I could probably subtitle this blog hell hath no fury like a Chairman who’s made a fool of himself, as it seems that – rather than try and build bridges and improve the standing of the East Lancashire Railway, which has taken a real battering after the way volunteer Joanne Crompton was sacked (previous blogs here and here) – the ELR Chairman, Mike Kelly, who has already come in for a lot of criticism, has decided to make matters worse.
Today, Joanne tweeted this;
Joanne went on to add.
For those who don’t know. Joanne has been involved in running a group that has a preserved locomotive on the East Lancashire Railway, which is separate from her involvement as a (former) ELR volunteer. This ban makes life for her and the group difficult – for no good reason. Such a wide-ranging ban (which makes no sense) seems more a vindictive act on the part of the Chairman than anything else. I have approached Mike Kelly via his Twitter account to see if he wishes to comment on this, but as he seems to be avoiding using it much since his disastrous blanket banning of people and (frankly) ridiculous excuse, I’m not optimistic of a reply.
Needless to say, the reaction to this news has been overwhelmingly negative. Here’s a few examples.
I would (for the sake of balance) include any tweets supporting such a ban, but there aren’t any!
8th July UPDATE.
Yesterday Joanne posted this news on Twitter.
The expression ‘what a way to run a railway’ springs to mind…
I’ve a small favour to ask…
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I hope that the East Lancs Railway has been hit in the pocketbook by visitors boycotting them, for banning and shunning Joanne Crompton.
You really need to know the facts.
Facts.
Yes “Chantal”, or is that you Mr. Kelly, or one of your stooges?
I know personally people who had events organised at the ELR but cancelled them because of what’s transpired. I also know people who’ll no longer visit the ELR. It’s a sad situation, but I don’t see the ELR management doing anything to sort it out. Instead they pretend nothing’s happened. I think the next years accounts will tell the real story – one way or another. But of course, accounts don’t bank goodwill or reputation.
Put it this way, I’ve never been to the ELR but if I had any plans on ever visiting, I can say that it almost certainly wouldn’t be the case now. Also despite the way some have been trying to twist it, I very much doubt that Joanne is an outlier in her treatment, I suspect that most others on the receiving end of such treatment have simply walked away. What is noticeable is that this case is that there has been a closing on the ranks (or “circling the wagons”), possibly to protect the offender(s) involved. I’m also crestfallen at the way this whole discussion/issue has been shut down on various forums, which seems to be mirror that. Given what the likes of Joanne herself and others (e.g: Robin Moira and the West Somerset Railway, another heritage scandal) have been through they absolutely deserve to have their voice heard and listened to.
Richard, think logically. Logically.
1.Discussions are being shut down.
2.’Official’ statements only.
3.No ‘random’ comments from other disaffected females. Not one.
4. Nothing, nothing in mainstream media.
You will note that I have no advertising links.
Think, Richard.
Check out my previous posts on this issue.
Yes “Chantal”, if you say so…..
P.S: For the record I have read some your posts, “Chantal” and all it reads to me as, is inane waffle and an attempt to try and muddy the waters.
Indeed. I have let through some of the ‘Chantal’ comments to illustrate this fact. Acres of speculation and insinuation whilst calling from someone else what they refuse to produce themselves. Facts. I have blocked posts on this subjects from other (fictitious name) accounts that have suddenly appeared from nowhere. One has to wonder why they have done so.
Any further pointless comments from ‘Chantal’ will be blocked.
A sexist comment if ever I heard one. Someone called “Chantal” dares to challenge you – it’s my name, so why the quotation marks? Did I put your name in quotation marks? How rude.
You’re fine with Ms Crompton challenging the status quo, so why not me?
My previous comments on this topic will make clear I want very much to be on Ms Crompton’s side, but she has not produced sufficient evidence. This thread started with posters wanting to see the result of her appeal. We have not seen this. There would have been a written outcome, she had a Union rep with her, so why not share? The initial complaint was about texts. No texts supplied. And indeed, this comment about hearing about the ban from someone else contradicts her own tweets, as she mentioned it weeks ago (I believe she said something about wanting to move a railway engine somewhere else?)
Too many questions, not enough answers. And I am not buying ‘it’s her right to privacy’. It’s a two-way street. You want me to believe and support someone? Show me the evidence. I’m still open to persuasion but, frankly…the jury’s on the point of saying ‘nul points’.
Because how do I can I be sure if it isn’t some alias? Considering what lengths you’re going to on here to try and discredit Ms. Crompton’s claims, why should take anything you say with anything other than a large dose of salt? Oh, and for the record I have read some your previous comments on other posts and all it reads to me as, is inane waffle and an attempt to try and muddy the waters.
P.S. And from what I have read here, you’re not challenging anything, just constantly sealioning.