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News for staff,
volunteers and
supporters of
the Ffestiniog &
Welsh Highland
Railways
June 2014
Introduction
This monthly newsletter is distributed to those who request it by email and is also accessible from
the main website at www.festrail.co.uk Diary and event information will remain on the online site.
Feel free to print this document in order that people without web access can read it.
Contributions, details of group meetings to [email protected]
Summer of Fun Clare Britton
The school holidays are on their way and it is the busiest time of year for the railways. But families
are on tight budgets and still need to keep the kids entertained. So to help them and to generate
interest and business, we are planning a Summer of Fun promotion.
We will be doing a series of free or cheap add on events such as foot plate rides or face painting. We
will also be promoting good family things to do such as TYB playground and the new playground at
Beddgelert which we part sponsored. It will also give us a chance to give our old favourites, Food on
the Move and Jazz trains an extra push. There will be a section on the website with a calendar of
events and there will be posters and point of sale advertising too.
So, how can you help? If you have any good ideas and are able to carry them out, we can soon add
them to the calendar. Can you give us a hand on days when extra activities are happening?
Make sure anyone you know who is coming to North Wales this summer, or looking for somewhere
to spend a few days knows about the Summer of Fun on the FFWHR. There is something for
everyone!
Commercial Department Hello and Good Bye Clare Britton
Unusually we have a lot of staff changes this year so there are a lot of new faces in our shops and
booking offices.
Lynn has just joined the Caernarfon team, working alongside Joanna, Richard and Jack. Lynn worked
locally for years and is very excited about joining the railway.
Charlotte is the new lady at Blaenau Ffestiniog, working with Eve and Julie. Charlotte is an FRS
member and lives in Tanygrisiau so comes with knowledge of the railway and the town.
Alice has just started in Porthmadog Booking Office for the summer having done some buffet car
work a few years ago.
David Lloyd joins us in July as the new Porthmadog booking office supervisor working alongside Sam
and her team. David lives locally and brings with him a great deal of office management experience
as well as customer service skills.
And it is ‘Good bye for now’ to Ben Kelly and Amy Charlesworth. Ben has been offered a golden
opportunity with another, slightly(!) larger railway company. We wish them both all the very best
and look forward to seeing them back volunteering very soon (Ben was actually volunteering the day
after he left!) as they are very much part of the family. We will miss their hard work ethic and sense
of humour. Ben has worked very hard on the new Merac ticketing system and I would like to thank
him for his perseverance and patience when some of us were losing ours! See you soon guys.
Defibrillators Clare Britton
We now have four defibrillators, kindly sponsored. These will be going in place in the next week and
will be situated at Blaenau Ffestiniog in the Bunny Hutch, Porthmadog Guards Room, Caernarfon –
Station building and Boston Lodge at the entrance to the Den. We are doing several training sessions
throughout the year which will be advertised through Inside Motion. However, please don’t panic
and think you can’t use one if you haven’t had the training. They are very friendly little machines and
talk you through everything you need to do. And at the very least – if you know it’s there and go and
grab it, there is a very good chance someone experienced will be on site.
Super Power Clare Britton
As everyone has worked so hard this year on the new station, it seems only right to feature it in the
Autumn WHR event. Freight trains will be the order of the day. Boston Lodge will have an open day
to show some of the work in progress and there will be some tours of Minffordd yard which is both
the stronghold of all outdoor engineering and the site of several exciting projects. Over the weekend
there will also be a chance to look at the progress of 134 at Dinas when they will making an exciting
move forward. Details will be made available on the website as we get them, but expect some very
large mixed trains and double headed Garratt action.
Dogs and Spooner's Martin Batcock
With the exception of guide dogs ‐ dogs are no
longer allowed into Spooner’s. During the winter
period whilst the building work was on‐going both
inside and outside, many of our regular customers
with dogs were unable to use our facilities. We
therefore took the view that dogs would be
welcome if they were kept at the far end of the bar.
Unfortunately, as the season became busier more
and more dogs were coming in. This led to other
customers complaining about unruly dogs, barking
dogs, large dogs and several questioned the hygiene
implications. The matter came to a head when two
very large long haired dogs were sat next to the cafe food counter (definitely a hygiene risk), whilst
two small snappy dogs were at the other end of the bar barking at each other and both trying to get
at the large dogs. Sadly, the scene was not at all good. As a result, a new 'No Dogs' policy has been
introduced. The total ban means that the staff can say with confidence what the policy is leaving no
room for confusion. There are also ‘No Dogs Allowed’ signs on all the doors.
Dogs are, of course, more than welcome in the new beer garden.
Caernarfon Station Paul Lewin
Work continues on developing a design for Caernarfon Station along with a comprehensive business
plan. This work is necessary for us to be in position where we can apply for funding for the project.
As you might imagine it would be rather difficult to ask for funding if we are not clear about the
scope and outcomes of the project. With so much competition for funding these days it is vital that
we have a competent well developed plan. The work of the architects we are working with takes us
as far as being able to apply for planning permission.
There has been a considerable amount of consultation over the project and close cooperation with the Welsh Government, Gwynedd Country Council, The Harbour Trust, CADW and others. The team working on the project includes the Welsh Highland Railway Society who are working closely with the company in developing ideas, working with the architects and local discussions. More information about the project is carried in the next edition of Snowdon Ranger Magazine and a presentation on progress will be made at the WHRS AGM at SuperPower weekend. We are not yet at the point of having a final design and although artists impressions of what might be possible have been created they are still very much work in progress.
Prince heading for Crewe Chris Parry We have been invited to take Prince to the Direct Rail Services open day at their works in Crewe on Saturday July 19th. They will be launching their new class 68 loco at the event and the plan is to do an 'oldest and newest' display with Prince. We'd like to have the loco in light steam, which means we need volunteers to warm the loco up on the Friday in Crewe, and generally mind the loco and help greet the public, hand out TLCs and so on during the show. This might well be a good day out for any of you who enjoy modern traction and would also like to help tell everyone what a wonderful railway we have here.
If anyone would like to help please contact [email protected] More info here: http://www.directrailservices.com/news‐articles/2014/02/27/drs‐charity‐open‐day‐19th‐july‐2014/
Diamond Jubilee Appeal Michael Wilkinson informs us that the Diamond Jubilee Appeal is performing well with over £50,000 in cash and more than £95,000 in standing orders, giving a grand total in excess of £150,000. Harbour Station progress Ian Hartill
Despite the trains coming
and going every day many of
the finishing off jobs have
been progressing well.
Work on the trident signal is
progressing slowly behind
the scenes. All the parts are
now in stock and much
painting is going on before
the final assembly and fixing
the finials.
Team Ian (aka Rudd &
Walsh) is refurbishing the
remaining signal motors
required to move the arms. Once this has been completed this will be followed by testing and
commissioning.
Many of the other jobs listed in the previous Inside Motion report have now also been tackled. The
remaining old spiky top railings near Spooner's have been replaced with new bow top style railings
by North Wales Fencing. The old fence sections have been put into stock for use elsewhere.
Lyndon and Steve ‐ aka Tuesday Gang South ‐ have been busy completing the foot crossings at the
end of the platform, building the walkway crossing by the water tower across to 4 road to enable the
buffet stewards to wheel their supplies to the train, making ‘anti‐trip’ shields around all the new
point levers, and installing an anti‐trespass grid across the track by signal 10.
The water supply on the platform for making tea and coffee on the trains has been connected to the
mains and the electric supply has been commissioned. Water for cleaning the new toilet pumping
stations is now connected, but the pumps have not yet been installed.
Gelli return to site next week to fit the correct lids to the remaining 17 manholes around the site
which up to now have had only plywood lids. They should have completed these by the end of the
week, so that work can continue with more track packing and ballast spreading around the site,
helping to improve the overall appearance of the new station. One of the final jobs will be to
connect up the platform lights and decide on external lighting for the beer garden.
Since the last Inside Motion, Adrian Gray & the organisers of Kids Week 2014 have expressed an
interest in tackling the new station garden. This will involve increasing the height of the rear wall
with stone blocks from Minffordd, and filling the new flower bed area with soil in time for the
planting out weekend later in the year.
End of an era
With the conversion of the steam loco fleet to coal firing, the oil tanks that have served the railway
so well for decades have finally outlived their usefulness and are being sold for scrap. Here, the large
tank in Minffordd Yard is seen from the new storage shed which is rapidly taking shape.
Spotlight on 4 Wheelers Norman Bond A number of 4 wheeled vehicles are being processed at present. The MkII Quarrymans carriage has finally had its zinc sheet fitted to the roof and so can be considered complete. The Sentry Box Brake van is being clad with boarding, most of which has been painted before fitting. Zinc sheet has also been fitted to the roof in the style of the original. It should not be too long before it is seen out in use on the line. Van 99 is one of only two original closed vans left on the FR. It has served for many years as the store for the electrical working parties and has stood outside for much of the time. It is time for some TLC and a more favourable environment. The electrical people still need a mobile store so a new van is being built on a 4 wheel chassis that is available. The body will be a steel frame infilled with plywood panels. It is funded by the FR Heritage Group and all labour is volunteer. Dave Yates has been welding the frame together. It is hoped that significant progress can be achieved during Kids' Week. Finally, the Gunpowder Van is being refurbished including major work to the chassis so that it can take its place again in freight trains and new Superbarn 119 is nearing completion.
Soapbox Racing Steve Pritchard
Our first race of the season was on the last
week end in May, at Denholm in the Scottish
Borders. The weather was damp and the
course was slippery, which made for some
exciting racing.
Anthony came 4th in the morning junior race,
whilst I only managed 10th out 28 starters in
the later adult race, by which time it was
proper drizzle.
Only two decent crashes although several
drivers had interesting moments. I'm a bit
disappointed with myself, if I had been a bit
braver and braked a bit later, I could have
been 7th or 8th.
Next race was Brackley Soapbox Derby on June
8th. Just a short course down the High Street,
but with a ramp start. Star of the event was the
cart entered by the Mercedes Grand Prix team,
which was very quick.
It also had 50 kilos of lead ballast over the rear
axle to give it a bit more oomph down the
ramp. If I'd had a bit more ground clearance, I
might have added some weight, but my nose
was very close to the tarmac.
My daughter Eleri was driving “Little Red Bull”
and she came 8th in the junior race. I was consistently about half a second behind the Mercedes cart
at the chequered flag which was enough to put us on the 2nd step of the podium.
Next race is at Worlaby, Lincolnshire in mid‐July. This is probably the biggest event of the season. All
the fast boys will be there. So time to practice and make some improvements to the carts. Perhaps a
big lump of lead or two might get bolted the chassis.
We have a couple of cartie friends from England coming over for the last weekend in June. We
promised to show them what real Welsh hills look like. So if you see brightly coloured, fast moving
objects hurtling down the mountains – It will be the Ffestiniog Soapbox world land speed record
attempt in progress!
More photos and video on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ffestiniogsoapbox
TV News It's been a busy month on the TV front, with crews from ITV, Channel 5, S4c and the BBC visiting the railway. The most recent visitor was rugby commentator and ex‐Wales captain Eddie Butler filming for a programme examining Porthmadog's role in the First World War, including the setting up of a munitions factory at Boston Lodge and the surrender of a German submarine. We laid on a special train headed by Palmerston to recreate the
journey of the Porthmadog women who travelled to the Lodge each day. The show is due to be aired in September. Keep an eye on Facebook for details of broadcast times. Drive an engine this summer It's all in a very good cause – the railway will be featuring footplate rides throughout the summer at a number of locations using Statfold Barn's Fiji, which is returning to the Welsh Highland this week, K1 and Lilla. As usual, rides will be free but visitors will be encouraged to give a small donation in the buckets provided. And, for the whole of August, all proceeds will go to Ysgol Eifion Wyn to help the Porthmadog primary school buy new playground equipment.
Job vacancies
Bar Supervisor
The applicant must be able to assist the Spooner’s management in the effective running of the bar
and cellar, to ensure customer satisfaction by maintaining an exceptional standard of service and to
achieve profitability in line with budget. Applicants should also be able to supervise the food service
in the absence of the manger. This job is any 5 days/evenings out of 7 and includes weekend and
bank holidays.
Duties and responsibilities
To be aware of financial targets as a whole
To take positive action to meet department objectives and targets
To be commercially aware in order to continuously drive the business forward
To be proactive in maximising sales and generating revenue
To input new ideas for service and products to maintain competitiveness
To assist the manager in the control of wage costs in line with budgetary requirements
To support the manager in the implementing and/or following of procedures concerning
recording of stock movements e.g. correct charging of items + billing
To ensure all stock is always within expiry date
To ensure customer drinks are prepared and served according to company standards
To ensure accurate stock‐takes are carried out according to company policy
To be involved in the setting of service and quality standards, and to monitor and strive for
their achievement
To monitor, anticipate and react to customer needs in order to ensure customer satisfaction
To pay attention to detail in all aspects of the customer service
To take prompt action to resolve complaints according to company policy
To build positive relationships to ensure customer satisfaction
To ensure high standards of cleanliness throughout the bar/cellar
To lead team by example
To coach individual team members to develop their skills and maximise performance
To give clear direction and guidelines to team members
To motivate and be proactive in encouraging team commitment and spirit
To delegate and manage distribution of workload effectively
To ensure appearance of team members is according to company policy
To ensure timesheets are compiled accurately
To supervise the bar staff in a fair, consistent and responsible way
To communicate effectively with, and cooperate/assist other departments when necessary
To attend meetings as required
To handle cash and keys responsibly and according to company policy
To assist the manager in the smooth running of the department
To have clear working knowledge of all company policies and operate within them
To ensure staff awareness of relevant company policies
To undertake any other duties as an when required by Senior Management
Those interested should request an application form from [email protected] and apply ASAP.
Bar Person
The applicant should be able to assist the management in the effective running of the bar and cellar,
to ensure exceptional customer satisfaction and achieve profitability in line with budget. The
applicant should have excellent literacy and numeracy skills and communicate well with customers
and colleagues. This job is any 5 evenings out of 7 and includes weekends and bank holidays.
Duties and responsibilities
To strive to meet department objectives and targets
To be proactive in maximising sales and generating revenue
To input new ideas for service and products to maintain competitiveness
To ensure all stock is always within expiry date
To ensure customer drinks are prepared and severed according to company standards
To pay attention to detail in all aspects of the customer service
To take prompt action to resolve complaints according to company policy
To build positive relationships to ensure customer satisfaction
To ensure high standards of cleanliness throughout the bar/cellar
To motivate and be proactive in encouraging team commitment and spirit
To maintain high personal appearance according to company policy
To ensure timesheets are compiled accurately
To handle cash and keys responsibly and according to company policy
To have clear working knowledge of all company policies and operate within them at all
times
To undertake any other duties as an when required by Senior Management
Those interested should request an application form from [email protected] and apply ASAP.