FROM THE CHAIR

After 12 years as Chair, Ian Stanworth decided that it was time to move on. I was “volunteered” to take the helm, at least until the AGM in November. We are all extremely grateful to Ian for the work that he’s put into the Association as Chairman. You will still see him about the railway as he is continuing to volunteer with the permanent way department. Our new Company Secretary, Chris Torry, had only just managed to get her feet under the table when she had to break in a new Chair! Brian Burgess has stepped up to be Deputy Chair. Brian has years of experience on both SRA and SRC Boards and will continue to represent the Association on the SRC Board. Max Maxwell has also joined the Board. Max is one of the owners of 46464. We’ve always struggled to get younger blood on the Board of Trustees, so welcome Glenn Cameron. Glenn works on the “big railway” and he’s by far the youngest Trustee on the Board. He and Max will introduce themselves to you at the AGM.

We had an introduction from the new SRC General Manager Gordon Kirk at the Board meeting in June. Gordon outlined the plans and aspiration which he and the Company have for the railway as a whole and exciting times are ahead. Many good ideas being worked on to make the railway more attractive. Some of the presentational changes are already under way. We have been given permission to use the Cairngorms National Park logo in our publicity. A small thing, but it goes a long way to cement our position as a major attraction. Another plus is that VisitScotland are upgrading the railway’s status to four stars.

Old Strathspey favourite, Ivatt 2MT No. 46464, the “Carmyllie Pilot has returned to steam. The first engine to run public services on the Strathspey Railway back in 1978 her return was achieved through the dedication and hard work put in by her owners and latterly with invaluable assistance from the Strathspey Railway Engineering Department. This has been a great example of the different groups and the railway’s departments pulling together.

I do have a “but” to all this good news. Everything we’re doing to run and improve the railway is thanks to the paid staff and a core group of volunteers. Sadly the number of volunteers is dwindling, and needs to be addressed if our railway is to survive. It’s not just improvements and specific projects that are getting delayed; our day-to-day operation of trains has also struggled. We need to run trains, to get passengers, who pay fares, which funds the railway. As I write this in late July when the railway is in its busiest spell I’ve already seen a number of urgent appeals for engine crews. It’s all our railway and I appreciate that some of you may not be physically able to help. But to those of you who are able, I urge you to think about coming along and helping in some role. Even one day a month would help. I know you are all interested in the future of the railway otherwise you would not have joined the SRA. If you’ve ever dreamed of driving an engine or working a signal box you can make it a reality on the Strathspey Railway – the Home of Highland Steam.

- Grant Ritchie.