West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust WSRHT

Bob Meanley: Retirement from the PLC Board

RETIREMENT OF BOB MEANLEY FROM THE BOARD

The Board of the West Somerset Railway PLC is sorry to announce that Bob Meanley will be leaving the Board. Bob has had two periods as a Board Member starting in December 2019. He has made an invaluable contribution through the very challenging period of the pandemic, and during the period when trains could not run through to Minehead as a result of the level crossing closure.

Bob has been director with responsibility for mechanical engineering. His very wide experience in the heritage sector and, in particular, thorough understanding of steam engines, gained through many years, has been invaluable to the railway. During his time with the WSR he has taken a particular role in leading the development of the changes in organisation of mechanical engineering on the railway. This has included overall direction of the absorption of the Williton Works into the company from the WSR Association.

Bob had decided that with the railway on a firmer footing he is able to devote more time to a range of professional activities closer to home in the West Midlands. 

The railway will be advertising for a new Mechanical Engineering Director shortly.

“We are very sorry to see Bob leave the Board, but we fully understand his reasons and we hope and expect he will keep in touch with the railway in the future. The railway owes Bob a considerable debt for the work he has done, helping us at the most difficult of times. We very much wish him well in the future.”

The WSR Heritage Trust wishes to thank Bob Meanley for the overwhelming support to the West Somerset Railway during his tenure. We wish Bob well in his future endeavours.

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The special train also carried a wreath in memory of Ronnie Wainhouse who passed away recently.  Ronnie was a well loved member of the carriage restoration team working for the past 10 years on both 6705 and 3639 – he will be sorely missed.

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© WSRHT 2024

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