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Introducing Our Management Team

Graeme Gleaves Chairman Graeme is responsible for ensuring the running of the Company is in accordance with the published aims and governing documents and oversees all aspects of its various workstreams.
	Graeme has been involved in securing more EMUs for preservation than, quite possibly, any one else in Britain. Having been a founder member and Preservation Manager of the EPB Preservation Group he went on to form the Mersey & Tyneside Electric Preservationist in 1996 and was responsible for arranging the acquisition of both the LMS 503 and BR South Tyneside units, MATEP became the Suburban Electric Railway Association in 1998 and Graeme remained Chairman of that organisation, overseeing the building of its extensive collection until the formation of the Electric Railway Museum Limited project. Graeme grew up in Kent where electric trains were the norm. He went on to work full time for the British Rail from 1985 and has filled many positions ranging from Guard to Driver to Management and thus is both a highly experienced railway operator and preservationist. Why is Graeme supporting this project? 'How often have we heard "why isn't more done for electric trains in railway preservation" when in fact quite a lot has happened but it has been low profile until now. I believe electric train preservation needs to, and is now ready to step up to a new level of success and Electric Railway Museum Limited represents the best in class to achieve that aim.' Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
David Burbridge CEng, MIMechE Company Secretary & Financial Director David adminsters the running of the company in accordance with the companies act and looks after the company's financial assets.
	Dave has been a member and supporter of several related groups, and among other sites has worked at the Coventry Railway Centre on several Suburban Electric Railway Association vehicles as well as track and site machinery, on the EPB at Shepherdswell, and the 308 at Walthamstow. Dave grew up in Wimbledon, on the old South West Lines division of Network SouthEast, so electric trains have always formed a major part of his public transport, both for commuting into London and leisure travel elsewhere. Why is Dave supporting this project? 'Ever since becoming involved in electric train preservation I have firmly believed in, and argued for, the formation of a national museum dedicated to electric trains. I see this as the best way forward for the preservation, restoration, display and operation of such items. For this reason I actively support Electric Railway Museum Limited.' Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Robert Davidson Chairman of The Supporters Association Robert is the Director who represents the members of the Electric Railway Museum Supporters Association; the volunteer group who's work is to raise funds and provide both financial and phyysical support to Electric Railway Museum Limited projects.
	Rob has been involved in EMU preservation for over twelve years. He has been membership secretary, volunteer co-ordinator and Tyneside EMU Restoration manager for the SERA, as well as company secretary for Coventry Railway Centre Limited, a role he has undertaken since 1998. Rob Has undertaken various advisory roles to other EMU groups and up until 2006 owned several EMU vehicles of his own. Why is Robert supporting this project? 'The impact electric trains have had on the social, economic and cultural development of the Great Britain is one which is often under estimated. The introduction of electric trains in big citys around Great Britain enabled many people to move out of the citys, into bigger better quality housing, as railway lines were electrified the suburbs grew up around them and the commuter was created. Despite the massive impact electric trains have had on the development of society there is still no operating centre for them. That is why I am giving this project my support and, along with others, am working hard to ensure its success.' Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Andrew Humphries Projects & Commercial Director Andrew's main responsibilities include allocating priority and resources to projects undertaken on all Electric Railway Museum artefacts awaiting restoration. He also investigates other projects that may enhance the Company's portfolio in furthering its aims.
	Andrew has been active in preservation on and off now for nearly twenty years, having started by volunteering with the S & T dept at the Great Central Railway (Loughborough) working on various projects, from the building of the base and installation of the frame at Swithland Box to laying hundreds of yards of concrete troughing. After a gap of 5 years his interest preservation was rekindled with hearing about the project to purchase and restore a BR Class 501. Following the purchase class 501 vehicles he took on the role of project leader in their restoration. Why is Andrew supporting this project? 'This class was the first EMU I ever travelled on and in their last years I enjoyed journeys on almost all of the class. During 2006 I became aware they were being made available for sale and joined project 501 in the purchase of the vehicles. To me these units bring back memories of travelling to school, being gently rocked from side to side and I am glad that at last one set has been preserved' Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Paul Sweetland Engineering Director
	Paul has supported electric train preservation for the last ten years. In the last two years he has added main line preservation to his existing passion for all things 'Underground'. An enthusiast-turned-preservationist, Paul hails from the west country and a major city with no electric train infrastructure. As a result, he knows only too well the serious advantage similar-sized 'electrified' cities can boast, when it comes to moving large numbers of people quickly and efficiently in and out of their centres. Why is Paul supporting this project? 'The foresight of those early electric pioneers and their legacy of efficient, rapid rail transportation must be celebrated. The electric train is desperately under-represented within railway preservation despite the very important part it has played in the development and expansion of our towns and cities. It is my strong belief that a dedicated museum facility will allow that balance to be redressed, and the story of the impact and the evolution of the electric train finally to be told.' Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Richard Gibbon OBE , BSc Eng, C Eng, F I MechE Heritage Advisor
	Richard has an extensive railway preservation CV. He was head of Engineering & Collections at the National Railway Museum in York from 1989 until he retired in 2003. He has remained very active since then as a Heritage Advisor to the Heritage Railway Association and also as an expert advisor to the Heritage Lottery Fund on railway matters. Richard is also a current member of the Railway Heritage Committee (Artefacts). As a boy Richard has memories of traveling on the Liverpool Overhead Railway and also the Manchester South Junction & Altrincham Railway. Why is Richard supporting this project? 'This project has got to happen in one form or another. It is clear that as large railway vehicle collections are rationalised in Museums the Electric Train Story is very much the poor relation and is not seen as 'sellable' to get the public into the Museum. That is a huge challenge and opportunity for those involved. I believe I have a role to play in that 'story telling' for Electric Trains. It is rather like the way that Diesel Locomotives were seen as just 'Tin Boxes' and 'Not worth preserving' thirty years ago.'
Clive Morris Heritage Advisor
	Clive is also a vastly experienced and respected member of the railway heritage community. He is currently Operations Director of the Transport Trust as well as the Deputy Chairman of the North Norfolk Railway and a Trustee of the Carriage and Wagon Trust. Clive has previously been one of the principal fund raisers for the B12 steam locomotive 61572 and was Appeal coordinator for the restoration of the Quad Articulated coach set and served as Secretary of the Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway Society from 1989 to 1997. Clive's interest in electric railways stems from when he used to travel as a youngster in his native North East on the Tyneside electrics to the coast and later as a commuter not only in Tyneside but in the south of England. Clive had a professional involvement in the Weaver Junction to Glasgow Central 25kV electrification project in the 1970s. Why is Clive supporting this project? 'This project is probably the last opportunity to ensure the survival of a mix of electric trains which have been in service in many areas of the country. It will also assist in explaining the significant impact which electric trains have had on the lives of many thousands of people.' Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it