| 7.1 |
The target market for the WLA has traditionally been
individuals who are "Western enthusiasts";
mainly people who can remember Westerns running on the
main line. However, as time goes on this market is gradually
diminishing and the Association has to capitalise on
its appeal to the general public, especially to younger
members. To help survive for the longer-term future,
the WLA must aim to increase its membership numbers in
order to secure future support, in terms of working members
and donations. |
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| 7.2 |
The WLA has set itself an objective to raise the membership number from 250No. to 500No. people over 3 years. |
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| 7.3 |
To help increase the membership numbers, the WLA must
raise its profile which can be done in several ways,
as follows:-
1. Improve its current identity
2. Create this web site!
3. New leaflet/membership form
4. Advertise and canvass for new members
5. Revamp "Western Courier" magazine
6. Develop new WLA "Members Day" on SVR
7. Help assist with the SVR's School's
Education Service
8. Attend "open days" with D1062 when restoration
completed
9. Consider new WLA product items if Sales Officer
can be recruited |
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| 7.4 |
A new “Members Day” will be promoted each year, where members will be given more opportunity to have guided tours around the locomotives and workshops and to travel on a Western hauled service train and evening diner at the end of the day (12th August 2006). |
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| 7.5 |
The WLA will help assist with Education. The WLA has
an "open door" policy to the general public
where people are welcome to visit the cabs of the locomotives,
when waiting at stations (subject to the Driver's
permission). Controls of the locomotive etc are often
explained to interested parties. |
| |
| 7.6 |
The SVR's Schools Education Service from 2005
will help improve access to the locomotives where children
will be allowed to visit the cabs (under supervision).
A Class 52 will also be helping to run the education
programme for such events as "Big Images for Little
People". |
| |
| 7.7 |
Once D1062 is returned back to traffic, consideration
will be given to attending open days at Depot events
and possibly running on other preserved lines, subject
to agreement with the SVR. |
| |
| 7.8 |
If a Sales Officer can be recruited, it should be possible
to create a small range of products such as mugs, pens
and T-shirts to help promote the WLA and its new identity. |
| |
| 7.9 |
Additional benefits to the WLA could possibly be achieved
by applying for Charity Status. These will be considered
by the Committee from 2005. |
