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"I am thrilled and honoured to have been asked to become Chairman of the West Somerset Railway plc. I have been a professional railwayman for over 35 years and have been an active volunteer on the West Somerset for 16 years. The Railway has provided me with many happy hours of enjoyment, fulfilment and comradeship, and am more than happy to give now the time to ensure the continued success of the Railway as Chairman of the Company."

"The line is the longest and best of Britain’s heritage railways and has an enviable record of growth and development. The Company’s remarkable progress owes its success to my predecessor Dennis Taylor whose guiding hand and wise counsel has forged the successful company that allows the Railway to continue to develop and expand. I am delighted that he is able to continue to provide this guidance as Vice Chairman of the company."

"We have some tough times ahead with rising regulatory requirements and costs and much to do to continue to expand the capability of the Railway to serve a new generation of discriminating visitors with more demanding requirements. To some, it will seem as if we are having to run hard to stand still. Nevertheless, I am determined that we shall also look at the opportunities for development that exist all along the line. In particular, at Bishops Lydeard, there is an urgent need to improve the facilities for locomotives and for visitors’ car parking alike. There is still the main line connection at Norton Fitzwarren to be upgraded and some opportunities to develop new business with the main line companies. The challenge will be to continue to grow while retaining the essential character of the Great Western branch line that is the West Somerset Railway. When not on the Railway, my job is Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, for the Strategic Rail Authority. This too is a challenging role which will restrict the time I can spend in Somerset, but I shall keep in touch with the Railway and devote as much time to it as I am able, over and above the regular Board meetings and other meetings in which I shall be involved as Chairman."

Chris Austin.

6 May 2003 Details from WSR Plc