Fox & Edwards events

[alexl92]

Hi,
Fox & Edwards events are a company who I understand were started by a heritage railway volunteer and a partner, who appear to partner with Heritage Railways to sell experiences and promote galas etc. I also believe they hire out carriages to heritage railways.

I just wondered what people’s experiences of them are? If they’re run by an active volunteer you’d assume they would act in a way that doesn’t disadvantage HRs, but I’ve seen some negative comments towards them recently - including some to the effect of “Can we have an X running day without F&E involved?”

Anyone know much?

 

[Jan Mayen]

I've never used Fox & Edwards, but seen them in action at the Bluebell.
They seem to hire an entire carriage. Passengers join at Sheffield Park, trip to East Grinstead where they collect Fish and Chips, which are eaten on the way back. The railway would benefit from additional sales from the Buffet in addition to the carriage hire fee.

 

[43055]

Hi,
Fox & Edwards events are a company who I understand were started by a heritage railway volunteer and a partner, who appear to partner with Heritage Railways to sell experiences and promote galas etc. I also believe they hire out carriages to heritage railways.

I just wondered what people’s experiences of them are? If they’re run by an active volunteer you’d assume they would act in a way that doesn’t disadvantage HRs, but I’ve seen some negative comments towards them recently - including some to the effect of “Can we have an X running day without F&E involved?”

Anyone know much?

From my experience F&E really help to fill trains up especially the Fish and Chip trips which you can fill the TSO & RMB on our rake at the EVR and more importantly get the money with the onboard Bar and station Café etc which is what railways always need. I have also never had any issues with the staff and normally it will be the same few which will be on each week so we do get to know each other and where possible say in the turnarounds help out to speed things up and spread the load.

 

[alexl92]

Thanks guys. I've asked on another forum and the feedback has also been positive. Good to know - could be a really encouraging business model, although I could see why some punters might get fed up of everything their railway does being 'in partnership with...'

 

[47434]

Thanks guys. I've asked on another forum and the feedback has also been positive. Good to know - could be a really encouraging business model, although I could see why some punters might get fed up of everything their railway does being 'in partnership with...'

Ultimately HR's are in a constant battle to survive. They have to do what they can and unfortunately if the odd punter gets fed up with them being in partnership with an external provider it is, frankly, tough.

Reports from a volunteer at the Tanfield was that F&E are a decent outfit and extremely pro-heritage sector.

 

[Titfield]

Ultimately HR's are in a constant battle to survive. They have to do what they can and unfortunately if the odd punter gets fed up with them being in partnership with an external provider it is, frankly, tough.

I have heard grumbles from volunteers on one railway along the lines of "they (F and E) are making the profit we should be having".

The problem on some HRs has been the inability to encourage volunteers to undertake the catering roles. Many are reluctant to do the basic online hygiene course. Catering can be very hard work which again tends to dissuade volunteers from taking in this role.

 

[Flying Phil]

They do appear to have a good relationship with the GCR....as today at Rothley shows.

 

[47434]

I have heard grumbles from volunteers on one railway along the lines of "they (F and E) are making the profit we should be having".

The problem on some HRs has been the inability to encourage volunteers to undertake the catering roles. Many are reluctant to do the basic online hygiene course. Catering can be very hard work which again tends to dissuade volunteers from taking in this role.

It isn't a surprise from certain quarters but as you say, if the volunteers won't step up, how is the profit achieved. Pretty sure the Boards will have weighed up the commercials.

 

[Titfield]

It isn't a surprise from certain quarters but as you say, if the volunteers won't step up, how is the profit achieved. Pretty sure the Boards will have weighed up the commercials.

Exactly. The Board has to do what is right for the business. Satisfy the customers and generate cash to invest into the railway.