Photo:
John Parsons - Our Secretary exchanges the pen for the shovel!

After the Open Days weekend such as we had at Easter all the trials and tribulations of preparing for visitors after the long winter seem very worthwhile. This year we had a record number of people at Quainton and they so obviously enjoyed themselves that we soon forgot the problems which, a few days before, had seemed so significant and important. We should not underestimate the pleasure our visitors experience when they see our old rolling stock and relics and show their children the delights of a railway steam engine in action. Even a stint of duty in the car park has its compensations when you can see the youngsters getting all excited when they first hear a locomotive whistle from the direction of the station!

Our Open Days also give us our only real source of income and we must continue to do everything possible to maintain their popularity. This year has started very well indeed and the number of willing members giving their help has shown a welcome increase. Nevertheless we still need more members agreeable to giving a few pleasant hours, perhaps organising side shows or other stands with interesting activities. Any attractions at Quainton which will earn us a little more cash will automatically lead to an increased rate of development of the site. Sometimes a hobby requires a lot of hard work and devotion to the cause! Any athlete or footballer will concur! The rewards however justify the effort and it is a great feeling to know that we are creating something for posterity and at the same time giving the present generation pleasure.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1976 and so does not reflect events in the 39+ years since publication. The text and photographs are repeated verbatim from the original publication, with only a few minor grammar changes but some clarifying notes are added if deemed necessary. The photos from the original publication are provided as scans in this internet version of this long out of print publication.

Reference:
The Secretary's Page - Quainton News No. 28 - Summer 1976