ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN MANX STEAM RAILWAY NEWS

ISSUE No. 67 - SUMMER ISSUE 1983

Over 40 members of the Supporters’ Association packed into the Automobile Club, Hill Street, Douglas on May 28^th for this year’s A.G.M. Mr. Cubbon read the notice of the meeting then the minutes of the 1982 A.G.M. and E.G.M. were read and approved, one minor alteration was made. Mr. Cubbon gave the secretary’s report, stating that he and Mr. Clarke had shared the duties during the year. Hon. Treasurer summed up the financial position and undertook to publish the audited accounts for the E.G.M. in the normal way. Mr. Taylor spoke as Sales Officer and per pro from the Merseyside Group. He referred to the Christmas Dinner and asked whether members had been satisfied with the meal and facilities used last Christmas. The majority feeling that the meal should be at an actual restaurant, provided appropriate facilities could be obtained. The matter was left in the hands of Mr. Taylor. The membership were pleased to hear that a series of meetings would re-commence in Northern Ireland shortly. The Chairman then reported on a momentous year. Physical efforts had been concentrated on the Groudle Project but events on the I.M.R. had been kept under close scrutiny. With regard to the latter, more attention needed to be given to forward planning and more care and attention needs to be given to the carriage stock which was falling into disrepair. The Chairman referred to a renaissance of enthusiasm within the Supporters’ Association with the development of the Groudle Project, the last could of A.G.M.s had been rather sombre affairs (Hill Street Blues! - Sec) but members were now more optimistic. Mr. Beard closed by offering sincere thanks to all those who had helped with the Groudle Project including Island Express and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, etc. Thereupon, Messrs. Callow Matthewman & Co., were re-appointed as auditors. In the election of directors, Messrs. Flavell and Bracegirdle stood down by rota but were both re-appointed. Messrs. Booth, Lewin and Clarke were also elected. The officers elected were:-

Chairman: Tony Beard

Vice-Chairman: Richard Booth

Secretary: Richard Clark

Treasurer: Harold Flavell

Sales Office: Rob Taylor

Magazine Editor: Tony Beard

Liaison Officer: Rosie Cubbon

Other committee members appointed were Bill Cubbon, Kevin Lewin and Barry Callin. The E.G.M. was fixed for Saturday 3^rd September 1983 at the Automobile Club.

The various officers then reported on the Groudle Project. Mr. Clark stated that 931 funding shares had been sold, 116 sleepers had been bought by sponsors and 9 rails. In addition there had been some straight forward donations and some recent contributions to the Sea Lion restoration fund. Richard Booth as plant and equipment officer related his first involvement with the project and recounted events during the year including the return of Sea Lion and the Dodington Railway purchase. The former will be re-built at the Steam Packet’s workshops provided that the Supporters’ Association pay for parts, labour, etc. Thanks were expressed to Derek Randall of Manor Investments Limited for supplying some very necessary materials. Mr. Cubbon as the works officer chronicled the tremendous amount of work accomplished by the volunteers since the projects’ inception. Mr. Mike Casey spoke specifically about the Sea Lion restoration.

A number of items were covered under “Any Other Business”. The Chairman further stated that when restoration was complete the Groudle Glen Railway would welcome an inspection by a competent, qualified and independent party. The recommendation of our consulting civil engineer were being closely followed; the chairman further stated that the volunteers were trying to adhere to high standards of conduct, particularly with regard to safety and all the cognizant of their personal responsibilities. Mrs. Croasdale asked if a sales stand might appear at future general meetings, the chairman agreed to look into the matter. Mr. Foster urged the reformation of the Manchester Area Group and Mrs. Croasdale cited some of the hardships previously encountered. Mr. Ingham offered especial thanks to all the ladies who had assisted at Dodington. Mr. Booth then pointed out the various landmarks on the Groudle Glen Railway route on a blown-up version of the site plan.

Finally, thanks were offered to Mrs. Nancy Taggart a landowner in the vicinity of the glen who had given permission to use her fields for the delivery of stone ballast, Bert Crowe who had provided his J.C.B. and labour free of charge and the very many other people who had helped over the past year. When the flow of words had finally been stemmed, the members partook in Mrs. Flavell’s excellent scones and coffee provided by Mrs. Beard. Finally, members marvelled at a melange of movies provided by Mr. Cubbon.

R.J.F.C.