Page 4 - September October 2017

Volunteering
In my previous President’s Car I referred to volunteers. They are needed and are the lifeblood of the organisa- tion. I am pleased to report that James Lucas has vol- unteered to help with the renewals process as well as continuing as Registrar. Peter Bowen’s work as Editor and Publisher of Roundhouse means that Peter required assistance with the work of Renewals Officer. That is particularly busy between January and May each year. So thank you to James.
The Convention 2017
I hope to see you all in Derby at the end of October and to enjoy your company. The deadline for final payments is the 15th September. It would be helpful to Steve Dennison and team if you could let him have your meal choices by then as well.
Steve and his team have lined up some great layouts and a good selection of Traders. Those include: Mech Models, Linda Tinker Books, SCC, Anorak’s Anonymous, Neal’s N Gauge Trains, Model Tree Shop, N Scale Amer- ican Trains & Richard Maxwell Brass. If you would like to run a clinic (or contribute to one) please contact Steve.
A Convention in 2018
The new Board will be looking to setting up a convention in 2018. So as the outgoing President, may I throw a curve ball in there. Should we experiment with a different format? Conventions are times to learn, catch up with friendships and have fun. They are not about recruiting: a public show is for that. I could argue that, why should I pay money to attend a convention weekend, only to have to share it with the public. They only pay an entrance fee on the day. The public, rightly, want to see trains running, whereas we might want to operate in a more prototypical manner in the way that the Freemo events do. Let us have an event that is something for others who wish to join, to be part of the comradeship of a group like minded individuals. In the days gone past we used to have trips as part of the convention. That is difficult to combine with a show that is attractive to the public. I am a member of the Gauge 1 Society. A few years ago they combined a
celebration of an important anniversary of the organi- sation with a dinner train on the Seven Valley Railway. Members booked into a variety of Bed and Breakfasts or Hotels (to suit their pockets). Just one idea.
None of this is not to say that we cannot have guests: they might be prospective members. Also I must stress that I am full of admiration for all who have put on con- ventions for us. I have enjoyed them all and am very grateful for all the hard work of the organisers. I am just asking, is it time for a change. If you think not, that is fine: it is just a thought and I would like your thoughts. My email address is robin.swan@icloud.com or phone (or text ) me on 0791-9955880.
Normally I would say that the person coming up with the idea should be the first to volunteer. I am too tired after being VP and President (twice) and organising Benson. I enjoyed doing those, I just need time now that I have qualified for the free TV licence. By the way Michael, Nick, Andy, Charlie and I will still be doing Benson.
Benson 2018
The 2018 Winter Meet is scheduled for Saturday the 13th January 2018 at the Benson Village Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Oxfordshire, OX10 6LZ.
Our friendly and eager dealers will be there: those who are confirmed include Anoraks Anonymous, Brian White (his bits and bobs), Richard Maxwell (brass locos), Ted Smale (Digitrax), Linda Tinker Books, Mech Models and a Second Hand Book Dealer. Several excellent layouts are booked! There will also be a number of Bring and Buy tables — please contact Robin Swan.
As a trial innovation at Benson, if you bring along Guest who then signs up as a Full Region Member (Currently £25), then you will get your entrance fee of £4 refund- ed. By that you will have noted that the entrance fee for Members is £4. Guests are £6 on the door.
Robin Swan
President
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4 ROUNDHOUSE - October 2017