We are pleased to welcome some new faces to the Stationmaster team, and a training meeting was held in June for all existing SM's plus new and prospective recruits. The training, which was introduced by Society Chairman Andrew Bratton, started with a First Aid talk and demonstration by member Pam Johnson of the Red Cross. This was followed by a Rule Reading session with Bruce Murray plus Health and Safety and general SM tasks. After a break for lunch, Mike Goodwin escorted us around the site from a driver's point of view, and we walked both yards plus took a ride in the cab of the diesel and visited the signal box. We will now be able to explain its intricacies at the next AGM!

Two general points did come from this training, the first being a need for First Aid training. Pam has kindly offered to run a series of courses to any interested members on dates to be decided, and anyone interested should contact me or Bruce. The courses will be general, but with special emphasis to the needs of Quainton and will concentrate on what to do and how to react in an emergency.

The second point concerned the provision of a standard uniform for staff. This would include not only SM's but guards and platform personnel. We are looking into a number of suppliers with the hope that something suitable will be available for the start of the 1993 season. Again, if anyone is interested who has not already said so, please let me know.

One of the jobs of the duty Stationmaster is to ensure that the Centre runs smoothly and efficiently both for the public and for members. In the latter respect we are lucky that most members are intelligent and appreciate that we (they) cannot always do exactly what we want I have noticed a perceptible change in attitude over the past few years, but unfortunately there are still a few members who feel that they can do as they please without consideration for others. I would ask you all to bear the following in mind at all times, but especially when we are open to the public:-

• Please park in the agreed spots. There are still members who park in front of their wagons (which are exhibits) thus spoiling visitors photographs and making the site generally untidy.
• Watch your speed on site, especially when it is dry and dusty.
• Close gates behind you. Even if it was open when you went through it and you know it should be closed. If you don't, visitors will (and do) come in without paying.
• Keep your dog on a lead. Not only is it dangerous for them to be wandering around on their own with locomotives in steam, but it is a bad example to visitors with dogs which may be less obedient. Also clear up their mess and put it in a bin. It is unsightly and a health hazard to children who may step into it.
• Do not use the sinks in the toilets to wash off oil and grime - especially on Open Days. It does our image no good at all and someone has to clean them .
• Cross the line by the footbridge. If you walk on or near the track use a HV vest.
• Use the litter bins provided for all litter including fag ends. If you see litter on the ground, pick it up. Also if you have a large amount of litter, put it straight into one of the Grundons and not by the side of a litter bin. It doesn't walk on its own.

Having said the above, I must thank the vast majority of members for being so considerate. Remember, it is YOUR Centre and it is what we all make it. We don't want our hard work spoilt, however, by a small number of inconsiderate or unthinking members.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1992 and so does not reflect events in the 20+ 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:
From the Stationmaster's Office ... - P J Hoskings - Quainton News No. 71 - September 1992