After a most strange year of stop start, we are now just six weeks away from our planned public restart on 22nd May 2021. We have of course to prefix this with “Subject to Government Approval” that Tier 3 goes ahead on schedule. Looking positively, we are on sale, our customers are booking and we are looking forward to a good summer.

During the last year we have asked staff to only come to the railway if required for pre-approved essential work. Similarly our office staff have worked in isolation from home. I would like to thank you all for your support and consideration of each other during this period in the best interests of the railway family.

Return to normal, well, not quite. Return to better is what we want. Moving towards restart, safety and competence remains our top priority as we welcome back volunteers to the railway in a controlled way.

Department Managers will advise when and how many staff can be accommodated in their departments, which will vary according to location and activity. If you have not heard, then please contact them. Many of you will be asked to undergo a new department induction process to ensure you are up to date with many of the changes introduced over the last year.

Remembering when returning to the railway many of the simple things can be a challenge when not exercised regularly, yet alone for a period of 12-18 months. Being aware of your personal safety and the safety of your colleagues is important. It’s the simple things, for example, observing the 5mph speed limit when driving a vehicle on site. Being aware of moving vehicles is equally important. 80% of accidents on the railway are in three categories - cuts & bruises, slips & trips, and burns, and each one of us can play our part in keeping ourselves and our colleagues safe and minimising these numbers.

Shaun Dewey

General Manager