Surrey Narrow Gauge Modellers
What Do We Do?
We meet on a monthly basis, usually in Surbiton on the last Tuesday of the month . At these meetings, narrow gauge and modelling matters and events are discussed and group members are available to help each other with modelling problems. Often a narrow gauge video is on in the background! Occasionally, somebody will bring along a completed model. You might be surprised at what railway books and publications are brought along and lent amongst the group and an appeal for something specialist can often be met. There is also a healthy trade in secondhand bits and pieces.
In addition, there are informal visits to various narrow gauge events and opportunities for visits to railways both in the UK and on the continent present themselves via member activities.
A monthly newsletter is circulated to all group members. The 'Surrey Flyer' contains a review of the previous meeting, a reminder of the next meeting and a miscellany of hints and tips, items of interest, forthcoming events, sales and wants and appeals for help. All designed to keep members up-to-date.
SNGMs also have several narrow gauge layouts which attend model railway exhibitions large and small and operating opportunities are always there for members. These layouts are often seen in local exhibitions and have also travelled to Europe (once each year for the last six years).
We have held small exhibitions of our own locally, notably Come and Natter Narrow Gauge in Grayswood in 2000 and Narrow But Nice in Leatherhead in 2001 jointly with our "big brother" of the Surrey group of the 7mm Narrow Gauge Association. Narrow But Nice was held again in 2004.
Meeting dates for SNGMs are usually the last Tuesday of each month (except December). Recently we have changed some of the dates, times and venues to provide more variety and this trend continues.
The dates of meetings for the rest of 2008 are expected to be firm and will be :-
- 16th August
The now-traditional Saturday afternoon meeting hosted by Dave Hammersley in his garden at Walton. Both the garden railway and shed will be available for our benefit.
- 21st September
Our first ever Sunday meeting will be held at our Chairman John Thorne’s home in Verwood, Dorset. Main attraction will be a chance for members to have first choice at the railway collection of the late Terry Baker before the balance is sold elsewhere. The collection is substantial and comprises kits, chassis, scenic materials, rolling stock, tram kits etc in 009 and 00, as well as books, magazines and videos. John will be holding open house from 10am to 4pm and tea and cakes will be provided.
- 28th October
Back to Tuesday evening in Surbiton for the mundane business of our A.G.M. followed by another of Dave Hammersley’s excellent slide shows.
- 15th November
Saturday afternoon in Ealing at Jeremy’s home with his continental layout running.
- 16th December
Our usual Christmas “bash” in Surbiton with raffle, bring and buy table and seasonal refreshment.
(c) 2000-08 SNGMs