Quainton Railway Society has recently taken on the services of a professional public relations and marketing consultant, Mark Toynbee, to advise on all related matters and to handle, on the Society's behalf, the day-to-day planning and implementation of a new marketing policy to keep the Centre in the minds of potential visitors.

Marketing a steam railway is a specialist and time-consuming area and Mark is no newcomer to the peculiarities of steam, having been an active member of the Kent and East Sussex Railway for some sixteen years and Public Relations Officer there for the last five. After several years in the Public Affairs Departments of British Rail and Sealink, Mark formed his own consultancy earlier this year. Our attention was drawn to him by Janice Uphill, who met him during her 'secondment' to the Kent and East Sussex for their Ladies Day last May.

A discussion report has been submitted to the Executive Committee identifying some suggested areas for development and potential markets. The observations have impressed the Committee, who feel that, if implemented, they will go a long way to increasing the success of the Centre. It is, as we know, the public who pay for us to enjoy our hobby and it is vital that they should be treated in the best possible way and be provided with amenities second to none. If they go away satisfied that their visit was worthwhile and represented value for money, they are likely to come back again and tell their friends about us. Word-of-mouth recommendation is the best recommendation of all.

It is too early to explain in detail the new strategy and it will take time for the full effect to be felt. Besides, much of the 1985 publicity material had already been ordered before Mark's appointment. However, to keep us all informed of developments, Mark will be writing a report in every edition of Quainton News. In the meantime, you are urged to do your bit by ensuring that our publicity material - leaflets, hanging cards and posters - are widely distributed. And, if you have any ideas of your own, get in touch with Mark.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1986 and so does not reflect events in the 28+ years since publication. The text and photographs are repeated verbatim from the original publication, with only a few minor grammar changes but some clarifying notes are added if deemed necessary. The photos from the original publication are provided as scans in this internet version of this long out of print publication.

Reference:
Our PR Man Introducing Mark Toynbee - Quainton News No. 56 - Spring 1985