West Somerset Railway at crossroads as chairman dies after turning company around

WEST Somerset Railway (WSR) staff and supporters were this week coming to terms with the shock of the sudden death on Sunday (October 11) of its chairman Jonathan Jones-Pratt at the age of 42.

A spokesperson for the heritage railway said a statement would be issued in due course, but the Free Press understands a temporary chairman has already taken up the role until a permanent appointment can be made.

Mr Jones-Pratt became acting-chairman in September, 2018, 12 days after joining the board and taking over from chairman Bill Knell in the midst of a financial crisis which seriously threatened the future of the railway.

He became permanent chairman six months later.

Mr Jones-Pratt then guided the steam railway through difficult years while seeking a structural and commercial turnaround for the cash-strapped line.

He said on being appointed: “I am under no illusions that there are many challenges to be overcome, but every effort will be made to ensure success and create a joined-up vision for the future of the railway.”

In 2021, Mr Jones-Pratt said he believed the railway had ‘turned the corner and the future is truly bright for all of us’.

A life-long railway buff and qualified train driver, he had owned two iconic GWR locomotives, Kinlet Hall and Thornbury Castle, and a pannier tank engine.

He also had business interests involving transport and a collection of vintage vehicles.

Edward Martin, chairman of the sister organisation the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA), said this week: “Jon was a passionate supporter of the railway and its future.

“He stepped forward to lead the PLC at a particularly challenging time, bringing enormous energy, commitment, and enthusiasm to the role.

“He was a hard-working and determined individual who always had the best interests of the railway at heart.

“His enthusiasm was infectious and his willingness to get involved and find ways forward was an inspiration to those around him.

“Jon was very much a hands-on railwayman.

“He was a qualified driver and took enormous pleasure in driving his beloved pannier tank locomotive 9466, which he owned and was so proud of.

“His love of the railway was evident, not simply in his role as chair, but in the enjoyment he took from being actively involved in its day-to-day life.

“I had the privilege of working closely with Jon.

“He was a remarkable person who gave an enormous amount to the WSR.

“He stepped up at a time when the railway needed strong leadership and brought tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the role.

“I greatly enjoyed working with him.

“His enthusiasm was infectious, and his contribution will be greatly missed by everybody who knew him.

“It is desperately sad that somebody with so much energy, commitment, and so much more to give has been taken from us at such a young age.

“The thoughts and deepest sympathies of everybody at the WSRA are with Jon’s wife and his two daughters, his parents, his wider family, and all his friends and colleagues at this terribly difficult time.”