Severnside Area Group

Co-ordinated by Peter Drost T 02920 797070

Meetings take place on the second Sunday in the month, four times a year. For more details, contact Peter.

Our first meeting of 2009 was a strange affair. A failed heating system had flooded David’s house and left him unable to offer us any hospitality. This problem was overcome by changing the venue to chez Drost and in the end the event turned out rather well.

Our newest local member, Robin Alldred, together with Martyn Pavier from Bristol—a result of Les’s recruiting efforts—both attended. We all had a very pleasant, informative and inspirational time with some tasty “yummies” to round it all off.

Robin brought a very fine part-built Finney 2800, which will be battery-driven with radio control, and Martyn left us bedazzled with photos of a scratch-built County tank, at present being painted in the Brackenborough shops. He also showed us some mind-boggling enlargements of the chimney turned on a CNC lathe. Both David and Les had queries answered, but I am damned if I can now remember what they were! We adjourned to the railway room where, for my part, advice was given on why both 1376 and have developed growling gear boxes in one direction of travel.

We moved the April meeting, courtesy of Les, to his house in Chippenham. Les has been very busy. As well as gaining one new member, Martyn, he has hosted a sub-meeting at his house in March when a further two new members attended. The April meeting may be the biggest to date with a possible seven in attendance. Why not come to the next meeting on 7 June at my house, and make it an even bigger and more enjoyable get-together?