Chappel Newsletter 82 _ July 2020.
This Chappel news is written (today 16/07/20) as lockdown is eased; some of this information will be known to those who have been volunteering by invitation on- site. As our members has been part of the general lockdown and not necessarily always engaged on social media, some repetition is noted.
This email is confined to written text; in time Chappel News 81 will be updated with pictures, in the web form of this newsletter, to which I invite you to view:
www.earmnewsletter.blogspot.com
Our public website is updated and reproduced below.
Please read the article on the Blogspot post about the new Family Trail, as we open for static viewing that’s important, as is the upgrade to social distancing guidelines and Platform 2 CafĂ© all of which is currently in progress.
Public access to the railway museum resumes tomorrow Friday 17th July. Opening hours are now limited to Fridays and the weekends, as we emerge from the lockdown period of the coronavirus pandemic we're all having to adapt. What people consider to be “the new normal” is a fast paced and changing environment. An example being a reduction to 5% VAT to admissions announced yesterday 15th July.
Many people subscribe to social media, so may have already seen recent activity of individuals and departments at the Museum; Chappel news is here to aggregate these posts noting changes and upgrades during the closed period.
There is not an immediate prospect of running trains, those with operating duties already are aware of this. It is an inescapable fact that train operations require vehicles that are proven fit to run, and individuals competent to perform their duties. Due to an extended lockdown both these areas need attention, which is why we cannot operate trains in the short term. The Heritage Railway Association has a very thorough checklist for us to run through, this guidance extends to 57 pages.
Could it be that the museum may be going back to its early days? As we are unable to run a full set of special events - so the museum has to be based around static viewing. Only on occasion can trains run later in the year, future events are likely to be more limited than in the past.
Unfortunately we've also lost some staff, as we are unable to put on a program of events. Catherine Harrison our Marketing Manager is leaving us to take up a full-time position elsewhere, likewise Anne Brown our former Events Manager has to concentrate on her businesses, as we are unable to run special events. It's a case of the virus having unwelcome repercussions; we wish both ladies good wishes for their future endeavours, and thank them for their valued efforts. Regretfully paid staff has been furloughed, so restoration works have been delayed.
Since volunteers have been able to resume, on invitation, singleton projects, a number of areas have received attention. Presentation of our site will be seen as more important; visitors will expect our exhibits to be better explained. This customer experience needs further attention.
Financially the loss of income will result in longer timescales for most museum projects. However planning for the future must progress, it is reported a planning decision is due on the revised Exhibition Hall proposal. Public consultation has now closed, as I write the determination from Colchester Borough Council is due next week. While works are now preceding again with the Running Shed - the idea of yet another shed maybe seem difficult at this time. However aspirations have long lead times and planning doesn't necessarily mean in immediate start.
In a similar vein, it has been announced that the museum’s N7 locomotive restoration is starting. Some publically quoted “facts” in railway journals and social media, should be more fully explored, rather to say it is a start of restoration; an examination to see is required and scope feasibility in cost labour and time. In considering the engineering, it is necessary to find those willing to add technical assistance, use their engineering skills. As time progresses there is a possibility a need for new people with Project and Contract management abilities.
Contrary to statements in some media, it is intention of the museum to have the locomotive based at Chappel in workable condition, to enhance our museum its Driver Training Experiences. Main line running is not something contemplated.
This resume is a snapshot of progress to date and considers the restart process. Having painted a picture with some dark clouds, there is ample evidence that the membership wants the museum to survive and prosper. In all our endeavours every contribution is welcome however big or small.
Chappel News is currently circulated on e-mail; more regular updates are now possible on the web. In this way there’s a handy news source in your pocket by smartphone, or via other devices like tablets and computers.
www.earmnewsletter.blogspot.com
Hope you enjoy the content.
Reporter
Philip Ainsley
16 07 20
