No? Why not? There seems to be a misapprehension among some members about the nature and purpose of EMGS Area Groups and the way in which they work. Our AG’s are not usually intended to function as conventional model railway clubs but they exist to provide a forum where members can share their experiences and provide mutual support or just have a good old-fashioned natter!

As you can read in the AG reports elsewhere in the newsletter, many of them meet in rotation in members’ homes. It’s really all about cross-fertilisation and mutual support. The provision of mutual support is particularly important with respect to new members and others who have limited experience and perhaps need a little assistance to improve their modelling skills.

Indeed, some members need help and encouragement to actually take the plunge into modelling in EM. Additionally, the practice of bringing along a new model to show to other group members can act as a spur (if one is needed) to increase one’s modelling output.

I’m pleased to report that moves are afoot to establish new Area Groups as follows:

Cardiff - Ian Ogden wishes to form a group here - anyone interested should contact Ian on 07711 713176, or 02920 884472.

North Hampshire – Chris Kedgley is willing to get a group going. If you are interested, contact Chris on 01256 332769.

South Berkshire – Yours truly knows from his time as Membership Secretary that there are quite a few members living in the

Reading/ Wokingham/Bracknell area and so far nobody else has volunteered to form an AG! If you are interested, give me a ring on

01252 876761.

If there isn’t a group in your area and you would like one, why don’t you find out whether one is possible? A group can consist of just

a few members and organising a group isn’t hard work, nor do you need to be a highly experienced modeller to do it – all you need is a

wish to meet with like-minded modellers and a willingness to do something about it. The newsletter editor is always willing to publicise

moves to create new groups and I can help with the supply of a list of members resident in your locality - just phone me on 01252 876761

and we can discuss the possibilities.

Finally, only a few members have so far expressed an interest in forming a group in the Clydeside area. The intention would be to meet

on the sort of basis outlined above and anyone interested is asked to contact Dave Franks on 01698 821272.

Thanks

Phil Tattershall, Area Groups Secretary

(originally published in Newsletter 189)