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How Redditch Model Railway Club was formed

The Beginning................

One May afternoon John Maries and David Brazier stood in a local Redditch shop talking "railways", in particular the modelling of them and the limitations of layout building in the home. They decided to try and contact other railway modelers with the aim of maybe forming a Model Railway Club. Joe Fairest, owner of the then local Model Railway Shop, was enlisted to help. John Maries was already in touch with an old school friend Mick Clements. A big hurdle to the formation of a club was the finding of a suitable venue to meet at. Two weeks passed with no luck with a venue, or many persons showing an interest. It was decided to call a meeting at The White Hart public house in Headless Cross, to gauge support. On Wednesday May 24th 1967 eight enthusiasts had an enjoyable evening, and it was felt that the venture should be pursued. The task of finding suitable premises started in earnest. On Thursday 1st June 1967 twelve railway enthusiasts met for the second time. David Brazier had a key to premises at the rear of the Co-Op shops in Evesham Street, Redditch. (This is now close to George Walk in the Town Centre). A few of those present went and viewed the building (shown in the picture). On their return the rest were told it was a double lock up garage, the only snag being - no electricity. David Brazier then spoke on rent and the laying on of the electricity supply. The rent was reasonable, we had nothing to lose and so it was now thought appropriate to form a Model Railway Club.

The first Committee was elected
Chairman : Tom Wingell
Vice Chairman :
David Brazier 
Secretary :
John Maries - A post he was to hold for the next 21 years
Treasurer :
Mick Clements - A post he still holds today
Members Representative :
John Jones

The REDDITCH MODEL RAILWAY CLUB had been formed.