PULLING IN THE VISITORS
2003 is likely to have been our best year for visitor income but, whatever the final result, it is still a splendid reward for all the hard work by the volunteers.
We provide statistical information to the national tourist board and, in return, we get a copy of the results. There are lots of types of attractions such as historic castles and houses, art galleries, wildlife and country parks, gardens etc. Heritage railways are sufficiently numerous to warrant a separate category and two things stand out. The first is that they are massively dependent on volunteer labour (no surprise to us!) compared to the other categories. The second is how well they are increasing their visitor numbers (up a third in two years). One guesses that the public is reacting well to seeing the real thing in the right surroundings, being able to ride on them and chatting to staff who clearly have a genuine interest. This is a lesson for us. We already do most of this already but a preoccupation in the next few years must surely be authentic backdrops for the vehicles we have so carefully restored.
Malcolm Keeley
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
