THE West Somerset Railway (WSR) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of four new volunteer advisers to its board as part of a strategy to strengthen governance and long-term resilience across the railway.

Following an open invitation at recent volunteer meetings, candidates underwent a shortlisting and interview process.

The successful applicants will initially serve as board advisers for three months before being considered as full directors.

Specialising in operations will be Richard Campaign, a long-standing WSR volunteer and gala planning team member, who currently works in timetable strategy at Transport for Wales, supporting major rail transformation projects and mainline steam operations.

Richard Granger, a WSR volunteer of 27 years with experience in signalling, infrastructure engineering, and operational standards, will advise on compliance.

He is an associate professor at Royal Holloway, University of London, advising organisations worldwide on technology and operations management.

Martin Fuller, steam traction, is an experienced heritage railway engineer and steam driver with leadership roles at the Talyllyn Railway, Foxcote Manor Society, and Tyseley Locomotive works.

Bailey Maxwell is a steam fireman and vice-chairman of the railway’s gala planning team who brings commercial and product strategy expertise from the aerospace software sector, alongside active involvement in heritage locomotive construction projects.

A WSR spokesperson said: “These appointments form part of a broader governance and strategic review undertaken by the board, including the recent appointment of Clive Hetherington as interim chief executive.”

WSR chairman Jonathan Jones-Pratt said: “We have been looking for some time to strengthen the board, recognising both the challenges we face and the level of commitment required to ensure the railway continues to develop and excel.

“The board recently completed a comprehensive review of its five-year strategic plan, covering operations, governance, infrastructure, and commercial development, with a focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the railway.”