Speed Record Club

- speed on wheels, water and wings

Event News - 5/6 July 2008.

Summer event based at the National Railway Museum, York.

picture courtesey of www.freefoto.com

On 3 July 1938, the A4 class steam train Mallard set a new record which still stands to this day. In the year of the 70th anniversary of this record, I thought it appropriate to visit the museum in which this historical engine is kept and maintained. As a result our Summer Meeting this year will be to York. Accommodation has been arranged at The Steer Inn, Hull Road, Wilberfoss, York, YO41 5PF at very competitive rates of singles at £40.00, doubles/twins at £45.00 and family rooms at £55.00 per night inclusive of breakfast. (For those who visited this hotel the last time we were in York, I know we had some problems, but the hotel is now under different ownership and it has had some good reviews). On this occasion, I am acting as booking agent for the hotel and all rooms are being held for us until 20 May 2008. To ensure that you have accommodation, I will therefore need to know by no later than the 20th what your requirements are. While rooms may still be available after that date, they cannot be guaranteed.

On the Saturday, I am proposing that we visit York Railway Museum. I am awaiting some more information from them regarding a Special Event based on the A4 class steam engines. Details are still being finalised, but there will be at least one if not two A4 class engines under steam visiting the museum as part of a special London to Edinburgh run with the train being hauled by A4 engines. While entry to the museum is free there will be a charge for the special event with limited availability. If you would like tickets for this please let me know and I will make the necessary arrangements. I had hoped to organise a guided tour of the museum, but again this cannot be finalised until the museum know which staff will be involved in the Special Event. If the tour is available the cost will be approximately £3.00 per head. Please indicate in the attached form if you are interested and I will keep you updated as and when I can.

The proposed programme of events is as follows (please note we reserve the right to make changes if necessary)

Friday evening – arrivals and informal gathering in The Steer Inn

Saturday 5th

Visit to The Railway Museum at a time to suit yourself. Any formal timing and arrangements will be passed directly to you when available. Parking in York can be restricted and expensive, so I suggest you drive to the nearest Park and Ride which is at Grimston Bar, close to the junction of the A1079 and A64.

6.30pm for 7.00pm – social event at The Steer Inn. The evening will include a 3 course carvery meal and the usual quiz and raffle. If anyone has anything they would be prepared to donate for a raffle prize it will be gratefully received. To reduce wastage and keep costs down I have been asked that we pre-order the meal, so please indicate your requirements on the booking form.

A nominal charge of £1.00 per entry will be made for the quiz and will be collected on the day.

Sunday, 6th

As York has a wide ranging variety of museums and attractions I have not organised anything for today, as there is plenty to suit all tastes. However, being based at The Steer, you will be ideally located to visit The Yorkshire Air Museum, based on Halifax Way, Elvington, York, YO41 4AU. For those wishing to maintain a steam engine theme you could visit the North York Moors Railway at Pickering.

Please email me for any more details and booking form. To guarantee any accommodation requirements, this should be by no later than Tuesday, 20 May 2008. Any late applications are at your own risk!!

Hoping to see you in July.

Jane Pittwood