Friends, Welcome to my first Train Orders as your new Chairman.
As you are very much aware recent activity has been overtaken by the problems we faced following the proposal given to Crewe Heritage Trust in April with an offer to take over the room we use as our clubroom. All of your committee plus a few others have been working very hard to put together a statement to the Trust providing a detailed explanation of the group’s thoughts, hopes and the issues we felt should be considered. As a result we have been invited to a meeting with the Trust do discuss our proposals and to seek common ground; our aim being to retain our occupation of the room in question and to continue as an advertised attraction on the site.
With the above issue hanging over the group little has been done on the HO layout but hopefully this can be remedied over the next few weeks. In addition one topic the Trust raised was that we should be looking to make the layouts in the room more adaptable/moveable should someone wish to hire the room for an event. It is in everyone’s interest to think of possible solutions so that we could debate these before putting forward our thoughts to the Trust.
Another matter which needs to be raised again is that of arranging cover to operate the HO layout each weekend and Bank Holiday until the end of September. This matter is becoming more important particularly with the ongoing situation with the Trust as we don’t want to give them any opportunity to criticise our group whilst discussions are going on. Early discussions with certain Trust members has indicated they wish us to participate more in Centre activities and it looks more likely this may be part of any future requirements if Calder Northern are to remain as a advertised attraction on site.
I have a roster chart and as previously explained all each member needs do is volunteer to be available to operate just one Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday Monday before the Centre closes for the winter period. You can ring me or e-mail me and I will put your name on the list. Ideally we would like two or more people to operate but if only one person is available then that will suffice although it means that person will have to be on their feet all day. More than one does allow one person to take a break and have a walk around. Andrew Wickes and Bob Bevan have valiantly carried us all over many weeks (thank you very much guys!) and have indicated they will be available for some weekends. Please make sure you call me as we must not fail now when there seems to be a glimmer of hope in us remaining at the Centre.
At our August meeting on Sunday 11th I will be giving my clinic titled “Les’s anti-wobble washers and solving coupler height adjustment” – do come along to see how you can correct any problems you are experiencing with your rolling stock. In fact if you bring the offending car then we can fix it on that day.
As you know we had to re arrange our calendar to accommodate the Railway Auction event for the first weekend in October (5th & 6th) when we had intended to hold our bi-annual themed event. A revised date of the following weekend 12th & 13th was selected but due to a number of traders and layouts not being available we decided to abandon the themed meet for 2013 and make arrangements for 2014. If we are successful in remaining at the Heritage Centre (HC) then we will proceed on that basis. However, the weekend of the 12th/13th will now be our normal monthly meet plus we will join with the HC Friends Group to put on a joint Train Show. Therefore, anyone with a layout they would like to exhibit please let me know as well as any traders who you think might like to come along. Travelling expenses (petrol etc) will be paid but not overnight accommodation. Calder Northern’s layouts will be operating through the weekend.
This year is the 30th Anniversary of Calder Northern being formed as a Division. We will be celebrating during the weekend of 12th/13th October so do make sure you come along for a piece of cake and a chat about past times.
We have just heard that Derek Milby has suffered a heart attack, information is unclear at the moment but more news as soon as it is fully known.
Please note my E-mail address is leslieherriot@talktalk.net and my telephone number is 01204 305457
Les Herriot,
Chairman
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