EARLY in 2023 the Severn Valley Railway hit the national headlines when a package of measures was announced to help the midlands-based heritage line secure its future. It was a worrying time for what is regarded as a ‘premier league’ line in the sector after it was hit with both a significant drop in passenger revenue as well as a fall in ‘secondary spend’ – the extra revenue earned when customers are with you. Add this to escalating costs, and the outlook was becoming bleak.
Managing director Helen Smith stood down and the railway began a consultation period for compulsory redundancies. Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster stepped into top job, with his appointment appearing to be welcomed internally. In the words of one volunteer at the Severn Valley (SVR): “If anyone can, Gus can.”
With all this in mind, I wanted to talk to the man himself, so arrived at the SVR’s Kidderminster head office, just around the corner from the station. Having pressed the button on the intercom I was greeted by a friendly voice – which turned out to be Gus.
At the top of the stairs I was welcomed by a smiling face and outstretched hand. He showed me to his office and he offered a drink, which came served in a GWR mug. What’s already clear is that he’s a people person.
Background
RM: What’s the story about you being known as Gus?
Gus Dunster (GD): It’s just my nickname. When I joined BR in 1987, my first job was working in the booking office at Paddington. It seemed everyone gained a nickname there.
Everyone used it apart from my mum and sister. When I was working for Virgin Trains in the late 1990s, Chris Green was chief executive – he was a great guy to work for. When Chris started calling me Gus, I thought there’s little point in trying to dodge it – everyone knows me as that.
RM: Tell us about your involvement with the SVR?
I first visited the Severn Valley Railway in May 1987 when the inaugural here.
