Mike Bellamy

I was in the CCF (Combined Cadet Force) at Kings School Grantham in the late 60s/early 70s and we were affiliated to the 17th/21st Lancers who were a local regiment and I think their museum was at Belvoir Castle. Known as the Death or Glory Boys, a look at the cap badge shows why. This originated from the 17th who took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade. These badges were highly sought after when we were at camp and you got a severe telling off and extra duties if you sold your badge . . . . . .!! Museum now at Thoresby Hall http://www.qrlnymuseum.co.uk/1721l.htm Wiki History https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th/21st_Lancers .

I have been back over the last few pages and didn't see this mentioned but apologies if I am duplicating something that Hornby watchers are already aware of. I picked this up from MRE. NEW PLANS FOR INDEPENDENTS Details here http://www.mremag.com/index.php/news/1251-hornbyinde .

It is 110 years (and a couple of days) since the great crash at Grantham on 19th September 1906 resulting in the death of 16 people including the loco crew. The 'Grantham Matters' website has run a feature which includes a lot of photos that are new to me as they are not in Harold Bonnett's book which I bought when it was first published in 1978. Details here http://www.granthammatters.co.uk/today-is-the-110th-anniversary-of-grantham-rail-disaster-with-lots-of-photos/ .

That's very encouraging news especially with the uncertainty about future exchange rates which makes price projections almost impossible. I spent the weekend helping Paul Martin of EDM Models and much of his stock is specialist American narrow gauge - he was telling customers that he cannot afford to carry as much stock as before as by the time the exchange rate, VAT, customs charges and increased shipping costs are all taken into account, some prices may need to go up by about 25%. .

So that's what you get up to when I'm not there . . . . . . . . . . !! I know you are the apprentice but you're not supposed to pick up all my bad habits - although I must admit the scanner and printer do come in handy from time to time. Holiday over and I'll be back in the office tomorrow - looking at your other postings you have been busy whilst I've been away. Mike .

Best wishes and good luck for this new venture. Mike

Loco on the scrapheap at Grantham . . . . but don't worry Graham, it isn't one of yours See here for details of what is reported to be the only loco cut up at Grantham in 1963 http://www.granthammatters.co.uk/last-days-in-grantham-for-a-steam-loco-77247-2/ .

TRIUMPH For those who like all things Triumph and in particular the TR7, have a look at this set of photos I found from the recent TR Drivers Day at Billing http://popularclassics.forumcircle.com/viewtopic.php?t=22627&highlight= .

Goodwood Festival of Speed Found this set of photos on another forum - interesting mix of the very old and the very new . . . . . . http://popularclassics.forumcircle.com/viewtopic.php?p=278161񃺑 .

Agreed - with at least 3 varieties of ADO16 - plus another white one in the background of the two Minors photo. .

Sorry to say that I forgot to nag Paul about updating this more often and so we both missed out a bit of advance publicity for the O Gauge show at Doncaster last weekend. However I am in time to remind everyone that it's the 7mm Narrow Gauge show at Burton Town Hall on Saturday Details here http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/103895-7mm-narrow-gauge-association-burton-2016-show/ The usual yellow road signs are up including one outside the station for those arriving by train (turn left and you can't miss it!) For those who haven't been before the main thing to remember is to ignore all the signs for the Town Centre as the Town Hall isn't in the centre - follow the signs for the Station instead. Free roadside parking in some areas near the Town Hall or pay and display nearby at the Travelodge hotel and station - they share the same car park but have different charges .

Similar happened at my solicitors in Derby - man trapped in chimney presumably trying to break into the premises. discovered after staff noticed a smell and flies. BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-24900364 Dailey Wail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2500485/Burglar-body-decomposed-wedged-inside-solicitors-chimney-died-minutes.html Local Derby Paper http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Inquest-Suspected-burglar-dead-chimney-Derby/story-20061940-detail/story.html Unrelated to this incident, the two senior partners have since retired and I seem to recall a note in the paper that planning permission had been granted for the conversion of their offices to a family house - rather a nice old property but I hope the new owners get all the chimneys checked out . . . .

And there's one less on the road after this accident https://www.facebook.com/dorsetpolicenoexcuse/photos/a.574502142682209.1073741828.549152465217177/843508139114940/?type=3&theatre What a sad end to a lovely car . . . . . . . . .

Although the Rolls Royce collection is impressive, to my mind the best car there was the ADO16 VDP Princess . . . . . . . . . . .

Rules changed in UK last month. From this site https://www.gov.uk/deferring-state-pension/what-you-may-get Previously the rules were .

The title of this book comes to mind ISBN-10: 0340284420 .

They are listed as being at the O Gauge Show at Doncaster on 4th June . . . . .

I wonder if they know what to expect . . . . . . . . . .

As mentioned earlier, they can be cashed for the face value. However if you had forgotten about them and failed to notify National Savings of a change of address, you could be a millionaire and not know it (although that's highly unlikely). Details of how to check and claim your winnings (even if just £25) can be found here http://www.nsandi.com/premium-bonds Good Luck .

. . . . and there's me thinking that it was another of your cryptic clues and the next loco was to be a Barclay - now it looks more like a Ruston . . . . .

There are times I regret some of the decisions made by our Exhibition Manager . . . . . .

Buy lots of Class 15s from the Little Loco Co and who knows what might be next . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.littleloco.co.uk/ .

Thanks Kevin - If Big Mac was around today he would still recognise the Roundhouse but not much else in Derby - there's been a heck of a lot of changes in the 35 years I have been here and not much of it has been an improvement ! Here's the Roundhouse as it is now and this was last year with all that space filled with layouts and traders - and that's only showing the first circle around the inner pillars. Behind the photographer are two more circles of traders and layouts plus more in the library area - and we're all back there again in a weeks time ! Regards Mike

I didn't know if I should click 'Like' as I now know when and where I am expected to come and help you or 'Agree' to the bit about needing to nag you to update it - I had forgotten this page existed ! Mike .

Thanks for the comprehensive response - now I understand . . . . . . . . . . . . Edit - just looked at the Class 60 topic - started in 2009 and now has 2241 posts with the most recent only a few days ago - and despite the original post saying they were being withdrawn it seems some are still around. .