Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

AGM 2009 Announced

Sunday, February 8th, 2009

Due to the due date of our Chairman’s next addition to his family the date of this years AGM has been put back.

Given the fact that around the time of the New Year our membership had reached the 300 mark, we have taken the decision to hold it in the Amber Hall, Ashover Parish Hall.

The date is Sunday 28th June 2009, with a 1.30pm start.

Last years meeting room, the Fabric Room has also been booked that day to hold an exhibition of the ALR and ALRS; more details to follow in the next few weeks.

New Website Launched!

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

We are pleased to say our new site went live on Sunday, February 1st.

As well as the new design, there are lots of new features too. Here are just a few:

  • Search the site
  • Add comments to articles
  • RSS feeds of latest society news and comments
  • Tag cloud

It’s important to us to know what you think about the changes. Please add comments to this post, or drop me an email at n.fox@alrs.org.uk.

Thanks!

Archive Footage

Wednesday, January 14th, 2009

The ALRS is appealing to any members of the society or general public who may have in their possession any video footage of the ALR during its working life.

The society currently has a splendid archive of still photographs but as yet very little video footage has come to light. Therefore we are appealing to anyone who may have such footage to please get in touch!

Please contact Nicola Fox at n.fox@alrs.org.uk

Thank you!

Happy New Year

Thursday, January 1st, 2009

The ALRS would like to take this opportunity to wish all of its members and supporters a very Happy New Year!

Thank you so much to all of those who support us, without you, amongst many things, the Rainbow Cafe would now be just splinters and memories!

The society wishes to convey its best wishes to all for the coming 12 months, and here’s hoping they bring exciting advances to the Ashover Light Railway Society!!!

ALRS Tote Progresses Well

Tuesday, December 16th, 2008

December brings another draw in the ALRS Tote, but more crucially importantly it brings to an end the second year it has been operating.

For the first year both Society and Prize money was £108. For the 12 months just passed the operation of the tote has yielded £355.50 towards both Prize money AND towards the Society.

Interested in the way it operates and how you can participate can be found on the membership page of the website.

Hope to hear from you soon - next draw is in March, there is still time!!

Radio Derby Appearance

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

On December 1st 2008 President Robert Gratton graced the air waves of BBC Radio Derby in a a 3 minute interview about the ‘Where The Rainbow Ends’ Cafe. Unfortunately due to some slight confusion we were unable to find out the air date of this pre recorded piece and so a message about when to listen in could not be posted in time.

But fear not!

Below is an audio copy of the interview for those who missed it and also you can listen again any time this week by logging onto BBC Radio Derby and listening again by the iplayer!

Download the interview

Christmas Shopping!

Monday, December 1st, 2008

The festive period is galloping towards us and for those who haven’t yet been able to catch us on our travels, there are two further opportunities at the Chesterfield Market on the 11th and 18th of December!

As usual, we will be present with our extensive range of merchandise, some of which is pictured right and below (further previews can be seen on our Merchandise page). If you can’t catch us at these events however, we are still providing a mail order system (although ordering early is advised to ensure delivery in time for Christmas) a downloadable form of which is also available on the Merchandise page.

Happy Shopping!

Ashover On Air Again!

Monday, December 1st, 2008

To co-incide with the ALRS’ relaunch of the Rainbow Appeal for the ‘Where the Rainbow Ends’ Cafe (watch local and railway press for reports!) our President Robert Gratton has kindly agreed to appear on BBC Radio Derby with an exciting update!

The interview is to be recorded later this month and exact details of when it will air will be posted on here as soon as they become available. With the recent completion of A1 60163 Tornado, preserved railways are featuring highly in the press at the moment (long may this continue), so while the public imagination is alight now is the time to press forward with our appeal! It’s time to bring the Rainbow back to Ashover!

Anyone who can help with the appeal in any way should contact myself, (Nicola Fox) at n.fox@alrs.org.uk

Our First Engine! The Report

Monday, December 1st, 2008

The engine is a Ruston & Hornsby 20DL Diesel fitted with a 2VSHL two cylinder 2344cc engine.

We understand that it was built circa 1948, and was sold new to Liverpool Corporation Water Works. It is believed that around 1960 it went to Llanforda Hall water treatment works where it spent its life moving filter bed sand around the works. The railway worked until sometime during the 1970’s-1980’s and this locomotive was purchased by a private collector.

Nothing appears to have been done to it since its last use, but clearly it has been kept under cover as there is little significant corrosion apparent on the tin work. No repainting has been undertaken as a painted number on the front of the bonnet visible in a photograph of the loco at the works remains discernable today. At some time the cab has been dismantled and removed from the loco and is now lost, replacement parts are now being manufactured.

The only other part that appears to be missing is the oil pressure gauge which has been carefully removed.

Once the new cab parts have been fabricated and fitted it is intended to completely strip down the locomotive to enable a total re-furbishment and re-painting. Most obviously the wheels require new tyres, but no other significant work is yet apparent.

ALRS at Warley!

Monday, December 1st, 2008

Following another successful appearance by ALRS Sales stand, this time at The Scarsdale Local History Event, the ALRS will be making its first appearance at the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition 2008
at the NEC in Birmingham. The event runs on the 22 - 23 November.

As usual the sales stand will be in attendance with our exciting merchandise,(details of which soon to appear on the website) so pop along and make a dent in your Christmas shopping! We now have a wide range of gifts including Christmas cards and calendars, key rings, fridge magnets, mouse mats, mugs, t-shirts, prints and more!! Also the ALRS will be making it’s first major foray into the world of model railways, so don’t miss out!

We look forward to seeing you there!