Beadnell WI, Meeting

Having enjoyed a visit to Carnaby’s, the lunch club is poised to go to the Jolly Fisherman in Craster in November.

Following the success of our Wednesday coffee mornings, we will carry them on for another month.

Arrangements were finalised for our Coffee and Craft morning on Tuesday, October 24. Plans were broached for activities and outings – glass painting, Christmas crafts and a pantomime are all on offer.

Our speaker was Roger Jermy, of the Aln Valley Railway Trust. We were fascinated by the story of the development of the railway since its conception in 1995 to the present.

It has been made possible because of the vision of dedicated people. Through their resilience and painstaking work they have acquired land, laid rails and found engines and carriages. Several have indulged their passion for steam railway, while people from other generations have been inspired to join them.

Great attention to detail has produced authentic results in the reinstatement of equipment. This has required pooling of expertise in engineering skills and bringing in people who can paint, garden and cope with woodwork.

All of this would have been impossible without support and donations small and large. The Duke of Northumberland, the EU and businesses have given invaluable backing.

Roger described the experience visitors can now expect, ranging from guided tours to hands-on activities. A small museum and cafe, alternately run by the Pottergate Caterers and volunteers, have given an extra attraction.

The group has developed exciting and ambitious plans for the future. We wish it well in this important project.

The results of the competition for a transport memento were: 1 Pat Brand; 2 Dorothy Hodgson; 3 Kathleen Dixon.

Next month we will have a talk from Sir Alan Craft and the competition is for a winter warmer.