October 2020 

This quarter’s newsletter is in a similar format to the last one. Regrettably we still have no start date for club nights, and this may be the case now for the next 6 months. Once again, thank you to Nick and others for making the club room as safe as possible for when we are to meet again.

I am beginning to lose faith in the statistics about positive tests etc., as Morella tested positive again 10 days or so ago and yet she had the virus in April and has no symptoms at all at present. With her other health issues, I would expect to see at least one symptom showing. I have not seen her since 2^nd September which is hard. I do hope you and your families all are well at this time. Morella’s test this week’s test was negative, so she has gone back to her own room but still no visiting.

Outings:

As I have now advised, the exhibition calendar is getting shorter. The next outing planned is Ally Pally in March but that falls within the six months period the current restrictions are planned so that is looking very doubtful. If Ally Pally is postponed one year, then we start to clash with the 2022 provisional bookings so they may need pushing on by us or the organisers. What a mess!

Assuming that Ally Pally does go ahead, we need to consider the urgent matters that will need to be carried out on Redbridge Wharf prior to that show. Perhaps the respective layout managers for the layout would list those for the AGM report.

Club.

The AGM is going to consist of written reports (email) put to Nick please with any requests for additional budgets included. The official date for the AGM is 14^th October, so please submit the usual reports etc to Nick asap. They will be shorter than usual but nevertheless important for all members to be kept in touch. Peter can produce accounts and the three committee will discuss and confirm budget requests subject to any follow up review when all members have seen the AGM notes after 14^th October.

The club dinner is booked for Saturday February 27th but subject to C-19 rules. May need tables of 6 if held now. My holiday next week is still OK as the hotel is organised for C-19 as will be the Potters Heron.

Other Matters.

Members’ Activities that I am aware of in no particular order:

o   Much track building and laying by Dave for his new 7mm layout. Sleepers now being laser cut by him.

o   Rich testing modified 00 stock and also his 0 gauge loco.

o   More info about the Southampton canal near to Redbridge.

o   Clearance of the rubbish from the club, thanks to Nick and others for getting wet!

o   Bruce acquiring a model of Hornby’s 66731 Capt. Tom Moore and several videos of running trains on his layout.

o   Rich has been weathering stock for Chris to run on Redbridge.

o   Nick refurbishing a second-hand class 40, stripping paint etc.

o   A reminder from Bruce of our 60^th anniversary at the Swanage Railway as he was staying there for a holiday.

o   Fencing, fencing and more fencing. Not happy with the plastic type, bought the laser cut version to find each 6” length consists or 23 parts! However, it does look quite good.

o   Once again beer gets several mentions!

Well done to all, keep modelling and please stay well.