Newsletter: January 2012"Into the Future"At the Society's AGM on 10th November 2011 at Merchants' Place in Cromer one agenda item was concerning the future of the signal box project. This was not included because there is any danger of the project not continuing at this stage in time. In fact, the purpose of it was to explore ways in which the CRSS might become associated with a larger and on-going railway-related activity in the region and so ensure the existence of the signal box into the distant future. Amongst those attending the AGM was Steven Ashling who, apart from being one of the CRSS Committee Members, is the current Chairman of the Board at the North Norfolk Railway. He spoke of the many benefits to be derived by the CRSS in becoming linked to the NNR and spoke of his Board's interest in having a presence in Cromer. In assuring those present that if the merger were to go ahead, then the Cromer group would still retain its autonomy in decision-making whilst administrative matters could be handled by the NNR full-time staff at Sheringham. A unanimous decision was that Steven should be asked to go ahead and talk with his Board and if they were in agreement, then negotiations should get underway between the CRSS and NNR. There were a number of other advantages outlined for the CRSS in the possible merger. Principally, this was being part of the NNR's publicity and being able to 'piggy-back' on any special train or other event when visitors coming to the area might well be interested in visiting the signal box. Also, specialist advice could be available from the NNR's staff, for instance in the setting up of a museum. If negotiations proceed as anticipated, it is possible that by the end of the CRSS's financial year, viz. 30 September 2012, new arrangements could be in place. Updates will be reported in every new edition of The Signal Box. NewslettersA decision has been made that the Newsletter's publication months will in future be January, April, July and October. This will enable the Committee to send out membership renewal data in January, Open Day (9 June in 2012) information in April and AGM (8 November in 2012) details in October. If anyone has items for The Signal Box they should be sent by email to: derek_coe@hotmail.com. Working Party updateAs this newsletter is being prepared, the large metal brackets which hold the walkway around the front and sides of the signal box are being re-fitted having been removed for cleaning and painting. The Society's equipment and materials have now been removed from the locking room under the signal box and this will enable work to be carried out on the frame. The cross beams for the three telegraph posts are being prepared ready for receiving cups and then being erected at the post tops. A carpenter is being sought who has the necessary equipment to cut a new door surround.
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