This is my last Train Orders
Friends,
This is my last Train Orders before I relinquish the post of Chairman of Calder Northern Division. I have only myself to blame when I ended up being cajoled into taking on the role of Chairman following what I thought was just a useful suggestion to send out a questionnaire to find out what members might like to see or be part of in a future CN Division should we have to move from Broadheath. This you will remember was back in 2005 – as they say the rest is history. I can honestly say I have enjoyed the role immensely and am indebted to all the other committee members for their support and assistance throughout these past 8 years.
Considerable thanks also go to all of you, Calder Northern members, as you have rallied round and supported CN in all the activities since we moved to Crewe. The relocation to Crewe was not welcomed by some but the move was forced upon us and with no possibility of finding accommodation which we could afford in the Manchester area, despite many enquiries, Mike Lenz kindly followed up with Crewe Heritage Centre Trustees to sanction us using the facilities we now enjoy. Since we moved to Crewe in late 2006 we have advanced a lot and achieved a good amount of work in building two layouts and acquiring a third. Our numbers may not be as high as we would ideally wish but those who are able to come along do so regularly and I say thank you to you all for your dedication to the group and the assistance you give to each other each month and at the Wednesday working gang sessions.
Some may ask why then are you leaving the post when you enjoy it so much. Well for one thing I think a change of Chairman can only be a good thing for the group, plus it is the chance for someone else to take an active role in the Division activities. Another reason is that with current family matters the way they are I would like to use any spare time I can towards building my own layout in my garage. The garage was built 6 years ago solely for my layout and nothing has been done in there. I aim to put that right before the place starts to sink under all the junk that has accumulated through lack of purpose. I still aim to be active in other CN activities especially with the HO layout working group and will still be part of the team for our “Fallen Flags” Themed event for the weekend of 12th/13th October.
I am therefore appealing to you all to decide between yourselves who is to take over the post of Chairman. Les Herriot so far has not received any nominations and therefore will accept nominations (with the nominees agreed permission) right up to any vote at the AGM on Sunday 21st April.
Now to other matters –
On Wednesday 17th April we will need to move the Devil’s Creek layout against the wall of the clubroom and may need to move the outer part of the HO layout to enlarge the floor space in readiness for the Railwayana Auction which is taking place on Saturday 20th April. The auction will be using the Signal Display Room as well as our clubroom but they have assured the Trustees that all will be cleared from the rooms in time for our Sunday meeting. We will of course have to return our layouts to their normal position on Sunday morning so any help will be welcomed to complete this task.
Now don’t forget our AGM is on this coming Sunday the 21st. General club meeting as usual but the AGM will start at 1pm in the Signal Display Room. So do try and come along as it your opportunity to voice your opinions and listen to the views of fellow members.
At the AGM Mike Lenz will be giving some details of costs should members decide to opt for pre-packed tea/coffee etc at meets instead of ‘do-it-yourself’ in the kitchen as is the current method – So voting caps on please for this once you know details.
Steve Park has advised me he will not be at our AGM meeting due to it being Steve and Noleen’s Golden Wedding Anniversary – I am sure we all wish them ‘Congratulations’. I will be mailing a card to them from the group, although I would have thought on this occasion both of them could have come along!!
(says he ducking beneath the parapet!)
Following our March meeting a good amount of the items from the estate of Norman Davies were sold. However, the remainder including many rather nice building items will be on sale at our AGM meet. Anything then remaining will be offered at the Black Diamonds, Weston on Trent Meet.
The Themed Meet on 12th/13th October (please ensure you have updated your calendar to reflect the change of date) will have the title “Fallen Flags” and hopefully we can show a number of layouts with this theme. So far we have two traders booked plus a bookseller. Currently two layouts confirmed and a number of people are checking their bookings to ascertain if they are free to exhibit. A suggestion that we also have a British layout is being followed up as is our usual extra events such ‘as be a driver for a fiver’ and miniature railway rides. John Hey is working on some advertising for Roundhouse and the Region website. Ideas for other sites would be welcomed.
Saturday night dinner at a local hotel will also be part of the event. Accommodation deals are being discussed at the moment.
If anyone has any models, publicity material which is suitable and they are prepared to put on display based on our Fallen Flags theme then we will be most pleased. Do let Terry Wynne know what you have available.
I have been asked by Alan Wyatt to announce that he has a copy of the book (containing two titles) “The National Dream” by Pierre Berton & “The Last Spike”. Alan is kindly offering this free of any cost to anyone interested. The book is about the building of the transcontinental line across Canada and tells of the intrigue and infighting of this amazing feat.
Alan tells me his wife is back in hospital again following some chemotherapy. I am sure I speak for all of us when I send our thoughts and good wishes to them both and to wish his wife a speedy recovery.
Well that’s all I can bring to mind and anything omitted will be advised at the AGM.
Thanks again to everyone for their help and support.
Terry
Chairman (for less than one week now!)
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