RRA AGM Weekend

[lampwortroy]

Nor really a show report but I did not know where else to put it.
This weekend (6th & 7th March 2010) the RRA held their AGM in The Royal County Hotel in Durham City. As a local bod, I was asked to do a steam engine based presentation to the members between the AGM and the evening meal. At their invitation, I also joined them in 2 of their local visits as part of the weekend entertainiment. My presentation (the first I have ever performed!) was based mainly on my life with steam, and more particularly with Guy Potts Road Rolling Contractors of Newbottle in County Durham and his rollers both during their working days and their preservation years, with my local knowledge on roller conversions as an addition. My presentation appeared to be well received, and I received generous praise from several members.
Before the AGM, a visit was arranged to Shildon, where Michael Bowman's Lorry Museum was opened specially for them, after which some went on to Locomotion. Here we see some of the items on display at the Lorry Museum






After a miserable cold and drizzly Saturday, Sunday dawned bright clear and frosty. A visit had been arranged to The North of England Open Air Museum at Beamish. Three traction engines were promised to be in steam, although Anthony Coulls who was looking after resident Fowler roller "Fiddler" was conspicuous by his absence for much of the day. I understand that the excuse was that the roller had been dry stored for the winter and who ever stored it, failed to leave it near a water supply to allow it to be steamed when required.
However, we had a grand day at Beamish and here are some of the better photos
















Thanks must go to Anthony Coulls and Paul Jarman of Beamish Museum for laying on the 2 entertaining visits.