Sunday 23rd October saw working parties employed on a number of the jobs for this winter. Treating the sleepers, preparing steel for extra steaming bays and the carriage siding. The concrete base is already in place as can be seen below.

 Many hands make light work!

 Measure twice, cut once!

However subterfuge was also going on in the clubhouse! Two of our long standing members are about to reach their 65th birthdays, Ian & Brian.  Unbeknown to them a surprise party was being prepared, thanks to the generosity & baking skills of several members & their wives a buffet tea was arranged.

 Finally it was time for the surprise.

Both gentlemen were presented with a birthday present.

 For those who may not know, there is some fun rivalry at the track about GWR engines & the local LNER. Ian is a staunch LNER man & so was presented with a beautifully made miniature 'copper cap' chimney, a trade mark of GWR.

Brian is noted for his efforts to win the whiskey raffle prize whenever possible & was presented with a customised white stick, complete with whiskey bottle holder, bike bell & sign 'blind drunk'.

Next it was time for the 'boys' to cut their cake.
                             
Ian's day was made complete when his wife Jackie drove off round the track on his engine!


Brian & Ian would like to thank all those involved in making this mile stone in their lives so memorable!