The M5-M50 group held its second meeting of the year at the end of February when an all- time record number of people – thirty four- attended. Remarkably this number was achieved even without the attendance of three regulars from the West Midlands group, who were experiencing car trouble. Thankfully there was more than enough cake to go round! We welcomed back Geoff Harper after the sad loss of Shirley, and he was grateful for the support the group had given him over recent months, with several members of the 009 Society attending her funeral the previous Monday, including our group’s founder Chris Ward. It was good to see him and Christine again, since their move to Devon catching up with them is a rare event.
Once again Martyn Davies kindly brought along a pop-up sales stand from Hereford Model Centre, with many desirable 009 items displayed. These included some new Bachmann locos, rolling stock from Bachmann and Peco, track from Peco and also a small selection of HOe items from Roco and Lilliput. Everything was available at very reasonable prices, and locos could be tried out on our 009 test track.
There was further discussion about the Group’s plans for an Open Day on Saturday 19 October. This will take place at Corse & Staunton Village Hall, the location of previous Group Open Days. We are not planning another large show like the one held in Tewkesbury in October 2017, successful though that was. The Group’s website is currently being upgraded and further details will be included in future reports.
We meet on the last Monday of every month except December, Bank Holidays included. You are assured of a warm welcome at our meetings, which start at 19.30 hours, with cake and coffee or tea, in the company of like-minded narrow-gauge enthusiasts.
We meet at Twyning village hall near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 6DF.
Next meeting: Monday 25 March 2019.
Nicolas Wheatley