ADDITIONAL DIRECTORS FOR THE WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY PLC CONFIRMED

Two further directors have been appointed to the Board of the West Somerset Railway PLC.  Malcolm Smith has been confirmed in the role of Director (Operations) and Robin Wichard has been confirmed Director (External Fund Raising).  Both directors have been acting for the last three months as Board Advisers, as is the usual practice. 

Jonathan Jones-Pratt, PLC Chairman said: “We warmly welcome both Malcolm and Robin as full Board Directors.  They have both already made a significant positive impact around the railway in various ways.  Amongst other tasks, Malcolm has been working with Kerry Noble, General Manager, on the appointment of a new Assistant General Manager, whose will themselves lead the Operations Department.  In addition to his roles as Minehead Station Master, Robin has been working on developing links with local business.  With these two new appointments, our Board is in a stronger position than it has been for several years.”

Both Malcolm and Robin have substantial heritage railway experience. Malcolm has been Managing Director of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway CIC, whilst Robin has had a number of roles on the West Somerset Railway, including as Station Master at Blue Anchor, and co-ordinator of the successful annual 1940s event, both of which he will continue to do.

Other current Board members are, in addition to Jonathan Jones-Pratt (Chairman) Joy Boswell (Finance Director), Frank Courtney (Communications and Special Projects), Rowan Joachim (Engineering) and Rachel Stoneham (Commercial).  All directors work in a voluntary capacity.