ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ETC... 

On Saturday the 16th August we held our Annual General Meeting after the open day. This was followed by the usual "bun fight", an American supper.

No doubt a report of the AGM will appear elsewhere in due course.

What is worth reporting is the list of achievements at the box between last years AGM and this one.

It's quite an impressive list and highlights the work that goes on behind the scenes...

• Opening of the Audrey Gebbie Discovery Centre by Audrey in Sept 24: a special day indeed.
• New signage strategically placed around the site. These new signs are very clear and impressive. worth studying next time you are on site.
• New leaflets and trail guide for visitors.
• Sleepers changed and track ballast topped up.
• Facing point lock installed. Thanks to Bob Howes of Watercress Line for the components.
• Associated detection on the point installed and linked to relocated ground signal.
• Another loco (LSWR M7) purchased for the signalling demonstration railway in the discovery centre and further developments being planned.
• A programme of schools visits has started, co-ordinated by Hampshire Country Council education department, mainly for Special Educational Needs. Overall a positive experience, and a real breakthrough.
• Group visits have been organised for Scouts, Cubs and Brownies, and other groups such as U3Aand the Southampton Transport Heritage Trust. A group visit by pupils from Totton college was run by Noah and Hayden who both attend there.
• The long discussed clear out of the shed and lean-to released lots of surplus equipment which was donated to Swanage, Shillingstone and the Watercress Line. In return items for new displays have been acquired.
• Annie has joined Clarabelle on the garden railway (another coach, for those who don’t remember the Awdry railway stories).
• Cowley Bridge Junction has been handed over by Alan Johnston and Andy Wright is looking after it. We also now have the training unit for CBJ. Transporting the full Cowley Bridge Jn installation is difficult and causes faults, and so the training unit will be used for Romsey Show.
• Work has started on a new computerised simulator for Romsey SB.
• We had official visits by the local MP ( Caroline Nokes) and three Mayors (Romsey Town Mayors from 2024 and 2025, and the 2024 Mayor of Test Valley).
• Signalling appreciation courses have been held by Colin Varney for members and will be offered to the public.
• Visits were made to St Albans signal box plus the Gartell Light Railway and Shillingstone. Further visits are proposed. These are by minibus which is kindly organised and driven by Dick.

PHEW!

There was a great deal of other work carried out throughout the year by various volunteers, for which we are extremely grateful.

All this means the signal box site is becoming a very professional, well structured and organised attraction. We regularly receive high praise from the visiting public, which is very rewarding.

Dave