Verging on the Ridiculous…
March 19th, 2009 | 
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You really do know that the Lunatics have taken over the asylum when you read stories such as the following:
Apparently, a trainspotter has been ordered to stop photographing trains on a station for “security” reasons. Now of course, it is common knowledge that Macclesfield station, Cheshire lies at the very heart of the United Kingdom’s security network protecting the Bakewell Tart recipe… I really do hope Richard Branson takes notice.
The Story…
Edmund Tan, a retired accountant with a collection of 200 model trains at home, having dropped his daughter off to catch a train, decided to video some trains as he is a keen railway enthusiast. He was approached by a female member of staff who told him that he needed permission to take pictures at Macclesfield station.
Now reading between the lines, one suspects that a 54 year old retired accountant might lean towards being a tad pompous and a younger female employee of the Railway may have desired to empower herself by her being obeyed… “I’m in charge…”
It is not difficult to imagine just how petty incidents can get out of hand but it must be the job of the Management to sort these things out but not it appears at Virgin Railways.
The Justification…
Virgin Trains said that the ban is because of “security concerns”, which includes fears about possible terrorist attacks.
“These rules apply to all stations. They are private property and it is reasonable that people as a courtesy should check-in before taking photos. It also helps ensure safety and security, both of the people taking the pictures and of the general public.” Wow, I wonder why the notorious Act of Parliament designed for the well being of Elfs wasn’t quoted directly as in “Elf and Safety”.
When pressed upon the Security issues surrounding trainspotters or perhaps any member of the public with a camera, the spokesperson explained:
“There are a number of issues around security. They could include things like terrorism or the security of the station – for example, we’ve had some burglaries at Macclesfield station.”
Terrorism in Macclesfield ? It may well be a tense secret war situation that Gordon Brown is hiding from us just like most truth but, I somehow doubt it. I might be more easily persuaded by the burglaries argument where the threat of stolen stale pork pies does seem a real threat.
Used as throwing weapons, they could be lethal to any person they hit and worse, just like “Cluster Munitions”, even discarded ones would remain a threat to Pigeons who pecked at the welded on crusts and as a consequence, broke their beaks. Where is Princess Diana when you really need her ?
The Real Problem…
This is all total bollocks and it is time for a change, we need to have done with this petty strutting that takes place where people are only aware of “their rights” and what they want, the results are always a waste of time and lead to conflict.
For over 3 years I worked as a Doorman (“Bouncer”) in a busy Bar in London’s West End. Whilst obviously from time to time, situations broke out that needed immediate attention, because I controlled my floors by being pro-active, on 75% of occasions, I would explain to people what I wanted them to do or, not do and why.
The consequence was that I got a lot of cooperation from my customer base because they knew that “The Rules” were not arbitrary or imposed differently because of my mood on that day. It also meant that when I wanted ‘instant’ action and to be obeyed without question prior to having an opportunity to explain, they did as I asked because they trusted me. I would explain that it was during a period when the IRA were planting explosive devices around the West End.
What I Would Do…
The explanations given by the Virgin spokesperson really do not stack up, it is a half baked decision not properly thought through and poorly executed.
My advice to them would be simple:
Make the trainspotters welcome and give then clearly marked zones where they can hang out that have good views of incoming and outgoing trains. Have special Train Spotter platform passes that give them a discount on refreshments, make it a ‘club’, encourage them to take pictures and video and spend all day with you.
Why ? Because you have just bought yourself a whole team of unpaid security people who will likely spot some types of problems far quicker than your platform staff will.
In other words – Stop Being Prats and work with the grain, not against it !
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Good blog, and thanks for your comment on mine about the same subject. The suggestion that trainspotters might make useful security people seems like an excellent idea.
I don’t like the idea of marked “zones” for spotters, but otherwise your comments re: unpaid security-guards make complete sense. These are observant people who really care about the railway!
In fact, who better to run a railway than railway enthusiasts? A visit to any of our preserved lines bears testament to the skills and competence of these fine people. [As well as the clear superiority on every level of the old railways over the new. Harumph.]
“In other words – Stop Being Prats and work with the grain, not against it !”
No chance. You’re assuming intelligence where there is none. You’re assuming an ability to apply rules intelligently and equitably as appropriate. Instead some silly little Doris wants to prove how she’s the BOSS LADY and an old man MUST OBEY.
I frequently wonder if Hitler was a woman. Why’s it always bloody women who have to act by the utter letter of the rules, whereas us blokes can actually interpret them? it’s enough to drive one towards misogyny at times……
Oh, and don’t bother travelling by Virgin Trains. They’re late, smelly, overpriced and crap. Don’t even get me started on that one……………..
Dear Basil
“I don’t like the idea of marked “zones” for spotters”
I know what you mean but some years back, living near Heathrow and being a keen photographer, I wanted my own still and videos of the “iconic” Concorde’s last flights. Although “plane spotters” may be considered as sad as “train spotters”, in fact and as I got to know them, they were a brilliant bunch.
Fully equipped with radios tuned to the correct frequency, they were a life saver because they knew when it was coming/going and could point you to the right sector of sky etc.
We often take the “hiss” out of enthusiasts of all kinds – “The Sealed Knot” for example and yet they have much to share to even the most casual observer. The other thing I found was that in true ‘Britishness’ they were happy to laugh at themselves but still continue doing what they liked.
Before Concorde’s last flights, I was a muddle class snob, by their generosity, I was humbled and will never again question a true “enthusiast”, they are brilliant !
Baldy,
Ah, Concorde. So very beautiful and, yes, iconic. Roars British [plus just a tinsy bit of French possibly perhaps, if we really must etc. etc.] self-confidence and the technological optimism of the late 60s. Animate, somehow. A living thing. [Well, its face could do expressions.]
Enthusiasts. They’re great. Horribly misrepresented in popular kulture. These are people who are absorbed by interests outside of themselves; who develop levels of expertise borne of passion – and there’s none better than that. No amount of “customer care” training will make an employee care if they don’t already.
There’s little or no ego involved. As a middle-age working/hobby pub-musician at the chuff-end of the entertainment industry, I fantasise about retiring to a steam-powered canal-boat and getting really interested in locks or something, in the manner of an assembly-worker dreaming of sunlight over green fields.
Basil
Always remember, if you never have a dream, you can never have a dream come true – best of luck.
As a former UK train spotter, now Stateside and chasing aircraft, I am always amazed at how poorly the rail and aviation industry treat enthusiasts.. Would Manchester United treat their fans with such disdain?
There are large groups of people, pro-rail and pro-aviation. I use my passion and knowledge of railways and aircraft to explain situations to less informed friends and colleagues. In these times of recession, I encourage people to travel.
I know who works at my local airport (Providence RI), just as I knew who worked at my local station. (Stevenage). I know enough not to leave bags unattended, and if I see anything suspicious, I have my cell phone to make a call to local law enforcement. With my camera I can even take a photo should it be needed.. Wasnt there a problem in the Reading/Basingstoke area a few years back where BTP were asking for any rail enthusiast photos?
Lets be honest, a terrorist who has the intention of inflicting carnage is hardly going to be worried at some pissant telling them they cant take a photo. At worst, they will come back another day.