Despite a rather rough ride at the AGM, I remain at the regulator in the knowledge that there is a long climb ahead with not much fuel left. Thankfully a 'Banker' awaits, but he is expensive.

I refer of course to the rejections by a record turnout of members at the AGM, of the motions to dispose of some relics for preservation elsewhere. These motions were put forward to tidy up the Centre, ensure their preservation, raise some much needed capital for further development and pay off some of the debts. The latter is rising with the overspend of Coventry No. 1 as 'The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre's Thomas'.

With my other hat on as Director of Finance, now Financial Controller, it made good business sense to dispose of these 'surplus' relics. They detract from the restored relics, are currently beyond our means, (financial and manpower), to restore or house under cover. The sales proceeds would restore the balance sheet to a healthy one.

With my Chairman's hat on, it was heartening to see so many members treasure our collection which is undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive in the country. If actions are as loud as words, we should achieve our mission in record time.

In any event, my conscience remains clear and I still believe these relics stand more chance of being preserved in other people's hands. (Members, PLEASE prove me wrong!).

It will be a struggle in the short term though. The 'in built' maintenance in our locomotives has gone and major overhauls will cost many tens of thousands of pounds. The overhaul of Coventry has been a case in point. However, if we neglect the core of our business, we shall soon be in financial difficulties.

The lack of sales proceeds has meant the deferment of the upgrade of the Down Yard track and budgets pruned elsewhere. Expenditure to cosmetically improve the Centre has not been cut, BUT we shall have to rely on our Banker, (Barclays), to help us if the projected income falls short.

The 'new' Executive has asked me to get tougher. So it's no longer 'Mr Nice Guy' and those members who make the Centre untidy, particularly on major open days, had better watch out. I do not however, plan to assume the role of General Manager. This much needed position remains vacant.

The Coal Merchant has departed but his bagging plant and tractor have yet to go. The land will be used for additional sidings, funds or free track permitting and if the point connection goes in and Days Out base some coaches at the Centre.

The point connection is still very much alive and we remain optimistic that it will soon be installed. The benefit of having Days Out at the BRC are to increase the use of this connection to keep it's maintenance cost low. (This is based on 'inverted usage' - the more it is used, the more traffic is generated, the lower the charge), to have some plated Rolling Stock available for our use and the possibility of some prestigious locomotives on occasions. Negotiations will start once we know for sure that the point is going in.

The need for more permanent way to upgrade the Down Yard and provide more sidings in the Up Yard remains critical. If anyone knows of redundant track 'going cheap' and has an inside contact, please let us know.

King Edward has not returned to the BRC for it's overhaul after 5 years on the main line and we are in the process of buying out the group's share in the Up Yard shed. It is sad to lose such a fine locomotive from our collection but the group were adamant that they would not move by road.

Although it is ......... at a secret location in the midlands, I see it at a distance every day as I drive to work in Banbury. (It has been parted from it's Tender but outwardly looks intact.

At the AGM we experienced the fiasco which had been predicted by the Executive when the rules were changed to require each person standing for election to the Exec, to obtain 50% or more of the votes of the members present. This year we had 6 places to fill with 11 candidates. After 4 rounds of voting, only 4 places were filled, leaving 2 vacant. Changes will be made to prevent a repeat which may require an GEM.

No one came forward to take on the position of Honorary Treasurer and Tony Lyster has agreed to act temporarily until a replacement is found. Anyone with experience of Bookkeeping who can get to the Centre regularly PLEASE COME FORWARD! Training will be given.

The overhaul of The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre's Thomas is proving to be the usual cliff-hanger to meet the launch planned for 10th June. The boiler repairs are behind schedule. The tyres, (now to be turned at Swindon), and the Steam chest repairs are also running late. The odds on success are still favourable. The contracts of the temporary workforce are being extended to midnight on June 9th!