COVGOG March 2021 Update

To say that COVGOG has been slumbering for the past year may be something of an exaggeration. Certainly, we have not been able to hold our weekly meetings nor have we been able to attend en-masse the various shows that punctuate our year. Personal contact has been largely limited to phone calls or a hasty chat on a doorstep. It’s certainly not a position we would have chosen. However, in recent weeks the signs that we may soon be able to resume or operations have become clearer. There is talk among friends of trips out to see the real thing, of meeting up again for running sessions and even early plans to travel to Stafford for Guildex in September.

Members have enjoyed the virtual exhibitions that the Guild has staged. During the one in March the results of Mr Brookbank’s efforts were duly noted. Nice one Peter.

In many ways the club is demonstrating its strength and the value of true friendship. At least two of our members have not experienced the best of health in recent months. In one instance, modelling had to be shelved with a partially completed loco crying out to be finished. Up stepped John Wilkinson who completed and painted the model. Thank you, John from us all.

Other club members have been busy too. No wonder some of the traders struggled to keep up with demand. This writer has completed fours locos during lockdown and we know of plenty of other projects that have been on the go. These include locos, other rolling stock, buildings and at least one new layout. All of these exciting projects will no doubt emerge when we do ourselves, hopefully in the next few months.

If you would like to come along and meet a friendly group of modellers you will be made most welcome.

Photo caption to read. “The model of 46256 Sir Williams Stanier FRS finished by John Wilkinson for one of our club members”. 

Paul W.