NEWS
LATEST NEWS
23/6/01
Negotiations to refinance the ESR are now
at an advanced stage, and the person with whom the railway is negotiating can
now be identified as Mr. David McCleave, a businessman and long-time railway
enthusiast. Although not previously
well known in heritage railway circles, Mr. McCleave has for many years been
involved in the collection of and research into modern British pictures and in
particular in the works of Terence Cuneo and David Shepherd, as they reflect his
interest in the age of steam. David
McCleave presently sits on a committee, chaired by Sir William McAlpine, which
is in the process of raising a statue to be sited at Victoria Station in memory
of Terence Cuneo. David McCleave is
also actively involved in the carriage driving world and is a member of a Livery
Company, the Worshipful Company of Carmen, as well as being a Freeman of the
City of London.
David McCleave has been a regular visitor
to Cranmore for many years, and his interest in heritage railways was originally
inspired by David Shepherd’s enthusiasm. David McCleave hopes that his involvement will enable the ESR
to continue to bring pleasure to those who visit as well as supporting his own
interest in preserving what is left of the steam age.
No details of the deal that is being done
are being released, as the arrangement is viewed as commercially sensitive and a
private matter between Mr. McCleave and the railway. It should however be emphasized that the deal will not affect
in any way the charitable status of the railway.
Since re-opening after its unexpected temporary closure at Easter, the ESR has been having a good season. Visitor figures for the “A Day Out With Thomas” event over the May bank holiday weekend were up 20% from the previous year, and the railway hopes that this encouraging trend will continue. Forthcoming events include another “Thomas” weekend on the 11th and 12th of August, and a major military vehicle rally is planned for the August bank holiday weekend. Both of these events will feature, amongst other things, the recently introduced “Driver for a Fiver” scheme, which allows anyone over 16 years of age to ‘have a go’ at driving a steam locomotive.
KEVIN CARVER APPOINTED A TRUSTEE
Kevin Carver has been appointed a trustee to replace Mike Adams who retired due to ill health.