER SEMINAR ON VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT, TRAINING AND RETENTION ON 8th NOVEMBER AND THE GENERAL MEETING AND MANAGEMENT FORUM 9th NOVEMBER. Details of these events in Crewe are given on pages 15 & 16

3/ BREXIT - NEXT STEPS. Three months have passed since the UK's EU referendum. The reactions it has prompted remain mixed.

The HRA is already moving to help with the challenges of Brexit. It is still very early days, but some key matters are becoming clear, and are key priorities for the Board of Directors. Mark Smith is already exploring ways that we can respond to the following issues.

1. Identifying legislation that members wish to retain or amend or remove, so that we can lobby strongly to ensure that our voices are heard.

2. Determining whether any grant funding previously from the EU is not being fully replaced by the UK government, and supporting members with any potential resulting difficulties.

Mark will also be asking members to share their views on the way Brexit will affect those things that are working well for them, and not so well, in terms of day-to-day operations and in forward planning. This will enable us to formulate any further action required.

We understand that both the ORR and RAIB expect little change for our sector, in terms of legislation and their responsibilities. But in addition to railway-specific matters our businesses are also affected by workshop, retail, catering, offices, banking and employment regulations, to list but a few. On these matters and other non-railway legislation, we are already working with such bodies as Tourism Alliance and Scottish Tourism Alliance in order to discover expected, or indeed wished-for, changes, and how to react.

We are encouraging members to develop relationships with their constituency MPs, and to lobby them with any views. The HRA itself is also able to speak directly to government, most notably through the All Party Parliamentary Group on Heritage Rail. The APPG and the HRA work closely together, and are effective in raising the issues that matter to heritage railways, museums and tramways.

Those are some of the things the HRA is already doing, on behalf of its members. Some issues are about detailed aspects of legislation. Some are about policy such as grant funding. In the meantime, it's important to keep a focus on running safe, profitable organisations that welcome visitors with a big smile and a positive outlook.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 147 4 of 17 Informal feedback suggests that our sector is currently experiencing mixed fortunes. Some members are reporting increases in revenue and visitor numbers. Some are seeing less or no growth. The everyday challenges of running heritage rail will continue to demand your attention. Wider issues, such as young people's employment, or the future of coal, are still on the agenda, and the HRA will continue to work on those issues on your behalf. Europe aside, our sector will always need to compete with other leisure attractions. That's something we do extremely well. I very much hope that recent uncertainties won't diminish the energy, enthusiasm and professionalism for which the UK's heritage railways are so well-known. Brian Simpson HRA Chairman.

4/ RATES. Pay business rates on your Railway or museum? Register now for your draft rateable value reminder Any member who pays business rates can now register online with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to get a reminder email when their new draft rateable value is published. The VOA is currently updating the rateable values of all non-domestic properties in and Wales. These new rateable values are then used by local authorities to calculate business rates bills from next April. Anyone who signs up will receive a reminder in the autumn, letting them know they can check their draft rateable value online. The email reminder will also have a link for ratepayers to amend their property details online, if necessary. Ratepayers can go to www.gov.uk/voa/revaluation and sign up to the free reminder service. Mark L Smith

5/ RATES New Rating List Published. Roger Wilkins FRICS, acts as our Hon Rating Advisor, and is keen to collate information with regards to the new rating assessments which have been published, and is also keen to know of which professional advisors are being used – if any – by heritage railways. As he is mainly retired, he is keen to stress that he is not seeking to carry out any professional work on a paid basis for heritage railways, so is NOT seeking work for himself, but does act for the , on a voluntary basis, and has advised other railways in the past when working full time.

There has, in the past, been a good dialogue with the Valuation Office on a national basis, and it is felt important that this continues. There are also many dubious rating appeal firms in existence, and getting the right advice, and a consistent approach across the sector, is vital if we are to keep our overheads as low as possible.

Many will be shocked by huge increases which have been published, but a brief background may help.

A Lands Tribunal case in 1984 involving the confirmed that heritage railways are subject to business rates. These are charged at the business rate in the £1 for each year, being a set proportion of the rateable value. Those rateable values should be re-assessed every five years, but the government postponed the revaluation for two years (for reasons open to some speculation!), and they should have been changed two years ago. The new list, just published, comes into force in April of next year.

Most business premises are assessed on the assumed rental value two years prior to the new list coming into place. Given that such evidence is impossible in most of our cases, the values have been assessed on a “Receipts and Expenditure” method. This is a rather complex system, but it really boils down to an approximate percentage of turnover, adjusted so that the lines with heavy overheads and risks pay a much lower percentage than the more highly profitable and commercial ones.

It appears that the major changes in the published values follow the changes in turnover, and appeals are most likely to succeed where there is an inconsistency in approach, or where the facts have not been correctly interpreted. It is a sad fact that, where the turnover has increased substantially, the rateable value will be going up too, but if there are errors, they do need to be addressed. Railways which have charitable status do, of course, receive some relief.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 147 5 of 17 There have, in the past, been transitional arrangements, so the full effect of increases have been phased over a period of years. The transitional relief arrangements will be published in January 2017. Roger asks that, if possible, he be emailed with details of assessments and any advisors. He will seek a meeting with the relevant senior Valuation Officers, as has happened in the past, to try and co- ordinate a national response, if it is felt necessary.

Roger may be emailed on [email protected]. The notes above have been kindly contributed by Roger himself. J.C.

6/ THE HERITAGE ALLIANCE. 6a/ BREXIT. The Funding Advisory Group held a meeting on 11th October to discuss the possible financial effects throughout the heritage world resulting from Brexit. This was attended by representatives from several member organisations, including amongst others, the National Trust, English Heritage, Association of Independent Museums, Canal Trust and Heritage Railway Association. The truth is that it is proving difficult to quantify the existing funding streams and other benefits deriving from membership of the EU. Therefore steps have to be taken to quantify what needs to be replaced before Government departments can be lobbied to ensure that alternative arrangements are forthcoming to ensure that in future the heritage sector is adequately supported financially. More immediately, there would appear to be enhanced incentive for foreign tourists to visit Britain, due to the fall in Sterling exchange rate, thus increasing income.

6b/ GIVING TO HERITAGE. The GtH steering group met on the same date. Bookings for the new training period are doing well, all dates up until the HLF funding ceases in June 2017. We are still experiencing poor attendance to workshops in the east and northeast of England so I am appealing to those living there to seriously consider taking advantage of these additional sessions in their area. The complete list of sessions up to June next year is as follows:

(M) indicates a Masterclass. These workshops are suitable for more experienced fundraisers and delegates as well as those who have already attended the same workshop subject earlier in the GTH programme. In-house workshops are also available for organisations who would like a GTH training subject delivered exclusively for them.

How and When to Apply for Social Investment Funds - NEW: 1 November 2016, Manchester, International Anthony Burgess Centre 2 February 2017, Bristol, SS Great Britain May 2017, Birmingham June 2017, London

How To Set Up a Community Shares Project - NEW: 9 December 2016, The Theatres Trust, London April 2017, Manchester

Structuring Your Heritage Organisation for Fundraising – NEW: 8 December 2016, London, The Theatres Trust June 2017, Manchester, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Crowdfunding for Heritage Organisations and Utilising Your Networks for Fundraising – NEW: 7 February 2017, Manchester, International Anthony Burgess Centre

Measuring, Communicating & Sharing the Impact of Heritage Organisations to Funders – NEW: 18 May 2017, Bath, Museum of Bath at Work

Creating a Case for Support for Your Heritage Organisation: 23 February 2017, Newcastle, Live Theatre

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 147 6 of 17 Heritage Fundraising Planning: Putting Your Strategy Into Action: 22 November 2016, Bristol, SS Great Britain (M) 1 February 2017, Birmingham, The Coffin Works (M) 15 March 2017, Telford, Ironbridge Gorge Museums 23 June 2017, London, The Theatres Trust (M)

Understanding Fundraising: The Roles and Responsibilities of Trustees in Heritage Organisations: 27 April 2017, Bristol, SS Great Britain

Legacy Fundraising for Heritage Organisations: 26 January 2017, Cambridge University (M) 9 May 2017, London, Kelmscott House (M)

Major Donor Fundraising for Heritage Organisations: 3 November 2016, London, The Theatres Trust 7 December 2016, Manchester, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House (M) 9 March 2017, Oxford Castle (M)

Securing Support for Your Heritage Organisation from Grant-Making Trusts & Foundations: 10 November 2016, Coventry Transport Museum 18 January 2017, London, Kelmscott House

Digital & Social Media for Heritage Organisations: 5 April 2017, Derby Museum

Corporate Partnerships for Heritage Organisations: 2 December 2016, Woking, The Lightbox (M) 2 March 2017, London, The Theatres Trust (M) June 2017, Birmingham, The Coffin Works

HLF sponsorship of the GTH programme means that we can offer workshops at the highly - subsidised rate of £20 per person. There are 12 to 15 places available at each workshop.

Sam Bee – HRA Heritage Alliance Liaison Officer.

7/ TOOLKIT ON SOCIAL MEDIA. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations has produced a free toolkit on Social Media for charities. This seems a very helpful tool and if you want to know more it can be accessed at:- http://landing.skillsplatform.org/charitysocialmediatoolkit/ Martin Smith, Training & Education Committee Secretary. Email [email protected]

8/ MENTORING COURSES. For those members who are interested in mentoring courses, there is an ‘In-house’ training course supplied by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.’ There are various courses directed at coordinators, managers, trainers and mentors. If you have such a requirement then go to:- http://www.mandbf.org/training-and-events/in-house-and- bespoke?_cldee=bS5zbWl0aDg3QHNreS5jb20%3d&recipientid=contact- 4f0916d6c145e411a009d89d67635d70- 525a7132cd894d51a354d83d02a59eb7&utm_source=ClickDimensions&utm_medium=email&utm_c ampaign=Mentoring%20and%20Befriending&urlid=6 which gives you an enquiry form to fill in. Martin Smith

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 147 7 of 17 9/ FUNDING TO BOOST VOLUNTEERING AMONG OVER 50S. The Office for Civil Society and Nesta announced three new grant funds (Visit website https://www.gov.uk/government/news/4-million-grants-to-boost-volunteering-among-over-50s for details) totalling £4 million which aim to increase volunteering among the over 50s. Recognising the important contribution that older volunteers already make, these new funds will explore how more people can be encouraged to volunteer and how their talents and experiences can be retained. All three funds are open for applications: Second Half Fund Join In Stay In Give More Get More

‘Join in Stay in’ would seem most suitable for HRA members. Martin Smith

10/ NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR THE 2016 HRA AWARDS. If you have seen some rather splendid achievement, progress or new initiative happening at a member railway, tramway or museum, or the completion of a special locomotive restoration or overhaul this year, the HRA Awards committee would like to hear about it by 12th November.

We are supported by our friends from the railway periodical publishers, and the committee will decide for which of our nine awards your nomination should be entered.

Please send nominations and ideas to: [email protected] or by post to Mark at 25 Peile Drive, TAUNTON, Somerset. TA2 7SZ

11/ CARRIAGE AND WAGON COMPETITION – possible non-arrival of entries. This year's Carriage and Wagon competition has been plagued with communications problems; emails vanishing into the void, post left on the doorstep, telephone messages not received.

I think all is now sorted out!!

My current 'Final' list of entries is included below. I would be very grateful if all Entrants would double check it for errors and omissions.

Also, would all who kindly offered to help me with Judging and Admin please get in touch to confirm that they are still available.

Coaches

Aln Valley E25020

Bluebell SECR 3188

Churnet Valley M35473 (disabled conversion)

Dean Forest BSO 9003

Downpatrick and County Down “Hollywood” Railmotor

Ecclesbourne Valley SO 3727

Ffestiniog Pullman Observation car 150

Golden Valley Ashover Coach 4

Great Central MS&L 6 wheeler

Midland and Great Northern M&GN 3rd Class Saloon No 3

North Norfolk Railway Mark 1 Suburban set

Princess Royal Trust Special Saloon 45000

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 147 8 of 17 Severn Valley GWR Excursion Coach 650

Somerset and Dorset Trust S&D COACH No 4

Swindon and Cricklade Taff Vale Carriage 73

Wagons

Bluebell LB&SCR Fruit Van 270

Caledonian (Brechin) Midland Railway Covered

Chasewater HAA Wagons

Chasewater Toad Brakevan

Ffestiniog Sentry Box

Gwili 7 plank wagon

Isle of Man Four wheel postal van

Isle of Wight Rake of 4 IoW coal wagons

Midland and Great Northern A B502824

Self Propelled

EPB Group Motor Luggage Van 68002

Merseyside Tramway PS Liverpool 245

Swindon & Cricklade Wickham Trolley 7508

Please contact Chris Smyth [email protected]

12/ NATIONAL RAILWAY HERITAGE AWARDS 2016. The judging and Adjudication processes are over and we have winners for this year's Awards and they are an exciting mixed selection! However they will remain 'unknown' until the Award ceremony takes place at Merchant Taylors Hall in London's City district on Wednesday 7th December.

The 'Heritage' sector has, as always, produced a range of schemes and signal boxes, both operational and non, constitute the majority of entries. The schemes also range between very small projects and extremely audacious building initiatives. The scope never fails to impress, especially with the somewhat 'tight' financial times we are experiencing.

For those who have a project nearing completion, and of which you are very proud, perhaps you will be inspired to enter it for the 2017 Awards? The Entry Form will be available, on line, from the beginning of 2017 and submissions close on 14th May 2017. Therefore there is plenty of time to consider making that Entry! Full details of eligibility, the information required by us, and the Form, are to be found on our website www.nrha.org.uk There is no cost involved in making a submission so go ahead: you have nothing to lose!

13/ HOPS. Welcome to the new railways who have joined HOPS and/or the Support License Scheme recently. It is great that more railways are joining and hence making the system and the scheme more robust for everyone.

Some great development in the HOPS Competence Management System has taken place in the last few months, thanks to the support of railways in the Support License Scheme - it is now possible to make competences dependent on other competences.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 147 9 of 17 This doesn't sound like much on the face of it, but it has made the CMS a lot more powerful indeed. Previously it was possible to have any number of positions, and for people to be competent, or not, or competent to some degree, in them. But we know competence is really more complicated than that - competence is generally made up of a lot of elements, a lot of which overlap with other competences.

HOPS can now be configured to reflect this. i.e., a competence of 'Signalman Box A' is dependent on the person's 'PTS', 'Rules', and 'Special Instructions for Box A'. The competence of 'Guard' is dependent on 'PTS', 'Rules', 'Protecting the Line in an Emergency', 'Lost Child Procedure', and whatever other elements you'd care to make up. The beauty of the dependent competences system is that PTS, Rules, etc., can now be managed once for all positions that require it. If PTS expires, the competences dependent on that element expire too. When PTS is re-certified, the competences dependent on it reignite (as long as they haven't expired in their own right in the meantime, of course).

This is beneficial for the departments in that they don't have to be concerned with duplicating railway- wide competence material, and beneficial for the railway manager in knowing that the relevant department competences are dependent on the railway-wide requirements.

Elements can be configured to be required for individual grades within a position too. So it might be required to hold certain elements to be a signalman, but not a booking boy, or certain elements to be a driver, but not a passed fireman, for example. It is also possible to integrate competence elements with medicals, so that a competence can become dependent on an in-date medical.

More than one railway has entered a great number of competence elements to reflect each component of their training requirements, so that each of these are 'signed off' as the training progresses, with evidence uploaded for each component, even though these components are only required for that one competence. This works very well.

With the awarding of each competence or competence element it is possible to upload files and scanned materials supporting the competence decision for safe keeping, just in case it should be required for inspection later.

HOPS is an administration system specifically written for heritage railways. If you would like more information about HOPS please visit www.heritage-ops.org.uk Danny Scroggins.

14/ ROAD-RAIL VEHICLE USER GROUP (for Heritage Railways). The Road-Rail Vehicle Users Group has forwarded the following notes.

DIRECT SERVICE BRAKING ON RRV VEHICLES Only three months remain until the deadline of 31st December 2016 for all 9B (High Ride) road-rail vehicles in the heritage sector to have direct service braking fitted. Any railways considering a new purchase should ensure pre-owed vehicles are already fitted. A number of companies, such as AJH Plant and Rexquote offer upgrades on existing machines. Owners should be aware that older machines may not have designs drawn for the upgrade, which will lead to larger bills. RRV owners are more than welcome to contact the RRV User Group to make enquires as to whether any other railways have similar machines to theirs, and if so, to approach the relevant engineering companies for upgrade drawings and work. If they so choose, heritage railways are also permitted to design their own braking systems under PUWER, designed to the standards, such as for stopping distances, using RIS1530PLT (document available online).

RRV TRAILER BRAKING In addition to RRVs having direct service braking, the ORR have now made it compulsory for all trailers used on the mainline network to have service braking in addition to parking brakes. This is not yet a requirement for heritage railways, but a deadline is currently being established and railways that might be considering a trailer purchase should now make this part of their requirements. When upgrading existing trailers, there does not appear to be any cost benefit in having the trailer and vehicle braking upgrade carried out at the same time. But when considering a purchase, or an upgrade to a trailer (where hydraulic braking is not already in place), the second-hand market should be investigated.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 147 10 of 17 GENERAL RRV COMPETENCE & TRAINING A number of railways have undertaken RRV excavator vehicle training which establishes competence over a one-week course, provided that the operator has 100 hours’ general excavator experience. Operators learn how to work safely with basic operations and moving the plant on and off track. Further training is recommended for lifting, excavating and tandem lifting. The RRV User Group is keen to put railways in touch with each other if training is planned, since savings are possible when running local training courses for up to four individual operators.

RRV LEARNING POINTS A recent incident, which was reported to the ORR and RAIB, concerned a collision with a bridge where two girders were hit and took out an 11KV electrical cable. It was thought it was due to a distraction and the operator working excessive hours. Two key learning points were established: 1. RRVs should always operate with a machine controller who is on the ground and in communication with the operator (except when the RRV is dispatched to travel between two location). 2. Extra attention must be paid to staff working hours to ensure operators do not work beyond their core working hours. HRA recommendation is a maximum of 12 hours for any shift with at least an eight-hour rest period from work or travel activity.

Two further learning points were discussed which related to general inspection after accidents: 3. Inspection of machines, following an incident, is vital to check for damage but never assume a visual inspection is conclusive. 4. Checking the track condition and geometry is key to determining lift capacity but conditions such as tight to gauge and under-greased rail is also likely to raise the risk of derailment with unbalanced vehicles; e.g. when flailing or ploughing ballast.

DISCLAIMER The responsibility for interpreting this information and compiling operational systems acceptable to the regulatory authorities lies with individual railways. Information contained in this communication is sent in good faith and without liability.

ABOUT THE RRV USER GROUP & MEMBERSHIP The Road-Rail Vehicle Users Group was formed in 2013. The committee is made up of seven heritage railways, ORR and HRA representatives, who meet twice a year. The group reflects, disseminates and recommends what is believed to be good practice concerning road rail vehicles to the Heritage Railway sector. The group are keen for all heritage railways to make contact and let them know what machines are being used with any information which could be disseminated across the sector. Membership to the RRV User Group is open to any RRV owners at heritage railways who are willing to contribute and meet a couple times a year. Contact Andrew Young Email [email protected]

15/ HRA RALWAY GUIDE. I am hoping to clear the remaining stock of the HRA Railway Guide as a final effort to clear my uncompleted tasks. If you can display any at your Santa Specials it would be appreciated. A box of approximately 1200 is the most economical way to send them out (possibly share them with other members in your area) but smaller quantities can be provided – please state how many you want and give the delivery address. John Crane Email [email protected]

16/ HERITAGE RAILWAY TRUST ANNUAL REPORT. The Trust’s thirty first Annual Report is now available via their website www.railwayheritagetrust.co.uk In 2015/16 the Trust supported 53 projects with 58 grants worth £2.04 million which attracted partnership funding of £4.47 million. In its 31 year history, the Trust has awarded 1,539 grants worth £49.9 million which have attracted external contributions of £67.6 million from partners other than the Trust and its sponsors.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 147 11 of 17 17/ SCOTTISH NEWS. 17a/ STORIES, STONES AND BONES | HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND Next year is Visit Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017. For this there are grants available to members for events during the year. The website link is: https://www.hlf.org.uk/looking-funding/what-we-fund/community-heritage/stories-stones-and- bones?utm_source=Heritage%20Lottery%20Fund&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=7601989_R email%3A%20Copy%20of%20Corporate%20Sep&utm_content=Stories%2C%20Stones%2C%20Bo nes&dm_i=12AA,4IXQD,5M6JLQ,GR6QO,1

Stories, Stones and Bones will encourage people in communities across Scotland to dig deeper into their past and to find out more about their local history, customs ... The next deadline for any Scottish members to apply for grants is Jan 31st. The HRA would like to get involved with this themed year.

Stories, Stones and Bones is for grants of £3,000 to £10,000 to help people and communities celebrate their heritage as part of the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) seeks to support projects that provide lasting benefits to heritage, people, and communities. We describe these benefits as outcomes, further detail can be found on the outcomes section of our website.

Under this programme projects must achieve the following two outcomes:  More people and a wider range of people will have engaged with heritage.  People will have learnt about heritage.

Please find below some general key points to consider as you develop your application:  You should tell us why and to whom your heritage is important. Make sure your heritage focus is not too wide and will enable participants to learn through research and getting involved. Consider whether a heritage organisation could support you in the planning and delivery stages of your project to help provide heritage expertise.  We are looking to see activities which will help people to learn about heritage, gain skills or volunteer as part of your project. Please provide sufficient detail of these activities and accurate costs in your budget.  Consider how you will attract and meet the needs of groups that haven’t previously engaged in heritage.  Outline if you have spoken to any groups or partners to show there is interest or demand for your project and include letters of support with your application.  Consider how you will share your project with the wider community. This could be through an event, digital things such as an app or website, an exhibition, guides, display boards, packs for schools or a performance.

17b/ TALK FROM SCOTTISH TOURISM ALLIANCE. A talk by Marc Crothall from the Scottish Tourism Alliance has been arranged and we would like to invite the marketing person from all the Scottish members to the talk. The itinerary is 13.30 arrival tea/coffee 14.00 - 15.00 Marc Crothall It will be held at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow on 24th November 2017. David Winpenny. Secretary HRA Scottish Committee. [email protected]

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 147 12 of 17 18/ PETER’S RAILWAY ENGINEER’S CENTRES.

Peter’s Engineer’s Centre on the Severn Valley Railway

There are now two Peter’s Railway Young Engineer’s Centres. The first is at the Engine House Museum on the Severn Valley Railway, the second, opened earlier this year, is at Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The whole idea is to tell children (and adults) how engines work etc.

We have also provided simple diagrams to several other railways this year, to be used as information displays at stations. I don’t make a charge for providing the drawings, as long as they credit the Peter’s Railway books. (and that the shop sells them!!). Chris Vine – Peter’s Railway. Email [email protected] (Two new books are now being released J.C.).

19/ HRA ON TOUR – Autumn 2016 by Nigel Hunt. HRA held the Autumn General Meeting and programme of visits over the weekend of 16th– 19th September. Due to a number of factors we were based in a clutch of hotels around Folkestone. Many delegates managed to cut through the abysmal weather in South-East England to arrive on Friday in time to congregate at Hythe station of the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.

RHDR organised a special non-stop ‘HRA on Tour’ running the length of the line to Dungeness hauled by locomotives ‘Hurricane’ and ‘Northern Chief’. With the evening sky gradually darkening, and in the shadow of the power-station, we arrived at Dungeness station, where significant sums of money have been invested in upgrading the station. Catering and hospitality facilities are provided in a new building which does credit to the railway and its staff and visitors. This was the venue for an excellent fish-and-chip supper accompanied by assorted liquid refreshments. The evening ended with a relaxing return non-stop run to Hythe, darkness broken by lights from nearby houses and flashing lights of the various level-crossings now installed on the line.

On Saturday, the General Meeting at Hythe was followed by an excellent buffet lunch. In the afternoon we travelled on a special train which was laid on between service . Grazing the meadows in the heavy rain indigenous Romney Marsh sheep, like flocks of gricers, watched our entourage rattle past. On arrival at New Romney we were divided into groups, making life easier for our hosts to escort us around the various on-site railway facilities – chiefly rolling-stock maintenance and the electronics room where various gurus create the much needed electronic gadgetry associated with building, monitoring and maintenance of level-crossings and signalling. During the evening RHDR made available ‘Dr Syn’ and ‘Northern Chief’ for members to experience the thrill of driving a steam-locomotive. Associated with this was a leisurely evening spent savouring a bountiful buffet based on a hog-roast.

On Sunday we were taken to the northern part of the county to Sittingbourne, where we were guests of the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway. This line was built to serve various paper-mills and, despite much redevelopment, has survived a variety of traumas over the years and now has a more

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 147 13 of 17 secure future. Services were in the hands of tank-engine ‘Superb’. The locomotive chuffed sedately through the marshy area to line’s terminus at Kemsley Down, where we were invited to meander around the site, with museum, workshops and catering facilities to be investigated. The site is alongside a footpath through the wetland area, giving a chance to see some of the wildlife of the region. After the rain of previous days it was pleasing to enjoy some hours of warm sunshine. After lunch we reverted to road travel for a ride through the North Downs to reach the Bregar and Wormshill Light Railway, a three-quarter mile narrow-gauge railway built as a hobby by a group of friends over the last 40 years. The railway is based on a collection of locomotives from around the world, all carefully restored to working order and presented for operation in a secluded area using home-made facilities – shed and turntable, workshops, stations, signals, etc. Steam-loco ‘Lady Joan’ and diesel locos ‘Milstead’ and ‘Bredgar’ were used for passenger services and a freight train. The railway, open to the public for a few days each year and for private visits, is professionally operated by a cheerful band of enthusiasts.

On Monday our final visits of a fascinating weekend involved a coach trip to , home of the and Railway. To accompany our introduction to the railway we were given a brief talk on the Rother Valley Railway. This company was set up to rebuild the link between the current end of line at and former terminus at (on the main Hastings railway line), where a new station and layout is being built – facilities at the main station being inadequate for heritage operations. There followed a trip behind ‘Terrier’ 32678 to Rolvenden, nerve-centre of the line. Split into groups, we visited the locomotive-workshops and signal-box, as well as the new carriage-shed which is a credit to all concerned in providing significant space for a variety of rolling-stock. We must not pass this visit without mentioning the dedicated group restoring ex-Barry condition freight-engine 4253 – we look forward to seeing and reading of the completion of this project, and congratulate the team on their dedication – no task is too onerous for them! All too soon we returned to Tenterden for lunch and a chance to see the ‘Wealden Pullman’ coaches (luxury dining-car stock), award-winning museum and the admirable carriage-works.

Good things soon come to an end and it was time to head for Ashford International Station and the fast ‘Javelin’ trains heading for London and onwards travel to sundry destinations at the end of a fascinating and very relaxing weekend. For making our weekend so enjoyable we must thank Danny Martin (RHDR), Liz and John Fuller (SKLR), Bill and David Best (B+WR) and Shaun Wealden (K+ESR) and all their teams of helpers and guides. We must also extend our thanks to local coach firm Buzzlines whose drivers managed to manipulate long vehicles along some awkward and narrow streets, especially in Folkestone, whilst maintaining our timetables. As a finale, on behalf of HRA members and guests, I take this opportunity to thank Bill Askew for all his hard work and dedication in organising, and taking ensuing flak, trips and meetings several times per year. On our behalf Bill thank you for all you have done.

WANTED.

20/ BRAKEBLOCK FOR SR BRAKEVAN. Supporters' Association is restoring its SR brakevan LDS 55625, and is trying to locate at least one brakeblock for it. It's an unusual type with 4 fixing/pivot holes. There is a picture of one on DRSA's website at http://www.dartmoor-railway-sa.org/lds55625. If anyone has one or some for sale, please contact Jon Kelsey, DRSA Secretary, email [email protected]

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HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION SIDELINES 147 16 of 17 HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION: MEETINGS & EVENTS 2016 - 2017

THA Giving to Heritage FUNDRAISING SKILL TRAINING WORKSHOPS Further reminder that the Heritage Alliance workshops programme has been extended until early summer 2017 - detailed update elsewhere in this issue. Some sample dates:-

Nov 1st How and When to Apply for Social Investment Funds (Manchester) Nov 22nd Fundraising Planning - Putting your strategy into action (Bristol) Dec 8th Structuring your Heritage Organisation for Fundraising (New Subject, London) Dec 9th How to set up a Community Shares Project (New Subject, London)

Full details of all events in the training programme and place availability, please check Heritage Alliance website: www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/giving-to-heritage

ABTEM AUTUMN SEMINAR: “DEATH TO THE MACHINE” Thurs 3rd November Autumn Association of British Transport & Engineering Museums seminar. Venue Science Museum, London. Current challenges to preservation of industrial and transport heritage. Free of charge. Event already heavily booked, so only a few places remain. Register as soon as possible on: www.eventbrite.co.uk Any enquiries to Peter Ovenstone ABTEM Vice-Chairman: [email protected] or Tel: 07740 289702.

HRA AUTUMN MANAGEMENT FORUM + GENERAL MEETING + SEMINAR Tues 8th - Wed 9th November - Venue: Crewe Alexandra FC, Crewe Seminar: “Volunteer Recruitment & Retention” (Tues 8th); Brief General Meeting followed by the midweek Management Forum (Wed 9th) Detailed programme previously circulated and, again please book as soon as possible. Enquiries to Bill Askew.

HRA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2017 + ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER Sat 11th - Sun 12th February Venue as this year Grand Station, Sun Street, Wolverhampton (former Low Level Station). AGM and Awards Dinner [Sat 11th Feb]; Appropriate visits programme [Sun 12th. Feb].

HRA SPRING MANAGEMENT FORUM + GENERAL MEETING + SEMINAR Tue 14th - Wed 15th March Venue Grand Station, Wolverhampton [as above] ; Seminar (Tue 14th): “Management of Operations- RM Plus”; General Meeting + Management Forum (Wed 15th) including presentations on using external auditors and sharing expertise.

HRA SCOTTISH FORUM 2017 Sat 1st - Sun 2nd April Base and business meeting, Fort William; Visits to Glenfinnan Railway Museum and on Sun 2nd April to “new generation project” at Inver Garry & Fort Augustus railway.

FEDECRAIL “BELGIUM 2017” CONFERENCE Thur 4th - Sat 6th May [Conference + AGM]; Sat 6th - Wed 10th May [Visit Programme] Enquiries: [email protected]

HRA WEEKEND FORUM Fri 15th - Sun 17th September Hosted by Isle of Wight Railway; Intensive visit to the railway and award winning museum and other relevant locations on the island.

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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