Another AGM is over and is reported elsewhere in this issue. It was gratifying to see the meeting so well attended and to know that so many members were taking such a keen interest in the running and well-being of our Society. Some lively debate took place and this is as it should be but perhaps it was a pity that such emphasis should have been placed on some more minor issues to the exclusion of other important matters. I believe that every subject on which a single member feels discussion is necessary should be aired but I am sure that our Society will profit by dealing more with the broader issues confronting us rather" than on specific issues and disappointments.

It is the duty of the Management Committee to maintain a responsible rate of development and to avoid a situation of financial difficulty which would inhibit progress on a broad front and could make it impossible to meet a priority expenditure if one should suddenly arise. Sometimes this duty means the Committee making a decision which is unpopular to many members. But it is their duty to make that decision.

Our Executive Committee has had to make the difficult decision; to postpone this year major expenditure on a new Sales and Refreshment Building planned for the Brill yard. We simply have insufficient cash to embark on the project. If we tried to borrow the money the loan must be serviced and repaid over a reasonably short period. A carefully conducted study of the income likely from new catering and sales facilities showed that it could not possibly support the necessary loan. So, unfortunately, we must be patient until, perhaps, next year. Maybe we will be able to make a start on the foundations using MSC labour. Certainly we will do all we can to meet the need for improved catering facilities, toilets, etc., as soon as possible.

On a more optimistic note I can report that Planning Permission was granted for Phase 1 of the Restoration Building in the Up Yard and I would like to thank the anonymous member who so kindly made us a £900 interest free loan so that the Society could have a larger share of the available space right from the start.

The new Personal Accident Insurance cover for members is reported elsewhere in this issue and this is another small but important step forward for our Society. Nobody wants to take advantage of the Scheme but it is a comfort to know that we have a little more protection if we do run into trouble. Good luck and take care!

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1977 and so does not reflect events in the 36+ 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. 32 - Summer 1977