It appears to be the usual practice at the time of wiritng these notes (December) to look back at the previous twelve months and review the events which have taken place.  I therefore make no exuse to do likewise.

From the railway angle, another successful season with an increase in passenger figures, proves again that the holidaymaker enjoys the novel form of transport offered, and that the railway is worth preserving for future generations.  Admittedly there have been problems this season - but what railway on the mainland doesn't experience similar problems - but what is gratifying to note in the case of the Isle of Man Railway is the readiness of the staff to work long hours to ensure a continued operation.  A number of times, staff have worked long after normal hours to ensure that the locomotives and permanent way are in order for the following day's services.  Even during times of crisis during the operating day no one has thrown their hand in, they have always made certain that the passenfers have reached their destination and have not been left stranded.  It is therefore appropriate in this New Year, for the supporters of the railway to thank the staff for their dedication and hard work.  Without them the railway would certainly not have enjoyed another successful passenger year.  It is very easy for us to criticise and comment on events but at the end of the day it is only the staff who bear all the problems of operation - our role should be one of support, advice and assistance.

The Supporters' Association has experienced one or two problems during the past twelve months, something which is not uncommon in a body made up of volunteers.  Hopefully our problems are behind us and we can look forward to a period of stability during 1981.  A meeting with two representatives of the M.E.R. Board, Mr. W. Jackson, chief executive, and Messrs. Clark, Cubbon and myself, took place in November.  The main item under discussion was out appeal fund for No. 9 "Douglas" and the outcome of our discussions is detailed elsewher in this issue.  At the meeting we took the opportunity in having a general discussion on other railway matters, such as publicity, coaching stock and railway services.  Mr. Peter Craine, vice-chairman of the board, stated that he saw the future of the railway offering a commuter service as well as a service for summer visitors.  Modern diesel railcars, possibly suitable for both railways, could provide the commuter service, with the steam trains and electric trams providing the summer attraction.  A step in this direction had already been made, with this winters' operation of the coastal line of the M.E.R.  We are confident that our involvement with the railway and the M.E.R. Board will become closer in the months to come, which will be beneficial to all parties concerned.

Not being the operator of the railway, our role has always been one of a "supporting organisation" and in past years we have carried out voluntary work.  However, with the railway in Government hands we have to agree that voluntary work as previously carried out, is no longer possible.  But I am of the opinion that a specific project such as the rehabilitation of a station (Santon or Port Soderick) could be acceptable to both the M.E.R. Board and the union.  In the meantime, we should concentrate our efforts in other ways such as publicity and fundraising projects.  On the publicity side, a start was begun last year when 10,000 leaflets were produced by the Supporters' Association giving details of September services on the railway, which were delivered to all Douglas hotels and boarding houses.  A copy of this leaflet was contained in the last issue of this magazine.  Subject to funds being available, we hope to carry out this type of publicity again.  It has been suggested that we should open a special account for members and others (especially those not able to visit the island or travel on the railway) who may wish to donate money especially for publicity purposes.  From the recent meeting with the board this is certainly a way forward for the Supporters' Association to pursue.

The 1981 season of services is not too far away and although no actual train times are available it is understood that they will be similar to 1980, and operate from Easter through to October.  Again, there is unlikely to be Saturday services, but this could be altered for the height of the season, depending on locomotive availability.  Finally, may I wish you a prosperous New Year and that you will join me in wishing the island's railways a successul 1981.

A.B.B.