Autumn Conference 2023 - day one
The 2023 Heritage Railway Association Annual Conference will take place on November 7 and 8 at Crowne Plaza in Newcastle. Please reserve the dates and think about getting in early to book your travel and accommodation. Bookings for the conference will open soon.
With speakers being arranged from Network Rail, Historic England and from across the heritage rail sector, plus a special guest speaker from the USA.
09:00 Arrival, registration and networking
Tea/coffee and refreshments
09:30 Welcome and setting the objectives for the Day
Steve Oates, Chief Exec, HRA
09:40 Technological advancements in oil-firing locomotives. Conversions and lessons learned
Davidson Ward, President of FMW solutions
How recent advances in drafting and combustion technologies make oil firing of steam locomotives an attractive option in the face of rising coal costs
10:20 Climate Change – Time to Take Note … Time for Action!
Three sessions led by speakers from outside heritage rail focusing on the very real issues for heritage and railways
The journey to Net Zero for heritage organisations.
Daniel Miles, Sector to Net Zero Project Lead, Historic England
10:50 Break – Networking - Tea/Coffee
Tea/coffee and refreshments
11:15 Strategies for Biodiversity
Dr Neil Strong, Biodiversity Strategy Manager, Network Rail
11:45 Heritage resilience to the impacts of extreme weather and climate change
Lisa Constable, Weather Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Manager, Network Rail
12:15 Options – A choice of sessions in the Stephenson Suite (ground floor) and in the Planet Suite (first floor)
Choice one - Stephenson Suite
12:15 ‘The Regulatory Bit!’ - Standards, Guidance and Sharing
12:15 Establishing Standards
Andy Castledine – Castle & Dean Consulting and Chairman, HRSSB Steering Group
12:25 ‘Pinched with Pride’!
Matt Green, Director of Safety, Compliance and Operations, NYMR
12:30 Developing an effective SMS
Richard Hines, HM Deputy Chief Inspector of Railways, Railway Safety Directorate, ORR
Simon Barber, HM Principal Inspector of Railways, ORR
Choice two - Planet Suite
12:15 Thinking Museum
Dr Mike Galer, General Manager, Crich Tramway Village & National Tramway Museum
A session specifically for those focussing on museums, archives, heritage and interpretation.
13:00 Lunch
… and the opportunity to network with colleagues
14:00 Getting the Best from Volunteers
Securing, retaining and valuing your volunteers
Doug Alldred, Volunteer Development Manager, Isle of Wight Steam Railway
14:30 Comps and Privs
Chris Price, Chief Executive, North Yorkshire Moors Railway
14:40 Keynote Speaker - Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay
Introduced by HRA President Lord Faulkner
As the UK Government minister responsible for heritage and a keen advocate of mobile heritage Lord Parkinson will outline where heritage sits within government and highlight the opportunities he sees going forward for heritage rail, including Railway 200.
15:15 Break - Networking - Tea/Coffee
Tea/coffee and refreshments
15:30 To be confirmed …
16:00 HRA Extraordinary General Meeting - See AGM Agenda
16:15 Heritage Railways - A new film
17:15 Round-up, Close and Depart. HRA Chief Exec, Steve Oates
Please note that these agendas are subject to change.
Tickets for the event are available to purchase online now.
Please Note: Tickets will be available for the conference only and do not include for hotel accommodation or any other costs attendees may incur in attending this event.