An SMJ Get-Together

[Andy Thompson]

So gentleman, when are we going to have our first SMJ get-together then? I know it will take some arranging and we'll only need a phone box to hold it in but who fancy's the idea?

A slow-burner that one - no rush!

Andy

[Peter S Lewis]

Andy,

An excellent idea.....location...? I think a telephone kisok would be too small.........!!

Peter

[Si Donal]

This is a good idea. I suppose we'd be better meeting at a point we can all travel too, but wouldn't it be nice to meet at a point pertinent to the line? Perhaps Stratford or Towcester. Either is accessible from the M40 but Stratford does still have a station.

[David Blagrove]

Andy (and others), just a brief thought.

I am Chairman of the Friends of the Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum and we run a Gala weekend every year in June, during which we make a special feature of historic boats and local history generally. This year we are holding it over the weekend 11th-13th June and one of the themes will be the celebration of the centenary of the birth of L.T.C. (Tom) Rolt. So far as the waterways are concerned, Rolt is a central figure since his book "Narrow Boat" of 1944 began the revival of interest in the waterways of this country and led to the establishment of the Inland Waterways Association. similarly his enthusiasm for narrow gauge railways began the railway preservation movement as we know it today with the re-opening of the Tal-y-Llyn by volunteers in 1951. Tom's widow, Sonia, is one of our members and, hopefully, will be present at this year's Gala.

I am certain that we could find a room or a tent for some sort of meeting, or maybe even a display of photos or relics (or possibly models?). After all we very nearly had a branch of the E.N.M & T.R & O. J.R to the Museum itself (although in 1878, when it was proposed the building was a corn mill). Wolud any members be interested? Stoke Bruerne is a very pleasant place in summer and fairly easy to reach by road, being between the A5 and M1. Public transport is not so good though. There is a regular bus route from Milton Keynes to Peterborough along the A508 stopping a mile away at Roade and a local bus from Northampton, which does not run in the evenings and not at all on Sundays.

Just a thought.

David

[Andy Thompson]

David I think that sounds a great idea. What does everyone else think! May we have some more info David so as people can make plans?

Andy

David Blagrove said:

Andy (and others), just a brief thought.

I am Chairman of the Friends of the Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum and we run a Gala weekend every year in June, during which we make a special feature of historic boats and local history generally. This year we are holding it over the weekend 11th-13th June and one of the themes will be the celebration of the centenary of the birth of L.T.C. (Tom) Rolt. So far as the waterways are concerned, Rolt is a central figure since his book "Narrow Boat" of 1944 began the revival of interest in the waterways of this country and led to the establishment of the Inland Waterways Association. similarly his enthusiasm for narrow gauge railways began the railway preservation movement as we know it today with the re-opening of the Tal-y-Llyn by volunteers in 1951. Tom's widow, Sonia, is one of our members and, hopefully, will be present at this year's Gala.

I am certain that we could find a room or a tent for some sort of meeting, or maybe even a display of photos or relics (or possibly models?). After all we very nearly had a branch of the E.N.M & T.R & O. J.R to the Museum itself (although in 1878, when it was proposed the building was a corn mill). Wolud any members be interested? Stoke Bruerne is a very pleasant place in summer and fairly easy to reach by road, being between the A5 and M1. Public transport is not so good though. There is a regular bus route from Milton Keynes to Peterborough along the A508 stopping a mile away at Roade and a local bus from Northampton, which does not run in the evenings and not at all on Sundays.

Just a thought.

David

[Gary]

Great minds - I have been thinking of suggesting this sort of thing just this week - although a group of men in a phone box does sound a little dodgy....
SB sounds good - if we do go for it I will try to ensure I am off.
Whatever we plump for I'm up for it.

ATVB gents

G

[Si Donal]

Stoke Bruerne is good for me too. Not sure about the date but I'lllook into it with work. I can however offer a large velcro self supporting display board for pictures and if it's not being used a waterproof marquee too. It'll have Royal Army Dental Corps on it but I am sure I can paint up a replacement sign. I'll see if it will be free. There's enough time so I might be able to model something Stoke Bruern & SMJ related too. I'll let you all know of the availablility in the next week or so.

[Barry Dunwoody]

Andy,

Sounds a great idea - wish I could come, Australia is a long way away although if you go with the June dates, I will be a bit nearer. I will be on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff! I'll take lots of photos to post.

Barry

[David Chambers]

Stoke is fine for me and can also bring display boards/memorabillia etc
Good pub very handy also, I wonder if they have a spare function room?
Chab

[ray wake]

A good idea.I think you would be surprised at the response in the Northampton Area.




Ray. Wake

[Andy Thompson]

Ray. This is a great idea, can you advise on local papers to mention the event in.

Andy

ray wake said:

A good idea.I think you would be surprised at the response in the Northampton Area.




Ray. Wake

[Andy Thompson]

NIce one Dave that would really set it off! Andy

David Chambers said:

Stoke is fine for me and can also bring display boards/memorabillia etc
Good pub very handy also, I wonder if they have a spare function room?
Chab

[Andy Thompson]

David
Looks like you have a deal! What do we do now, we need to get the ball rolling and get a date set.
Andy

Andy Thompson said:

David I think that sounds a great idea. What does everyone else think! May we have some more info David so as people can make plans?

Andy

David Blagrove said:

Andy (and others), just a brief thought.

I am Chairman of the Friends of the Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum and we run a Gala weekend every year in June, during which we make a special feature of historic boats and local history generally. This year we are holding it over the weekend 11th-13th June and one of the themes will be the celebration of the centenary of the birth of L.T.C. (Tom) Rolt. So far as the waterways are concerned, Rolt is a central figure since his book "Narrow Boat" of 1944 began the revival of interest in the waterways of this country and led to the establishment of the Inland Waterways Association. similarly his enthusiasm for narrow gauge railways began the railway preservation movement as we know it today with the re-opening of the Tal-y-Llyn by volunteers in 1951. Tom's widow, Sonia, is one of our members and, hopefully, will be present at this year's Gala.

I am certain that we could find a room or a tent for some sort of meeting, or maybe even a display of photos or relics (or possibly models?). After all we very nearly had a branch of the E.N.M & T.R & O. J.R to the Museum itself (although in 1878, when it was proposed the building was a corn mill). Wolud any members be interested? Stoke Bruerne is a very pleasant place in summer and fairly easy to reach by road, being between the A5 and M1. Public transport is not so good though. There is a regular bus route from Milton Keynes to Peterborough along the A508 stopping a mile away at Roade and a local bus from Northampton, which does not run in the evenings and not at all on Sundays.

Just a thought.

David