Soar Valley Show 26/27 October
Ridgmont was very well received at what was a very varied show with most of the popular scales and gauges on display. During the course of the two days Ridgmont proved to be a big attraction to visitors, other exhibitors and traders alike.
Thanks to everyone who helped with the loading and unloading of Ridgmont at Eaton Bray and particular thanks to the small band of members who made the journey to Loughborough to run trains and promote our chosen branch of railway modelling.
Wickham and Kew Shows
This will be our last meeting before the Wickham Show and the November meeting is too close to Kew to matter, so we need to sort out the Runners and Riders for both shows.
Wickham is a one day show on the 31 October, Kew is a two day show on the 14/15 November. The organisation will be similar for both.
Load Ridgmont on the Friday at 2.30pm
Unload Ridgmont on the Monday at 10.00am
As Wickham is just one day I will drive the van down to the venue early Saturday morning, the Hall is open at 8.00am and the show opens at 11.00am, giving plenty of time to set up. As this show is only one day I suggest we do not take the extra Viaduct Boards, just the normal format but with the Buildings and Storage Sidings.
The Kew Show as you know is two days, the routine for loading and unloading will be the same but I will drive the van to Kew Friday afternoon with a view to setting up as much as possible before Saturday. Any last minute tweaks can be left to Saturday morning, Ray Butler will be doing his usual magic treatment on the Saturday. There will be two spaces in the Van so if anyone wants a ride to either venue please let me know as soon as possible.
Whereas we had sufficient help with the loading and unloading at Eaton Bray for the Soar Valley show the number of members who actually made the journey to Loughborough was disappointing, no doubt the distance put off some members. Wickham is a similar distance but a much more pleasant run south, Kew should not present any problems for most members, remember if it’s the driving that puts you off then you could always travel in the van with me.
I will be collecting names for both shows at the club on Sunday.
Subscription Time
Being the beginning of a new year also means that it’s Subscription time, it has always been the intention that the member’s annual subscription should cover the cost of hiring the Hall. During our search for a new home for our monthly running sessions it became quite obvious that we would need to increase the level of Subs. for the coming year, the club funds have covered the extra cost for 2008/2009, from September 2009 our subs will increase to £25 per year we do however expect to hold them at this 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.
Club Meeting Dates - 2009
The remaining dates for this year’s meetings are as follows:
4 October
8 November
20 December
Exhibitions − 2009
The following exhibition dates have been confirmed for Ridgmont to attend:
Wickham, nr Fareham 31 October
Kew Steam Show 14/15 November
If you did not take part in the Soar Valley Show, have no fear you still have the chance to support your club at the Wickham and Kew Shows.
Forthcoming Exhibitions and Shows
Prayle Grove will also be attending the following show:
Brandon 24 October Members interested in running at Brandon please contact Carol on 07800 798509
WYCRAIL 7 November - Presented by High Wycombe & District Model Railway Society. See www.hwdmrs.org.uk for details.
Warley Model Railway Exhibition 21st & 22nd November NEC Birmingham. See www.thewarleyshow.co.uk for details.
Model Engineering Shows
Midlands Model Engineering Exhibition. Friday 16th to Tuesday 20th October 2009. At the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.
Club Meeting Dates − 2010
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.
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.
Don’t forget we are taking Ridgmont to Stoneleigh next year; 10 April 2010 put it in your diary.