At our first meeting of the 2003/2004 season, Andrew Hopkins reported on progress being made in connection with the group's new layout. Andrew and William Bickley had arranged for part of the layout to be in place at the meeting for members' information and examination. In connection with this, Andrew has had some discussion with the organizer of the Paris train show to be held January 18, 2004. There is a possibility that The Buffers may be able to display the layout at the show. Andrew indicated, however, that, as those who have been to the show are aware, it is a snug fit. It is not certain, therefore, that arrangements could be made for 2004 so we may have to consider attendance in the following year.
John Mason, our Treasurer, gave a brief verbal report as to our financial status. John further discussed the situation with respect to members who join during a calendar year. It was moved by David Thoms and seconded by Allan Mearns that those who join from July 1 onwards will pay $10.00, which is half of the present membership fee. The motion was carried.
Geoff Chandler had prepared a display related to him and his wife's recent narrowboat adventures on the Wardle (the shortest canal in England), Trent and Mersey and Shropshire Union Canals in Cheshire. On display was a map showing the comprehensive canal system in the Manchester and Cheshire area, as well as the model of a cargo narrowboat. Also, included was a picture of the Anderton Boat Lift from railway artist Eric Bottomley's book The Transport Art of Eric Bottomley.
Thank you to Allan Mearns for presenting a Ken Payne video entitled The Last Great Project. This highly realistic video presented a massive 0-gauge railway layout featuring mainly LMS and constituent company's locomotives and rolling stock. |
