How is the CFBS organized?
The Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme (CFBS) is a non-profit making Association governed by the French law of 1901.
Its creation was decided on 13th November 1969, and became effective on 13th March 1970.
Initially, its purpose was to preserve the railway line linking Noyelles-sur-Mer to Le Crotoy by replacing the public service by a seasonal tourist service, managed entirely by volunteers.
Steam haulage was chosen for its historical and commercial attractiveness. Very quickly, the association’s focus was extended to cover the preservation and enhancement of the entire “Réseau des Bains de Mer” network, a complete railway heritage including the rolling stock, the infrastructure and the unique atmosphere of this authentic representative of French local light railways.
Nowadays, the CFBS is a preservation society that brings together more than 450 volunteers, of which around 100 are regularly active. The Association also employs some 20 locally-recruited paid staff all the year round. These resources increase during the season to reach more than 30 employees. Balanced relations between employees and volunteers combine ability and efficiency in the framework of a shared passion, and take full advantage of each individual’s talents.
Organization of the CFBS
Due to its structure, its size and its influence, the CFBS enjoys a diverse and very varied associative life. It brings together people from all walks of life and all professional backgrounds. While a few members are railway employees the Association’s strength is based on the impressive diversity of its membership. Each member contributes to the common task, within the scope of his/her spare time, abilities or quite simply personal wishes! All abilities are welcome. The railway works through various sectors.
Operations (Managing the train movements)
Train movements are governed by the Operational Safety Rulebook.
Several people cooperate to ensure that passengers are carried in a fully safe way.
The Operations Manager supervises the daily scheduling of train movements.
The Line Manager is in charge of operationally managing the network, to mitigate any incident, delay...
The driver of a steam engine is responsible for the train and his engine.
The fireman supplies the boiler with water and coal, and shares in safety tasks by assisting the driver.
The guard is found on-board all trains that carry passengers. He/she informs the customers, checks the tickets and is charge of passenger safety.
The station manager sells tickets and souvenirs.
All these tasks can be carried out by paid employees or by volunteers, depending on service requirements and the availability of each individual.
Maintenance (looking after the equipment)
At the heart of the railway’s facilities, the preservation society has inherited Saint-Valery Canal works, where historically the maintenance of the system has been carried out since 1887. Gradually fitted out, it is today a full-fledged workshop featuring efficient machine-tools.
All types of trade are represented: boiler-maker, carpenter, lathe and milling machine operator, steam locomotive technician, diesel technician...
And while a team of paid employees works permanently on site, volunteers are always welcome to assist in the many tasks that need to be carried out: renovating/restoring motive power and rolling stock, technical compliance, maintenance, minor repairs…
Some jobs naturally require specific know-how, but this can also be acquired gradually on the job.
Infrastructure (maintenance of the track and of the network)
This is one of the key activities of the railway and possibly the least well known.
A team of paid employees works permanently on the track. These professionals oversee the proper maintenance of the network and work every year on track renewal (rails, sleepers and ballast).
Work Sessions can be organized with volunteers during the winter break to carry out specific jobs: lifting track, removing or fitting rail bolts... Quite physical, such sessions are usually very jolly: joint efforts tend to bond teams!
The Commercial and Administrative Office
Even though the association is not a profit-making structure, commercial activity is essential to keep the railway running!
A team of paid employees works in this office, located in the St Valery-Ville station building.
The commercial policy, defined by the Board, is implemented by the Tourist Operations Manager and the various commercial and accounting employees, through a wide range of actions (management of ticketing and of the shops, management of groups, definition and implementation of communication activities…).
The Board
The coordination of the various activities is carried out by the Chairman of the Board.
Elected by active members at the Annual General Meeting, the board members define the policy of the Association and are in charge of financial management as well as of the organization of commercial and technical activities.