Newcastle 3rd October 2019 · Newcastle Branch AGM and Members’ Night

Seventeen members attended the North East Branch (Newcastle) A.G.M. on Thursday 4th October, 30% more than last year. Newcastle’s and Darlington’s independent administrations have functioned successfully over the last twelve months, so it is expected the second half of the Branch A.G.M. in Darlington will also confirm this arrangement, retaining the shared accounting system and with the Sales Stand based in the Darlington area. The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports reflected the strength of the branch, 2018-2019 attendances being 30% greater than the previous year, and with a further increase in reserves, due to the sustained, excellent work of the sales stand’s team led by Margaret Fraser. The current committee, Ms. Apperley and Messrs. Skinner, Snowball and Sweeting, was re-elected and joined by Keith Stewart, who has volunteered as Meetings Chairman. The members’ evening followed the refreshments, with thanks to Mrs Snowball for the ever-delicious, home-made cakes. Howard Forster reviewed the multiplicity of electric locos and EMUs seen in Newcastle, Keith Stewart took us from Totnes to Newcastle via Paddington, King’s Cross and Leeds using Hitachi’s Class 800s and new member, John Turnock, showed 21st century steam on Patagonia’s Esquel line. Thank you all for such an interesting and enjoyable evening, and to everybody who has contributed to our thriving year’s activity.