A lack of water on site has been a continuing issue since the spring supply was damaged at the end of last year. The recent cold weather has compounded the problem but thanks to the sterling efforts of staff from Northumberland Estates, the supply is now running again. We still have a couple of issues on site but at least we no longer have to flush the toilets with buckets!
Continuing on the water front, the installation of mains water continues, again this was delayed due to the weather. However, the pipe is now in, pressure tested and chlorinated. We're now awaiting a date from Northumbrian Water to come along and connect our pipework to supply, which should be within the next few weeks.
Despite the bad weather, Ron and David have been carrying on getting the new play area constructed. The main frame is now up and work is ongoing with the ancillary climbing parts. Still a fair bit to do, including fencing, footpaths and the safety surface under the frame. If only the gnome hiding underneath would grow up and come out and help too...
Photo: D Malone.
Elsewhere, the model rail team have been able to spruce up the outside of the model rail cabin, giving it a good wash to remove the algae that had built up on it. Looks a bit different now from the picture above. Photo: R Hidson.
Fancy being a Trustee?
Every year at the Trust's Annual General Meeting, this year on 24 April, our Trustees retire in rotation and they get the opportunity to be re-elected or stand down to allow others to take on the role. This year we have seven vacancies and for various reasons, not all are standing again.
As a trustee, you have ultimate responsibility on how the railway, which is a charity, is run. This means you have to make a wide range of decisions, including strategic decisions that may involve significant costs and risk. Being a trustee can be rewarding for many reasons - from a sense of making a difference to the railway, to developing new experiences and relationships. It can be of benefit to those looking for work or a new direction in life, however it's also likely to be demanding of your time, skills, knowledge and abilities. There is plenty of help and guidance in being a trustee - they are not expected to be perfect but they are expected to do their best to comply with their duties. Charity law does generally protect trustees who have acted honestly and reasonably.
If you are a member of the AVR Trust and think you can make a difference, or have skills that you think you have use to bring to the Board, or would like to expand your horizons, then please check out our
AGM pages on our website. You need your Trust membership number to access - this is on the envelope of the latest The Link magazine that will be popping through your door anytime soon, if not already.
