Taken from the Mercian 1.2 March/April 1962
The secretary’s report noted the fact that he had only received two articles for the magazine – sounds familiar!
Progress Report
A new siding has now been completed. The GE Brake is now stabled on this siding. This has allowed room for the TPO and the Coal Tank to be moved further under the covered space, giving greater protection from the weather. The whole scheme of the new siding was planned by the Assistant Depot Master, John Elsley, the installation was very ably carried out by him and his small, but willing band of helpers. New glass has now been fitted in the windows of the GE Brake, the toilet of the TPO is now in the process of being repainted, whilst the interior of this vehicle has been thoroughly cleaned.
1054 under cover – R Duffill
Restoration Plans
We hope that the TPO will be finished this summer (on one side at least), this could easily be achieved if we had a few more willing expert hands. Our woodwork expert Frank Harvey has had a considerable amount of new panelling to do, ably assisted by Fred Lewis. A considerable amount of painting has yet to be done on the TPO so any member who is handy with a paint brush will be very welcome indeed. The Maryport & Carlisle coach still has to be completely reglazed and we earnestly appeal to members for offers of glass.
David A. Ives Hon. Sec.
Travelling Post office – R. Duffill
Hon. Treasurer’s Report.
When we in the Midlands area started our own Newsletter the Hon. Sec. asked me to enter a brief financial report in each issue. I must apologise for not having given one in the first issue, but owing to work, I was unable to produce one in time. However, from now on you will be getting a report, bad or otherwise, in every issue.
As many of our members will know, December 6th 1960 was the day we purchased our Royal Mail TPO, for the sum of £200. The money was raised by means of a Bank Loan and since then, our main aim has been to reduce our overdraft. At the end of the financial year (September 1961) this stood at
£93-4-10 (£93.24) . Today it has decreased to £34-2-0 (£34-10), quite satisfactory progress you will agree. Much of the money has been raised by social events. At the Whist Drive on 23rd February for example, we made a profit of over £20. Much of this was due to the hard work of Mr. Albert Holden, and on behalf of the Society I should like to take this opportunity of thanking him very sincerely, also all members who donated prizes and helped so ably on the occasion.
Membership renewals are still coming in very slowly and I would like all members who have not renewed to think again. We rely to a great extent on membership subscriptions and donations for our income. The success of this Society depends on YOU!
Frank J. Harvey Hon. Treasurer
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