Gareth Evans talks to Chris Price, general manager of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, who shares his views on a range of issues affecting the sector – and also what he’s doing to ensure the future survival of Britain’s most popular heritage line.
It’s 9am sharp and I’ve arrived at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s (NYMR) Pickering head office, which is located across the road from the station. The sunny, bright blue sky mirrors the warm welcome I receive from general manager Chris Price (pictured below), who kindly offers me a coffee. We head upstairs to his office – the meeting room being otherwise engaged.
It’s the second time I’ve met Chris – we enjoyed what I call a ‘coffee meeting’ last autumn. Back then, we established that we’re both quietly proud and passionate about what we do for a living and naturally tend towards a pragmatic, ‘no-nonsense’ approach.
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We also appear to share a similar sense of humour. Recalling poor experiences at the hands of editorial staff on a local newspaper known to both of us, Chris quipped: “They could sensationalise the opening of a tin of beans!”
Chris is easy to talk to and like me, wants to get the work done, but also enjoys a laugh.
His neat but functional office includes comfortable chairs along two walls for visitors.
Photos and paintings adorn his office walls – including a BR Standard 4MT on the banks of the Mawddach on the old Ruabon-Barmouth line; an ‘arty’ black and white scene of a locomotive crew in action; a side-on view of Talyllyn; and a double-header of BR 4MTs amid the stunning scenery of the Moors. His doorstop is an old brake block – I like his style.
Read more and view more images in Issue 253 of HR – on sale April 12!
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