Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership (TVCRP) has recently strengthened its Board and welcomes two new members.
Allan White has joined the Board as Director for Infrastructure. Allan is a retired architect and has a skill set which will be invaluable as we look to develop our portfolio of properties. He has a lot of experience in health and safety and will help TVCRP develop risk assessments for the increasing portfolio of activities. Allan is an accomplished artist so we may see the occasional drawing of a train once life returns to normal again after the Coronavirus crisis is over.
Allan said, “I am delighted to join the board of TVCRP and hope that I can contribute to an already successful community enterprise in the coming years”.
Research by National Council of Voluntary Organisations and Office of National Statistics suggests that those aged 65 – 74 years of age are most likely to volunteer across all sectors, but that 16 – 24 year olds are the highest of all age groups both in terms of participation and average time spent volunteering.
The Board was interested in lowering its average age and was looking at ways of encouraging younger people to join the Board by perhaps having likely candidates observe its work and the management issues of a small business.
The other new Board member is Joseph Codling, whose role will be to try and encourage younger people to enjoy the Tyne Valley Railway, or even volunteer with TVCRP. He will also be aiding the education programme to help create the next generation of rail users. At 18, Joseph is the youngest member of the Board by several decades. Joseph who is studying geography at Newcastle University has long had a love of railways. He is currently Station Adopter at Blaydon Station. Joseph has had a lot of good ideas which have been put into practice. The Community Noticeboards have been transformed with photographs of Blaydon Station in days gone by. These are changed regularly and add interest for the passengers. He and the team have obtained planters which adds a bit of colour to the station. Joseph said "I have been privileged to observe a number of board meetings and now look forward to sharing in the TVCRP's success as a director. I hope to encourage more young people to get involved in our social action projects, or simply enjoy the wonderful scenery of Hadrian's Wall Country. As a university student, I also hope that the experience I will gain helping to run a small business will complement my degree."
TVCRP welcome the new Board members and wishes them every success in their new roles.
Allan White
Joseph Codling
