A return to happier times captured by Robert Masterman, and used with thanks.
‘Rosyth No1’ seen recently departing from Blaenafon High Level Station for Furnace Sidings with the Pontypool and Blaenafon Railway’s first public service of the year. The two coaches have just been restored by the West Somerset Railway and look magnificent.
And now, the good news you have been waiting for……
As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, the club is able to open once again, although on a limited basis for the time being. In the August newsletter, I asked those of you who wished to return to identify on which of three days [Weds/Thurs/Fri] you would want to attend and to let me know by the 23rd. August in order that a rota of sorts could be set up. I was surprised by the limited number of replies that I received, perhaps less than 40% of the membership bothered to respond, but it has ensured that in almost every case those who did respond will have their first choice of day. Thank you also to those who indicated that they would not be able to return just yet.
The way forward
Before explaining the details for reopening, please do remember that these arrangements have had to be agreed with the management of The Gordon Moore Centre and they had their own non-negotiable requirements to be taken into account. So, this is how we shall go forward:
• All members who re-attend from Wednesday the 8th. September do so at their own risk.
• All of those members who have indicated a preferred day for attendance will receive an e-mail to confirm their choice and remind them of the attendance requirements.
• The club will be open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights between 6.30pm and 9.30pm for 15 members on each night. So far, only those who have already indicated a preference may attend.
• There is no space left – currently – to increase attendance on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Friday nights can accommodate a significant additional number however, should any who have not replied wish to attend. In that case, please contact myself to indicate your wish to attend before turning up.
• There are also more-limited options for attendance during the day-time on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for those who have keys. As above however, please do not make use of this option without first contacting myself to check that no change in arrangements has taken place.
• No attendance at any time during Sundays, Mondays or Tuesdays has been allowed and Kingstone will not be accessible on Thursdays.
• The current attendance arrangements will be reviewed at the beginning of October to take into account any change in wider circumstances. All will depend on the position with regard to the virus and you will be advised of any change.
That explains the days and times that limited club attendance may take place. The following are the requirements for attendance which need to be adhered to if we are to be allowed to continue using the premises:
• Do not under any circumstances attend if you are experiencing any virus-related symptoms or if you are in any form of quarantine or isolation.
• Upon entering the building, read the notice at the ‘stop’ sign in the foyer, sign in on the register placed there [by The Gordon Moore Centre], provide your contact details and use the hand sanitiser provided, thoroughly.
• For the time being do not use the lift for passenger travel, although materials may be placed in it to take them upstairs.
• The ground-floor toilets may not be used at all.
• On entering our premises, please sign in on our register as usual.
• Please use a face mask at all times when in the club and observe social distancing as nationally advised.
• No way of putting this next bit delicately. Our own toilets will not be cleaned or sanitised by the club in between use and, historically, their use has not always been fastidious. Wipe down the flush lever, basin taps, etc., after use. Use the disposable tissues provided for this and then throw them into the bin. Then sanitise your hands. Remember, washing your hands frequently with soap and water, or sanitiser gel, is one of the best preventative measures you can take.
• On leaving the premises, remember to sign out both using both the club register and the register in the foyer.
• Finally, and this is a non-negotiable requirement which has been placed on us, the very last person to leave the club must wipe down the bannister tops with materials provided by SRMG and dispose of the cloths in the bins outside. That last person must also ensure that normal locking-up arrangements have been followed.
I do appreciate that all of this must seem quite directive, but much of it is common sense really and is in place to allow our gradual return to normal club life. How long this will take is anyone’s guess currently but we want to ensure that we do everything to promote that return, rather than frustrate it. We are also aware that as there are many other users of the building, we have a common responsibility to ensure the safety of others at all times.
Subscriptions
With the club now re-opening, a note on subs is timely. For those who have deferred paying their subs over the last few months, reinstating your standing orders from the 15th. September 2020 is now requested to reactivate your membership. Thank you.
For those who have continued to pay their subs throughout but who wish to claim a refund for the period of closure, now is the time to do so. Please contact the Treasurer, Ted Hylton, to make the arrangements. As already promised, this is a no quibble matter.
Canon Street Bridge, 1926.
I really wouldn’t want to wire that lot!
Other matters
The enforced closure that we have experienced has prevented all of our planned club activity. The 2020 show has fallen by the wayside, stock-sales have ceased to exist and the 2020 modelling competition has been put into cold-storage. Conditions allowing, it may be possible to hold the modelling competition in December, but more on that, later. Options for stock-sales are being considered also, but no firm plan is in place yet. We will get there!
Best wishes all and continue to keep safe and well.