Family Running Day 24th July 2021

Our First Open Running Day Following Covid-19.

So, the weather threatened to rain, but in the end it was cooler than of late and turned out very comfortable.
We had close on fifty members attend this first open day for must be two years. To see old faces one had not seen for some time was very pleasant; one or two who said they would come were absent, but then we had one or two people come who we did not expect – all in all a very good turn out.

On Friday 23rd we erected the “Hockwold” Marquee and had four tables erected. We had tea and coffee available all day. ‘help your self’ or should that be self service? We had a table for the raffle and this was very well stocked. Thank you for all the items which were donated. We also had a table which turned out with six cakes on for the Lemon Drizzle challenge and all looked very tasty.

OK, the day started with 2 steamers, not many boiler certificates yet, Dave M and Ken W, and several electric engines, we have had three members Norman H, Ralph R, Geoff E who have all made several trucks, so not only are we running engines , but trains, a sight to be hold, really really first class, a credit to you all. We also had Geoff B brother and his grandson running a very smart Electric 08, very nice. Three traction engines. Janet and Mike T, Chris H and Geoff B all had a go at crossing the crossing, another good turn out.

Andy G, bought along his two self built engines, what a lot of talented people we have in our club.
We have seen a strange thing swimming on the boating lake, a crocodile, perhaps this is due to Geoff E, Brian M had a couple of boats, very nice, Brian said he had brought one back to magnificents after it was destined for the skip, very well done.

So the weather was kind to us even after we had brought the cutting of the ribbon forward an hour, we had a very good BBQ. Thank you Stuart, Gill F and Pauline, We were able to do burgers in a bun with cheese and fried onions; Sausage in a roll with fried onions. We had comments that the burgers were the best some people had tasted, so the BBQ went well, except it was very hard work standing cooking and serving for what seemed all day, but probably two hours. We had the cutting of the ribbon, Mr Parrott kindly did the honours and we had a toast to the “Brandon Modellers.” Dave M moved his super engine into the station and he drove Mr Parrott and his lady friend round our track and when he alighted he said “that is the first time I have ever been driving round the track on a steam engine”.

We then did the Lemon Drizzle challenge and Gill F, Pauline, Gills friend and Mick W, officiated, what a job in the end it was difficult so the six entries were deemed as good as one another and every one won a prize. Thank you, Sandra B, Michelle M, Brigette R, Clive J niece, Jean W. all very tasty , and not a lot left at the end. Then, next was the raffle, every prize donated , thank you every one, but it went on and on and finally, Stuart F stayed the distance and every prize was won.

After such a long time not being able to hold a running day, this day was certainly special, nearly fifty people all sitting at tables in the open chatting and laughing, makes all the hard work worth ever minute of organisation, may we have a few more this year and become a model engineering club worth your subscription ten times over.

Stuart & Gill F with Steve H W driving.

Norman H with Mike L on his train

Will you cut the ribbon please Sir?

Yes! If the scissors will cut the ribbon.

Rounding the inside track. Mr Parrott’s inaugural ride.

Drawing into the new Fengate Halt Station.

Crossing the new crossing. Very smooth!

Thank you Brigitte!

The Raffle Table.
Very well stocked. Thank you everyone. Good Show!

BBQ getting prepared for a busy BBQ. Very, very nice. Well done!

How many tickets. £1 per strip. Do you take note?

No need really for a ‘Caption’. A very happy looking picture.

More photos from the day.