BODMIN & WENFORD
Developing Cornwall’s premier steam railway
Despite taking on the role of chairman at the relatively youthful age (certainly in heritage rail terms) of 33, I know the landscape and history of our railway, and preservation, very well. I have been involved with the Bodmin & Wenford Railway since I was a small child and it has shaped the direction of my life. Alongside my role as Bodmin & Wenford Railway chairman, I now own and operate the Perrygrove Railway in the Forest of Dean with my wife and children, instead of having a ‘proper job.’ It is a great privilege to have a guiding hand in the ongoing fortunes of the company. I hope that I can lead it forward to a bright future.
As a fireman and, subsequently, a driver, I learnt about footplate and railway work here at Bodmin under legendary engineman Tony Hallworth. It’s been an honour to have learnt from him and many other railwaymen, and I hope
I make them proud.
ONE RAILWAY
My main focus is to make the railway operation fit for purpose, self-financing and realistic. The company is just one arm of the railway family which, here at the Bodmin & Wenford, includes the plc (our commercial business operation), a charitable trust, and the preservation society which encompasses our membership and volunteer base. I am determined to do my bit to bring the different parts of the railway together during my tenure.
This year marks 30 years of the Bodmin & Wenford Railway taking passengers down the line and back in time – October 21 was the 30th anniversary of the first passenger trains of the preserved line, which ran from Bodmin General to Parkway in 1989. It is also the year in which we begin a period of consultation with our membership on a ‘one railway’ approach to our future growth and ambition. Beyond 2020, we are looking ahead to our three, five, 10 and 20-year plans. I’m excited to develop this, bringing staff, volunteers, members, supporters and partners along with us to realise our ambitions for a successful future for the next 30 years and more.
GROWTH PLATFORM
Thirty years ago, we began running trains out of Bodmin General. Since then, passenger numbers have increased each year. In those early years, a two-coach train was sufficient – indeed, it reflected the level of operation established by the GWR and perpetuated by British Railways. Now the number of passengers we carry in August exceeds the yearly totals in BR days
In our second platform development, we engaged with GWR and Cornwall Council to deliver a project which will transform our operational capacity.
This is the biggest construction project to take place at Bodmin General since the line opened in 1887. As soon as the railway’s main operating season finished at the end of October, the project team, including volunteers and contractors, took possession of all lines at Bodmin General station, and set about the groundworks for the second platform. This included the foundations being prepared for the new platform and rails from the shed road being removed so that this line can be lowered to the same level as the other two tracks (Platform 1 and its run-round loop). The project team are on track to deliver Phase 1, the construction of the platform, for March 2020, following which, the fully operational second platform, including track and signalling works, will follow in March 2021 (schedule subject to funding). We are fundraising for the remaining £25,000 for the first phase, so I’d encourage you to visit our website (www. bodminrailway.co.uk) to find out more and make your contribution to us reaching our target.
INVESTMENT
Around 60,000 passengers travel with us each year. The dedicated engineering team based in our workshop are responsible for keeping our fleet on track to transport all those visitors, and we’re investing in our people to ensure that they can meet these demands. We are currently recruiting for a skilled and enthusiastic engineer to join the team in this busy department, to help us meet a demanding schedule of maintenance, working on our fleet of heritage steam and diesel locomotives, coaches, wagons and plant. If you have the skills and experience required and like the sound of starting the new year in a new role here in Cornwall, details are shared on our website. We look forward to welcoming the right candidate to the Bodmin & Wenford in early 2020.
THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS WE CARRY IN AUGUST EXCEEDS THE YEARLY TOTALS IN BR DAYS
THE FUTURE
Under the direction of Steve Ackland, our new commercial manager, who was appointed
to the role in February 2019 (specifically recruited from outside the preserved railway world), he brings the benefit of commercial leadership from other successful Cornish visitor attractions. We are operating more efficiently than in recent years, but must continue to try harder.
It is not only across our commercial operations where we will continue to strive to make the most of our assets. In 2020, we will welcome back into traffic engines and rolling stock from overhaul and restoration, following the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers. There are plans for different and creative ways to use these on our line for running days and special events and trains, and for private hire – in a year in which our railway will star in various documentary and fictional dramas shot with us over the course of this year, so keep your eyes peeled!
The history of our line, our unique china clay heritage, and the stories of our railway people past and present are hugely important too. You’ll see these being showcased in our communications throughout 2020, and when you visit us here at the railway.
And looking further ahead, where will our vision and ambition take us? Ultimately, all
the way to Wadebridge.