Michael Osborne
Western Thunderer
Is there any news for those people who could not make it.
Last edited:
A.G.M
- Thread starter Michael Osborne
- Start date
A.G.M
Michael Osborne
Western Thunderer
I was hoping someone would post some photographs of what went on at the A.G.M on Saturday. And asking on here not long ago about the wagon competition I was expecting to see the results.
At most A.G.M I have been to their are usually lots of new models making their first appearance along with new products.
I couldn't go due to family problems.
At most A.G.M I have been to their are usually lots of new models making their first appearance along with new products.
I couldn't go due to family problems.
Heather Kay
Western Thunderer
Sadly, I didn’t manage to photograph all the wagons. The business went on so long everything had been tidied away before I had the chance. 
Other pics I took with my big camera, so I need to do a little processing before sharing.
Other pics I took with my big camera, so I need to do a little processing before sharing.
A.G.M
Michael Osborne
Western Thunderer
Many thanks Heather.
I was wondering what I had missed ?
With being only a small society we need all the publicity we can get if we are to expand.
I was wondering what I had missed ?
With being only a small society we need all the publicity we can get if we are to expand.
Heather Kay
Western Thunderer
Warley MRC's clubrooms once again hosted the ScaleSeven Group's annual general meeting. It's a marvellous space, an industrial unit with plenty of space for a wide variety of railway modelling.
The S7 section had set up Bob Essery's Dewsbury, for some running rights for non-DCC stock. Best Beloved and I took along a couple of our locos, both of which weren't all that happy with the inside keys on the Midland Railway permanent way!
@Ian@StEnochs will be able to fill in the details on this lovely little loco.
I believe the 0-4-2 belongs to Ian Roll, from the Lee Marsh stable. I'm not sure who the owner of the Hudswell Clarke is.
Dewsbury station building. The layout has been in storage for some time, and there were signs of neglect about the place. The S7 section are busy working on their own layout, Ellerton Road, but it was good of them to erect Bob's original S7 exhibition layout for us to play with - even if it was a bit cranky due to its age!
As I mentioned earlier, I failed to get photos of the wagon competition entries. Once the AGM business was done, most had been packed away and headed for home. Graham Beare's entry, though, was swiftly snapped before it too disappeared back to Basingstoke!
Gordon Gravett was the guest judge for the competition. Neither of the winners he selected could be there in person to receive their trophies. Other members were able to stand in for the presentations, which will make for some interesting captions in the newsletter!
The meeting itself went through the usual stages. There was some discussion about how the Group should promote itself better, since the resignation of the publicity officer last year. The outgoing officer, John Birch, has made some good progress laying groundwork for the Group's publicity, and it was felt important that this should not be wasted.
An interesting pair of presentations were given by Rob Thompson and Graham Beare covering the wheel survey, how the wheels fund worked and production of the actual wheels themselves. Rob explained his analysis of the survey results, which was intended to give the committee some guidance as to which diameters and types of wheel might be put into production, but really showed how difficult it is to select anything suitable. In fact, some of the most popular types appeared to emanate from only one or two modellers, and even driving wheels already in the Stores - which posed the question of why members weren't already aware of them! Quite a bit of discussion ensued, where some good ideas about getting a wider range of wheels into the Stores fairly quickly were put forward, which the committee will no doubt be keen to discuss in more detail. The general opinion of the committee is that new wheels should be moulded with detailed rear faces where possible, which was met with approval. However, where an existing tool exists, pragmatically it might be simpler to continue with flat-backed wheels. Several members expressed satisfaction with this proposal if it meant suitable driving wheels might be available quickly.
There was also discussion about the potential for S7 ready-to-run track. Again, difficulties were noted in choosing a suitable prototype - the ethos of the S7 Group being to model as accurately and as close to the prototype as possibly: how many bolts for chairs, sleeper spacing and all the other niceties of PW. It was, however, noted that in some ways if members were really that bothered they would already be building their own track, so a well-detailed generic style of track work might be the best way forward. In the end, perhaps it was felt that selecting a "standard" post-1923 style of permanent way would suit most people, with a leaning towards flat-bottom rail.
The current committee members were re-elected for another year. Several have already noted they wish to stand down in coming years, so the chairman asked politely for people to seriously consider whether they might be prepared to stand for these posts, or if they knew anyone who might be willing to stand.
A fuller report and minutes will, of course, appear from the Secretary, Rob Thompson, in due course.
The S7 section had set up Bob Essery's Dewsbury, for some running rights for non-DCC stock. Best Beloved and I took along a couple of our locos, both of which weren't all that happy with the inside keys on the Midland Railway permanent way!
@Ian@StEnochs will be able to fill in the details on this lovely little loco.
I believe the 0-4-2 belongs to Ian Roll, from the Lee Marsh stable. I'm not sure who the owner of the Hudswell Clarke is.
Dewsbury station building. The layout has been in storage for some time, and there were signs of neglect about the place. The S7 section are busy working on their own layout, Ellerton Road, but it was good of them to erect Bob's original S7 exhibition layout for us to play with - even if it was a bit cranky due to its age!
As I mentioned earlier, I failed to get photos of the wagon competition entries. Once the AGM business was done, most had been packed away and headed for home. Graham Beare's entry, though, was swiftly snapped before it too disappeared back to Basingstoke!
Gordon Gravett was the guest judge for the competition. Neither of the winners he selected could be there in person to receive their trophies. Other members were able to stand in for the presentations, which will make for some interesting captions in the newsletter!
The meeting itself went through the usual stages. There was some discussion about how the Group should promote itself better, since the resignation of the publicity officer last year. The outgoing officer, John Birch, has made some good progress laying groundwork for the Group's publicity, and it was felt important that this should not be wasted.
An interesting pair of presentations were given by Rob Thompson and Graham Beare covering the wheel survey, how the wheels fund worked and production of the actual wheels themselves. Rob explained his analysis of the survey results, which was intended to give the committee some guidance as to which diameters and types of wheel might be put into production, but really showed how difficult it is to select anything suitable. In fact, some of the most popular types appeared to emanate from only one or two modellers, and even driving wheels already in the Stores - which posed the question of why members weren't already aware of them! Quite a bit of discussion ensued, where some good ideas about getting a wider range of wheels into the Stores fairly quickly were put forward, which the committee will no doubt be keen to discuss in more detail. The general opinion of the committee is that new wheels should be moulded with detailed rear faces where possible, which was met with approval. However, where an existing tool exists, pragmatically it might be simpler to continue with flat-backed wheels. Several members expressed satisfaction with this proposal if it meant suitable driving wheels might be available quickly.
There was also discussion about the potential for S7 ready-to-run track. Again, difficulties were noted in choosing a suitable prototype - the ethos of the S7 Group being to model as accurately and as close to the prototype as possibly: how many bolts for chairs, sleeper spacing and all the other niceties of PW. It was, however, noted that in some ways if members were really that bothered they would already be building their own track, so a well-detailed generic style of track work might be the best way forward. In the end, perhaps it was felt that selecting a "standard" post-1923 style of permanent way would suit most people, with a leaning towards flat-bottom rail.
The current committee members were re-elected for another year. Several have already noted they wish to stand down in coming years, so the chairman asked politely for people to seriously consider whether they might be prepared to stand for these posts, or if they knew anyone who might be willing to stand.
A fuller report and minutes will, of course, appear from the Secretary, Rob Thompson, in due course.
Tim Humphreys ex Mudhen
Western Thunderer
Thank you Heather for providing your clear synopsis of the meeting. I've received the draft minutes and will briefly run through the items on the agenda. Apologies for any duplication with the notes from Heather.
When the Minutes have been approved by the Committee they will be posted in the members section of the S7 Group website.
Additionally I will add that the various reports to be referreed to were also posted in the members section of the website in order for them to be read ahead of the meeting.
At 13.32 John Borkowski welcomed everyone to the meeting. It was attended by 29 people, near enough 10% of the membership which I believe is a good turnout by any standard.
Apologies were received from 46 members.
Minutes from last years meeting were presented for approval and were accepted.
There were no matters arising from the Minutes.
Chairmans Report - this had previously been circulated to the whole membership. There was a quite lengthy disucussion as to how to attract new members. Several valuable suggestions from the floor were proposed including;
- Putting the Sales List in the public section of the wbsite in order that it is possible for people to see what the Group has to offer.
- Making Committe members more visible to the membership and prospective members.
- Suggestions as to how best to promote ourselevs in Newsletter, publications and websites.
- Ensure we have a presence at appropriate shows.
Treasurers Report - These had been previously circulated, there were no questions from the floor and the group accounts were accepted.
Committee Officers Reports were considered.
No questions on the secretaries report.
Membership as at 31/12/2017 stood at 296. There are issues with members not changing their standing orders to reflect the increased subscription in a timely fashion and that 15 were still outstanding.
Newsletter - There is always demand for new material. Heather Kavanagh suggested that perhaps some people felt unable to write suitable articles and take suitable photographs. It was asked whether it would be possible help with preparation of articles to assist in overcoming their concerns.
Stores - Decent sales for the year, it was noted that the diesel wheels have been a great success with the first batch of 3'9" having sold out and the 3' 7" selling well.
Exhibition Co-Ordinator - no questions.
Webmaster - Requests from the floor for more frequent updates to the website.
Election of the Committee - We need to find a new appointment for Publicity and Events Officer following the resignation of John Birch from this role due to personal reasons. The other committee members all offerred themselves for re-election and were speedily re-elected.
Correspondence - none affecting the general membership was received.
Account Scrutineers were re-appointed.
Subscription Rates to remain the same.
Any other Business;
Track Survey - Complete results were not available for the meeting, Heather has covered the discussion that took place.
Wheel Survey - Again very well covered by Heather. I would also like to re-iterate what very good piece of work has been undertaken by Rob Thompson and Graham Beare. Now that we have substantiated facts decisions about wheel production will be much easier make. We have no difficulties in producing wheels but we must be sure of adequate sales before committing the members funds to this project. The full minutes will include signifant detail as contained in their presentation together with a copy of their slide presentation.
AGM - the date for next year was fixed as 15th June 2019.
Tickenham Show - this will be our Autumn get together and will be held on saturday 7th October. Tickeham is close to Clevedon not far from Junction 20 on the M5. Details will be on the website and in the newsletter.
Chairmans Cup/President's Plate - the 2019 competition for kit built and scratchbuilt models will feature Cattle Wagons and Horseboxes.
Parkside by Peco wagons - Graham Beare has spoken to Peco and agreed with them that they will supply kits directly to modellers with S7 wheels upon request.
The meeting closed at 16.30.
I believe that gives an outline of most if not all agenda items. The full minutes will be availbable to S7 Members on the website.
Thanks to all involved in any capacity.
Please remember that feedback from our Membership to the Committe on any of the many subjects mentioned is always welcome as are volunteers to work on the Committee and represent us at shows.
Tim Humphreys
Vice-Chairman
When the Minutes have been approved by the Committee they will be posted in the members section of the S7 Group website.
Additionally I will add that the various reports to be referreed to were also posted in the members section of the website in order for them to be read ahead of the meeting.
At 13.32 John Borkowski welcomed everyone to the meeting. It was attended by 29 people, near enough 10% of the membership which I believe is a good turnout by any standard.
Apologies were received from 46 members.
Minutes from last years meeting were presented for approval and were accepted.
There were no matters arising from the Minutes.
Chairmans Report - this had previously been circulated to the whole membership. There was a quite lengthy disucussion as to how to attract new members. Several valuable suggestions from the floor were proposed including;
- Putting the Sales List in the public section of the wbsite in order that it is possible for people to see what the Group has to offer.
- Making Committe members more visible to the membership and prospective members.
- Suggestions as to how best to promote ourselevs in Newsletter, publications and websites.
- Ensure we have a presence at appropriate shows.
Treasurers Report - These had been previously circulated, there were no questions from the floor and the group accounts were accepted.
Committee Officers Reports were considered.
No questions on the secretaries report.
Membership as at 31/12/2017 stood at 296. There are issues with members not changing their standing orders to reflect the increased subscription in a timely fashion and that 15 were still outstanding.
Newsletter - There is always demand for new material. Heather Kavanagh suggested that perhaps some people felt unable to write suitable articles and take suitable photographs. It was asked whether it would be possible help with preparation of articles to assist in overcoming their concerns.
Stores - Decent sales for the year, it was noted that the diesel wheels have been a great success with the first batch of 3'9" having sold out and the 3' 7" selling well.
Exhibition Co-Ordinator - no questions.
Webmaster - Requests from the floor for more frequent updates to the website.
Election of the Committee - We need to find a new appointment for Publicity and Events Officer following the resignation of John Birch from this role due to personal reasons. The other committee members all offerred themselves for re-election and were speedily re-elected.
Correspondence - none affecting the general membership was received.
Account Scrutineers were re-appointed.
Subscription Rates to remain the same.
Any other Business;
Track Survey - Complete results were not available for the meeting, Heather has covered the discussion that took place.
Wheel Survey - Again very well covered by Heather. I would also like to re-iterate what very good piece of work has been undertaken by Rob Thompson and Graham Beare. Now that we have substantiated facts decisions about wheel production will be much easier make. We have no difficulties in producing wheels but we must be sure of adequate sales before committing the members funds to this project. The full minutes will include signifant detail as contained in their presentation together with a copy of their slide presentation.
AGM - the date for next year was fixed as 15th June 2019.
Tickenham Show - this will be our Autumn get together and will be held on saturday 7th October. Tickeham is close to Clevedon not far from Junction 20 on the M5. Details will be on the website and in the newsletter.
Chairmans Cup/President's Plate - the 2019 competition for kit built and scratchbuilt models will feature Cattle Wagons and Horseboxes.
Parkside by Peco wagons - Graham Beare has spoken to Peco and agreed with them that they will supply kits directly to modellers with S7 wheels upon request.
The meeting closed at 16.30.
I believe that gives an outline of most if not all agenda items. The full minutes will be availbable to S7 Members on the website.
Thanks to all involved in any capacity.
Please remember that feedback from our Membership to the Committe on any of the many subjects mentioned is always welcome as are volunteers to work on the Committee and represent us at shows.
Tim Humphreys
Vice-Chairman
daifly
Western Thunderer
Tim Humphreys ex Mudhen
Western Thunderer
Dave,
I've just copied out the date given without any thought, certainly looks like you're correct. I'll have to confirm with the organiser.
thanks for that
Tim
I've just copied out the date given without any thought, certainly looks like you're correct. I'll have to confirm with the organiser.
thanks for that
Tim
Heather Kay
Western Thunderer
Tim, thank you for posting the draft minutes. It filled in the gaps where I may have been dozing! 
Michael Osborne
Western Thunderer
Many thanks to Tim & Heather for the reports from the A.G.M.
I was unable to attend due to family problems which will take a lot of time to sort out.
I will keep trying to do some work at bench if at all possible.
I was unable to attend due to family problems which will take a lot of time to sort out.
I will keep trying to do some work at bench if at all possible.
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
Whilst at the AGM a member asked me for some of the axles to enable Slater's S7 wagon wheels to be fitted to Lionheart and (recent) Dapol wagons such as the BR 16T minerals and BR vans. I have mislaid the necessary contact details so if the axles are wanted still then please contact me.
Thank you, Graham
Thank you, Graham