West Somerset Railway PLC has seen a number of changes to its board recently including the appointment of two new directors and more appointments still in the pipeline. The railway is working in partnership with the Heritage Railway Association which is the national trade body for heritage railways in the process of appointing a few further positions.

Joining West Somerset Railway Board in the position of Director for Engineering & Infrastructure, Rowan Joachim’s appointment follows a good period as Board Adviser. Rowan is extremely experienced and well suited for the role as a senior post holder with a mainline railway alongside being a chartered engineer and holding both IET and IMechE qualifications. Spending many years as a volunteer on heritage railways and as a Board Adviser, she has already made substantial contributions to the railway’s progression.

Rachel Stoneham has taken on the role of Director (Commercial) and is also an excellent choice for the position and also holds a senior management position with a mainline railway having worked with the industry at a senior level for many years with financial and developmental areas. Rachel has also been working positively with the West Somerset Railway Board as a Board Advisory for a number of months.

Andy Castledine has now left the Board taking a decision not to attempt re-election for 2024 and due to demands on his time, his young family and his professional career with thin the national rail industry has brought forward his departure.

Arther Diejomaoh has also resigned from the Board due to a long spell of sickness and also because of the demands of his professional career.

The West Somerset Railway Board are extremely grateful for the significant contribution both Andy and Arther have made in their positions.

A few further appointments are set to be made in the near future, which will bring a further and significant new level of experience to the Board.

2023 Has got off to a fantastic start for the railway and whilst challenges always lie ahead, the Board working alongside staff and volunteers are set to move the railway into the future.