Betton Grange update

The Betton Grange stand was completed just in time for the Didcot 2000
event. Located near the model railway layouts and inside the carriage
repair shop, we were in an ideal spot to display information. A video
machine played the "Return to Carrog" tape by G. Whistler and received
much attention. Llangollen timetables were being taken and we were asked
many times about the train services.The safety valve
bonnet looked very smart and acted as a collection box thanks to some
additional fabrication by Will Naylor. We collected nearly £100 during
this initial event. We were pleased to meet many new contacts and also to
discuss further help from Richard Croucher and the G.W.S. We were visited
by members of other loco groups and all were supportive of our aims to
build a new Grange.

Following the success of this visit, we were invited back for a free pitch
at the "Welcome Home Pendennis Castle" event in July. Again there were new
visitors to the stand all taking the information leaflets on the project
and the railway timetables. It was splendid seeing 4079 Pendennis Castle
back in the U.K nose to nose with 5051 Earl Bathurst. We would like to
thank the officers of the G.W.S. for their hospitality and encouragement
and also a big thankyou to the 6024 team who helped out with accommodation
in their support coach.

Meanwhile back home, we are now considering carefully the best set up in
terms of Company / Charitable status for us to proceed with. The team are
making steady progress mindful of the need to push on with the physical
restoration of 5199 which is the main priority at present.