2010 AGM and Members Weekend

The 2010 AGM will be held at 14:30 on Saturday 16th October in the Herston Works. This is a change from previous years, with the intention that all members will have the opportunity to look around the workshop and meet the directors and those who work on the restoration. There will be workshop sessions on 14th and 15th October, and the footplate days for shareholders will be on 14th, 15th and 16th October. We hope to use Eddystone for the driving and firing turns, and hopefully will have Manston available for footplate rides. Members are also invited to book on the Wessex Belle on Saturday evening.

2009 AGM and Members Weekend

The AGM and members weekend 1 - 3 October went as planned. On the Thursday and Friday a selection of volunteers (old and new) joined the core team in the Herston workshop. After the recent out-shopping of 80104 the focus is now on the restoration of Sir Keith Park, with preparation of cylinder and valve covers and cutting of steel components for the new tender tank.

On each of the three days Manston was used to driving and firing trips for shareholders, and there were also a few footplate trips on Eddystone which was operating the service train. In total 21 round trips were run and over 40 members tried their hand at the regulator and shovel with a fair degree of success. Thanks to Ray Grace for once again demonstrating his managerial skills, and to the Swanage Railway for accommodating all the extra movements.

21C170 Manston

Les Bidewell, who recently became a shareholder, at the regulator of 34070 Manston on 3rd October

Special thanks to the SR crews, including Roger, Graham, Matt and Billy, for their patience and good humour when faced with a steady stream of armchair locomen.

The formalities of the AGM passed as usual. The Chairman thanked Andrew Moore for his years of service as Finance Director. There was discussion about the priority which should be given to overhaul and restoration of locomotives after the completion of Sir Keith Park, however no firm decisions have been made at this stage. Following the meeting the board appointed John Cleverdon as Finance Director.