Open Day

We just about got lucky with the weather on Saturday, there were only a few spots of rain.  Our locomotive was wheeled out for display by about 9,30, and the tent straightened up so that those items not fitted to the locomotive could be diplayed.  The LNWR Society had a stand, and the Advanced Steam Technology Trust’s 10¼” gauge Evolution, designed for testing new ideas was on display inside the workshop.  Facilities for DIY hot drinks were set out, and the show was ready.  Amongst our visitors we welcomed Jamie’s apprentice Dan, and work experience student Kobe, with their families.   We had some very intertesting discussions with visitors, including our friends on the Clan, and from Diamond Group.  While visitor traffic was light, we had half expected that as advertising had been limited to avoid excessive numbers on a small site.

With the experience of Saturday’s event we will be better equipped to repeat the event next year, when our locomotive should have its footplating and cab fitted, and its cylinder block.

It takes quite an effort to put these displays on, abut it is essential that we show our wares.  Thanks to our volunteers and to the Keyte Smith team for their sterling efforts.

Sometimes tangible benefits come long after the event.  We were delighted to recieve an unexpected donation from the organising committee of The Greatest Gathering last year, as distribution of their final funds.

Being rather busy, we have few photographs from Saturday, but here are two, courtesy of Nigel Hunt.