September 2008
Thanks to all our members who held garden meetings during the summer break and thanks to the many members who came along and supported those garden meetings.
A New Year
Being the first meeting of our new year I must remind you all that it’s Subs. time. Tony our treasurer has prepared accounts for the year and it would seem that the cost of hiring the hall has increased since 2006/2007, by 30% for the year 2007/2008. The level of Subs. which was set at £15 when we moved to the Scout Hut no longer covers the cost of hire. We would need to increase the level of subs. to at least £17.50 to cover the cost of hire for this coming year. That presumes that we maintain the current level of membership which at present stands at 34 and the cost of hire does not increase for 2008/2009.
No decision has yet been made so please let us have your views when we meet on the 7th.
Web Site
As you all know Pete Newman has handed the running and management of the BAG’s Web Site to Michael Walton, the new site developed by Michael has been up and running for several weeks. He has done a great job of introducing a complete new look which has brought the look and feel of the site bang up to date. Michael tells me there are still a few teething problems that he needs to sort out. But please do check the site out for yourself and let Michael have your feedback.
You can find the BAG site at www.bag16mm.org.uk
Confirmed dates for Group meetings 2008
7th September Normal running day
5th October Normal running day
2nd November Normal running day
7th December Steam in Beds 08
Dates for 2009 have still to be agreed with the Hall organisers.
Steam in Beds 2008
Since I last reported on SIB08, I have been advised by Alan & Janet of Lineside Delights that they won’t be able to attend this year due to ill health. This did leave us with a bit of spare space, some of which has been taken by Jim Leggett of Jim’s Model (see SMT 125, page 41 for a review of some of his kits). I am still looking to fill one more space so if you have any ideas who we could invite please let me know.
Traders who have confirmed attendance so far:
Brandbright
Busy Bodies
Imp Models
Jons People
Atropos
Jim’s Models
As far as layouts for running are concerned, we will have our own Ridgmont, plus Graham and Carol with Prayle Grove and Andrew and Joy Neal with his latest offering of St Gennys.
Members Running Days
14th September
Steam Running day on Martin Shrubsole’s Somesay Island Railway
This should prove to be a very enjoyable and entertaining days steaming, with Martin trying to keep us all under some kind of control. I hear he likes a challenge! If you missed Martin’s thoughts on his plans for the days running, attached is a copy for your information.
Please ring 01296-688913 or e-mail: welaws@aol.com
12th October
Open day at Alan Regan's 45mm gauge line at Olney, Alan tells me he has plenty of rolling stock so as long as you can re-gauge your Loco you’re OK, or you are welcome to just come along and watch.
Contact e-mail: alanpregan@btopenworld.com
Exhibitions
11th October
"TaD-Rail 2008", Tring and District Model Railway Club, 'Wags Wharf' will be attending, we always need people to help run the Layout so if you can spare an hour or two let me know.
25th October
East Anglian Garden Railway Show, Breckland School, Brandon IP27 0NJ.
St. Gennys and Nidderdale attending.
For more details see: http://www.eag16mm.org
14th – 21st October
Midlands Model Engineering Exhibition, Warwickshire Exhibition Centre for more details and advance tickets contact: Tel 01926 614101 or visit www.modelengineeringexhibition.co.uk