CHANGES have been announced in the way trustees run the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust, which supports Britain’s longest steam train line.

The trust, which was formed in 1972, is based at the West Somerset Railway’s (WSR) Bishops Lydeard Station, where it runs the Gauge Museum.

It also has the Blue Anchor Station Gauge Museum which has been undergoing an extensive refurbishment.

Chairman Mike Thompson said one of its longest serving trustees, Geoff Evens, had retired after more than 30 years of involvement with the WSR in a variety of roles.

Mr Thompson said: “Geoff has been a stalwart of our board for several years and I have personally learnt a lot from him since taking up the role of chairman.

“Geoff’s enthusiasm, commitment and attention to detail together with his wider knowledge of the railway will be sorely missed.

“He now wishes to have more family time and pursue other activities but will continue as an occasional volunteer for the museum.”

Mr Thompson said the board had taken the opportunity to re-align some of the trustee portfolio responsibilities along with the co-option of a new trustee for a newly-defined role.

Inside the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard Station.
Inside the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard Station. PHOTO WSRHT. ( )

Trust vice-chairman and secretary Steve Williams was taking over leadership of the museum accreditation work stream with the aim of submitting an application to the Arts Council by early 2025.

His responsibility for public relations and communications was being passed to a newly-created membership and communications portfolio to be held by former treasurer Chris Bolt, who was returning to the board.

Mr Thompson said: “Chris was formally co-opted to the board at our July, 2024, meeting.

“He has a formidable cv across many industries and will be a welcome addition to strengthen the skillset of the board.”

He said the trust had also developed new thinking on its approach to acquisition, management, and development of volunteers as part of implementing a ‘people plan’ for the charity, with John Robinson’s portfolio amended to reflect additional responsibilities.

Mr Thompson said: “These are important steps forward for the trust as the board seeks to continuously improve and strengthen the management of the charity.”