Handover of RPSI General Managers
The RPSI’s new General Manager says she sees enormous potential for both Whitehead Railway Museum and the RPSI as a whole.
Rachele Crawford, who takes up the post on 21st July, was speaking during a visit to Whitehead for a series of familiarisation and handover meetings with Yvonne McIlree, the outgoing GM.
Board member Peter Stark with Rachele and Yvonne. (R. Morton)
Rachele (33) comes from Comber but is relocating to Carrickfergus in August in order to live more conveniently to Whitehead. A graduate of Queen’s University, Belfast, Rachele’s previous job was as Experience and Visitor Programming Manager with the National Trust at Castleward. She has also worked as Visitor Experience Manager with the RSPB at Window on Wildlife in Belfast and at the Rathlin Island Seabird Centre, and has also done stints with Titanic Belfast and the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast.
She said she was excited to be joining RPSI as GM and said the role brought together her lifelong interest in history, her professional experience in heritage management and her passion for creating unforgettable visitor experiences.
She added: “I have always believed that preserving and sharing our collective heritage is vital - it connects people, communities, and generations. The RPSI’s work embodies this mission, not only by restoring and running historic trains but also by welcoming thousands of visitors to the museum where volunteers bring the story of Irish railways to life.”
Rachele said she saw Whitehead Railway Museum as “a hidden gem” and believed it could be further promoted as a must-see attraction, not just for railway enthusiasts but for families, schools and tourists.
“There’s scope to diversify our events programme, enhance our educational offering, and develop creative ways to engage new audiences,” she said. “Within RPSI, we have an opportunity to celebrate our members and volunteers, champion lifelong learning, and share our expertise through outreach and partnerships.”
Rachele said she hoped to draw on her experience with National Trust in terms of managing both people and places - balancing the needs of conservation with those of the visitor, and ensuring every guest leaves inspired.
“My background brings useful perspectives from other charity organisations, including developing partnership projects with local communities and stakeholders, which I hope to build on at both the Whitehead Railway Museum and across RPSI’s activities.”
Rachele said she was optimistic that RPSI might soon be able to resume operations on NIR metals, saying that main line operations were core to the Society’s heritage mission as well as firing the public’s imagination, generating vital income and keeping skills and traditions alive.
“I am committed to engaging with all relevant authorities and partners to address any obstacles standing in our way, whether operational, regulatory, or logistical,” she added. “We already have an incredible foundation of expertise, goodwill, and public support; my aim is to build on that, approach conversations constructively, and articulate the unique value we bring to Northern Ireland’s cultural and tourism landscape. It may not happen overnight, but I am confident that, together, we can achieve this important goal.”
Yvonne McIlree said it was with regret that she was leaving the RPSI. She said: “I have hugely enjoyed my stint as RPSI GM and am so impressed by what the Society, north and south, is achieving. I know Rachele will be a worthy successor and wish her every success.”
Dr Peter Rigney, the RPSI chair, wished Rachele well as she takes up her new role. He said: “We congratulate Rachele on securing this important post and look forward to working with her as we seek to develop both the RPSI and Whitehead Railway Museum. She brings to the table valuable skills in management and in the visitor experience area which we believe will prove relevant to the ongoing progress of the Society at Whitehead and in Dublin.”