Welcome to a New Year in the clubs history
Looking back over our old club records I find that the club was formed on the 1st September 1987 at the Bedfordshire village of Ridgmont, this means that the club has been in existence for 22 years. I was not a member back then but we still have a few of our original members in our ranks today, I am sure they must have a few stories to tell. The club has been through a number of changes over the past 22 years but has always had a good loyal membership in spite of a number of involuntary moves over the last few years, we have always managed to keep our links with Bedfordshire so can legitimately call ourselves "The Bedfordshire Group". Our members are drawn from the broad geographic base of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, with some of our members travelling from well outside the area. I hope that we can now look forward to another successful year of doing what we do best, playing trains and having a natter.
Being the beginning of a new year also means that its Subscription time, it has always been the intention that the members annual subscription should cover the cost of 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 this year, the club funds have covered the extra cost for 2008/2009, from September 2009 our subs will increase to £25 per year, we expect to hold them at this the following year as well. 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.
Late Great News
I have just heard from the Association, they have invited us to take Ridgmont to Stoneleigh next year.
Club Meeting Dates – 2009
The remaining dates for this year’s meetings are as follows, note Prayle Grove will not be at the club Meetings marked with *:
6 September *
4 October
8 November
20 December
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 out 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.
Garden Meetings
The programme of Garden meetings for this year is now over, thanks to those members who opened their lines during our summer break.
Exhibitions – 2009
The following exhibition dates have been confirmed for Ridgmont to attend:
Soar Valley Exhibtion – 26/27 September
Wickham, nr Fareham – 31 October
Kew Steam Show – 14/15 November
Thanks to everyone who has offered to help with the Soar Valley Show and Shame on you if you did not bother to reply even if it was to say no. But have no fear you will still have the chance to support your club at the Wickham and Key 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. Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.
Southern Federation Autumn Rally – Saturday 19th September. Hosted by the Oxford Society of Model Engineers .For more details see www.cosme.org.uk
National Locomotive Rally – 12th & 13th September. Birmingham society of Model Engineers. For more details see www.birminghamsme.com
Wags Wharf
There is only one more chance to visit the museum this year, Sunday 13 September is the last open day.
Martin Lay
I am pleased to report that the club raised £78 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. Attached is a copy of a letter of thanks from Susan Lay.
Chris Pretty – Club Secretary
