Wickham Show 31st October
Once again this year Ridgmont was flying the 16mm flag, this time at the Wickham Garden railway show. Staying with the nautical theme, Ridgmont was awash in a sea of G-Scale models. One bright spot on the horizon was only one or two of their locos had the LGB sound effects, had we been surrounded by sound I am quite sure we would have had a mutiny on our hands. We did receive some very favourable feedback from the show organisers. My thanks to everyone who helped with the loading and unloading of Ridgmont at Eaton Bray and particular thanks to the small band of intrepid members who made the epic journey to the wilds of deepest Hampshire to run trains and promote 16mm narrow gauge modelling.
Kew Show
As you know we are taking Ridgmont to the Kew Steam Show on the 14/15 November, if you have not already done so, it is not too late to volunteer help with loading/unloading and running at the show. The timetable is as follows:
Friday 13th - 2.30pm @ Eaton Bray Loading Ridgmont, 4.30pm @ Kew Set-Up Ridgmont.
Saturday 14th - from 8.00am, Kew Museum Show opens @ 11.00pm, Show closes @ 5.00pm.
Sunday 15th - from 8.00am, Kew Museum Show opens @ 11.00pm, Show closes @ 5.00pm.
Monday 16th - 10.00am @ Eaton Bray to Unload.
If you intend to Run on Ridgmont and are planning to drive we have a limited number of parking spaces in an adjacent car park, please let me know your car Reg. number ASAP if you would like a space.
Club Christmas Meeting
We only have one more meeting this year, 20 December which will be our Christmas Bash, as we won´t be having our usual Steam in Beds we thought we should do something a bit special. There will be a selection of sandwiches and savoury snacks plus other things to nibble, if you would like to add to the selection on the day all contributions will be very welcome.
We do, however need to know how many we can expect to turn up on the 20th, we don´t want to waste club funds providing sandwiches and snacks and only a handful of members show up. There will be a sheet next to Smokebox, please indicate whether or not you will be coming along. Another consideration is liquid refreshment, if you plan to come would you please indicate on the form your preference.
Finally, we had hoped that we would have Richard and Shirley Longley with a selection of Brandbright goodies; however, as you may know Richard had a heart attack recently so they may have to give it a miss this year, we do wish him the best and hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Subscription Time
There are still a number of members who have not yet paid their Subs for 2009/2010, if you want to continue as a member and enjoy the meetings at Eaton Bray I suggest you see Tony at the club on Sunday. Our subs. are £25 this year we do however expect to hold them at that level for the following year 2010/2011. When you think the average cost of a new loco is getting on for £1000, I still think that it represents good value for money.
Forthcoming Exhibitions and Shows
Warley Model Railway Exhibition - 21st & 22nd November NEC Birmingham. See www.thewarleyshow.co.uk for details.
Don´t forget we are taking Ridgmont to Stoneleigh next year; 10 April 2010 put it in your diary. I expect to have more details shortly.
Club Meeting Dates – 2010
As usual our meetings will start at 11.30am and breakdown at 4.30pm to clear the hall by 5.00pm.
It has always been our intention to return to our usual meeting day of the first Sunday of the month, so we have booked the following dates for 2010. Dates marked with a * Prayle Grove will not be present.
3rd January *
7th February *
7th March
4th April
2nd May
6th June
4th July
August no meeting
5th September
3rd October
7th November
5th December
We have also booked Saturday 4th December for Steam in Beds 2010.