Welcome to the 9^th issue of the S.R.S. newsletter, I realise that it is quite close to No 8 but I felt this would be a good time to produce one then it could be distributed along with the Spring 2001 program. Additionally any member who did not attend the A.G.M. would then be kept up to date with society's progress.

It somehow seemed appropriate that the Vice-President gave the first meeting of the autumn program. Fred showed a selection of slides, which had been the basis of the reserve show for the previous year. As the title suggested this was a tour around some of the main lines of England, some preserved lines and some special shots taken at the N.Y.M.R. With a commentary to match the superb slides shown, this was an excellent start to the new season of S.R.S. meetings.

The second meeting of the Winter Program should have been David McLean but because of the fuel blockade at that time it was very risky for him to attempt the journey from Diss. At very short notice Ray Anthony kindly volunteered to show a selection of slides which had, co-incidentally had just returned from the processors. Ray had been on a photographic tour in and around London so this provided the basis for a tour of the Capitol's railways. Many thanks to Ray for helping out at the last minute.

"Have Stopwatch Will Travel" was the title chosen by Mr. Peter Semmens who visited the S.R.S. on the 29^th September. Peter is probably best known for his articles in the Railway Magazine and his exploits as official timekeeper on many speed record attempts. The members were treated to literally a tour around the world given by a speaker with much knowledge and expertise. Peter had also been for many years the assistant keeper of the N.R.M. so in this post he had witnessed many items of interest within the world of railways. Much of this was included in his lecture, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

As one would expect from a photographer with 39 books to his credit Gavin Morrison was superb, although to most members' surprise including mine, much of his work featured modern image. His explanation for this was when steam finished in 1968 he was inconsolable so after photographing the K. &W. V. R. for a few of years he turned to his present subject. Gavin took the audience backwards through the years showing 50 slides for each decade, finishing in the 1960s, when steam was supreme. The final selection of slides were taken in and around Leeds, and all colour, a fitting end to a remarkable presentation.

The meeting of October 27^th saw three society members combine to give a presentation about a visit to Germany made in 1999. Ray Anthony, Terry Digney and Dave Miller traveled to Wuppertal for a visit to an unusual monorail, which runs in this area and follows the river for much of its length. Opened in 1901 this system is 13 kilometers in length and has 28 electrically driven articulated carriages, which by 1960 had carried over a million passengers! With a steam gala visited for good measure this proved to be a very enjoyable and unusual trip.

Graham Hand is without doubt the most versatile speaker who visits our society, having previously spoken on the paddle steamer Waverley, the Three Castles and then on November 10^th he gave a very knowledgeable lecture about the Green Goddesses.

A unique book written by Graham, which was 5 years in the writing, was frequently referred to during his talk. The profits of this book are donated to the Fire Museum in Sheffield. The Green Goddess story is pretty special and when built were years ahead of their time and in many ways can still hold their own with the sophisticated fire engines of today. Out of the 4000 built approximately 1000 still exist, the vast majority of these owned by the Home Office and the signs indicate that these special vehicles will be around for many years to come. By sheer coincidence Graham on his way to give this talk passed within a couple of miles of five of these engines which were on duty in York city center. When the river in York overflowed its banks these engines were drafted in to help with pumping operations. Ironic or what?

The final speaker of the year attracted the best attendance of the autumn program; this I feel was entirely due to the fact, it was Les Nixon. His opening comments revealed during the previous week he had driven 350 miles to give a presentation in Cornwall, which illustrates the enthusiasm and dedication he has for the hobby. "A to Z of Railways" was the title for his presentation and the S.R.S. members were privileged to see its inaugural showing. As the title would suggest it is a selection of slides that begin in Australia and proceed through the alphabet ending in Zambia. We have had many well-known and famous people at the S.R.S. but in my opinion Les is the best, his commentary and photography are second to none. Every shot was superb and every one had a story to tell, foreign railways possibly do not have the same attraction as their English counterparts, but with this speaker one could not fail to be interested. A truly enjoyable evening with so many interesting facets, none more so than the legacy of British built railway infrastructure still found in working condition around the world.

Apart from weekends the railway is now on Winter Maintenance so I shall refrain from a detailed report. If however any S.R.S. member is interested in this matter we are now an affiliated member of the N.Y.M.R. and receive a copy of the "Moorsline" the in house magazine of the railway. Each issue features up to date reports on all the locos, coaches, wagons and other railway matters so if any body wishes to have a browse, please give me a ring.

The two Gala Weekends held in the Autumn were extremely successful, the first being the Autumn Steam Gala when the railway managed to put twelve locos in traffic which was not quite as many as was reported in one of the railway magazines but still very good. On the Sunday morning Fred and I happened to be at the M.P.D. and the duty cleaner's comments, I thought, put it all in perspective. He said, "How many people this morning have overseen the preparation and cleaning of three Pacific's? What a privilege." After all the boiler problems that other railways seem to have had lately I think the management deserve a great deal of credit. The Wartime Weekend broke many records and the railway was as busy as I have ever seen it, even on a Thomas Weekends. I think the documentary about the railway shown on ITV the proceeding Monday evening contributed enormously! The first member of the N.Y.M.R. seen on this program was John Fletcher who was the driver on the K1 when the society rode on the GWR Saloon last June. He has also agreed to speak to the S.R.S. about his early days as a fireman with BR. This is the last meeting in May next year and no doubt there will be plenty of stories about happenings on the footplate in deepest Lancashire.

The Diesel Gala was a washout really, because of flooding the visiting locos from E.L.R. could not even leave the shed as in numerous places between Bury and York the line was flooded. However the Fragonset Class 31s faired somewhat better, they arrived on the Saturday, which about doubled the number of diesel locos in traffic. Passenger figures were very low all weekend but with all the associated weather problems and no heat on the trains this was to be expected. This event as with any other takes a great deal of organising and it was so disappointing to see months of preparatory work go down the drain!

Quite a lot of these, I am pleased to say George is better and back at Pickering with paint brush in his hand again.

As I mentioned earlier we are now an affiliated member of the N.Y.M.R. which in effect means we receive a copy of the "Moorsline" and have two membership cards which entitles the holders to travel half price on the railway. Any member who wishes to make use of a card should contact the secretary for details.

The committee is to instigate a Christmas Photographic competition; the idea is that the winning photo will be used for the society Christmas card in 2001 so if you spot a scene that might fit the bill get that shutter finger working. The society members will act as judges; details and entry forms will be available in due course.

The Spring Program is now complete, believe it or not the first speaker was contacted in June and I only finalised the last speaker two weeks ago, what hopefully starts as a two month task turns in to a five month job! Just a couple of observations about the program, on February the 2^nd we entertain the secretary of the Bradford Railway Circle whose slide show is all about photos taken at night, something a little different? The other speaker with a difference is on March 16^th, Roger Barker has been persuaded to come and speak about the trials and tribulations of looking after one of the most famous A4s, Sir Nigel Gresley, again something out of the ordinary.

The committee recommends that as from the 1^st January 2001 the subscription be raised to £7-00, the extra £1-00 will go towards the latest increase in the cost of the meeting room.

Talking about finances our treasurer for the last 13 years has decided to call it a day. As most of you will know Johns health is not very good so he feels that in his own interest and that of the society it would be a sensible move to retire. The society has been very fortunate in having such a conscientious and prudent treasurer who through the years has shown great dedication and kept the S.R.S on a sound financial footing.

Lets hope in the future John will be able to get to one or two meetings as his input at the front of the room is sadly missed!

Finally, a word of thanks to all the committee members for their help and support through out the year and of course many thanks to you the members, without which there would be no S.R.S.

Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year.

Adrian.