SWAG Member's Day - 24th April 2022

[Stubby47]

On 01/12/2021 at 22:23, Stubby47 said:

I would like to announce my appreciation of the confirmation of the previous announcement of the forthcoming announcement with your latest announcement about the forthcoming announcement that is to be announced.

 

I feel we ought to be due another announcement of either an announcement pertaining to information to be announced,  or failing that, an announcement of actual information being announced. 

[Gwiwer]

27 minutes ago, Stubby47 said:

 

I feel we ought to be due another announcement of either an announcement pertaining to information to be announced,  or failing that, an announcement of actual information being announced. 

Is that an announcement of an announcement or just a pre-announcement?

[NHY 581]

Ahem, 

 

My apologies for the lack of announcements announcing the announcing of further announcements. Regretably, a number of ongoing matters at Sheep Towers, none of which are in any way pertaining to the noble art of model railways,have conspired to obstruct said announcements announcing  announcements in the first part or de facto in the second part. Henceforth and forthwith, though accept without prejudice, I shall endeavour to make a further announcement in due course. 

 

Therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, please treat this as a pre-announcement of a forthcoming announcement. 

 

I thank you. 

 

 

[St Enodoc]

3 hours ago, NHY 581 said:

Ahem, 

 

My apologies for the lack of announcements announcing the announcing of further announcements. Regretably, a number of ongoing matters at Sheep Towers, none of which are in any way pertaining to the noble art of model railways,have conspired to obstruct said announcements announcing  announcements in the first part or de facto in the second part. Henceforth and forthwith, though accept without prejudice, I shall endeavour to make a further announcement in due course. 

 

Therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, please treat this as a pre-announcement of a forthcoming announcement. 

 

I thank you. 

 

 

Thank you for announcing that.

Edited February 1, 2022 by St Enodoc
speling

[2ManySpams]

15 hours ago, NHY 581 said:

Ahem, 

 

My apologies for the lack of announcements announcing the announcing of further announcements. Regretably, a number of ongoing matters at Sheep Towers, none of which are in any way pertaining to the noble art of model railways,have conspired to obstruct said announcements announcing  announcements in the first part or de facto in the second part. Henceforth and forthwith, though accept without prejudice, I shall endeavour to make a further announcement in due course. 

 

Therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, please treat this as a pre-announcement of a forthcoming announcement. 

 

I thank you. 

 

 

 

Catflap.

[NHY 581]

1 hour ago, 2ManySpams said:

 

Catflap.

 

Quite. Just one of many things which have impacted on available 'free time'.  

 

The protracted issues affecting what should have been a fairly straightforward installation of a microchiop activated catflap have now been established and resolved. 

 

The Works Forecat, as you would expect given her position, adapted quickly, successfully effecting entry and exit following a short period of 'suspicion'. 

 

George, The Mischievous Apprentice on the other paw was seemingly unable to adapt. Unusual as he is normally quite adventurous. The poor little chap could be heard banging his head on the flap which remained locked in place as he approached. George's papers indicated he was fitted with the required kit. So it should open having been programmed to recognise George as he passed through. Various attempts were made to resolve the issue including one less than successful episode at a pyjama clad ( me not George) 3am, having been woken by George banging his head and shouting at the cat flap as he couldn't get out for an urgent ' comfort break '. 

 

It was only by picking the little chap up and moving him around in front of the sensor ( imagine trying to scan a reluctant, slightly irritated barcode at a self service till in a super market) that it was established that his chip wasn't in his neck. 

 

It was halfway down his left hand side which immediately explained why he couldn't activate the flap on approach but had been read as he passed through. This also explained the subsequent poor behaviour of The Works Forecat whose chip was in her neck and able to exit/enter at will then turn and mock George who was locked in/out. Hence the shouting. 

 

One particularly unsavoury incident involved The Works Forecat seating just outside said catflap licking her paws whilst George was 'obstructed' within. Management were required to intervene  followed by a 'meeting'  in the office with The Works Forecat where the word 'disappointing ' had to be mentioned............

 

We have now therefore reverted to a manual flap and order has been restored.

 

Rob. 

[NHY 581]

Ahem. 

 

The second of our featurettes on attending layouts is Alistair Green's lovely evocation of the Cromford and High Peak Railway, Ladmanlow. 

 

 

Al modestly describes it as follows; 

 

"Ladmanlow Sidings is a representation of a small section of the Cromford and High Peak Railway as it was in its latter years before closure in 1967. It tries to capture the open moorland, limestone walls and slight air of decrepitude of the line." 

 

I'm sure you'll agree, he's managed that by the bucketful. 

 

 

 

Photos by Alistair Green. 

 

 

[JustinDean]

After some consultation with @NHY 581 I’ve come to the conclusion I should attend this ‘ere SWAG doo dah. Apparently there’s beers on the Saturday night; I’m easily swayed. 
 

it would be nice to put some faces to names and actually meet some of the folk I interact with on here….and look at some decent layouts. 
 

Jay

[Gwiwer]

3 minutes ago, JustinDean said:

Apparently there’s beers on the Saturday night

Sometimes there has been curry or other comestibles as well.  I doubt I shall be there for Saturday night this year however as my time allocated by Dr. SWMBO is for a "Day Return" in the Little Red Driving Box with zero budget for overnight accommodation and avoidable socialising.  

 

In other news I see we have a "Full House" of ratings in the topic - the first I've seen anywhere with the current selection of nine.  

 

[96701]

Having waded through 14 and a bit pages, I'd like to announce that I would like to attend on the day if nobody objects........

 

and Brizzle show the following week, there'll be much trekking between West Midlands and the South West.

[Stubby47]

11 hours ago, 96701 said:

Having waded through 14 and a bit pages, I'd like to announce that I would like to attend on the day if nobody objects........

 

and Brizzle show the following week, there'll be much trekking between West Midlands and the South West.

 

If you've waded through 14 1/2 pages and still want to come.... we'd be happy to have you.

[Penlan]

12 hours ago, 96701 said:

there'll be much trekking between West Midlands and the South West (Taunton).

Not as much as to/from West Cornwall to the SWAG dooo, 

[Gedward]

Just booked hotel so they can't cancel it now, surely.

 

And don't call me...

 

I joined RMweb in the summer of 2019 so this'll be my first. But not my last as I'll be living in Minehead for any future meet ups.

 

 

[NHY 581]

Morning all,

 

As we approach SWAG '22 consideration has been given to the measures that will be in place to ensure the event is a safe one. 

 

The SWAG RMweb members day at Staplegrove has an eviable reputation for being a friendly, relaxed, wonderfully social event which is enjoyable for those who exhibit, demonstrate, attend as visitors or represent the trade. 

 

However, there is no escaping the fact that overarching this event, the first 'physical ' SWAG Staplegrove event  since 2019, is the continuing presence of COVID 19 which maintains it's unwelcome influence over our daily lives. 

 

HM Government has made further announcements this week of their intentions over the coming months, intentions which I do not wish to debate further within the context of our event.

Regretably, many people continue to be infected, hospitalised and some of these sadly ultimately succumb to this awful virus. 

 

My view as organiser  is that each and every one of us who attend this event, in whatever capacity, have a duty of care to each other. On that basis we must ensure that we all contribute to make sure this event is safe for all concerned. 

 

To achieve this, the event will therefore be subject to the following measures; 

 

All attendees will be in possession of a COVID Passport, valid for the day of the event, either by way of an electronic or a physical copy. ( see below links) 

 

All Attendees will have conducted a Lateral Flow Test 24hrs prior to attending the event and again, will be in possession of proof of this. 

 

Now, we are all grown ups. I therefore  trust everyone to comply with this but please be prepared to produce the above if asked. 

 

An individual  'signing in sheet' will be provided on entry to the event.  Attendees will enter their name, mobile number and confirm by way of tick box their compliance with COVID Passport and LFT as above. 

These sheets will be placed by the completing person  into a 'post box' provided. I will retain these sheets for a period not exceeding 21 days after which they will be destroyed. Rest assured, this information will not be used or stored for any other purpose  unless it is required to trace individuals due to a positive case being linked to the event. 

 

I leave the wearing of face masks to the individual. 

 

So having done that for me, I will ensure the following; 

 

Sufficient hand sanitiser will be available on the day. This will be strategically placed around the venue for your use. Please use it. 

 

In addition, there will of course be toilet facilities available to wash hands. Please do so. 

 

Tables and other surfaces in the eating and catering area will be wiped down. 

 

Windows will be left open to improve airflow in what is a relatively small premises. 

 

The external doors will be left open for the same purpose but this will be subject to the prevailing weather conditions on the day, especially in respect of the main hall due to the size of the doors themselves. 

 

Therefore please come prepared and wrap up. 

 

As the organiser, albeit of what is a private, members event, I believe that these measures are appropriate and proprtionate to ensure that SWAG '22 is safe for all attendees. None of us, I'm sure, would knowingly place any of our chums in harms way. 

 

So,  let' s all work together to maintain the reputation of SWAG Rmweb members day  as one of the friendliest, most relaxed, enjoyable, social events of the year but above all else, let's make sure it is as safe as we can make it. 

 

 

Regarding the obtaining of COVID passes, my thanks go to Andy Y for supplying the following links, 

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/get-digital-covid-pass/

 

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/get-your-covid-pass-letter/

 

 

Rob. 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 12, 2022 by NHY 581
Sausage hooves

[Guest Jack Benson]

Hi,

 

How do members provide proof of a lateral flow test?  Most tests are done at home, I don’t think that the test kit supplied by the NHS provides a provable indication unless a dated digital image of the outcome is acceptable?

 

StaySafe

[NHY 581]

Hi Jack. 

 

You register a LFT with NHS. You then receive an email from NHS confirming the registration of the LFT. 

 

I used to do it all the time with work. 

 

https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result

 

Rob. 

Edited February 12, 2022 by NHY 581

[Gwiwer]

I respect your conditions but will ask one question.

 

If, as is anticipated, all remaining restrictions are lifted before this event takes place (whether they be lifted sooner or later, but the issue is before SWAGfest) it is possible - and according to a couple of sources locally it is likely - that the "Covid Pass" will be abolished.  

 

We do need to take things as they come but can we be assured that if this occurs then your requirements will also be altered to reflect this?  Obtaining lateral flow tests remains easy and free of charge for now and the same sources, who are within the NHS and very closely connected to the testing regime, suggest that free tests may also be phased out some time this year.  

 

Grab them while you can then, ladies and gentlemen.  Even if we can no longer submit our results to the NHS (which seems unlikely for now) we can still bring our little sticks with a single red stripe as proof if it be required.  

[AY Mod]

5 minutes ago, Gwiwer said:

Grab them while you can then, ladies and gentlemen.  Even if we can no longer submit our results to the NHS (which seems unlikely for now) we can still bring our little sticks with a single red stripe as proof if it be required.  

 

That's the best thing to do.

 

6 minutes ago, Gwiwer said:

it is likely - that the "Covid Pass" will be abolished.  

 

We do need to take things as they come but can we be assured that if this occurs then your requirements will also be altered to reflect this?

 

Whatever government decides or doesn't decide we are collectively committed to making it as safe as we can for the benefit of all and for everyone to buy into that.

[Gilbert]

2 hours ago, AY Mod said:

 

That's the best thing to do.

 

 

Whatever government decides or doesn't decide we are collectively committed to making it as safe as we can for the benefit of all and for everyone to buy into that.

Quite a few of our "community" are very nervous about gatherings and we need to do all we can to keep them safe (and feeling safe)...its not difficult. Rob is doing his utmost to ensure as many as possible can enjoy our day out in Taunton safely...

Chris Hopper

[Oldddudders]

Rob's proposed regime sounds pretty secure. However, I would like to quote today's gov.uk trend statistics for the virus, which continue to give cause for optimism.

 

Positive tests down 30.1% over the last 7 days

Deaths down 26.2% ditto

Patients admitted down 11.4% ditto

Patients in hospital down 36% over the last month

Patients on mechanical ventilation down 45% over the last month

 

None of this implies Covid has gone away, and there is scope for a new variant to come back and bite our bum, but if this continues then the infection rate will be very low by the time of SWAG '22, reassuring those fearful of infection that it is more safe than at any time in the last two years. 

 

I have a Eurostar booked back to France two days later. I hope to have enjoyed everyone's company at Staplegrove before leaving! 

 

 

[Gwiwer]

35 minutes ago, Oldddudders said:

None of this implies Covid has gone away, and there is scope for a new variant to come back and bite our bum, but if this continues then the infection rate will be very low by the time of SWAG '22, reassuring those fearful of infection that it is more safe than at any time in the last two years. 

That much is true.  We must all be hoping by now that this thing is largely behind us and it is just a case of staying sensible for a few more weeks until the Spring really gets going and respiratory viruses recede for the warmer months in the normal course of events.  

 

It is perceived risk as much as actual.  Everyone has their own comfort level.  This thing has affected us all differently.  As a solitary example I have been working normally, or as normally as events permitted, throughout among a very large number of people albeit that number was reduced by various lockdowns and as a further rider most of those people pass through my workspace in the open air rather than being indoors for any extended period of time.   Most of those people are within a metre of me at some time and some are very much closer for a longer time and in conversation with me as an essential part of a key-worker role.  I have always been wary of but never worried by the virus.  A few of us at work have had it (none knowingly contracting it at work) but most have remained Covid-free and some have never worn face-coverings.  Dr. SWMBO by contrast has been required to work from home until two weeks ago, was furloughed for three weeks at one stage, has become much more withdrawn and has major anxiety issues now about going back into an office shared with up to two others  and in an indoor environment where other people walk around and share facilities.  

 

I would have no problem walking into the hall at Staplegrove, which is naturally quite airy compared with some venues, without further precautions other than a negative test on the day in today's environment.  Many people are not yet ready for that and may not feel comfortable indoors in the company of others at all.  Some may not have been to Staplegrove before and don't know the hall.  We must respect all points of view and we must set ourselves the intention of making this and all events as safe as possible.  

[PaulRhB]

2 hours ago, Oldddudders said:

Positive tests down 30.1% over the last 7 days

But unfortunately still happening even if you’re careful as I’m currently on day 5 so ltf number 1 later! I’d only been to work, only a guess but one of the guys family had it but he was neutral so could still work, only known contact in the time asked by T&T. 
Fortunately fully dosed up so apart from a runny nose quite ok. I’d still been wearing a mask in shops etc too. 

[Dunsignalling]

I ensured I had a negative LTF before attending the SWOONS do at Ilton a few weeks ago. It was my first indoor gathering of more than a handful of (known) people since before lockdown.

 

Most attendees were masked (including me) except when partaking of the excellent refreshments and the "convivial but cautious" atmosphere soon caused any anxiety on my part to wane. 

 

However, getting back "out there" for the first time wasn't easy. For some, Staplegrove may be that step, and the rest of us will do well to bear that in mind.

 

John

Edited February 13, 2022 by Dunsignalling

[2ManySpams]

No problems with the proposed measures from the East Midlands contingent. A few minutes effort for increased peace of mind and safety for all. Very sensible IMO.

[NHY 581]

Afternoon all, 

 

The latest of our featurettes focuses on Alistair Reynold's splendid and unmistakable morceau de Francaise, L'Heure Blue. 

 

 

Al describes it as follows; 

 

"L’Heure Blue is a fictitious slice of urban railway somewhere in the vicinity of Paris. The aim is to capture the atmosphere of an elevated line threading its way through the less salubrious parts of a big city, with an emphasis on atmosphere. Most of the operation is goods-related but the odd passenger service may appear".

 

 

C'est vraiment très bien en effet.........

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 13, 2022 by NHY 581
Désolé, c'était mes doigts de saucisse !