The CHAPPEL ESCAPE ROOM
Walking through the Booking Office lobby I met Steve Blake the quizmaster of
the escape room. On your behalf I thought to ask him what inspired him to
create the escape room and dream up the story lines.
Currently the code breaker experience is set in the Cold
War of the 1950s, a secret radio transmitter has been intercepted and it’s
feared a Soviet Spy cell is passing on secret information.
What is required of the players is to decrypt their
transmissions, by viewing clues in a dossier that had been compiled for secret agents.
Codebreakers have to solve the puzzle to leave the
locked room.
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Stephen the Quizmaster gets his inspiration from reading historical
fiction, and spy stories, Authors or note include Bernard Cornwell, John Le Carre,
Bernard Cornwell, Graham Greene and Sherlock Holmes.
Participants have one hour to solve the mysteries of the
dossier, and so the mission is to retrieve a key, Stephen is seen here holding
a metal box that holds the escape key.
Our station buildings have a 1950’s and 1960’s ambience,
this is a good setting re-producing an atmosphere of those times. There have
been a number of bookings from businesses including our friends at Network Rail.
Sessions can act as are good icebreakers, an entertainment during corporate
events or as a thank you gesture.
Bookings have come from family groups with age ranges from
10 up until the 70s, so that’s good for three generations.
Steve’s web site is noted here: https://puzzle-room.co.uk/
this was the first escape room, it was launched in spring 2015. EARM is one of
a number of hosts that have tailor-made stories for each location. EARM’s events
are displayed from this web reference http://www.earm.co.uk/escape-room/
THREE PILLARS OF THE MUSEUM
The three pillars of the museum are VISITORS, VOLUNTEERS and IMPROVEMENTS.
VISITORS
This year 2019 appears to have been one of the more
successful years for events, and so your attention is drawn to the wide range
of people we wish to entertain, enthuse, and educate.
EARM is now known for more DoWT and two Beer Festivals. The
portfolio of museum events now include Drivers for A Tenner (D4AT) Kids run the
railway (KRTR) together with regular Driver (DRIVEX) and Railway Experience
(RAILEX)days, School visits.
A greater emphasis is now given to special gala workings,
an example being this autumn’s successful first diesel gala organised by Isaac Ferneyhough,
the Operating team featuring every item
of diesel powered mechanical traction. Being a new tester event it was proven
to be very successful – the operating plan timetabled 70 different movements featuring
7 items of locomotion. To list them they were DMU, Locomotives AMW144, D2279, Toby,
plus the Railcrane, Permaquip elevating platform and finally still on loan, the
War Department diesel.
Events generally are being well supported; a regular series
of “Summer Steam Sundays” the Model Railway club reported over 440 visitors to
their Gala day. Smaller events included the Halloween and Cafe specials the
museum also hosted a youth organisation “sleep over” weekend.
So it is proven the museum is attracting a wide range of
people of all ages. Visits are promoted by e marketing methods led by Catherine
Harrision, with our Visitor Reception staff pitching in with regular social
media posts when the VRC duties permit.
Our visitor attractions seem to be most comprehensive
meeting most age ranges, and so is our member volunteer input with a good
impetus from our younger volunteers.
Pictured is a
selection of people visiting this year, also featuring our resident pet? the village
peacock.
VOLUNTEERS
New volunteer promotion notices have been produced and are
now ready for distribution, some have displayed in an EARM Projects board in
the yard. A number of smaller tasks are being identified both for event days
and general site improvement.
In his new role of EARM Volunteer/Drivex/Railex
Coordinator, Martin Gibbons has been active easing new volunteer’s entry into
the museum’s activities. A digest of the next 3 months diary of events for
which volunteers are requested is being circulated.
What can you expect from volunteering? In return for your
time on an event day - on greeting duty for example - is meeting happy expectant people. It helps
settling families and groups where to go, what to see and generally being
welcoming. Directing car parking, ticket checking, site stewarding and wagon
riding are some less onerous jobs that can only take a few hours.
For exercise and companionship the engineering and
infrastructure departments will provide interest and variety in a number of
tasks, which are part of a team effort. Often the improbable is possible at
Chappel with group effort.
A “What’s App” group has been set up, which is a closed
group meaning posts don’t get broadcasted out of the group to all your contacts.
It’s an informal chat based way to be informed of what’s going on site, but
these posts are time limited after 30 days they are deleted, if you haven’t
already done that.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: search “EARM Volunteers” or copy into a
browser
Short notice planning of our volunteer work force is being
aided by second What’s App group, this time a more technical discussion around
“Infrastructure”. Recent works on track and ongoing Signalling installation work
has been organised. Using mobiles pictures can paint a thousand words, they
also show the before and after works.
TEAM WORK
A good
example of volunteer work is now illustrated, a track fault on a set of points
and the lack of lever operated points in the south yard, called for team work. It
could only be attempted in a quiet break in the operating schedule – luckily to
date the weather hasn’t been too bad, but in true railway tradition it would
need to be executed whatever is thrown at us!
Estates were
able to bring a mechanical digger to site to excavate, Permanent Way prepared a detailed method statement
had been prepared to ensure correct welding procedures took place . A Railcrane
was required for transporting rail and S&T (Signals and Telegraphs) to have
the necessary point rodding, compensators and signal wiring to be on hand for later
installation.
Here are a
few snapshots of this work, more of which feature on social media
Railways involve heavy engineering, and the recent
repair of a point switch blade is illustrated in a series of photos.
Credit is due to all how contributed to the process, it was
a tricky exercise needing a welded part of the rail is to be maintained
above 343degC and held there for 20 minutes
After welding the rail was dressed with a grinderette the straight
edge back to a smooth running
The finished switch rail repair work is seen to the left.
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In all of this, you should not fail to appreciate the
logistics of taking a heavy rail out, transporting it to and from a welding
location in the Restoration shed, using the diesel rail crane and manual effort.
The point can now be added to following works to connect to South Box and provide working signalling from South Box. This work
continues this month.
IMPROVEMENTS : A WORKSHOP
ROUND UP
Walking around the shed here is the latest update
In Shed Road 1 resides the 1873 third brake
compartment coach, where structural woodworking work has been completed by
staff Constructor Kevin Watson. There is just an internal bench seat to
fabricate for the use of Carers - who may accompany a disabled person
travelling in the brake compartment. Interiors are painted in primer; work has
progressed to part of the exterior which will be another application of red “Colchester
Crimson “paint. To make this an operational museum vehicle, there is vexed question of connecting the chassis to
the body followed by new suspension springing. This is where this job gets
expensive.
On the middle road
we now have a beautifully painted diesel railbus in the correct British Rail
loco green livery. Rob Valenta the staff museum painter reports various stages
with rubbing down and primer and undercoat, he reckons about seven coats so far.
I think he really finishes it off well with the front whiskers and the BR “lion
and wheel” and numbering transfers.
Interior works principally done by Peter Martin and Brian Sermons
have focussed on the south-end compartment of the Railbus, where newly
refurbished seats have been fitted. Partly the result of an open fundraising
appeal, which is still open to fund the second half. 56 seats is the target.
Hi-Bar (Soda Ash) Wagon - James Jaeger has removed a rotten
steel base plate floor, and now is rust cleaning the chassis before red-oxide
paint is applied. It is the intention then to build a wooden floor. After which
it can act a mobile wood store for the locomotive department in the running
shed.
Shed Road 2 also sees progress on locomotive Lamport No.3
a rolling chassis been taken out of the yard, to shake down recently fitted
motion and axle boxes. (See SVS167 photo) Recent activity includes work on the outer
firebox, a new backhead has been welded in, fire hole ring complete, and new
outer wrapper side sheets are currently being drilled.
This team led by Allan Robinson, is progressing well, soon
thoughts progress towards fabrication on contract of a new inner copper box which
is where the real money is required. It must be said that works to date while challenging,
has saved a great deal compared with going out to contract for works that can
be done by volunteers.
Shed Road 3 recently completed on running repairs to
Jubilee, an unexpected repair was a leaking tank, which could have done without.
This has been dealt with by Michael Saunders and his loco crew. Rob Valletta has
repainted again in an even more brilliant green paint as befits “Percy”
(Jubilee) as a character engine.
Photo Peter
Martin
SMALL WORKS to do, in hand, and completed
Count
down markers to be fabricated for the North Headshunt.
Gradient
posts to be re-painted.
An
offer of a driver with a towbar fitted vehicle is requested - for a half days
transport – contact Tim Rice.
A
number of flower pots are going spare – offers of planting around site and
Chappel Café areas please.
Bungay
coach – Any offers of old bookcases, shelving units would be appreciated.
Railway
Street shops are tired and need some attention to represent or add new
“exhibits”. This may suit a member looking a museum display opportunity.
A
general sweep and tidy has taken effect in the Restoration shed.
Access
is now available to the Museum Project Boards in the former miniature railway 1
station area.
Redundant
fencing removed to present a less rundown appearance in the lower yard.
Attention
is being drawn to Waste separation and reduction, signs explain what’s required
on site.
TECHNOLOGY AT WORK
A museum is presents old artefacts, but the organisation and
its people have to be up to date on internet and mobile technology.
The museum’s current armoury of communication channels which
is summarised below - ranked from instantaneous to reactive historical
reporting.
Regular
reporting
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EARM public web site
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PUBLIC
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Fast Comms
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WhatsApp groups – Infrastructure and Volunteers
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Membership
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Fast Comms
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Team Wednesday e mailings
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E mail
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Regular reports
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Event
and Marketing led reporting
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Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/earailwaymuseum
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Social Media
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Instant publishing
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Twitter; https://twitter.com/earailwaymuseum
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Social Media
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Instant publishing
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Instagram; https://instagram.com/earailwaymuseum
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Social Media
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Instant publishing
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Internally
generated reports – e mails to members
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E mail
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Occasional reports
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Chappel news – e mails to
members / Philip Ainsley
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E mail
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Occasional reports
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Operating news - e mail from Traffic Manager/Isaac
Ferneyhough
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E mail
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Occasional reports
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Marketing news – e mail
from Marketing Manager/ Catherine Harrison
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E mail
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Occasional reports
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Stour Valley Steam produced by David Reeve and Darren Johnston
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Magazine
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Six monthly publishing
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Facebook
Private group posts
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1 Chappel photos 2
Chappel MPD Unofficial
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Facebook
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Ad hoc personal Posts
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3 Chappel Miniature railway 4 EARM S&T Unofficial
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Facebook
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Ad hoc personal Posts
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5 Chappel Beer Festival 6 B&HMRC (Model railway club) 7 Chappel Station Café
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Facebook
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Ad hoc personal Posts
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Flickr
photo archive
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Flickr EARM
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Flickr
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Photo record
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By subscribing to these new media feeds – it can shows
activity at the museum almost in real time. It’s probably true to say that not
everyone will actively follow all, but if you haven’t tried – then it is
recommended you, or someone in your family, can help you to access this
content.
Visitor Reception Centre activity
Neil Temlett updates us how technology is driving more
museum business. Supplying a mix of serious and light hearted posts, together
with Stuart and Stacey, they promote the museum, and monitoring media postings answering
queries and generating links to current local news and events.
Social media is featuring strongly in promoting the museum
there are Instagram and Twitter accounts, and nearly 5K followers on Facebook. Commercial
leads rely on replying to internet requests and queries.
Internet sales account for 80% of 'Thomas bookings' , with the
remainder 'on-the-door'. A very small proportion, just 0.5% is bought over the
phone or in-person prior to an event.
This trend is being expanding for many of our products, it
is planned to invest more in the online processes to make transactions smoother.
Stall bookings for events, car bookings
for the Transport Extravaganza are now mainly handled this way through the
website.
Regarding telephones and the spoken word, now Brian Mc
Gennity continues the story with a report on some new technology recently
brought into service.
TELECOMS DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Thursday 17th October 2019 at 10.48 a
telephone call was made to the Museum it rang and was quickly answered by
Stacey in her usual professional manner.
This short call lasted about 24 seconds then both parties hung up. Normally a call like this would simply be one
of the many received by the Visitor Reception team over any given day. But,
this one was different.
This was the call that launched the Museum well into the
telecoms of the 21st century; the first call over our new digital
telephone lines. Known as “VoIP” - voice
over internet protocol, a voice is chopped into computer bits, packaged up then
delivered over the internet to their destination, here they are repackaged
together again precisely as they began their journey. The upshot of this is that we can now enjoy
crystal clear incoming and outgoing telephone calls.
Initially four channels are sent to the museum,
additionally, we may increase circuit-by-circuit, when we need to. Three old
analogue lines have each been costing the Museum £27-50 a month each, in
contrast four new digital circuits will
cost us £2-50 per month each a very welcome reduction of costs. Work is to continue
to transfer (or porting) a number of Earls Colne lines this should not be
disruptive in any way. In future extra channels can be added that have a
dedicated use at a low cost.
COMMUNICATION USING
THE WRITTEN WORD
Written media, such as newspapers and magazines are
gradually declining in volume, albeit there is a body of opinion that they
cannot be replaced for quality and expansive content.
There Are many reasons for this, possibility it is a less
immersive experience – younger people like it or not, tend to consume electronic
media which is short and sharp. To continue our heritage attraction and meet
both styles, both these choices need to be accommodated.
Your last magazine Stour Valley Steam (No. 167 Autumn 2019),
an article on page 49 questioned if a printed magazine is the best way to
proceed in future?
It should be noted that for over fifty years SVS and its
predecessors have been the reference publication recording the Museum’s
development, and offered additional general railway content. Members are
invited to respond; perhaps you can pen a few words during the dark winter days
about the magazine in future?
Chappel News delivered by e-mail, and also suffers in
some way from a lack of immediacy too. There is a delay between event and retrospective
report, another lag exists between a call for action and a response. Both print
and e-mail tend to have a delayed feedback path, so while content is
transmitted, it is not known if it is received.
Printed page could be replaced by an easily accessible
web-based blog (think of it as regular small instalments delivered in
electronic format), but may need to have some form of sign on if sensitive
content were included. It would be hoped that museum members might accept a
change if offered. Such formats can at least try and solicit return responses
and have a way to measure hit-rates.
Elders working with technology
If all this modern technology is concerning you – then
fear not as the following example is a product of two people’s interaction with
tech with a combined age of over 165 years.
We are indebted to John Smith making careful notes and
drawing of control switches that are required for the W&M Diesel Railbus. Small
parts were traditionally difficult to cast and machine, but now modern
alternatives exist.
Having taken precise dimensions and drawings, some replacement
switches could be 3D printed in a plastic material. After a web search a local
gentleman of an advanced age, but still being practical using the latest techniques.
He was able to manufacture these items, so there’s no further need to try and
make do with using wedged in screwdrivers, or other nefarious methods, to drive
the vehicle. That’s known as “Diesel
Wagon wurde in Deutschland gebaut, und in Chappel repariert”
Or to you and me “ This railbus was built in Germany and
repaired in Chappel”.
Commercial Hire Opportunities
A second National Skills Solutions training course began
in September; this is a valuable income during our dark period. It is also a
welcome expression of our charity’s purpose of education, where people learn to
gain a NVQ in Railway site work and safety procedures. There have been some recent commercial hires
of the cafe / conference room for meetings, there is an increasing number of
enquiries handled by Neil Temlett.
AND FINALLY
Why not look retrospectively at our museum’s beginning – recently deposited at the VRC bundle of
magazines, books and framed pictures. Much of this is material for Bungay
coach second hand sales on platform 2, but the gems were….as you can see a
number of press clippings including these
Newspaper report June 1971 of a very early public steam day
Gunby & Pooley van (the first was 13 03 71)
Old newspaper cuttings are of value as our history is placed
in a historical context, on the reverse side of the paper some advertisements
included these rather dated items from the 1970’s
“ 19” Colour TV Rental for 12months for only £68.60”
“Self-drive hire £18 per week Ford Cortina, £24 per week for Ford
Zephyr”
In
the “General Vacancies section”, of which were a number of easily applied for
jobs, people could specified by age and gender
“Female School leaver required – to train as a dental nurse”
“Man required” for general machining and fitting – Shipyard Estate
Brightlingsea
“Mates, aged 17-18 years, required for pipe fitters”
Times have changed !
Hope you enjoyed this digest of happening of late...
If you prefer to STOP further mailings of Chappel News you
simply need to e-mail news@earm.co.uk with
a UNSUBSCRIBE request or the same address for feedback.
Philip Ainsley – Editor 22 11 19 Republished on Blogger 01 05 2020
Philip Ainsley – Editor 22 11 19 Republished on Blogger 01 05 2020
