There's a new man driving The Honeybourne Line: Malcolm Temple. 

Malcolm Temple (64) was unanimously appointed chairman of Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Plc, the operating company of The Honeybourne Line.

 He replaces Garry Owen, who retired as chairman earlier this year. 

The role is entirely voluntary - indeed, the railway remains entirely volunteer-run with not a single paid employee. 

The retired management consultancy director joined the GWSR Board last April when he was appointed Financial Director and went on, in addition, to take on the temporary role of Commercial Director.

"This is a fantastically exciting time to become Chairman," Malcolm says. "Our railway is expanding fast in terms of both passenger numbers and turnover as well as in our physical growth towards Broadway. 

"What's most remarkable is the extraordinary commitment we get from over 600 volunteers who regularly give of their time to make this railway the success that it is.

"Not only do we provide a worthwhile and fulfilling hobby for so many people but that enjoyment clearly rubs off on the many thousands of people, young and old, who visit us - whether just for a steam train ride through glorious Cotswold country or enjoying one of our many special events suich as the highly successful weekend when Fioreman Sam visited, delighting hundreds of his young fans.

"It's not for nothing that we're often called 'the friendly line in the Cotswolds'."

Malcolm believes that the heritage railway industry is well placed to play a vital part in helping develop local transport infrastructure as well as contribute to the UK tourist economy - and that the GWR has better opportunities than most to do both.

"We have the tourist magnet of Broadway well within our sights to the north and there's a great opportunity to continue onwards from there to make a connection with Network Rail at Honeybourne. And at the southern end we're talking to local authorities and business interests about continuing the transport corridor from Cheltenham Racecourse right into the town centre," he says. 

"We have an excellent Board and some very committed people on our railway. We may have an enormous amount of fun running a railway, but with a turnover of over £1m, share capital of well over £1m and having carried over 1 million passengers, we're a serious contributor to the local economy too.

"This railway really is going places and I'm proud to be able to help steer it to those places." 

Malcolm points out that the railway is open to new members and shareholders, who for a relatively modest investment can become a part-owner in the railway and enjoy a range of benefits. "Getting involved is hugely rewarding and the oppotunities are there to make of them what you will.  I started of with an offer to help with the railway's finances, as that is my background.  Being chairman was the very least of my expectations.  Now look at me!"