BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Railway Correspondence & Travel Society - ECPv6.16.5//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH 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:20230326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20231029T010000 END:STANDARD 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 END:VTIMEZONE 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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250225T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250225T163000 DTSTAMP:20250124T142932Z CREATED:20241205T162252Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250124T142932Z UID:10002920-1740492000-1740501000@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Remembering my Lines DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Colin Brading. \n‘Remembering My Lines’ is a personal ‘photographic potpourri’ of many and varied railway themes. On a wide-ranging journey\, Colin will share favourite scenes\, places and images that span from his early years with notebooks on platforms to the present-day\, reflecting a life-long passion for railways and a fifty-year career as a professional railway engineer. \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/remembering-my-lines-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 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/Feb-2025-Colin-Brading-IOM.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250211T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250211T163000 DTSTAMP:20250124T142526Z CREATED:20241205T161905Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250124T142526Z UID:10002919-1739282400-1739291400@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:The Last Decade at Hitchin DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Richard Allen. \nIn the presenter’s own words: \nI will be presenting Part 2 of recent goings-on at Hitchin\, covering the last 11 years or so\, where I have tried to record (work commitments\, Covid-19 etc permitting!) as much as possible of the happenings on the local railway scene. \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/the-last-decade-at-hitchin/ 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/Feb-2025-Richard-Allen-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250128T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250128T163000 DTSTAMP:20241213T173829Z CREATED:20241130T120530Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241213T173829Z UID:10002907-1738072800-1738081800@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Memories of a Gorleston Spotter (Part 1) DESCRIPTION:A presentation by Chris Wright for the Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch. \nFrom the presenter\, in his own words: \nChris Wright grew up in the 1950s and 60s in the Norfolk seaside town of Gorleston-on-Sea. His talk covers memories of early days spotting in Norfolk: on holidays with the family\, and numerous school holiday stays with relatives in Hitchin between 1959 and 1965\, where he became an honorary member of the local spotting fraternity\, and with whom he did many trips in pursuit of steam as it receded from the East of England. His talk is in two parts\, the first on Tuesday 28th January 2025 and the second on Tuesday 28th October 2025 \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/memories-of-a-gorleston-spotter-part-1/ 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/Jan-2025-Chris-Wright-a-repeat.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250114T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250114T163000 DTSTAMP:20241214T222624Z CREATED:20241130T115746Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241214T222624Z UID:10002906-1736863200-1736872200@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:North from Kings Cross - Photos from the RCTS Archive DESCRIPTION:A Presentation by David Jackman for the Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City Branch. \nDavid Jackman will present a photographic review of the southern ECML as seen through the lens of the society’s photographic archive. This will feature both steam and diesel eras – not completely forgetting the electric era – with the odd deviation along the way. \nIn the photo Class B1 No. 61272 on the up ‘Butlins Holiday Express’ at Hitchin 2/7/60 (Courtney Haydon) \nPlease note that this will be at the new venue in Hitchin and will start at 14:00. \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/north-from-kings-cross-photos-from-the-rcts-archive/ LOCATION:St Marks Church Hall\, Hitchin SG5 1UR\, St Mark's Close\, Lancaster Avenue\, Hitchin\, Hertfordshire\, SG5 1UR CATEGORIES: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/Jan-2025-David-Jackman-2-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241217T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241217T163000 DTSTAMP:20241213T170223Z CREATED:20240829T132330Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241213T170223Z UID:10002820-1734444000-1734453000@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Hitchin & Potton Snippets DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by George Howe.\nThis replaces the previously advertised presentation. \nIn the words of the presenter = \nI moved to Potton in August 1952\, aged 10\, into a railway cottage next to the Bedford to Cambridge branch\, very near to Potton Station. I met some new friends and cycled to Sandy with them\, and soon found there was such a hobby as train spotting.\nBy Spring 1953 I brought my first ABC books – for the Eastern and Midland regions. Seventy one years later I have still not been cured.\nAfter leaving school at 15\, with a story attached which will come to light in my talk\, I became Telegraph Lad at HF. Hitchin South signal box.\nThroughout my railway career\, I later relieved\, worked\, was involved with engineering work\, and various emergencies at Hitchin on many occasions.\nThese experiences have made many “snippets”. \nAt this pre-Christmas meeting there will be “festive nibbles” available to all attendees! \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/railway-preservation-in-france/ 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-2024-George-Howe.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241210T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241210T220000 DTSTAMP:20241213T165932Z CREATED:20240829T131620Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241213T165932Z UID:10002818-1733859000-1733868000@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Five Go to Swansea - Part 2 DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Chris Jones. \nIn the words of the presenter – \nResearching for a part two on Swansea stations has proved an interesting challenge. However the material has been coming in and the coverage will be extensive after all there were over 30 stations listed at one time and some like Grovesend are a rare sight. The Swansea 00 gauge modellers group often bring insights to long lost collieries. \nAt this pre-Christmas meeting there will be “festive nibbles” available to all attendees! \nDoors open 19:00 for a 19:30 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/five-go-to-swansea-part-2/ 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/Mumbles-train-1923-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241126T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241126T163000 DTSTAMP:20241010T143154Z CREATED:20240829T132008Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241010T143154Z UID:10002819-1732629600-1732638600@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Colchester in the Age of Steam DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Dave Goodyear. \nColchester has much to interest the railway enthusiast and historian. Within its original borough boundaries it had a major junction\, three stations and associated goods yards\, a motive power depot and a quay tramway. Passenger traffic included large numbers of holiday trains to the Norfolk and Essex coasts\, and boat trains to Parkeston Quay in addition to the regular services. Local industries and the quay at Hythe provided for significant goods traffic. In the period up to the end of steam in September 1962 the area underwent major changes\, with the rapid introduction of diesel traction\, the first application by BR of 25kV AC electrification and a major station rebuild with associated track layout changes. \nDoors open 13:30 for a 14:00 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/colchester-in-the-age-of-steam-3/ 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/Nov-2024-580913-Colchester-65457-3_44-to-Cambridge-via-Sudbury.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241112T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241112T220000 DTSTAMP:20241012T102859Z CREATED:20240829T131101Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241012T102859Z UID:10002817-1731439800-1731448800@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:The 11th Colour Rail Journey DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Paul Chancellor. \nThe spotter of 1964 could record some 280 different classes of locomotives and units if they travelled throughout the country and we will see most of them during our ramble around the UK.\nThe photo is in the North East at Tyne Dock shed and features a 9Fs – one fitted with air pumps which could be found working the iron ore trains to Consett. \nDoors open 19:00 for a 19:30 start. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/the-11th-colour-rail-journey/ 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-2024-Paul-Chancellor-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241029T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241029T163000 DTSTAMP:20240923T133314Z CREATED:20240729T204441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240923T133314Z UID:10002743-1730210400-1730219400@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Travels Around Ukraine by Steam DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Michael Smyth. \nPictures from three trips to the Ukraine in 1993\, 1999 and 2002. These illustrate Russian designed steam locomotives at work and explains the American influence of the 1930s.\nMore importantly it aims to give an insight into the history\, geography and normal life\, in this now sadly war-torn country.\nThe picture above is a P36 class 4-8-4 on a run-past – Russia’s final post-WWII design of an express passenger engine\, of which 250 were built up to 1959. \nDoors open 13:30. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/travels-around-ukraine-by-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 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/hitchin-and-welwyn-garden-city-branch/Misc/October-2024-Michael-Smyth-043-scaled.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241008T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241008T220000 DTSTAMP:20240923T133052Z CREATED:20240729T204051Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240923T133052Z UID:10002742-1728415800-1728424800@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Mandarin Madness - Solo Travels in China DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by David Longman. \nWhat do you do if you want to photograph steam in China but don’t speak the language\, can’t afford a guide or an interpreter and dislike big groups? In a moment of ‘Mandarin Madness’ you decide to go it alone of course! Dave Longman recalls the pitfalls and the pleasures of solo travel in a country in the throws of radical change. \nDoors open 19:00. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/mandarin-madness-solo-travels-in-china/ 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/October-2024-Handan-09-SY0800-and-SY1393-in-yard.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240924T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240924T163000 DTSTAMP:20240829T134728Z CREATED:20240729T203425Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T134728Z UID:10002741-1727186400-1727195400@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:Through Kirton Tunnel - Sheffield to Cleethorpes DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Stephen Gay. \nOur annual presentation from Stephen. Expect to hear the story behind each of the photos. Also expect to hear his poetry. \nDoors open 13:30 URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/through-kirton-tunnel-kirton-lindsey-to-cleethorpes/ 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-2024-Steven-Gay.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240910T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240910T220000 DTSTAMP:20240829T134539Z CREATED:20240729T202950Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T134539Z UID:10002740-1725996600-1726005600@rcts.org.uk SUMMARY:A Driver's Eye View - 48 Years on the Railway DESCRIPTION:A Hitchin & Welwyn Garden City branch presentation by Andy Grimmett. \nIn his own words – \nMy presentation looks mainly at the engineering side of my life on the railway\, showing some of the areas l had to work at\, plus a look at some of the various vehicles and equipment used\, relative to the permanent way\, spanning over 48 years in railway service at both Stratford MPD and Ilford Car Sheds.\n Andy Grimmett \nDoors open 19:00. URL:https://rcts.org.uk/event/a-drivers-eye-view-48-years-on-the-railway/ 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-2024-37047.-On-engs-train.-Stratford-area.-Aug-1995.-AFG.-1-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR