Talks for Local Interest Groups

 

For many years now we have provided a ‘talks service’ for local groups wanting to find out more about the Severn Valley Railway.

 

Sometimes these talks are arranged to precede a group visit to the Railway that has already been arranged but, more likely, they are the catalyst to a group booking a visit to the SVR in the future. These ‘talks’ are arranged through our Marketing & Communications Department at Kidderminster who often receive the initial request for this service.

 

With the passage of time the number of people that we can call upon to help with this service has diminished greatly. For this reason, and because we want to be able to enhance this valuable marketing initiative, we are seeking to recruit a number of additional volunteers. Talks are usually arranged in the evening, on a mutually agreed date, but occasionally take place at lunchtime (sometimes with lunch included!). Travelling expenses are agreed between the requesting group and our speaker and are paid direct to the speaker on the day. The requesting group often makes a further donation to the SVR but this is not compulsory.

 

Talking in public to significant groups of people is not for everyone, so before deciding to get involved you may like to consider the following ideal attributes:

• You will be from a background where speaking in public has been the norm.

• You will have a positive attitude to the SVR and a good knowledge of its history and the way that it works on a day-to-day basis.

• You will have a significant amount of tact, being able to answer questions that are asked honestly without releasing sensitive information that you may have access to as a result of your volunteer role.

• You may work in a department where your work is of particular interest and be able to weave your specialist knowledge or interest into the talk or you may be a longstanding volunteer with an insight into how the SVR has developed over time.

• You will be a reasonably confident laptop user. You will have your own transport.

• You will be of smart appearance and, above all, have a good sense of humour.

 

We will provide you with marketing materials to support your presentation and a brand new PowerPoint presentation is being prepared which will also visually support your talk. We can also provide, on loan, a laptop (unless you can provide your own) and a digital projector and screen. A one half-day training session will be provided which is essential. If you think that you have the necessary skills, interest and time to help with this initiative we would love to hear from you. Please contact either myself or Lewis Maddox at Kidderminster on 01562 757900 (option 1) or email lewis.maddox@svrlive.com. Thank you in anticipation.

Best regards, Clare Gibbard Marketing & Communications Manager