Q&A Bridgnorth session

The public end of the buffet was packed for the second Q&A session at 10am yesterday. Different questions were asked, and different ideas put forward.

Additional points noted were:
- SVR payroll as percentage of turnover is 33-34%. Across the heritage railway industry, the percentage ranges from as low as 29% payroll as % of turnover, up to 41% payroll as % of turnover.

- The maintenance contract is going out to tender, and individual trades (eg plumber, electrician..) will be separate direct access, to avoid 'mark up' charges.

- 2010 was on average on coal more economical than previous year.

- The board is aiming for a 'profit' of £75,000; the key to this is visitor numbers. This is based on an expected passenger figure of 219,500.

- Steaming days and engines per day have been reduced, to cater for the expected passenger figure.

- The headline fare has been put up by 50p.

- More driver experience courses are to be run, by taking the product into the week - by offering midweek dates, there is less pressure on the fleet.

- New event this year is Halloween, based on the success enjoyed by other railways - it is thus seen as a proven event.

- Unfortunately, the Tornado nine-day visit has been cancelled, and the GM said he cannot see it coming this year.

- Payroll reduction will be needed - without damaging business.

IDEAS sought which are not reliant on massive injection of capital.

Ideas put forward so far and during this session:

- Bridgnorth - Highley driver experience dates for the start of the season (until we fully reopen)

- Kidderminster booking office to stay open beyond the current 3pm, which presently risks losing late trade

- Footplate rides on every journey - being looked at, must supplement driver experience, and not take away potential trade - GM looking at c£90.

- Freight train with brake vans for passenger travel.

- Payment of membership fee on monthly terms, as alternative to annual fee.

- Wedding licence being investigated for Engine House and Arley - then a whole 'wedding package' can be offered, as we currently do get reception bookings.

- Policing of car parks, especially at Bridgnorth - to ensure parking charge paid.

- Focus by board / management on raising money, rather than spending it. Is there a lack of business acumen?

- Web site - dining bookings will be able to be made online this year.

- Booking systems to be more co-ordinated.

- Behind the Scenes, 4150 Fund, should be table C (last year's table B was insufficient). GM to investigate.

- 'Bah Humbug' service Bridgnorth - Highley - pay train - to be looked at by new committee, separate to Santa Event Team.

- Bridgnorth station needs to be an attraction - external funding more likely.

- Cater for, and market to, increasing local catchment (Telford, Shrewsbury, North Wales)

- Coach parties of disabled increasing, provision for mobility impaired - figures = 25,000 visitors come in group bookings, 15.000 come in school bookings, ie 40,000 are pre-booked at reduced rate, and primarily mid week when trade is quieter.

- Bridgnorth 'top' car park leased from Apley Estate - discussion re possible purchase of land to protect our interests, and enable investment in groundworks.

- Station Lane control - SVR ownership, looking in redevelopment plan at rearranging in/out route to car park for security.

- Mudlines should continue indefinitely, as there is always civils work to do.

- Members needs to be made to feel as valued stakeholders.

- Direct link for donations from Mudlines.

- Phraseology of 'thank you' notices.

- 7 locos working - many in queue.

- Piston rod was £300-400 some 3 to 4 years ago; now more like £700. Cost of repairing and maintaining steam engines is always going up.

IDEAS invited - email or phone GM at office svrgm@svr.co.uk or 01299 403816.

www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk