Newsletter: May/June 2011"Who's Who" in the CRSS Committee and Working PartyAt the CRSS stand at the Cromer Town Council Open Day in April, a local resident whose house overlooks the signal box site asked, 'Who are the folk we see working on the signal box each month?'. In conversation, it was evident that they were primarily interested to know what motivates people to become involved in a signal box renovation project. However, following that same 'train' of thought and with the Open Day approaching, it does seem an appropriate moment to put names to the faces of people who are regularly involved and who visitors might meet on 11th June. Firstly, the Chairman, John Hodgkinson, a Cromer resident and our leader since taking over from Canon Revd Derek Elton, another Cromer resident and one of two people who had the vision to get the project underway early in the present century. Derek's compatriot in those formative days was Scott Petre, a well-known Cromer figure and long-time railway enthusiast. Cromer also provides the Society's Membership Secretary, Brian Coussell; stalwart octogenarian and master craftsman, Keith Crane, web-master, John Dennis; and working party member, Daryl Tooley. From Brundall, comes Matt Newman, a signal engineer with Network Rail whose contribution to the renovation work has been crucial, whilst from Colchester comes Derek Coe, Company Secretary, and a relative, Alan Coe. Of great help in the work have been Father John Pawson who, until very recently, looked after the CRSS's financial affairs, Steven Ashling, a Network Rail manager and current Chairman of the North NortolkRailway and Enc Dagless, a 1960s slgnaIman at Cromer and a valuable source of information on what things were like yesteryear! In addition, it would be churlish not to acknowledge the help that has been given by a number of other members on occasional visits. "Where do we go from Here?Another question asked at the Town Council Open Day was, 'Now that you've nearly finished the work of renovation on the signal box, what happens next?' A comprehensive answer to this question is not possible as various possibilities are currently being explored. The Society's Committee has discussed the matter and contact has been made with various organisations and groups and the outcome from discussions with these people will help to determine exactly what does happen in 2012 and beyond. Principal amongst those whose thoughts and advice is being sought is Jamie Everitt who is the County's Museums Officer for this part of Norfolk. In addition, contact has been made with the Midland & Great Northern Railway (M&GN) Circle and liaison has been established with the North Norfolk Railway through Steve Ashling (see above) and with the group that has taken on the responsibility for the preserved signal box at Wroxham through Peter Bower. Certainly, one aim is to establish a display of information and artefacts related to the history and development of the railway in Cromer and for this purpose the M&GN Permanent Way hut adjacent to the signal box has been renovated. In addition, it is planned to open the signal box to visitors (including school parties) so that local people and summertime visitors can experience a 1960s working signal box. The exact pattern of opening and the links that may be made with similar attractions in the area are matters still to be decided. Meanwhile, the work on the signal box and adjacent hut has been entered for the 2011 Heritage Railway Awards. All the foregoing does not mean to say that the pattern of working parties will cease to exist for there is a 2-acre site that will need regular attention as well as routine maintenance work on the buildings that will have to be continued. If you, the members, have ideas for our future, please share them with us at the open day or write in to us at Merchants' Place.
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