Talyllyn Railway (TR) has started off the new season with two new general managers. Following Stuart Williams’ departure to a new post, two of the railway’s senior managers, Lorraine Simkiss and Liz Porrett, will now share this role for the foreseeable future.
Lorraine will become general manager (commercial) and take responsibility for all income generation and human resource matters for both staff and volunteers. Liz takes on responsibility as general manager for operations, engineering and developments.
Lorraine said: “Well, what a start to the year this has been. We said farewell to Stuart thanking him for all his hard work and effort and recognising the significant positive impact he had made to the railway in his time here, and wishing him all the very best on his new adventure in Orkney. And for Liz and I, an exciting opportunity to lead and guide the railway amidst uncertain times.”
Liz’s involvement with the TR began after volunteering with the Tracksiders group. Her previous post on the TR staff enabled us to achieve significant steps forward in areas of health and safety, and the railway’s environmental impact.
Moving to the general manager (operations) role places Liz in a position to oversee the exciting projects that are moving the Railway forward, from the major National Lottery Heritage Fund project to policy improvements, additional training initiatives and streamlining existing processes.
Lorraine said: “These changes are undoubtedly the way to keep us progressing as an organisation. When we want to thrive rather than just survive in these times; standing still is never an option.”
David Ventry, Talyllyn Railway board chairman, added: “We are delighted to appoint Lorraine and Liz into their new roles. They will provide continuity and stability in uncertain times, and we are confident that they will successfully lead the railway forward.”
Photo credit: Talyllyn Railway
