2010: BRPS AGM - Martin Eastland - 50th Anniversary

Summary of the BRPS AGM, May 2010

The following is a brief report on the 2010 AGM from Gavin Bennett (Hon Sec):

252 Members signed in to the meeting.
The election results for the 4 Trustee vacancies were:
   Tim Baker: 162 votes, David Foale: 150, Chris Saunders: 135, Paul Churchman: 120, John Ely: 86 votes
   The number of spoilt ballot papers was 9.
Motion 1 (PTS) was not discussed as it wasn't moved at the meeting. Motion 2 (Internal Audit) was amended so as to remit it back to the Trustees to discuss with the plc and was passed as amended.

The sale of refreshments raised just under £200 for C&W works development and the retiring collection for the extension raised an amazing £500 which will be used by the Society to purchase Tenner for the Tip certificates.

We regret to inform members that Martin Eastland, one of the "Founding Four", died suddenly on Friday 2nd July. Martin attended our recent AGM, and was planning to go to Buckingham Palace later that month as part of the small team representing the Railway's volunteers, following our receipt of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

After many months of planning and preparation, everything is in place to celebrate the Bluebell Railway's 50th anniversary this weekend.

As with all good intentions not all has gone according to plan, such as the unavailability of "Tornado", "Bluebell" and the Dukedog, but nevertheless it is fair to say that the Railway is still in the position of staging a major event, one that really supersedes anything that we have ever attempted before in terms of offer and operation. Certainly (with the exception of "Bluebell North" at East Grinstead) it's as much "access all areas" as is possible, many for the very first time. With the combination of the displays and trade stands, model and miniature railways, visiting locos and rolling stock, there is plenty to see and do, something for everyone.

It is a great credit to everybody right across the Railway who has played their part in getting this exceptional event ready and I for one do not begin to underestimate the level of commitment given by the staff and volunteers in every sphere of the Bluebell operation. So many have given their personal time over the normal because they want to make this event a huge success.

The best thank you that can be given is for people to visit the railway this weekend and share in the celebration of 50 years of Heritage Steam Railway Operation. It would be a travesty if all the effort were not rewarded. So my thanks go to all the hard working Bluebell people who have made this happen and, like me, you will be looking forward to seeing as many members and visitors as possible over the weekend, to proudly show 50 years of achievement.

Don't forget, if you miss this one, you will have to wait 50 years for another!

Roy Watts, Chairman BRPS

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