Members Sould Be Ashamed - Only 7% have Given to the Share Issue

I note with grave concern the recent notice about the share issue. Current uptake has been less than half a million pounds which does not augur well. Just as worrying is the statistic that only 7% of the membership has bought shares. This is, quite frankly, appalling. The only reasons for not buying shares are lack of funds or that you do not want to see our railway extended to East Grinstead. Whilst there are a few who fall into the first category and a small number who genuinely don’t want the railway extended and have said so, the vast majority must be looking forward to seeing the Bluebell at East Grinstead as our greatest breakthrough ever.

Unless suffering genuine financial hardship all working members should contribute at least £250 and all officers and trustees should be putting in at least £1,000. This is YOUR hobby, it’s what YOU do for enjoyment. I know all the arguments about giving time but how many of us can honestly say that we altruistically give our time to the Bluebell Railway because we want it to succeed, despite the fact that we don’t like the job? I doubt if you would find any. Most hobbies cost money and many of us do other things as well, we all pay to work here and pay for travel, we often have to buy our own uniforms, protective clothing and even tools. Many of us collect railwayana, have model railways or perhaps have a totally divorced interest, these things all cost money so don’t say you don’t have any, redirect it into the Bluebell. The trustees, directors and officers also set themselves up to lead the company and society, they should be leading by example and putting a minimum of £1000 in each.

If the money does not come in we will never see East Grinstead! It will not be the fault of the “They Department” it will be your fault because you did not contribute enough. I have heard arguments about not liking the way the railway is managed but remember that this is our only chance. If we don’t extend now it will probably never happen, it could be that we will lose the planning permission and will have to curtail our operations to “New Coombe Bridge” or even Horsted Keynes. Is that what you want?

Your railway needs you now GIVE US YOUR MONEY!

David Middleton

Americans not welcome at Bluebell

Thursday, November 13, 2008
Americans Not Wanted Here
For some strange reason, not explained on the Bluebell website I am debarred from buying shares in the railway by virtue of being a US Citizen. It says on the Share Issue page of the Bluebell Website:

"Please do not use this form if you are either a resident of the USA, or a US citizen."

Now I seem to recall be had a significant donation to the Woodpax appeal some years ago from a member in Chicago. Bernard spent much of his annual holidays in the early days of Bluebell touring the USA raising support for us. Now Americans are faced with this curt statement and no explanation as to why Americans are no longer welcome to contribute to Bluebell.

By the way Bluebell could learn a lesson or two about fund raising from president elect Obama's campaign. According to Howard Dean chair of the Democrats the average donation was $87. Millions of ordinary folk gave small sums via the internet. Come on Bluebell we have enough members with the know how to use the internet, YouTube , social networking sites and the like to raise money, but please don't exclude Americans.

UPDATE 31 DECEMBER

Bluebell's discrimination against those donating from across the pond has, we are given to believe, resulted in two significant donations from America being rejected!

Posted by Film Crusty at 1:02 PM 0 comments

Big Digger Day

November 25th the big digger which will empty Imberhorne tip wason site for the benefit of VIPs and press. Television news reader and Bluebell member Nick Owen will dig out the first sod.

The sunshine helped the excellent coverage the event had.
Bluebell Tip Dig Live On BBC News