Chris Hunford has decided to stand down as chairman and locomotive director with immediate effect.
Bluebell Railway board members wish to place on record the Railway’s appreciation and thanks for the way Chris has led the organisation since taking over as interim chairman in August 2019 and, in particular, during the last nine months when it has faced difficulties never seen before in its 60 years.
The board has moved at short notice to provide a new leadership structure. Given the current circumstances facing the board and the Railway as a whole, company secretary and former Plc chairman Graham Flight has agreed to take over as interim board chairman. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.
Steve Bigg (non-executive Plc director and acting chairman, Bluebell Railway Preservation Society), Roy Watts (acting vice-chairman, BRPS) and Vernon Blackburn (chairman, Bluebell Railway Trust), will provide strategic guidance and support as part of their current Society and Trust roles.
The process for appointing a permanent successor will now be given priority attention in spite of the current Covid restrictions.
Interim Bluebell Railway chairman Graham Flight said: “The Railway is again at a critical point. The likelihood of another prolonged period without running services means the entire Bluebell Railway community needs to show in 2021 the same determination and collective spirit as it did last year to ensure we can reopen when safe to do so.”
The entire board thanks Chris Hunford for his contribution to the Railway.
