Dear Members and Friends

Well I hope that you do not think that the Editor had left the country, as it seems ages since we have had a newsletter. Never the less a lot has been going on behind the scenes and it has been a busy year so far. The Society has been visited this year by Americans and also Australians who were entertained by the Live Steamers. The visitors enjoyed riding on the miniature railway, visiting the loco shed and steam hall and also afternoon tea that was provided by the live steamers.

Johns telling the visitors how the engine works.

The second group of visitors were from England. They enjoyed the ride on the Price steam locomotive and the steam hall which was in steam brought a lot of positive remarks from the visitors. The tour was organised by Nigel Taylor the same group who visited us two years ago with a tour.

The new water supply is under way with grants being applied for. The pricing was broken into two parts. Part 1 fitting a new pump, wiring up and the connection to the tank supply also having the tank stand sandblasted and painted with new timber being fitted under the tank Part 2 would be to replace main water line and fit water supply points for traction engines, irrigation and hose taps. Does anyone know the history of the tank stand, which we believe is close to 100 years old and would be interested in writing it up? The history could be placed on a board attached to the tank stand - if you are willing to do this please contact Colin Ph 358 3681.
The installation of a kitchen in Steam Hall is still on the drawing board so if any members are doing up a kitchen and have some spare parts please remember the Steam Scene
From the Loco Shed
The Fowler loco overhaul is progressing very well but we can always do with some help. As the Price steam ticket runs out at the end of June we must have the Fowler on the tracks in early July to maintain the reputation we and the Live Steamers have built up of always having an engine in steam on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. These steaming days are being well supported by the public. If you can help please ring Bruce 323 8484
Quotations are being obtained to repair the Price boiler and other maintenance, as it will be off the run from end of June. The Price will run over Queens Birthday Sunday and Monday and then every Sunday after that so giving all drivers and fireman a turn before the ticket runs out.
On Sunday the 27th June we plan to run the Price for members only by holding a closed gates picnic day where all members will be welcome to come and have a play. A BBQ will be available so bring the family and make a day of it starting at 11am .

Over Queens Birthday Weekend the grounds will be open on Sunday and Monday with the Price running and the Steam Hall in full steam. The Live Steamers railway will be operating, a traction engine or two may be there and any member and friends are most welcome to participate.
Anyone willing to help with tickets please phone Bruce 323 8484 - all will be most welcome.

The Society is now the owner of a new shaper so the old one must go to make room for the new one. Any member wanting to make a offer for the old shaper must contact the secretary by the 25th of May as a decision will be made by the committee meeting on the 5th June. Offers are to be in writing and the committee decision will be final. The new shaper is quite small and modern and even comes with an instruction manual. Thanks to Mike Milne for obtaining it for us and arranging the transport.

Safety fencing for the steam hall has been ordered and subject to the supplier keeping to his promise will be in place by Queens Birthday weekend .This will provide perfect crowd control and make it a safer place for all.

The old toilet block has been demolished so a bit of our history has gone to make way for better things

We would like to welcome to the Society Christopher Leppard. Chris has not been long in New Zealand; he is from England and interested in small gauge models ie 32mm track

The Society has firewood for sale. Cut your own from the wood that was given to us by Ecan. Saturdays only and see Bruce or John in the loco-shed first. Friends are welcome but must be accompanied by a member. $10 a single trailer load, and $15 for a dual trailer

The committee at its last meeting discussed the control of keys that have been given out for the Steam Hall and decided that they all should be handed in so that an audit may be carried out. All members holding keys are asked to return them to the president before the end of May.

All those members that have not been feeling the best lately, we wish you all a very speedy recovery
If any member would like to write a articular for our next News Letter it would be most welcome some times it is hard to fill a page. To the editor by mid June THANKS.

All those member that have not been feeling the best lately, we wish all a you a speedy recovery

Hoping to see you all at our members picnic on the 27th of June bring your friends and have a fun day.

2006 - August

2004 - May