BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Railway Correspondence & Travel Society - ECPv6.16.5//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:The Railway Correspondence & Travel Society X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://rcts.org.uk X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Railway Correspondence & Travel Society REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20240331T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20241027T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260609T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260609T163000 DTSTAMP:20260416T155654Z CREATED:20251128T104547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T155654Z UID:10003312-1781013600-1781022600@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:The Railways of South Wales in Transition DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City Branch presentation by Jeremy Segrott. \nThis is a change from the previously published programme. \nDetails to follow. \nDoors open 13:30 for 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/londons-underground-trains-of-the-past/ LOCATION:HTC Hitchin\, St Mark's Church\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260526T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260526T163000 DTSTAMP:20251126T161807Z CREATED:20251126T161742Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T161807Z UID:10003310-1779804000-1779813000@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:The Railways of Austria DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City Branch presentation by Richard Morris. \nDetails to follow. \nDoors open 13:30 for 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/the-railways-of-austria/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260512T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260512T163000 DTSTAMP:20251126T161023Z CREATED:20251126T161023Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T161023Z UID:10003308-1778594400-1778603400@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Oliver Bulleid and 35028 "Clan Line" DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City Branch presentation by Simon Martin. \nDetails to follow. \nDoors open 13:30 for 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/oliver-bulleid-and-35028-clan-line/ LOCATION:HTC Hitchin\, St Mark's Church\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260428T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260428T163000 DTSTAMP:20260328T100450Z CREATED:20251126T161435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260328T100450Z UID:10003309-1777384800-1777393800@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:AGM and My Travels in 2025\, Rail 200 and More. DESCRIPTION:The Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City Branch AGM followed by a presentation by John Tigg. \nFrom a very young age\, living in North West London between the West Coast Mainline and Metropolitan / Great Central route\, John has had an interest in railways.  Despite spending his last years before retirement travelling the country for a major plant supplier to the rail industry he was unable to visit many of the heritage railways close to his work. Since retiring in 2019\, living on the Bedfordshire / Buckinghamshire border\, with the West Coast Mainline on his doorstep\, he is centrally located to visit many of the railways on his ‘bucket list’. \nJohn describes his presentation as: .“A mix of standard and narrow gauge from national and heritage locations – local-to-home WCML and East West Rail to Wales and the Midlands. Some rare shots both traction and location. 2025 was a varied year!” \nDoors open 13:30 for 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/agm-and-my-travels-in-2025-rail-200-and-more/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/April-2026-John-Tigg-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260414T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260414T163000 DTSTAMP:20251126T160659Z CREATED:20251126T160659Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T160659Z UID:10003307-1776175200-1776184200@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:The Vintage Trains Story - To a Train Operating Company DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City Branch presentation by Mike Corbett. \nDetails to follow. \nDoors open 13:30 for 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/the-vintage-trains-story-to-a-train-operating-company/ LOCATION:HTC Hitchin\, St Mark's Church\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260331T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260331T163000 DTSTAMP:20260303T113839Z CREATED:20251126T115900Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T113839Z UID:10003306-1774965600-1774974600@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:The Harwich Branch DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City Branch presentation by Dave Goodyear. \nThe Harwich branch has a rich and varied history\, with its combination of named  boat trains to Parkeston Quay and extensive freight services for the Harwich Train Ferries\, as well as local passenger and goods services.  The line was electrified in 1986 but this unfortunately heralded the start of major changes in traffic flow which resulted in the loss of much of the branch traffic. \nThis talk will cover the branch history from its opening in 1854 through to the present day\, showing the variety of trains through the steam\, diesel and electric eras\, along with the key branch infrastructure. \nDoors open 13:30 for 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/the-harwich-branch/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/March-2026-Dave-Goodyear-Harwich-June-1-1960-65445-13_51-to-Parketson-Quay-workmens-train.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260310T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260310T163000 DTSTAMP:20260303T114102Z CREATED:20251126T115602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T114102Z UID:10003305-1773151200-1773160200@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Timetable Planning - A Dark Art\, Plus More. DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City Branch presentation by Dave Hepper. \nAfter a career in Operational Planning\, retired Anglia Train Planning Manager Dave Hepper will be talking on how (and how not) to plan a timetable. But not just timetabling\, Dave will also explain how traction and traincrew diagrams resource the timetable\, and touch on traincrew rosters too. \nA complex subject\, but by using examples from the Elizabeth line timetable\, where Dave retired after 43 years service\, hopefully the myth that timetabling is a ‘Dark Art’ can be dispelled. \nDoors open 13:30 for 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/timetable-planning-a-dark-art-plus-more/ LOCATION:HTC Hitchin\, St Mark's Church\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260224T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260224T163000 DTSTAMP:20251126T115032Z CREATED:20251126T115032Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T115032Z UID:10003304-1771941600-1771950600@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Appalachian Wanderings DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City Branch presentation by Tony Field. \nDetails to follow. \nDoors open at 13:30 for 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/appalachian-wanderings/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260210T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260210T163000 DTSTAMP:20251126T114432Z CREATED:20251126T114432Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T114432Z UID:10003302-1770732000-1770741000@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:The Last Years of Steam 1966-1967 DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City Branch presentation by Michael Smyth. \nDetails to follow. \nDoors open 13:30 for  14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/the-last-years-of-steam-1966-1967/ LOCATION:HTC Hitchin\, St Mark's Church\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260127T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260127T163000 DTSTAMP:20251126T114747Z CREATED:20251126T114747Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T114747Z UID:10003303-1769522400-1769531400@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Six Months at Stratford Depot - My recollections from 1988 DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City Branch meeting. \nDetails to follow. \nDoors open at 13:30 for 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/six-months-at-stratford-depot-my-recollections-from-1988/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260113T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260113T163000 DTSTAMP:20251126T112448Z CREATED:20251126T110758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T112448Z UID:10003301-1768312800-1768321800@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Eurostar - 30 Years & Counting DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City Branch presentation by Chris McCanless. \nDetails to follow. \nDoors open at 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/eurostar-30-years-counting/ LOCATION:HTC Hitchin\, St Mark's Church\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251230T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251230T163000 DTSTAMP:20251126T110132Z CREATED:20250728T152531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T110132Z UID:10003136-1767103200-1767112200@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Six Decades of the Settle & Carlisle DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City Branch presentation by Michael Smyth. \nThis presentation covers the changing scene on the Settle and Carlisle from the 1960s to the present day.  It features the slow decline in traffic towards its planned closure\, refusal of closure\, and subsequent resurgence of traffic through to the present day. \nIllustrated by my own and unpublished images taken throughout this period capturing not just the trains but the scenic setting of this line in its ever changing and at time extreme weathers. \nMichael Smyth \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start to the presentation. There will be an extended interval for Christmas/New Year “nibbles”. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/six-decades-of-the-settle-carlisle/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/Dec-2025-Michael-Smyth.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251209T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251209T163000 DTSTAMP:20251126T105846Z CREATED:20250728T151457Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T105846Z UID:10003134-1765288800-1765297800@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Sugar\, Steam and Sunsets (Java) DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City Branch presentation by David Longman. \nIn the early years of this century\, David Longman made a series of trips to photograph the remaining steam locomotives working on the narrow gauge sugar lines in Java.  Unwilling to join an organised group he travelled the length of the island by bus\, motorcycle and becak\, locating the various ‘pabrik gula’ and bringing back a snapshot not only of the railways but also the lives of the people of this Indonesian island.  Whilst there is now little or nothing left of these wonderful little railways\, as road transport has rendered them largely redundant\, David will be recalling the people he met\, the ‘Beast Of Tasik Madu’ and places his visited during his photographic wanderings. \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. \nThere will be an extended interval break! (with Christmas “nibbles”) URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/sugar-stam-and-sunsets-java/ LOCATION:HTC Hitchin\, St Mark's Church\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/Dec-2025-Dave-Longman.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251125T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251125T163000 DTSTAMP:20250728T152108Z CREATED:20250728T152108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250728T152108Z UID:10003135-1764079200-1764088200@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:The Changing Scene on the WCML Southern Section\, 1930s to the present day. DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City Branch presentation by Rob Freeman. \nDetails to follow. \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 presentation start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/the-changing-scene-on-the-wcml-southern-section-1930s-to-the-present-day/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251111T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251111T163000 DTSTAMP:20251029T181742Z CREATED:20250728T150835Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251029T181742Z UID:10003133-1762869600-1762878600@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:From Litchurch Lane to Temple Mills via Paris - A working life on the rails. DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City Branch presentation by Hugh Driscoll. \n(This replaces the previously advertised presentation) \nHugh will be describing his railway career\, from his initial training at Derby Carriage Works\nthrough varied BR engineering training scheme placements\, then on to working in depots for\nBR\, Intercity and Eurostar in a variety of roles. \nHugh will also describe time he spent working for Network Rail on the Anglia Zone\, dealing\nwith infrastructure specialists and train operators. \nDoors open 13:30\, presentation starts 14:00. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/25-years-of-early-diesels-1959-1984/ LOCATION:HTC Hitchin\, St Mark's Church\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/Nov-2025-Hugh-Driscoll.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251028T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251028T163000 DTSTAMP:20250629T145346Z CREATED:20250629T145346Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250629T145346Z UID:10003115-1761660000-1761669000@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Memories of a Gorleston Spotter (part 2) DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Chris Wright. \nDetails to follow. \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/memories-of-a-gorleston-spotter-part-2/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251014T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251014T163000 DTSTAMP:20251002T143839Z CREATED:20250629T145045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251002T143839Z UID:10003114-1760450400-1760459400@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:The Last Four Years of Steam DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by George Howe. \nGeorge tells us that: \nThis will be a slide show which will take you back to the steam era 1964 to 1968 if you were around in that time. If younger hopefully it will show life\, and how I travelled about to capture live steam. \nI travelled all four regions to where steam locomotives were still in use\, and witnessed diesels coming in to replace them. Steam gradually disappearing over this time\, leaving the last area of the country to see them being the north west of England. \nThe reason for my title of this presentation is\, I started using slide films in 1964\, and steam finally came to an end in 1968. About sixty one years ago when I started with slide films\, and four years before steam on service trains finally disappeared. \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/the-last-four-years-of-steam-2/ LOCATION:St Marks Church Hall\, Hitchin SG5 1UR\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250930T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250930T163000 DTSTAMP:20250821T102758Z CREATED:20250629T144728Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T102758Z UID:10003113-1759240800-1759249800@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:The Doncaster Rover DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Stephen Gay. \nTravelling from Frickley to Finningly\, Mexborough to Moorends and Bentley\, Bessacarr to Bawtry. This is a railway journey which criss-crosses the Doncaster borough. Using Stephen’s slides taken over the last 40 years\, the presentation will also look at waterways and historic buildings. We will also take a bus journey\, helping to locate lost lines and stations! \n(Information provided by Stephen Gay) \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/the-doncaster-rover/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/Sept-2025-Steven-Gay.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250909T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250909T163000 DTSTAMP:20250821T103921Z CREATED:20250629T144333Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T103921Z UID:10003112-1757426400-1757435400@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:The Midland Main Line - Bedford to St Pancras DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation\, from the Peter Bland Collection\, by Bryan Cross. \nA digital presentation of images mostly scanned directly from the negatives of Peter Bland & Harold Clements. \nWe will travel along the ex-Midland Main Line\, Bedford to St Pancras & Moorgate. Looking at the early history\, aided by maps & diagrams but mostly photographs covering the period mid 1950’s to 1961 and the end steam hauled suburban services. \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. \n  URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/the-midland-main-line-bedford-to-st-pancras/ LOCATION:HTC Hitchin\, St Mark's Church\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/Sept-2025-Bryan-Cross-45614-on-8.52-ex-Bradford-to-St-Pancras-at-Flitwick-1.10.1959.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250810 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250811 DTSTAMP:20250611T110624Z CREATED:20250526T134804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T110624Z UID:10003079-1754784000-1754870399@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:The Annual August Outing DESCRIPTION:BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW \nThe Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City Branch outing for 2025 is on 10th August to the Mid Suffolk Light Railway\, at Brockford Station\, Wetheringsett\, Stowmarket\, Suffolk\, IP14 5PW – AND – to the Big Bus Show at Stonham Barns\, Pettaugh Road\, Stonham Aspal\, Suffolk\, IP14 6AT\n(These locationa are approx 6 miles apart.) \nThe visit is expected to start at Stonham Barns and we will be using the heritage bus service from Stonham to and from the MSLR. \nSpecial prices have been obtained for this visit and places must be pre-booked with our Branch Secretary. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/the-annual-august-outing/ LOCATION:Mid Suffolk Light Railway\, Wetheringsett\, Stowmarket\, Suffolk\, IP14 5PW CATEGORIES:HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Outdoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250729T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250729T163000 DTSTAMP:20250629T141029Z CREATED:20241215T121610Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250629T141029Z UID:10002962-1753797600-1753806600@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:UK Railways in the 21st Century DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by John Day. \nA presentation taken year on year for the first 25 years of the 21st Century looking at everyday service trains\, passenger\, freight\, locomotive  units\, both diesel and electric multiple units that run regularly in public and freight timetabled service. \nLivery and franchise changes will feature without delving into statistical analysis. Special liveries will feature where appropriate and space within each year allow. The images featured will be from personal travels around the UK\, especially as the network moved from loco hauled passenger trains to set formations built around  the InterCity 125 staple. It is hoped you will enjoy the variety presented and my apologies if I might have missed\, or not photographed one of your favourites. So much has changed this century\, with much more to come as the Department for Transport take the franchised railway back into public ownership. \nJohn Day \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/uk-railways-in-the-21st-century/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/July-2025-John-Day-1-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250708T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250708T163000 DTSTAMP:20250623T135242Z CREATED:20241215T120526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250623T135242Z UID:10002959-1751983200-1751992200@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:On Great Eastern Lines Since 1991 DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Geoff Brockett. \nIn Geoff’s own words – “The show is based on a presentation I did for the Great Eastern Railway Society and depicts trains on lines originally wholly or jointly owned by the Great Eastern Railway. The photos were taken between 1990 and 2023 – and there is an emphasis on loco-hauled trains”. \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/on-great-eastern-lines-since-1991/ LOCATION:St Marks Church Hall\, Hitchin SG5 1UR\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/July-2025-Geoff-Brockett-2-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250624T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250624T163000 DTSTAMP:20250509T101142Z CREATED:20241215T121308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250509T101142Z UID:10002961-1750773600-1750782600@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:The West Somerset Railway - Plus More DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Richard Morris. \nFollowing the opening of the Bristol and Exeter Railway in 1845 there were soon thoughts about connecting it to the West Somerset and North Devon coastal towns. These discussions didn’t get very far until Mr Brunel was engaged. In 1862 a railway was constructed and opened between Taunton and Watchet. This was extended to Minehead in 1874. “There were minerals in them therr Zummerzet hills” which were waiting to be mined. Thankfully the West Somerset Railway has survived and we know it now as one of the longest heritage railways in the country. \nThe second half will be a mix of all sorts of things\, modern traction\, steam from around the country\, a little bit from a European holiday\, and from being ‘out and about in 2024. \nRichard Morris \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/the-west-somerset-railway-plus-more/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/June-2025-2-Richard-Morris-Welwyn-1-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250610T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250610T163000 DTSTAMP:20250509T100351Z CREATED:20241215T120107Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250509T100351Z UID:10002958-1749564000-1749573000@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:A 12th Colour Rail Journey DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Paul Chancellor. \nOur twelfth Colour-Rail Journey will be the last and in a change for those preceding it \, it tells about the life of a trainspotter from those first experiences to the twist and turns that led to a keen interest in railway photography \, both archive and current. However note that it does not mean that Colour-Rail is closing!\nTales of spotting expeditions that went to plan\, but also some that did not\, would not be believed possible by today’s younger generations. These are illustrated with pictures from the 1950s to the present day which will stir memories of your own ‘spotting lives. \n Paul Chancellor \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/a-12th-colour-rail-journey/ LOCATION:St Marks Church Hall\, Hitchin SG5 1UR\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/June-2025-2-Paul-Chancellor-Hitchin-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250527T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250527T163000 DTSTAMP:20250430T131241Z CREATED:20241215T120917Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T131241Z UID:10002960-1748354400-1748363400@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:That Was The Year That Was 1972 DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Geoff Plumb. \nGeoff Plumb returns with another of his popular “That Was the Year That Was” series of presentations. With his usual excellent standard of railway photography\, this time it’s the turn of 1972 and we can expect the presentation to include more of Geoff’s many days out around and about\, including UK scenes in Brighton\, Bristol and the London area\, among others.\nThis time the presentation also features West Germany quite strongly\, but the main event sees a visit to South Africa\, Swaziland and Mozambique for a feast of steam\, in repose and in action! \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/that-was-the-year-that-was-1972/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/May-2025-Geoff-Plumb.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250513T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250513T163000 DTSTAMP:20250430T131342Z CREATED:20241215T104717Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T131342Z UID:10002957-1747144800-1747153800@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Cambridge Area Railways\, Yesterday & Today (Part 2) DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Dave Scudamore. \nCambridge Area Railways\, Yesterday & Today (Part 2) starts back at Cambridge and following another look around the station area heads north to Chesterton Junction where we follow the route of the St Ives line (now misguided busway).\nNext we look at the Mildenhall line as far as Fordham & then to Soham. Back at Cambridge our next journey is to Newmarket before returning to Cambridge for a shed visit before\, time permitting\, heading south via the goods line towards Audley End. \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/cambridge-area-railways-yesterday-today-part-2/ LOCATION:St Marks Church Hall\, Hitchin SG5 1UR\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/May-2025-David-Scudamore-61306-Cambridge-North-310819-copyright-David-Scudamore.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250429T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250429T163000 DTSTAMP:20250326T103130Z CREATED:20241213T175509Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T103130Z UID:10002956-1745935200-1745944200@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Sir Nigel Gresley\, His Life and Work DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Simon Martin. \nFollowing on from last year’s lecture on Edward Thompson\, we now turn our attention to his predecessor’s work and designs\, using fresh sources of primary information compared alongside previously conceived and published research. We can review his work and see in a fresh light with better understanding the real achievements and innovations Sir Nigel Gresley led the way in for the railway industry as a whole. In addition\, we examine all of Gresley’s designs and those of other engineers he modified during his tenure\, and how he encouraged and nurtured others who would ultimately succeed him.\nAll of this is fully supported with a wealth of references\, tables\, graphs and a fabulous array of photographs\, many of which have never been in print before\, as we utilise the resources and archives of the Gresley Society.\n Simon Martin \nDoors open at 13:00 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/sir-nigel-gresley-his-life-and-work/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/April-2025-Simon-Martin.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250408T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250408T163000 DTSTAMP:20250326T102912Z CREATED:20241213T175010Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T102912Z UID:10002955-1744120800-1744129800@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:A Caledonian Collection DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Roger Pidgeon. \nIn the photo – \nCaledonian express locomotive No 78 at the West Walls engine shed\, just north of Carlisle Citadel Station . Loco rebuilt 1868. Photo around early 1870s\nNote the 8 ft driving wheel \, the big Crewe end and the Giffard injector by the cab door. \nDoors open at 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/a-caledonian-collection/ LOCATION:St Marks Church Hall\, Hitchin SG5 1UR\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/April-2025-Roger-Pidgeon.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250325T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250325T163000 DTSTAMP:20241205T163150Z CREATED:20241205T163150Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241205T163150Z UID:10002922-1742911200-1742920200@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:AGM and German Steam DESCRIPTION:The Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch AGM followed by a presentation by George Howe. \nDetails to follow. \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/agm-and-german-steam/ LOCATION:HTC Welwyn\, Digswell Village Church Hall\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 0DH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250311T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250311T163000 DTSTAMP:20241205T162730Z CREATED:20241205T162730Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241205T162730Z UID:10002921-1741701600-1741710600@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:1960's Cine Miscellany DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by David Percival. \nDetails to follow. \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/1960s-cine-miscellany/ LOCATION:St Marks Church Hall\, Hitchin SG5 1UR\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR CATEGORIES:Branch Meetings,HTC Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City,Indoor Event END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR