Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway Society Gala.

We have just got back from the GWRS Gala at Toddington. Thanks for the invitation and hospitality Mr Goodman, Ian Carpenter and all at the GWRS.

The 6880 stand now seems to be reaching another level. If you cast your mind back to when we first took 5199 to the GWRS we ran a stand for 6880 on the platform at Toddington with two boards and a safety valve bonnet! The bonnet and boards are still there......with 9 tables a HUGE gazebo (the 6880 tent), three 8' by 4' boards, a TV and DVD player, the 6880 game, and two nameplates, one wooden one and the real deal.

The 'crew' on the stand (Danny Hopkins)

The first time round it was manned by Quentin and myself, we are still there, but now with a lot more support. This weekend we had Ian Massey, Martin (Splitpin) Perry, Matt (the hat) Davies, Craig and Neil Tiley , Mark (Spud) Jones, John Kerr, Geoff Jones, Mick Prior, Emma Pedar, Richard Cadge, and David Huntbatch.

Consider that when we started on this journey building 6880 we didn't know any of them, and in fact the company was started with less than half this number! It just goes to show enthusiasm is infectious.

Overview of the stand (Q McGuinness)

We grossed around the £750 mark, but also saw three new standard memberships, and have reached number eight in the express scheme.

A big thank you to all who helped out.

Inside the 'tent' (Q McGuinness)

Invite.

We have been invited to the Bluebell 125 event on the 11th & 12th of August, and although it is some way away in time, and distance, we are planning on attending as this is 'new territory' for us. If anyone thinks they could give us a day or two to man the stand please let us know. Quentin and I are visiting the Bluebell Railway in July, and we will make a final decision on wether to attend. Don't forget the Warley Model Railway Exhibition at the NEC, we are taking the cab as part of the display! Finally we have also been invited back to the GWRS again in September.

The stand now takes a bit of floor space! (Q McGuinness)

Steel Steam & Stars II.

I was reminded by someone (thanks Craig) that it is now only 22 months until the next gala! I do not quite know if I am supposed to panic or think so what! We have some proposed dates in April 2009, and a whole load of ideas to make the next one even bigger and better, but we are willing to take on board suggestions, or criticisms. Don't be shy, let us know what you want.

6880.

Time is being taken at the moment to decide on the best way to construct the Dragbox. We will give you an update on this, and other progress very soon.

5199.

A new set of tyres has been ordered through the SDR, as soon as they land we will be pushing to get them fitted. Once this is done we will be able to see her hired out to other railways again.

Will Naylor, 4/06/07