Steve Oates (left) accepts the 'Oily Rag of Office' from outgoing IWSR Chairman John Suggett.

John Suggett has been the Steam Railway's longest-serving Chairman and is standing down after over seventeen years in the post. Under his tenure, the Railway has been extensively re-shaped and has developed into a significant tourist attraction for the Island. In his professional life John is a solicitor and a partner in an Island firm. However, he has long had an interest in the IW Steam Railway, regularly volunteering his services in a number of departments. He was first appointed to the Board of Directors in 1989 and took over as Chairman in 1990. At that time there was just the two-mile section of track between Havenstreet and Wootton, and the steam line was only open on selected days through the year. John initially oversaw the completion of the three-mile extension of the line towards Ryde and the opening of the new interchange station with Island Line at Smallbrook Junction. The Railway expanded to become a seven-day-a-week operation during the main visitor season, and now employs a number of full-time and part-time staff.

During John's seventeen years at the helm, the Railway has witnessed significant growth including the development of new sidings and rolling stock storage space, enhanced catering and customer facilities, and the acquisition of three additional steam locomotives - the former military locomotives 'Royal Engineer' and 'Waggoner' are now on loan from the National Army Museum, and former industrial tank locomotive 'Ajax' was purchased and returned to steam for the first time in over 35 years. In 2002 the Railway secured a substantial Heritage Lottery Fund grant to construct a purpose built carriage and wagon restoration facility. In announcing his 'retirement', John said, 'Our railway has achieved a great deal since it started in 1971, and I hope that over the past 17 years I have been able to contribute to its ongoing prosperity. It is very much a team effort, and I have always considered it a privilege to work on, and to head, the Railway.'

During John's Chairmanship, the Railway has won a clutch of prestigious awards, twice winning The Independent Railway of the Year Award (in 1997 and 2000), and was named Southern Tourist Board Small Visitor Attraction of the Year in 2003. In May 2004, the Railway was graced with a visit by The Queen to formally open the new Carriage and Wagon Restoration Workshop. In his capacity as Chairman, John was honoured to escort The Queen during her journey by steam train to Havenstreet, and to then accompany her around the Steam Railway before she formally opened the new Carriage and Wagon Workshop. Reflecting on his tenure as Chairman, John commented, 'I know that in years to come I will look back with very happy and fond memories of my time as chairman, but being privileged to accompany The Queen and show her all that has been achieved here, was a particular honour.' John will remain as Chairman until the end of the year, and the Board has resolved that Stephen Oates will be his successor. 'I now pass over the controls to Steve who has an impressive 'track record' with our Railway and has already contributed a great deal. I have been particularly grateful for his counsel over a number of years. I know that everyone will give Steve whole-hearted support. Good luck Steve!' John will continue to serve on the Board as a director and will also continue to volunteer his services to the operating department whenever possible, to undertake duties as guard and signalman.

Stephen Oates succeeds John as Chairman with effect from 1st January 2008. Steve, 45, is an Islander who first joined the IW Steam Railway as a teenager in 1975 and has contributed widely to the development of the Railway. He is currently the Railway's longest serving director, having given 22 years unbroken service since first being elected to the board in 1985.

Steve has worked as a volunteer in various departments within the Railway. For many years he was regularly rostered for loco crew, and he often worked on permanent way. During the building of the Smallbrook extension he regularly turned out on extension working parties. Over the years Steve has contributed greatly, in a voluntary capacity, to the administration and development of the Railway. In his working life, Steve originally qualified as a Chartered Surveyor, for several years served the Railway as Estates Director. During this time he was responsible for a number of projects including the design and building of the shop, and the acquisition of land to facilitate the Railway's expansion. In the mid-80s he negotiated the acquisition of the freehold of the Wootton to Smallbrook trackbed from the Isle of Wight County Council. Steve has twice served as the Railway's press and media relations officer. Since 1997 he has chaired the organising committee for The Island Steam Show - the Railway's annual August Bank holiday weekend event, which now regularly contributes over £100K to the Railway's annual turnover. Steve now works in broadcasting and is currently Managing Director for Quadrant Media Ltd., a company which owns and operates three local commercial radio stations in the South, including Isle of Wight Radio.

Married with two daughters, Steve's wife Marie is also an active volunteer for the Railway, working on the Island Steam Show committee contributing considerably to the planning and running of each years Show. In paying tribute to his predecessor, Steve said 'John Suggett has combined just the right measure of 'pioneering spirit' balanced with business prudence when appropriate. I'm very pleased that John will be remaining on the Board, and I'm very fortunate that the Railway already has a superb team of staff and volunteers, very ably headed by our general manager Peter Vail. With their help, and the assistance of my fellow directors, I look forward to guiding the IW Steam Railway to new horizons and to new levels of success.'