Somerset and Bristol Area Group Meeting

The Somerset and Bristol Area Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Support Group met at 7.30pm on Monday 2^nd December 2013 at the EMI Sports and Social Club, Wells.

There were 14 Attendees, with two apologies for absence.

The meeting began with a talk by Mark Bladwell, combined with photos of the walk he made with other L&B members over the trackbed between Woody Bay and Caffyns Halt on Sunday 10th November. This was followed by an excellent buffet prepared by the Sports and Social Club.

David Edwards announced the request from Trustee Bruce Nottrodt on behalf of the L&B Trust for the group to run the L&B stand at next year's RailWells (August 2014). This was accepted with several people being supportive.

There is also the possibility of the group being actively involved with either the restoration of 4 Ton Van No. 4 or a signal cabin - the one at Woody Bay was repaired by the old Somerset Support Group. Both projects would need suitable working accommodation and the group needs to look for something in the local area,

The meeting then continued with Alan Crombie showing photos of his visit to the NRM in October - including those of carriage No. 2 which is still in an un-restored state and looking the worse for wear - plus photos of his visit to the USA and the Georgetown Loop, and also of a visit to the Llangollen Railway.

There was a consensus that a collection should be made not only to pay for the meeting room, but also to fund the buffet - this was done with the proceeds collected by Mark Bladwell, acting group treasurer.

The next area group meeting will be held on Monday January 6th at the same time and at the same location and will start with a short formal meeting to elect a minimum of three officers. Proposals are welcome in advance or at the meeting. Mark and David have expressed their interest in standing for Secretary and Chairman respectively. Also we will need to make plans not only for our meetings but also our group undertakings for 2014.

It is intended that after the short AGM there will be a chance to view some L&B archive material.

David Edwards