Photo:
Bev Sell - Anthea [- see Aylesbury Carnival]

Another season ended, our ninth at Quainton, and what a good steaming finale we had at our Enthusiasts weekend. Hard work by many volunteers and continued interest by the public has been the story of 1977. Attendances have not been quite as good as last year but neither has the weather. Many school parties have come to our depot and the youngsters have been able to learn some of the secrets of the steam locomotives on show. There were many grown-ups who learnt a lot from the Signalling '77 Exhibition. This was an excellent display and it made a fine attraction when combined with the museum. The VAMES narrow gauge was another popular feature and many visitors mentioned the dramatic contrast between the noble majesty of the King's boiler and the sprightly little locos on the tracks further down the yard.

During the year considerable progress has been made on the site. Under the direction of Dick Scott, the Job Creation Programme lads have done a great deal to complete the Restoration Building and to improve paths and fences. The programme has been extended and plans are underway to lay drains and to complete the steelwork of the Wembley Building. Another project is the construction of a viewing platform for the LNWR Dining Car and attention to the Laporte wagon will also be a MSC job later this year.

Talking of fences reminds me that Safety has been uppermost in our minds in 1977. Our Secretary, Roy Miller, has been appointed Safety Officer and he will be keeping everybody 'on the ball' with regard to safe working practices; so take care at Quainton and don't for example, use chipping hammers without wearing goggles.

One change has taken place in the Newsletter. As you know, Anthea Hanscomb has produced a duplicated Worksheet for many years and very good it has been. Now she has handed this job over to Nigel Halliday who will be continuing the production of an Information Sheet with up to the minute news for members working at the depot. Many thanks Anthea for your hard work; we will miss your humorous remarks and exhortations! Nigel will be aiming for six issues a year and will send out three with Quainton News- No. 1 should have been issued by the end of October.

While dealing with Editorial matters, I should mention the Wotton Tramway serial (or perhaps the lack of it!) There is only one reason why further instalments have not appeared. Space, or the lack of it has simply crowded it out. This issue is a special 28-page number for which I had to offer homage to our Treasurer. Many thanks, Andrew! Perhaps the next Wotton article will appear in 1978 if I am allowed another 28 pages.

The programme of events next year have been decided by the Executive Committee and here they are in full :-

Open Days. Easter, 25th to 27th March.
Double Steaming Days. 30th April and 1st May.
Open Days. Spring Holiday, 27th to 29th May.
Steaming Sunday. 25th June.
School Visits. 26th to 29th June (provisional).
Steaming Sunday. 20th July.
Open Days. Summer Holiday, 26th to 28th August.
Steaming Sunday. 24th September.
Steaming Sunday. 29th October.

Some thoughts for 1978 have been considered by the Executive Committee and they have discussed the possibility of operating locomotives in the up yard as soon as a satisfactory running line is ready. The next priority job for track work is the relaying of the running lines on a revised alignment as shown in the plan in this issue, (see centre pages). A revised signalling system has also been approved in principle and will be submitted to the Department of Transport for their agreement. The new restoration building in the up yard will, by the end of this year be roofed and have side cladding fixed down two metres; next year there will be further work. One particular event which should be a highlight of 1978 will be the completion of the major overhaul of the Metropolitan 0-4-4T, L44, and this will be a sure attraction to railway enthusiasts.

One project will need more help next year if it is to materialise, is the new Catering and Sales Building. At present we are about a quarter of the way towards the target of £5000, thanks largely to the home produce stall, the refreshments ladies efforts and a number of donations. Alternative schemes are being considered and we all hope better facilities can soon be provided. Cash is the problem! It always is! So a second appeal has been made.

May I close this editorial review of the prospects for the New Year by wishing you all a very Happy Xmas and a rewarding year with fellow members at Quainton in 1978.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1977 and so does not reflect events in the 38+ 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:
Editorial - Quainton News No. 33 - Winter 1977 / 8