B17 Steam Locomotive Trust – Promotional Events 2016
Here is a list of events where the Trust has been represented so far this year (11 Week
1.March Museum 16thJan - 10th February
This was a commemerative display to mark 80years since Helmingham Hall from March Shed hauled the Funeral Train of King George V from Kings Lynn to London. This was organised by Peter Wright and attracted support from local people and established the credibility of the B17 Trust in the eyes of the community. It was attended by 14 Members and 1 Sponsor and attracted 4 new Members.
2.GCR Loughborough Winter Steam Gala 29th Jan - 31st Jan.
Based on Platform 1 beneath the Canopy, attendance was exceptionally high with 10 engines operational. Excellent rapport with the GCR Team and everyone liked the cake supplied by the B17 Team. It was attended by 12 Members, 1 Sponsor and resulted in 1 new Member.
3.NCVS Annual Event – The Road Ahead 2016 22nd February
This Conference organised by the National Council for Voluntary Societies was sponsored by Voluntary Sector Training and Stanstead Airport. It focussed on the possibility of Grant Funding in a year of financial constraint. The speakers included Sir Stephen Bubb, CEO of ACEVO and Suzanne Lowe, Senior Policy Advisor to the Cabinet Office and was attended by 124 Delegates.
4.Dereham Model Rail Day 27th February
A one day Model Railway Show which attracted reasonable support and was attended by a number of Members. Our Sales stand was well represented despite difficulties in the supply chain.
5.North Norfolk Steam Gala 4th - 6th March
This was an opportunity, based upon Platform 2 in Sherringham, to engage with the public and deploy the B17 Gazebo. There were 6 operational engines and the Staff were easy to work with. 6 Members and 3 active supporters there
6.Norwich Railway Society MRE 5th - 6th March
This stretched our resources as we had 2 events on the same weekend but it did provide another opportunity to talk to the people of East Anglia.
7.Midlands Garden Rail Show, Leamington Spa 12 - 13th March
The Trust was represented at this event by Fiddlers Green Railway. The attraction of live steam models attracted attention which then allowed us to discuss the 'real thing'
8.HMC Careers Convention, New Hall School 14th March
We were invited to speak about the possibility of Apprenticeships in Engineering in conjunction with Kings College, Chelsea and the possibility of working on placements such as the B17 Trust Locomotive Tenders. This produced an interest in the young people present who clearly had not thought about such possibilities.