WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH NEW BOARD APPOINTMENTS

The Board of the West Somerset Railway plc has announced the appointment of four new volunteer Board Advisers as part of a wider strategy to strengthen leadership, governance, and long-term resilience across the railway.

Following an open invitation for expressions of interest at recent volunteer meetings, candidates underwent a formal shortlisting and interview process. The successful applicants attended the Board meeting on 28 April and will initially serve as Board Advisers for a three-month period before potential appointment as full directors.

The new appointees bring extensive expertise across railway operations, engineering, compliance, commercial development, and strategic management:

• Richard Campaign (Operations) – A long-standing WSR volunteer and gala planning team member who currently works in timetable strategy at Transport for Wales, supporting major rail transformation projects and mainline steam operations.
• Richard Granger (Compliance) – A WSR volunteer of 27 years with experience in signalling, infrastructure engineering, and operational standards. Richard is also an associate professor at Royal Holloway, University of London and has spent decades advising organisations worldwide on technology and operations management.
• Martin Fuller (Steam Traction) – An experienced heritage railway engineer and steam driver with leadership roles at the Talyllyn Railway, Foxcote Manor Society, and Tyseley Locomotive Works. Martin also serves as steam locomotive roster clerk at the WSR.
• Bailey Maxwell (Commercial) – A steam fireman and vice chairman of the railway’s gala planning team who brings commercial and product strategy expertise from the aerospace software sector, alongside active involvement in heritage locomotive construction projects.

These new advisers will work alongside the existing Board: Jonathan Jones-Pratt (Chairman), Joy Boswell, Frank Courtney, Rowan Joachim, Malcolm Smith, and Robin Wichard.

The appointments form part of a broader governance and strategic review undertaken by the Board, including the recent appointment of Clive Hetherington as Interim Chief Executive.

Jonathan Jones-Pratt, Chairman of the West Somerset Railway plc, said:

“We have been looking for some time to strengthen the Board, recognising both the challenges we face and the level of commitment required to ensure the railway continues to develop and excel.

“This is about taking the next step — ensuring the Board is structured and equipped to deliver effectively at all levels. We remain a forward-thinking railway and cannot afford to stand still. Strengthening our leadership team is an important step in supporting the long-term future of the West Somerset Railway.”

Clive Hetherington, formerly Chief Executive of the Great Western Society, joined the railway in April to support operational delivery and strategic development during a period of increased demand and ongoing financial pressures facing the heritage railway sector.

The Board recently completed a comprehensive review of its five-year strategic plan, covering operations, governance, infrastructure, and commercial development, with a focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the railway.