Dear Member,

Our new season's programme of meetings at Woking commences on 23rd September and the 2008-09 Branch programme card is enclosed. You will see that we have again arranged an interesting and varied range of speakers at our meetings and we look forward to seeing you. At our first meeting we have a presentation on the new Class 395 Hitachi 'Javelin' trains which will run from Kent into St Pancras International.

Lifts to Woking meetings
We are aware that some members are of 'advancing years' and may not wish to venture out at night. If you would like to attend our meetings we may be able to find a member who can give you a lift from your home and return after the meeting - please phone me. Similarly if any members drive to the Woking meetings and are willing to give a lift to someone living on or close to your usual route then please let me know. (My contact details are at end of this letter).

'Outdoor visit' - Spinney Light Railway
A return visit to the Spinney Light Railway has been arranged for Saturday afternoon 20th September. This 7¼in gauge steam operated railway is in the grounds of a private house near Farnham, Surrey and features four working signal boxes where you can learn about the operation of railways before the era of panel boxes, as well as having unlimited rides. There will be a nominal recommended donation of £4 as a contribution to the railway's running expenses. Because of the limited car parking at the house we are asked to car share (which we will endeavour to arrange) and to arrive between 13:30 and 13:45. Our visit will conclude at about 16:30 to 17:00. If you would like to go or would like more information then please phone or e-mail me (details at end of this letter).

Exhibitions
Our branch has stands at various local model railway exhibitions during the year, where we promote the Society, sell RCTS Publications and donated books. Our next exhibitions are:

11-12th October 2008 - Farnham and District MRC
Connaught Leisure Centre, Tongham Road, Aldershot

29-30th November 2008 - Railway Enthusiasts Club
Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre

17th January 2009 - Astolat MRC
Methodist Church Hall, Guildford

If you are able to come along and help on the stand then please call Andy Davies, our Exhibitions Officer, on 01932 855015 or e-mail Andy Davies. You will be able to gain free admission to the exhibition.

Committee changes
You will see that there is a new name signing this letter. I, Alan Norris, was appointed Branch Chairman at the AGM. I have been a member of RCTS for about eight years and a member of the Branch committee for the past three years, with responsibility for the meeting refreshments and the membership records for the Branch. I hope that I will be able to continue the good work of my predecessor, Peter Bosomworth who has stepped down as Chairman after almost ten years, and I am pleased to take over the role. Peter has kindly agreed to take on the position of Branch Secretary, following a period when we have not had a secretary as such, and the duties have been shared amongst the rest of the committee.

Bob Ellison continues as Treasurer, a vital role which he has ably carried out for several years. Irene Rabbitts continues as Fixtures Secretary and she has again been responsible for arranging the speakers for the Woking meetings. Andy Davies is our Exhibitions Officer and he is responsible for managing the sale of books both at our meetings and the exhibitions where the Branch has a sales stand.

Following the sad loss of Gavin Menzies (see next paragraph), who was the Branch Webmaster we need someone to take on this position. We would also welcome offers from members to help with running the meetings and for arranging 'outdoor' visits to railway installations. Please give me a call to discuss how you can help.

Thanks
At the May meeting there was a collection for the Princess Alice Hospice at Esher, where Gavin Menzies spent his last few months before his death on 2nd May. Our thanks to those who generously contributed, and a cheque for £50 was sent to the hospice.

E-mail addresses
If you have internet access but you have not let us have your e-mail address then please send me a brief message (address at end of this letter) and I will put you on our distribution list for meeting reminders, etc. We will only use your details for internal committee purposes.

Surrey Branch covers members with addresses in the GU, KT and TW postcode areas. Some members may find that they can readily attend meetings at our neighbouring branches which meet at Maidenhead and Croydon. Details of all branch meetings can be found in the Railway Observer.

We look forward to seeing you at some or all of our meetings in the coming season.

Yours sincerely,

Alan Norris
Chairman - Surrey Branch

Tel: 01252-315967
E-mail: Alan Norris

19/09/08