Following the announcement that my WSR Special Events Planning Team colleague Richard Jones is leaving the group due to his appointment at the Bodmin Railway after the fast approaching spring steam gala, I too have decided that now is the right time to move on.
I joined a very different WSR as a volunteer in September 1987 and have of course seen many changes and developments take place. During that time, as the railway grew in popularity and the resources became available, we introduced the “mega gala” concept following a footplate conversation between Bill Montieth and myself in 1995. Our idea was taken to Mark Smith who brought together a team of people that included Richard and myself to put together the first March 1996 S&D gala. From that first very successful event the team has developed and put together 12 years of successful galas, with the annual spring steam gala becoming a “must visit” in many enthusiasts diaries.
It has been a privilege and an enjoyable experience to be directly involved with the planning of so many WSR gala events over the years and our team has worked well together. My particular role in coming up with themes for our events and arranging the visiting engines has often brought many “stressful” moments as last minute changes have been enforced for various reasons. I well remember standing with Richard on the town bridge in Llangollen one very cold March evening, whilst we were attending a photo charter, on my mobile phone (it was the only place we could get a sufficient signal to make the calls!) trying to secure a 9F for the 2006 S&D gala.
Now after 12 years involvement I have decided to take a break due to personal circumstances and my desire to take my own business up a gear, although I will still be seen around the WSR of course with my camera and carrying out my WSRA board and Promotions board roles. I will be available to my remaining colleagues on the SEPT group to offer any tips and suggestions that they may wish to take forward in the future.
Don Bishop
