Barry joins the Bluebell board after death of railway stalwart
THE Bluebell Railway has appointed a new interim infrastructure director while mourning the death of longserving Chris White.
Chris, the driving force behind the line's northern extension to East Grinstead in 2013 ( as highlighted in our special anniversary feature 60 Years of Bluebell Splendour on pages 40- 49), died on May 12 after losing a short battle with cancer.
The railway co- opted chartered civil engineer Barry Luck to the board on May 28. Barry worked for 40 years in the water industry and was involved in the design and construction of various projects as well as serving on management boards.
Volunteer experience
He has been volunteering at the Bluebell Railway since 2011 on restoration projects and as platform staff and signalman.
Since January 2017 he has been the volunteer project manager to build a new carriage shed and Heritage Skills Centre at Horsted Keynes station.
Barry said:" I am not a specialist in railway infrastructure management but as a civil engineer I am sufficiently practical to be able to understand the issues. As a director I would expect to take a broad overview of issues and solutions, relying on the expertise of those around me to provide the best technical advice.
"As a dedicated member of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society and active volunteer, I have a particular interest in the continuing success of the railway:'
Pie chairman Chris Hunford said:" The board is very pleased that Barry is joining us to take the Railway through the post- Covid 19 era and onwards into2021:•