tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post4907204536129857591..comments2023-09-25T11:40:37.840+01:00Comments on Steaming to Broadway!: The Last Post - 1038Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01318720512739905663noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-3619735434231539352015-05-17T20:21:34.931+01:002015-05-17T20:21:34.931+01:00I am disappointed that Bill Briton feels the need ...I am disappointed that Bill Briton feels the need to archive the Broadway blog as he puts it which really means no longer available The Blog was a wonderful record of achievement by the very many volunteers who have recreated a lasting memory of what once was It would seem that Bill does not want anyone to walk in his footsteps or remember his achievementsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-52828031750652129402015-05-17T20:13:27.211+01:002015-05-17T20:13:27.211+01:00Thank you for all of your hard work in covering th...Thank you for all of your hard work in covering the project on this blog Bill, you will be sadly missed. Its a shame it ended like this.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14237464295997843342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-84293351490421107682015-05-17T20:07:46.590+01:002015-05-17T20:07:46.590+01:00This comment has been removed by the author.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14237464295997843342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-42309010648646044922015-05-17T18:05:46.077+01:002015-05-17T18:05:46.077+01:00Extremely disappointed and saddened to hear of the...Extremely disappointed and saddened to hear of the departure of Bill Britton. I've been a regular reader of his blog for several years now and as a direct consequence have visited (although sadly never Broadway), recommended others visit and donated money to the GWSR.<br /><br />I think everybody appreciates the need to be financially realistic and that sometimes difficult decisions need to be made to keep a heritage railway open. <br /><br />That said, the way in which this appears to have been handled is very troubling. For such a dedicated and clearly well respected volunteer to step down...I can only imagine the levels of frustration and sadness at this chain of events. I hope this can be resolved somehow and that Bill is not just a casualty along the way.<br /><br />And I can only assume there are many other volunteers at Broadway who are reconsidering the efforts they contribute.<br /><br />To Bill - thanks for many years of the blog, it has been very much appreciated. I hope you are proud of what you've achieved.Rnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-34878355486712749602015-05-17T17:55:27.933+01:002015-05-17T17:55:27.933+01:00Given that the blog will be archived tonight, peop...Given that the blog will be archived tonight, people may wish to disuss further at http://national-preservation.com/threads/broadway-station-gwr-roof-fund.486269/ or email the chairman of the railway with your views.Alexnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-30556150687278047432015-05-17T17:36:17.743+01:002015-05-17T17:36:17.743+01:00I am saddened that this blog,so informative, writt...I am saddened that this blog,so informative, written by Bill, is being treated in the same way that BR treated the original Broadway station, by Bill.<br /><br /> Neil S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16655064463078684899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-27040181778309779412015-05-17T17:29:16.844+01:002015-05-17T17:29:16.844+01:00Oh dear. This has become a real mess and the parti...Oh dear. This has become a real mess and the parties involved appear not to realise the deleterious effect it is and will have on the railway.<br />There is an understandable huge disappointment which has caused Bill to jack it in and an intransigence by members of the board.<br />Having managed substantial private sector businesses in the past I know that doing so with unpaid volunteers must seem like trying to herd cats at times. The only way to successfully manage a business is through meaningful communication, i.e. face to face and being prepared to compromise to reach a mutually acceptable conclusion.<br />I have no idea if the design of the station building including canopy is the cause of the rift or whether it was something else such as expenditure on the signal box or bridge. It does seem fairly apparent that a call for additional funds from shareholders and supporters would be favourably met, so if the board members believe that the extension has to be funded from revenue then they are much mistaken. I would have been happy to "invest" a not inconsiderable sum in order to achieve the best possible outcome.<br />The one, well two, final comments I will make are that weak management often sees questioning of their decisions as a direct threat and will go out of their way to appear tough - to sometimes disastrous effect. Also that, given a change in circumstances, Bill would you reconsider your decision? I think you are needed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-78155854319936564942015-05-17T17:24:35.830+01:002015-05-17T17:24:35.830+01:00to the present and wonderful blog RIPto the present and wonderful blog RIPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-29644468998367619202015-05-17T16:11:41.150+01:002015-05-17T16:11:41.150+01:00Bill, thank you for letting us know about the clos...Bill, thank you for letting us know about the closure of the blog. I have enjoyed reading over the years and sponsored a signal box window as a result. May I wish you and the Broadway group all the best for the future.<br />In the fullness of time I hope you get the pleasure of looking out of the hardwood and painted windows onto an arriving train full of excited visitors. One day I will make a journey up to Broardway myself and take a look at the signal box windows from the outside, they will look great. I hope to see you looking back.<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-23410975182530768552015-05-17T16:07:17.479+01:002015-05-17T16:07:17.479+01:00I can see a lot of people feeling let down and lea...I can see a lot of people feeling let down and leaving or just drifting away from the project, because of what has happened.<br /><br />This kind of work and level of commitment by people, who work their socks off for a dream, can all be undone by not being straight with people it relies on one small word which means a great deal to people............TRUST. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-31907557737939210952015-05-17T15:52:15.170+01:002015-05-17T15:52:15.170+01:00All, interesting web site for a good canopy fix is...All, interesting web site for a good canopy fix is: www.steelway.co.uk then Rail/Heritage/Bespokestructure and scroll through the slides.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-42795666409644489512015-05-17T15:34:24.449+01:002015-05-17T15:34:24.449+01:00Like the vast majority of commentators on this blo...Like the vast majority of commentators on this blog, I am very sorry to see Bill go - I have enjoyed reading his (and Jo's) accounts of the great progress being made at Broadway. I have been impressed by the care being taken to recreate a GWR signal box, and had presumed the same approach would be used for the station building. Indeed, in the blog update of 4 February 2015, Bill wrote: <br /><br />"I happened to be at Toddington watching staff from David Symonds Associates measure up the steel work in the Toddington Station Canopy. We are commissioning DSA to produce some manufacturing drawings for Broadway so that we can get to grips with the cost of maintaining the historical accuracy of the building. Pictures to follow."<br /><br />The blog then showed pictures of the lattice girders supporting the Toddington canopy. It seems Bill thought that a reproduction of the Toddington canopy was a real option, even if the plans submitted for planning permission showed a different arrangement. However the exact costs of each of these options have not been disclosed. Presumably fire regulations could be met with either option - there must be other modern buildings which have overall roofs with separate accommodation units below. <br /><br /> Edward<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-67798577282888959202015-05-17T14:20:35.599+01:002015-05-17T14:20:35.599+01:00Thank you Bill for all your hard work and dedicati...Thank you Bill for all your hard work and dedication over the last 5 or so years. I've really enjoyed reading your blog posts every week. For such an enthusiastic man, id hoped you were going to continue to the end and beyond, perhaps taking the role of station master when the station opened. personally, I'm all in for total authenticity, but I can see the point from some that budgets are limited. I think I share the view on here, that now the signal box is almost completed, track could be laid into the station and trains run from it without a proper station building. Increasing revenue for the railway, providing more visitors to the station site, where they would be able to view the plans and 'drop a quid into the box' for the station build.<br />But how far do you go?.. angle iron canopy, with hot rivets holding the pieces together like toddington? .. I don't think that's a constructive use of funds, but something built to the original design should be achievable, even if it does take longer? Acceptable corners could be cut to cut costs?.. I have to say, there are company's out their that manufacture heritage guttering in plastic that looks exactly the same but cheaper.. things like this could be looked into which would reduce the costs? I echo the sentiments of many on here in that it would be a shame not to build something worthy of all the incredible efforts of the volunteer team so far, in maintaining a historic period feel. My hats off, and thank you, to all the volunteers both on the board and track who work so hard to make GWSR one of the most enjoyable days out I have every gala year.mackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17907522192585853360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-5856467041241246062015-05-17T13:30:06.793+01:002015-05-17T13:30:06.793+01:00All very well Jill. But what if the
elected leader...All very well Jill. But what if the<br />elected leadership DONT share that vision. <br /><br />What if they keep it totally under wraps while letting said dedicated volunteers work their socks off believing they are building something worthwhile.<br /><br />What if after two years Managements vision is then forced into the open almost at the point of no return in the build.<br /><br />That isn't leadership, its cynical deception. <br /><br /> Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12518826936126036108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-45438111024228096412015-05-17T12:21:10.040+01:002015-05-17T12:21:10.040+01:00I read all the blogs that are posted from all the ...I read all the blogs that are posted from all the GWRS members I find it fascinating that so many people volunteer to give up their own time to recreate the past I appreciate that those who work on a particular project develop a narrow sighted view on how things should be done Unfortunately this is what seems to have happened at Broadway At the end of the day the elected management of GWRS are responsible for projected vision of the running of the railway you either agree or disagree Bill Britton has chosen to step down from his leadership of the Broadway Station project that is his choice I wish him well in his future adventuresAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-29813435532162830162015-05-17T11:51:07.734+01:002015-05-17T11:51:07.734+01:00I see that the access to the Broadway On-Line page...I see that the access to the Broadway On-Line page has now disappeared but you can find it with a bit of searching. I really enjoy reading the Broadway blog from afar as my visits to the railway are few and far between, and am really saddened by what seems to be the latest in board v volunteer disputes. I am no expert on canopy design or anything but I do follow the principle that if a job is worth doing its worth doing well. A proper job. The landslip repairs weren't half measured - why should Broadway station be. We've waited all this time, would a bit longer really make all the difference - and thats if a 'Canopy Appeal' is not forthcoming.<br />I am a member of nearly 20 years, shareholder of several hundred pounds and member of a couple of the loco owning groups but I am sorry to say that the membership renewal form that arrived last week will not be completed and returned. It just seems to me that the 'old' GWR is being slowly left behind. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-27015950529717487432015-05-17T09:37:56.614+01:002015-05-17T09:37:56.614+01:00Thanks Phil Boyer for the unofficial blog. I'm...Thanks Phil Boyer for the unofficial blog. I'm an outsider but I'll be at the open evening to visit Broadway for the first time. Keep going, so many of us admire your efforts.<br />Mike Rose.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-72602354946194347672015-05-17T08:39:44.415+01:002015-05-17T08:39:44.415+01:00Is it possible that the Board have missed the poin...Is it possible that the Board have missed the point that by doing things PROPERLY and in phases, they might encourage people to come back to see how things are progressing? Rushing to a cheap and cheerless solution now, after all the meticulous authentic work the BAG have done, is nothing short of a tragedy.<br />I wonder if they have any idea how much goodwill they have just squandered?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13374601830198736096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-61795962193306814092015-05-17T07:52:48.282+01:002015-05-17T07:52:48.282+01:00Well done Phil good report. You may have got yours...Well done Phil good report. You may have got yourself another job at BroadwayAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12351711453917714492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-33543676646542053442015-05-17T07:52:09.444+01:002015-05-17T07:52:09.444+01:00I find the situation very sad given the work the B...I find the situation very sad given the work the BAG have put into the project and their desire for an authentic GWR designed solution for Broadway. I for one have enjoyed Bill's Blog and have been regular reader over the past three years. If the GWSR Board choose to go down the route of putting in a sub standard solution the BAG should be given the option of seeking to raise the additional funding for a desired solution to the canopy over a realistic timeline. If the GWSR does not wish to defend in to the farce that has befallen the WSR then the people need to get round the table and thrash out a solution that meets the requirements of all parties not just purely the GWSR Board. I am not wishing to enter the politics of this situation but from an outsider looking in I would say that mediation is the way forward and both sides bury the hatchet and seek to find an acceptable compromise in terms of timelines and funding options. The use of a temporary solution to get the station up an running as suggested in earlier posts is one way forward whilst the funding for a permanent design solution is raised.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-35644745150172547992015-05-17T04:32:55.440+01:002015-05-17T04:32:55.440+01:00Thank you Bill and Jo for the fantastic news blogs...Thank you Bill and Jo for the fantastic news blogs over the past 5 years that have kept the likes of me in the USA riveted to following all the exciting progress!<br />I Really hope that this is just a temporary arrangement as I feel that you are a real asset to the project in terms of generating interest, passion, goodwill, revenue and progress. <br />I finally managed to visit your fantastic railway last summer after following these blogs for many years. The stations at Toddington and Winchcombe truly truly ooze railway atmosphere, but this is sadly missing when one alights at CRC.<br />I really hope that the money can be found to build the canopy "properly", or at least the BAG volunteers should be given the opportunity to try and raise the difference if that is their preference. I think a more historically accurate station would be more likely to attract funding and donations from external sources.<br />The work that BAG have completed on the platforms and signal box is to an incredible standard ... I hope that the railway board can work with them to proceed in the same way on the station building with the same passion and drive.<br /><br />Keep up the good work everyone !<br /><br />Steve Harris, Emmaus, PA, USASteve Harrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-57613933958016616172015-05-17T04:31:45.550+01:002015-05-17T04:31:45.550+01:00Given that the BAG continues, would it not be poss...Given that the BAG continues, would it not be possible for the Blog not to be passed to another capable Blogger to continue the great work of documenting progress by the team? Jo has proven himself thoroughly competent in this regard. <br /><br />I was shocked to see that the Blog has been deconstructed - all the links gone, Sponsors, the imagined station as an artwork etc. All gone. What next? The entire site vanishing? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-36914320953182440552015-05-17T00:12:02.812+01:002015-05-17T00:12:02.812+01:00Let the BAG construct the station as they see fit,...Let the BAG construct the station as they see fit, let them fundraise and the donations will come rolling in.<br />The half a*sed proposals will be more expensive in the end as people like me will keep our money in our pockets. It takes a big man Mr. Beilby...... but I have faith that if you could offer BAG the freedom to do the job, you and the GSWR would be rewarded with a showpiece, and YOU would look a hero for having the courage to trust the BAG team to deliver.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-46080905565723402932015-05-17T00:01:30.910+01:002015-05-17T00:01:30.910+01:00Thanks Phil for the "unofficial blog", V...Thanks Phil for the "unofficial blog", Very much appreciated.<br />Send my regards to all the Broadway stalwarts. Your efforts are magnificent and sense will prevail. The Philistines won't get their way.Buccaneerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01231167977752255231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8246842529969806828.post-1871439919202365392015-05-16T23:13:04.912+01:002015-05-16T23:13:04.912+01:00Any rude remarks aimed at Alan Bileby and certain ...Any rude remarks aimed at Alan Bileby and certain other members of the board are wholly justifiable, if your face doesn't fit or you don't agree, they make it very difficult, as with the last chairman who thought he could run rough shod over others who have put a life time of effort into building our railway, but believe me Temple didn't go on his own accord as the railway would have you believe, the truth is waiting to be told!<br /><br />Bill and his gang have done a tremendous job at Broadway, from a bare site they have given us a marvellous station environment to be proud of, it doesn't matter how long it takes to complete, let them complete what they started! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com