Well this is me back again writing Train Orders. I wish to thank George Neyman for his sterling work in keeping us all informed during his term in office. Thanks also to Les Herriot and Tony Hayselden for their substantial efforts in managing the group and the group finances. I am sure I speak for all of you in saying a big thank you to all three members.
At our AGM held on March 18th the following committee positions were agreed – Tony Gath as Chairman, Mike Lenz as Treasurer and Terry Wynne as Secretary. Steve Scott still remains a committee member. Alan Wyatt and Brian Burke were elected to the committee as no further nominations were proposed.
The minutes of the AGM are appended herewith for your perusal –
The 2017 Annual General Meeting of the Calder Northern Group was held on Sunday 18 March 2017 with 20 members present. The meeting commenced at 13.00hrs in the North Junction Signal Box, Crewe Heritage Centre.
Apologies were received from – Alf Milliken, David Best, Elliot Lamb and Tony Gath.
The agenda for the meeting was distributed in advance of the meeting so that members could read at their leisure and have questions prepared if they so wished.
The minutes from the 2016 AGM had already been distributed to the membership by e-mail and copies were also available at the meeting. The Chairman called for additions or corrections, there being none, the minutes were unanimously approved by the membership in show of hands.
The Chairman gave his report for the year stressing the excellent work done by Terry Wynne in helping Mrs. Wendy Coates sorting and disposing of the absolutely amazing amount of railway models from her late husband Michael’s collection. The sale of Michael’s model collection proved to be very successful and a cheque was given to Mrs. Coates in November.
The Chairman also focused on the continued need for week-end operation in the clubroom and the rota system of operators was again going to be used for 2017. This rota had already been communicated to the membership by Terry Wynne through e-mail and any conflicts will be amended prior to issuing a final update. Subsequently it is up to the assigned member to agree with others if they are unable to operate on a particular date. Initially members were advised to contact Terry Wynne to explain any problems or conflicts on that rota mailed to members earlier. However, once the final rota is operative, then any changes thereafter, should be sorted out by the person not able to operate, with another member who is prepared to cover for them. If anyone does not have the contact details from last year then Terry can provide the information by e-mail.
The Secretary, George Neyman, gave his report advising that sadly two members passed away during the year, Michael Coates and Doug Sayles. A new potential member was advised by Mike Ingham, Registrar, the new member, Philip Taylor lives in Nantwich and we await a response from him following a welcome message sent by Terry Wynne.
The Secretary explained his wish that we should be focusing on the idea of members giving presentations or sharing of experiences in the hobby. However, this did not go well in 2016 or in early 2017. The principal idea was to offer a period of activity during regular monthly meetings where members could look forward to and where it might even increase attendance if there was a topic of special interest to be aired. Roy Harris was thanked for his excellent presentation on his experiences with an airbrush and it was noted that members brought in other makes and models to show but this was the only presentation for the year.
Terry Wynne proposed both reports be accepted and Mike Lenz seconded followed by a positive show of hands.
The Treasures report was presented by Tony Hayselden who outlined the respective income and expenditure for the financial year. Income for the year amounted to £1,550.20 which includes both monthly meet dues and the donation from the late Michael Coates sale of models. Expenditure was £1,533.07 made up of £650 rent; £653.60 on the N scale layout and £229.47 on the HO layout. The Treasurer also stated that assets currently stand at £10,066.28 and this aspect will be looked at again in the near future. The current state of funds in cash and at the bank is £1934.45 compared with those of last year which were £2,162.60. However, this is to cover our rent with the Heritage Centre and to meet any unexpected issues should they occur.
Our regular monthly meets still average around 17 members per month but holidays etc do create fluctuations in numbers attending. Tony closed by thanking those who come along on Wednesdays to help with work on the layouts. He mentioned Mike, Tony, Terry, Steve, Bob, Alan, Phil, Roy, Les and George and asked that others if they can, to come along and be involved.
The Secretary then explained that whilst no official nominations had been received by the due date he was given details that these named persons were happy to be considered for the following positions – Chairman, Tony Gath; Secretary, Terry Wynne; Treasurer, Mike Lenz; The Chairman explained that Tony Hayselden, Treasurer had offered his resignation and this had been accepted. The Chairman, Les Herriot also advised that he and George Neyman, Secretary, would also stand down from their respective roles. The new names were put to the vote and were elected on a unanimous show of hands. Due to the new Chairman being unable to attend this meeting Les Herriot agreed to take the chair for the remainder of the meeting. Here it was noted that the Calder Northern Group Committee, of which Steve Scott was still a current member, would be two members short. The Chairman asked for proposals for additional committee members and Terry Wynne nominated Alan Wyatt, with George Neyman nominating Brian Burke. Both these nominations were accepted through a show of hands.
Steve Scott was asked for an update on information regarding the Crewe Heritage Trust. Steve reported that the Trust is in sound financial condition and has good financial controls in place and are able to respond to opportunities for infrastructure improvements. The level of funding will be established at £70k to keep the Centre solvent and able to get through changes and uncertainties. The situation with the Royal Scot Trust is somewhat uncertain but they will probably be present on the Centre site for the immediate future. The Calder Northern Group agreement will be up for renegotiation after 1 April. There is local government support for heritage attractions to be ongoing and integrated into the attractions of the community. Mike Lenz reported on a meeting he attended at which this was a consideration.
General discussion then ensued, first regarding the matter of presentations as members came forward to suggest some topics and for others to volunteer. Len Ford proposed presenting a quiz, Roy Harris will explore another topic, probably about micro-electronic uses and Les Herriot will present a how-to on techniques for modeling rock formations using foam. The conclusion was that members would like more presentations or show and tell sessions and hope there is more interest in this aspect of our meets in the future.
An item under ‘Any Other Business’ was an appeal for buildings and scenery items to place on the new N-scale layout under construction by Alan Wyatt. This could be in the form of an actual building kit or even a donation to a fund a building kit or alternatively materials to be used on the layout.
Terry Wynne reported on the progress and plans for the April 1st Train Show & NMRA Spring Meet. A comprehensive review was given citing the display layouts, traders, catering and the shuttle bus. Len and David Ford’s G scale trains layout was confirmed and this is to be set up on the floor of the exhibition hall. Volunteer assignments were made and reviewed and instructions regarding car parking were presented. Admissions charges to be £7(adult), £5 for NMRA Members (upon presentation of NMRA membership card) , £3 (children 5-14), and under 5 is free. It was pointed out that all gate receipts would be handled by Calder Northern. There will be a Routemaster bus shuttle between the rail station and the Centre. Special thanks were recorded to Len Ford for the poster and brochure artwork and for updating the Group website. Roy Harris and Mike Lenz were also praised for their contribution to update UK Model Shops, RM Web and Crewe Heritage Centre websites.
Terry highlighted the fact that the Group had planned this train show and when it became clear that no other groups in the Region had offered to host the Spring Meet, Les Herriot made contact with the BoD suggesting we could include the event along with our train show..
Terry also emphasized the importance of the Heritage Centre new summer season starting on the same day as our train show. Here he explained our support of the Centre’s attractions which is a part of the responsibility in our agreement with the Trust. Members were reminded to advise Terry of any problems regarding the operating rota for our layout in the clubroom. Terry pointed out that our Group is fortunate in having such a great space in the North Junction Signal Box for a permanent layout and meeting place. Unlike many groups we do not have to put up and take down layouts at every meet session and this is the envy of many! He reminded members that we must honour our agreement to operate when the Centre is open and suggested members think back to the time when we were faced with being removed from Bardsley Hall in Altrincham in 2006. Then we found that alternative accommodation close to the M60 would have cost us at least £10,000 in the first year and roughly £6,000 each year afterwards. Les Herriot also advised of other clubs in Lancashire facing similar situations in finding new premises. Costs for commercial facilities would not be affordable by a Group such as ours if we were asked to leave the Heritage Centre.
Terry proposed a vote of very grateful thanks to Andrew Wicks and Bob Bevan who have volunteered as operators each weekend through the summer when it is our group meeting.
It is generally felt that our layouts presence is considered a good attraction for the Centre. Mike Lenz advised that there is always a possible reuse of the Signal Box by Network Rail and the Trust, however, of all the possible uses Calder Northern’s layout activity still appears to hold an edge over any alternate uses. Terry Wynne advised that the Group should be aware that after the Train Show the committee will be doing their best in renegotiating a new agreement with the Heritage Centre Trust and the outcome will be advised as soon as possible.
There being no further discussion the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 1400 hours.
Train Show & Spring Meet.
Saturday 1st April was the date of our Train Show and the NMRA Spring Meet. However, on the preceding Friday a valuable number of members came along to smooth the setting up by traders and layout owners. Members helped set up tables, helped with layouts and traders stock taken from car to the identified locations in the exhibition hall. From the plan of the hall, members marked up positions using masking tape after all helpers had brushed up and moved display boards to safer locations. Thanks to all those who came along – Steve, Alan, Alf, Roy, Dave, Mike, Les, George, David, Elliot, Brian, Len & Dave, Tony, Phil, John Gough and Tom Griffiths. All in all we had 18 layouts on show including our two HO layouts, the new N scale layout under construction, Mike Lenz’s HO scale layout and Len & Dave Ford’s G scale display. One layout owner contacted me on Thursday before the event to say he was coming to the show and could he bring his Z scale layout. A quick adjustment of other layouts allowed him to show his very impressive layout including sounds of F104 Starfighter flying over! There were also 7 traders including DCC items, artist, new & second hand sales and also tool supplies.
Geoff Ford and Paul Doggett presented demonstrations of weathering and one operator who had supplied the very effective safety barriers brought along a Thomas the Tank Engine layout. On this layout children were encouraged to select which of the ‘Sodor’ locos they wished to control and to negotiate two continuous circuits of the layout before being given a printed sheet of the loco they had controlled. This printed sheet was for them to take home to colour in as a souvenir of their visit. What a great way of introducing children to our hobby. Len & David also kept children interested in controlling a G scale loco around the track with the added bonus of a toffee at the end. Great stuff guys and thank you.
The Mayor of the Borough of Cheshire East was invited to tour our show and she and her Consort had a very enjoyable visit. The Routemaster bus operating between the railway station and the Centre was a great success bringing many who may not have made the journey before. The catering also proved very popular offering bacon, sausage sandwiches and burger or egg & chips.
I must add here that those who helped with the pay desk, car parks and tombola did a tremendous job and we should all be grateful as it was the efforts of these people and those operating layouts that helped to make our event such a success. Many people said that the exhibition hall with the large crane and Crewe Cab as a backdrop helped to give the event a real railway feel; saying also that other train shows in sports halls or village halls are clinical in comparison.
We are pleased to say that after covering the extensive list of expenses including those for the bus hire, catering, table hire, barriers and the Heritage Centre for use of the exhibition hall and miniature railway, that we are able to send £300 to the British Region. We have also been able to put an amount to club funds which had been our original aim when we decided to hold this Train Show. It means we are able to finance the proposed additions to the HO and N scale layouts as was the initial plan.
I have received many comments saying that people have enjoyed the Train Show very much and it was said that it was a great team effort. There are so many people who must be thanked in addition to the persons listed above. Heritage Centre volunteers, Susan Chambers, Brian Porter, Bill Andrew, Steve Blackburn, Glynn Henshall, Malcolm Barber have been so supportive, by helping entertain the Mayor, moving display boards, the bracket for the Dream Liner headboard, sorting out an electrical supply and operating the Centre’s model railways. If you see these persons when you are on site then do please pass on your thanks to them.
I am also including in this mailing the new rota for operating the layout when the Centre is open to the public. I have noted all your responses and hopefully the dates listed for each and every person is now OK. If you do have an issue with any date can you now agree with another member to cover for you and for you to reciprocate for them. If you do not have a copy of the Region Directory or a copy of the telephone/email addresses sent out last year then I can provide an email copy.
Terry Wynne
Secretary
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