âChristmas is now nearly upon us. It has already brought some presents. We gained a Bronze Award against stiff competition in the Beautiful South tourism awards for our Santa Specials, and we have been shortlisted for two Heritage Railway Association awards for our environmental work and for the innovation of the "quiet day" Santas. It all helps to keep us in the limelight, which is where we belong.
This will be the last Newsletter to be edited by Graham Bridge and Helen Douglas. I would like to thank them for all their work in keeping the membership informed of developments on our Railway. Good communications are important, and everyone expects to see them, but they simply donât happen by themselves. Graham and Helen can lay down their joint burden in the knowledge that they have made a huge contribution. Thank you, both.
We need to try to keep the Newsletter going, and Iâm pleased that there may be someone in the wings prepared to take on the task. But itâs not too late to offer to help.
With Christmas approaching, we are nearing the end of the 2023 season. Apart from the never-ending maintenance and renewal tasks there will be a brief respite in January before we start to prepare in earnest for 2024 - our Golden Anniversary year, which will bring all the usual challenges and perhaps more.
In the meantime, thank you very much for all you have done over the year, and have a peaceful and festive break. And please pass on my thanks to all your families, for their forbearance and support!
Happy Christmas.
Simon Marsh
ChairmanÂ
