Annual General Meeting

This year's A.G.M. was held on 21st February.

Following the recent death of our President, John Kitchen, our former Vice President, Ray Pearson had been asked to take over the role.  The Chairman, Neil Grayston was very pleased to announce that Ray had agreed to becoming our new President.

In accordance with the rules of the Society, one third of the officer and committee posts are re-elected each year on a three year rolling basis.
This year the following posts were contested.
Treasurer / Membership Secretary: Stan Balmer - Re-elected.
Exhibition Manager:  Richard Deas - Re-elected.
Committee: Robin Breddy - Re-elected.  Peter Bartrop and Dave Holmes replaced Phil Lewis and Alan Maynard who were both stepping down.  Bernard Mason was elected to replace Derek Taylor who died recently.

The society has recently inherited a substantial amount of Tri-ang TT equipment from Derek's estate and it was agreed that we would build a TT collection layout in his memory.  it is hoped that this layout will make its first public appearance at this year's clubroom open days in May.

It was decided that Annual Membership Subscriptions would be retained at the previous levels.

As far as the proposed clubroom move is concerned, we currently in 'limbo'.  Our landlords GNER, have surrendered their train operating franchise on the East Coast Mainline and it now seems unlikely that any decision on the future of our rooms will not be made until after the successful bidder has taken control of the station.

Congratulations to Steve Brammer, who won this year's photographic competition and one year's free membership with the picture below.

A night time shot for Sheffield Midland railway station

His other great passion was tramways, especially the National Tramway Museum at Crich in Derbyshire where he was a volunteer guard and driver.  His passion for Crich was easy to see and indeed the last time most of us met Derek was at our January main meeting where he gave a talk and slide show on the history of the museum.

He will be greatly missed by all members, especially those of us who had the good fortune of knowing him over many years.

The funeral took place at 11.30am on Monday 12th February at East Retford Church.  The family requested that no flowers be sent but donations to the Air Ambulance or the Heart Foundation would be gratefully appreciated.

It is with regret that the Bassetlaw (North Notts) Railway Society announces that our Founder Member and President, John Kitchen passed away on the evening of 11th December 2006.

John started the club back in 1974 with a letter in the local newspaper inviting like minded people to a meeting in a public house.  The response was overwhelming and John, together with fellow enthusiasts Ray Pearson and Gilbert Barnatt formed the first committee.  John was the driving force of the society in the early days serving as Chairman for the first 10 years.  When he stepped down as Chairman, he was appointed as the societies first President.

John had a lifelong interest in all things Hornby (Binns Road, not Margate) and had an extensive knowledge on the subject.  He was a a regular exhibitor at our annual exhibitions and always entertained the crowds with his exhibit, especially the children, for whom the models were originally designed.  John was also a founder member of The Hornby Railway Collectors Association.

The funeral will took place on Wednesday 20th December 2006 at St. John's Church in Scofton with Osberton, Worksop, Nottinghamshire.
The family requested that no flowers should be sent but donations to the Bassetlaw Hospice of The Good Shepherd or to St. John's Church would be gratefully received.

We offer our sincere condolences to his wife Betty, daughter Judy and son Nicholas at this sad time.  The society he founded over 30 years ago continues as a tribute to his vision and leadership.