Shildon folk of all ages are being given an opportunity to have their say on the future of the world’s oldest railway institution.
Shildon Railway Institute has launched its biggest, and possibly first ever survey of members and community, and wants to hear from as many of you as possible.
The organisation’s current Chair, Dave Reynolds, spoke to the Crier to explain why the Stute has chosen this moment to reach out and listen to its community.
“Last year was an important milestone for us, as we looked back to the past and our first 190 years. We culminated that with a celebratory concert event, library relaunch and the launch of our book, An Insatiable First – 190 Years of Shildon’s Pioneering Railway Institute.
“It also saw us enter our seventh cycle of organisational change, becoming a Community Benefit Society in January. We also made changes so that you no longer have to be a member to come into the Institute.”
“This year we’re looking to the future, and to do that we really want to understand what Shildon needs from us in the years ahead.”
“We know that our members and other visitors love what we do right now, our facilities, events and the fact that we are there to offer a space to hold their parties and celebrations. We don’t want to change any of that, because it’s what our members expect and enjoy.
“However, the members own a large building, and a plot of land that comes with it, only part of which is being used today. Even then, there are times when those busier parts of the building are not being used. We feel that we could be, and should be, doing much more.
“We were founded in 1833 to meet needs that were not being met. What are those unmet needs and missed opportunities today?”
“That’s why we’re asking our members, and folk of all ages across the town, what they like, don’t like and what they feel we could do in addition for them in future.
“Obviously we won’t be able to do everything, but we’re hoping there will be themes and changes we can focus on. The more views we get, the better picture we will see of what we should be focusing on.”
Taking advantage of your opportunity to have a say on the Stute couldn’t be easier. You can pick up a survey card in the Institute itself and hand it to the bar staff when completed. Or you can click on the survey link on the homepage of the website.
“We see this survey as one of the most important things we’ll be doing this year, and really appreciate whoever makes the time to share what they think,” said Dave.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
