Board Member : Roger Webster
Roger Webster was born near London and spent the first ten years of his working life on British Railways (Western Region) at Paddington and Reading in various positions on the operating side in Freight and Passenger Movements including Train Control. He passed Train Operating and Signalling examinations.
Roger had visited the Isle of Man with his parents in 1960 and so enjoyed the time here, he came over for four weeks in 1968 as a volunteer on the Railway – in fact, he was the Guard on one of the last trains between Douglas and Ramsey. He was invited to take up the post of Station Master at Douglas in 1969 which post he held for six years. The position involved being responsible for the safe and efficient operating of the line as well as organising publicity/advertising and, despite what some people have written, this latter period under Lord Ailsa was very successful with growing passenger numbers.
Roger then took over the running of Ratio Plastic Models (manufacturing model railway kits) after his father sadly died.
He then became General Manager of the Bodmin & Wenford Railway in Cornwall for twelve years.
Among other interests, Roger is on the administration of the Heritage Railway Association, speaker secretary of the Launceston Railway Circle, a church organist and on the committee of Cornwall CA.M.R.A. (Campaign for Real Ale)!
He visits the Island regularly and truly has great love for the Steam Railway. He earnestly hopes that the Railway survives and thrives.
Roger feels his experience will be helpful in his role as a Director of the Association with his lifelong love / work with trains.
