Hi,
As you are aware Crewe Heritage Centre Trust received a proposal from the organisers of the Railway auctions of a higher payment for 6 weeks sole use of the room we use as our ‘clubroom’. The Trust asked Calder Northern to submit a proposal that took into account an increased rent for our continued use and/or for us to make arrangements for our layouts to be made portable so they could be moved should any organisation wish to hire the facilities. After many weeks of trying to arrange a preliminary meeting prior to that of the Trustees committee meeting Calder Northern learnt a few days ago that the proposal from the Railwayana auctions people has been withdrawn. This does not mean the issue has gone away but we do have an opportunity to meet with the Trust to discuss how best we can work with them to both improve the facilities and seek some stability with regard to our use of the room and our involvement in the Centres activities. A meeting is planned for 16th October when Steve and Terry will put Calder Northern’s views.
This coming weekend the Railwayana auction will take place (5th October) and so both Devils Creek and North Western Mills layouts will be moved back against the walls to make space for auction sales tables. Volunteers will have moved the layouts when you read this notice but the following Wednesday 9th October we will need as many members as possible to help put layouts back in position and test them before the next weekends train show.
The 5th/6th October would have been our bi-annual themed event and the opportunity to add a good surplus of funds into our bank account for future use. As you know our meet had to be postponed due to the auction and it has been agreed we will now hold the themed event on the first weekend in October 2014. Some of you may have realised that our revised meet date of the 13th October is during the CHC Friends group train show weekend. We have since been asked to participate in this and it is now to be a joint British/American 2 day model and miniature train show with all gate monies going into the Heritage Centre’s Class 47 no. 1842 support fund. The aim is to bring the Class 47 up to its previous running standard so that it can be hired out and generate income for the Trust.
Calder Northern members coming to the event on Saturday / Sunday (meet day) should pay the gate entrance fee and not wait until they walk down to the NJSB. Please note that if you plan on coming both days then you only pay the one entry fee. However, we will have the signing sheet (no payment) in the clubroom to tally up who attends the meet. We ask that you also purchase your tea and coffee etc, at the counter on the day. We feel in view of the current circumstances this is the best way for us to deal with things before the Trust meeting. Another thing – can you please car share as much as you can to help with reducing any car parking problems that might arise, thank you!
Les is bringing along his HO layout, Chris Gilbert is showing his HO layout, Cavern Books will have a selection of British and American railway books plus we will be operating our two HO layouts and N scale layout (John Baggaley) plus Mike’s layout will be operating. If anyone knows of someone who would like to bring an American layout for either both days or even just one of them can they please tell Terry Wynne by e-mail or phone as soon as possible.
The Wednesday gang have kept busy installing new buildings and adding scenery and a new road surface to the street running area. Future electrical work is planned when the installation and relocation of some frog juicers is undertaken to help eliminate little spasmodic hiccups with Peco electrical switches that have been a problem when operating at weekends.
We have a number of Blu-Ray and regular DVD’s for sale and these will be available at the October meet. There are also some VHS Tapes which have been around for a while which we need to dispose of at low prices.
Our friend from ‘New Joisey’ Tom Griffiths will be arriving on 9th October and will be helping out at the train show. He is pleased he won’t be on mop duties this time! Tom will also be at the Region Convention in Meriden and hosting a clinic. He asks that we extend his best wishes and regards to everyone and he looks forward to seeing you all again.
Jason Shron, president of Rapido Trains in Canada is coming to Crewe around 20th-25th of November and wishes to host a presentation and demonstration of current models and explain about the processes of manufacturing trains today in China. Jason is a great orator and this will be a fun session. Details will be sent out once we know the exact schedule but the presentation will be a weekday – late afternoon/early evening in the NJSB. Invitations will be open to anyone who wishes to come along.
Dave Gunn says hello to everyone! Dave earlier this year co-organised the convention for the Maritime Federation of Model Railroaders in his home town of Tatamagouche in Nova Scotia. It was an amazing success story with TV coverage, huge attendance, great displays and models with many prizes offered by hobby stores and by VIA Rail. In fact VIA Rail gave free journey tickets to a school party and a special ticket for two of a return trip to Montreal from Halifax on “The Ocean”. VIA Rail’s Atlantic director visited Dave’s home to see his layout and on seeing his model buildings suggested he give a workshop on the topic on the train from Halifax to Montreal. This past week Dave presented his workshop and is to give additional workshops in the future. Well done Dave and VIA Rail. Some of us have offered our services to help keep scalpels sharp etc and are awaiting the call! LOL!!
We extend our good wishes for continuing recovery to members Bob Bevan and George Neyman who have recently had surgery and to Derek Milby who says he is taking things slowly for the time being. He is getting around locally for now but hopes to be at Crewe as soon as he can. He wants me to pass on his regards to everyone.
Our November meeting will be a celebration of Calder Northern Division 30th year of existence and a cake is being arranged. So do come along to enjoy the day and the cake!
Thoughts for our Christmas meet should be entering your minds (well the Christmas cards are in the shops aren’t they!) as we need prizes and donations for our raffle – all donations will be greatly appreciated. Please let Les know what you are able to bring along and let him or Mike Lenz have these prior to the day.
Look forward to seeing you all at the train show. We need you to come along and show your support for our continued use of the clubroom and the activities of the Friends Group in keeping the Heritage Centre profile in front of the public.
See you there!
Les Herriot
Chairman
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