Members’ Update – June 2021
It has been some time since my last Members’ Update and there has been a lot going on for the Club in that time. So, I will just get straight into what is happening.
Update on the Club’s New Premises – Yeronga
At the last Members Meeting on 29 May 2021, Dennis reported that the work had started on the design and construction requirements following the signing of the contracts by the consortium developers and Economic Development Queensland (EDQ). EDQ has now confirmed timelines for the program of works. Unfortunately, the date for the completion the Community Centre (which includes our Club Rooms) has been extended to mid-2023.
Meetings with EDQ to work through design and construction issues for the Club’s requirements are expected to be held in the near future.
Temporary Accommodation for the Club at Yeerongpilly Green
You may recall that Dennis advised members at the Meeting of 29 May 2021, that EDQ had advised him that there was a possibility that there may be temporary accommodation available at Yeerongpilly Green for the Club’s use. The good news is that last week Dennis received confirmation that accommodation will be available for the Club for a period of six months with the likely possibility that this could be extended for extended in six monthly increments until the Club moves into its new club rooms at Yeronga.
Dennis, Anna and I attended at Yeerongpilly Green to have a look at the accommodation yesterday and were very impressed with the room available for us. It is roughly about the size of the room at the Carindale PCYC that we use for members meetings. It will be suitable for setting up Midlands Layout and the N Scale layout with room left for tables and chairs for social interaction for members.
The photo below shows the front of Yeerongpilly Green in Queens Way with the Club’s room being the whole of the area to the right of the side stairs. You can see a lift at these stairs for wheelchair access.
This is a significant step forward for the Club and will be a focal point for members for the foreseeable future. I would like to thank Dennis for his continued dedication and hard work on accommodation matters which has resulted in this breakthrough.
This is perhaps the biggest news of the year for the Club and it is certainly the best news we have had for some time. I will be providing further details concerning dates and organisational matters to members in the coming weeks. We will, of course, be calling for volunteers to assist with moving in the layouts and other Club furniture.
Brisbane Train Show
The Club attended and displayed Midlands at the annual AMRA (Queensland) Brisbane Model Train Show on 1 and 2 May 2021. It was a very successful event. I would like to thank all members and friends who assisted us in setting up, running, dismantling and transporting Midlands for this event.
Ninth Redlands Model Railway Show
At the recent Brisbane Model Train Show, I was approached by representatives of the Redlands Model Railway Group who asked if AGMRC would be interested in displaying Midlands at its Model Railway Show in Cleveland on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 August 2021. I advised the Redlands’ Secretary last week that our Club would be very happy to attend and display Midlands and I submitted the required Application form. I will advise you of further details in the coming weeks.
2021 Table Sales Events
I would like to thank Ron Parker and Alf Petralia (with special mention to helpers David Austin, Ted Waugh and Neil Bromley) for their sensational and enthusiastic organisational efforts in bringing together the 2 Table Sales events for 2021 which will be held at the Queensland Rifle Association (QRA) Restaurant, Belmont. The dates for the Table Sales are:
- Sunday, 1 August 2021; and
- Sunday, 28 November 2021.
You will be advised of further details about the first Table Sale in the coming days.
Please note we are watching the unfolding COVID situation in South East Queensland very closely. At this stage everything is proceeding – possibly subject to certain restrictions, however the dates remain some time away and we anticipate a positive outcome.
Contactless Payment for AGMRC
Following endorsement from members at the recent meeting, the Treasurer, Daphne Huang has purchased a terminal to enable the Club to accept cashless payments. This will enable the Club to accept credit and debit card payments for any monies to be paid to the Club. For example, credit and debit cards can be used to pay for annual membership fees or for the purchase of items like drinks and sausages at Club events such as Table Sales.
The terminal will have its first outing at the Table Sales event on 1 August.
Social Dinner – 14 August 2021
As discussed at the recent member meeting, a social dinner has been organised for 14 August 2021. It will be held in the function room of the Mt Gravatt Hotel which is where we held our Christmas party in December last year. The evening will commence at 6.30, with dinner being served at 7.00. Dennis has kindly offered to organise another “Trivia” quiz.
We need to know who will be attending this dinner so that we can lock in the booking and lock in the costs. It is envisaged that the meal will be similar to that provided to members at the Christmas party with a main meal and desert. The Club Secretary, Barry Chiswell, will be in contact with members shortly to lock in numbers and finalised details, including costs.
Members Meeting
The next Members Meeting will be held at the Carindale PCYC at 1.00pm on Saturday 17th July 2021. Barry will, as usual, be sending details of that meeting to you in due course.
There is a lot happening at the moment but I think that this brings you up to date with Club matters to this point. Take care of yourselves, be safe and see you at the next Members Meeting.
All the best.
John Bateman
President
All Gauge Model Railway Club Inc.
Members’ Update – April 2021
Hello fellow AGMRC members,
The 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place at the Carindale PCYC on Saturday, 27th February 2021 and the first meeting of the new Committee was held on 25 March 2021. The 2021 year is underway with a lot more optimism than last year. There are many Club Activities either planned or in the planning stages and hopefully this year you will witness more social interaction with members and more Club events. A lot has happened since the last Member’s Update. I have outlined the main items of interest below.
2021 AGM and Members Meeting
At the AGM on 27th February 2021 the following people were elected unopposed at the AGM:
* President: John Bateman
* Vice President: Dennis Remmer
* Treasurer: Daphne Huang
* Secretary: Barry Chiswell
* Committee Member: Col Rough
I would like to congratulate Col on his election and welcome him to the Committee. I look forward to working with Col over the next year.
Alf Petralia did not stand for office this year and I would like to acknowledge and thank Alf for his many years as a hard-working Committee Member. Thanks Alf, your efforts have been very much appreciated by all members.
I realise that the 2022 AGM is a fair way off now, but I do encourage members to consider whether they would be willing to nominate for Committee positions next year. At this point in time, I understand that the people in positions of Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and President will not be standing again in 2022. The Club and its members need and deserve some new people that are willing to take on these roles at a time when the Club is moving into new premises and building new layouts. It will be an exciting time.
Update on Yeronga Priority Development Area – Club’s New Premises
Dennis has reported that contracts between EDQ and the development consortium have been signed and work has commenced on the project-proper for the Yeronga Priority Development Area. This includes the planned Yeronga Community Plus building, of which All Gauge MRC will be a co-tenant. Because of delays due to Covid, current plans indicate late 2022 as the completion target, however All Gauge should commence layout planning sooner rather than later.
Brisbane Train Show
The annual AMRA (Queensland) Brisbane Model Train Show is back for 2021 after missing last year due to COVID 19 restrictions. The Club will be exhibiting its Midlands Layout at this event. The details of the Brisbane Model Train Show are as follows:
* Dates/Times:
Saturday 1st May – 9am-5pm
Sunday 2nd May – 9am-4pm
* Venue: Exhibition Building, 601 Gregory Terrace at the corner of Costin Street
* Cost:
Adults $17.00
Concession and Full-time Students (16 and over) $12.00
Children Under 16 (With paying Adult) Free
* Parking: On-site parking is available for $15 per day.
To ensure that all is well with Midlands, it is proposed that the trailer (with Midlands) be towed from David Austin’s house at Holland Park West to Barry and Daphne’s house at Coopers Plains, where Midlands will be assembled and tested. As Barry has previously advised, this will take place on Wednesday 14 April. The preparation of the trailer for transit will commence at David’s house at 9.00am. Full details of this logistical effort have already been supplied in an email to members by Barry. If you require further details, please contact Barry or myself. Your help with this move and testing will be appreciated.
Members Meeting
The next Members Meeting will be held at the Carindale PCYC at 1.00pm on Saturday 29th May 2021. Barry will, as usual, be sending details of that meeting to you in due course.
That’s about it for now. I hope to catch you at the Brisbane Train Show. Take care of yourselves, be safe and see you soon. All the best.
John Bateman
President, All Gauge Model Railway Club Inc.
Members’ Update – 25 January 2021
Hello fellow AGMRC members,
Well, here we are, almost at the end of the first month of 2021. Happy new year to all of you. Last year seemed like a bit of a wild ride but let’s hope 2021 will be a big improvement. The Committee is hoping that 2021 will enable us to get back to our normal schedule with table sales, train shows and Club events planned throughout the year. Dates for these events are being finalised. I will let you know as soon as I have confirmation of these dates.
The current Committee had its last meeting last week on Wednesday, 20 January and we discussed a number of matters concerning the Club and its activities for the coming year. I have provide you with details of the matters discussed as well as some news updates below for your information:
Update on Yeronga Priority Development Area – Club’s New Premises
With the Christmas holidays only now coming to an end this week, there has not been much happening with respect to the development of the new Yeronga Community Centre. The Vice President, Dennis Remmer, expects planning meetings to commence in the next couple of weeks and we will be able to give you an update at the AGM and Members Meetings on 27 February 2021.
2021 AGM and Members Meeting
As noted above the annual AGM and Members Meeting will take place on Saturday, 27 February 2021 commencing at 1.00pm. As usual it will be held at the Carindale PCYC and these meetings will continue to be held there at least for 2021.
You will be receiving a Notice of 2021 AGM and Agenda and associated documents from the Secretary, Barry Chiswell over the next few days.
You will be aware that one of the main formalities of the AGM is the election of the Management Committee members. Any two members of the Club may nominate any other member to serve as an officer of the Management Committee. I would encourage all members to consider taking on a role in the Committee to assist in and contribute to the advancement of the Club in what looks like being a significant year in the Club’s history with the move to new Club premises in late 2021 or early 2022. Our current Secretary, Barry Chiswell and Treasurer, Daphne Huang have advised that they will not be standing for office in 2021. The positions of Secretary and Treasurer are critical for the running of the Club and if any members are thinking of taking on these roles, it is important to have themselves nominated. The Notice of 2021 AGM will provide details of the nomination process and attach a Nomination Form.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Barry and Daphne for all their hard work and dedication to the Club over the past four years or so. It has been a pleasure working with them over the years.
New Venue for Table Sales and Train Shows
As advised at the last Members Meeting in November, the Carindale PCYC will be undergoing some development during 2021. The consequence of this is that the Club’s use of the main hall at that facility to host its Table Sales and other significant events cannot be guaranteed in 2021 or into the future. I have discussed this with Sgt David Beard, Branch Manager, PCYC Carindale and we have both agreed that for the sake of continuity and certainty, that it would be in the Club’s interest to seek an alternative venue for these events.
I would like to thank David for his strong support for the Club since our move there in early 2017. Without his help and that of his team, the Club would not be in the good shape it is now. His help and assistance over the years has been appreciated by the Committee and members more than we could ever adequately express.
While the Club will continue to use the facilities at the PCYC for all our meetings, at least for 2021, all table sales and train shows will be move to the QRA Cafe, Bar and Function Centre at Belmont. I would like to thank Ron Parker and Alf Petralia for their efforts in securing this site for these events.
Annual Club Awards
We had the return of the annual Club awards at the Christmas Party held in early December last year. This appeared to have been welcomed enthusiastically by members and guests on the evening. The recipients of the awards on the night were:
| Member of the Year 2019 | Ron Parker | for all the work he has put into the organisation of the Table Sales and the success of those events for the Club. |
| Member of the Year 2020 | David Austin | for his consistent and ongoing contributions to Club activities, most of which are conducted in the background and have not been recognised, at least until now. |
| Modeller of the Year 2019 | Graham Sheehan | for his dedication to the ongoing work on Midlands Layout which is enjoyed by all members. |
| Modeller of the Year 2020 | Graeme Ross | for his constant support of N gauge modelling and in recognition of his significant modelling skills. |
Planning for New Club Layouts
As you know, we are very hopeful that by the end of 2021, we will have Club rooms at the new Yeronga Community Centre. While in the short term we can move the current Club layouts into this facility, the longer term plan is to construct a new layout that will cater for members into the future. It is an opportunity for members to think about what they would like to see in a new layout and to contribute, in the first instance, to the planning of the layout and later to contributing to its construction. These matters will be discussed with members at the first Members Meeting on 27 February 2021.
This is an opportunity for the Club to develop a vision for a layout that takes advantage of new technologies and construction techniques that will not only service the members of today but also the members of the future. To my mind, the age old rivalry between DC and DCC will need to be put aside for this layout. There is no reason why we cannot have a layout that caters for both methods of operation. The focus needs to be on the big picture and the future.
Well, that’s about it for now. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the AGM and Members’ Meeting next month. Please consider nominating for any of the positions on the Committee. Take care of yourselves, be safe and see you soon.
John Bateman
President
All Gauge Model Railway Club Inc.
Members’ Update – 16 November 2020
Hello fellow AGMRC members,
Despite COVID-19 and all the craziness that has been 2020, the year has flown by and here we are looking at Christmas in about 6 weeks. It has been an unusual year for the Club as all our regular activities, like table sales, train shows/open days and even the Brisbane Model Train Show were cancelled due to the pandemic. We even held a Member’s Meeting for the first time as a ‘virtual meeting’ as members sampled the delights on Zoom.
With COVID-19 restrictions being further eased, we have two final Club events planned to bring us to the end of the year. The first event is our final Members Meeting for 2020 to be held at the Carindale PCYC on Saturday 21 November 2020 and the annual Christmas party to be held on 4 December 2020 at the Mt Gravatt Hotel. Details of these events are set out below.
To keep you informed about Club events and matters affecting the Club and members I have provided the following updates for your information:
Update on Yeronga Priority Development Area – Club’s New Premises
With the Queensland Government going to the election last week-end and being in caretaker mode for a numbers of weeks prior to that, there has not been much news on the development of the new Yeronga Community Centre and our new Club premises. The Vice President, Dennis Remmer has been keeping an eye on developments and has reported that there are some new hoardings along the fence line at the development site as the photos below show.
Dennis made the comment that he does not believe that the artist’s impression of the building on the banners reflect the actual final development as no plans have been distributed for comment and review by the proposed tenants. In any event, things are progressing, albeit more slowly than members would have liked. Dennis is continuing to monitor the developments and is expecting to attend meetings with the representatives from Yeronga Community Centre and Economic Development Queensland in the near future.
Running Sessions at Members Homes
David Austin kindly recommenced the running of trains at his place on Saturday 7th November. Running on the N gauge layout has not yet recommenced.
Final Members Meeting for 2020
The last Members Meeting for 2020 will take place next weekend on Saturday, 21st November at the PCYC Carindale at 1.00pm.
The Secretary, Barry Chiswell sent members the notice of this meeting on 7 November 2020 and attached copies of the Agenda, Minutes of the Meeting of 26 September 2020 and details of the proposed dates for Members Meetings next year. Please let Barry or I know if you did not receive this email and/or attachments.
2021 Club Calendar
The Treasurer, Daphne Huang has engaged a printer to produce the Club Calendar for next year. It is hoped that copies will be available for distribution to members at the Christmas party. Should you require extra copies for friends of family they will be available for purchase at the Christmas party. The cost for extra copies will be $10.00. This can be paid to Daphne on the night or by way of direct deposit, the details of which are set out below at the end of the details on the Christmas party. Please make sure that if you do make a direct deposit, that you reference that the payment is the calendar and include your surname.
2020 Christmas Function
The annual Christmas party has been organised for 4 December 2020. In keeping with a great precedent set by John Pollard last year, Dennis will be putting together another trivia game that will be played during the event. The Committee has also resolved to resurrect the annual members awards which have not been used since we lost out former Club House in 2017. The details of the Christmas function were sent to all members by email this week.
The Treasurer, Daphne Huang will be collecting monies from members at the Members Meeting next Saturday (21 November) and you will be able to deposit direct to the Club’s bank account which is preferred. The details of the account were provided in the most recent email to members. N.B. Please ensure that you reference that the payment is the Christmas party and include your surname.
Well, that’s about it for now. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the Members’ Meeting next week and again at the Christmas event. Take care of yourselves, be safe and see you soon.
All the best.
John Bateman
President
All Gauge Model Railway Club Inc.
Members’ Update – 11 Sep 2020
Hello fellow AGMRC members,
The Committee met last week on Tuesday 1st September 2020. Despite the effects of COVID-19, the year’s end seems to be fast approaching. While the Club’s social activities have been severely limited this year due to lockdowns and social distancing, the Committee is hopeful that the Club Running Weekend and the Christmas Party/Dinner can go ahead as planned. I will give more details about these events below.
The more important issues discussed by the Committee last week are as follows.
Update on Yeronga Priority Development Area – Club’s New Premises
The Vice President, Dennis Remmer attended a meeting with representatives from the Yeronga Community Centre about 2 weeks ago and was provided with an update on the progress of the development. Please refer to your newsletter for full details of the very encouraging news, including a planned completion date of December 2021.
The Committee will keep you informed of developments.
Running Sessions at Members Homes
As you know both the President, Barry Chiswell and I have notified members in the last fortnight that we have had to put a hold on these Club organised gatherings until further notice due to the recent COVID-19 outbreaks and the Government’s sudden reversion to stricter measures. We are constantly reviewing the situation and monitoring government recommendations and directions and as soon as things improve, we will be delighted to recommence these running sessions.
Members Meeting and Club Running Weekend – 26 and 27 September 2020
The Members Meeting and Club Running Weekend is still on for the Saturday, 26th September and Sunday, 27th September at the PCYC Carindale. We are permitted to conduct the activities on this weekend as both the Club and the PCYC have COVID-19 plans in place. Sergeant David Beard, Manager of the Carindale PCYC, has confirmed that the Club can use the PCYC facilities on this weekend.
The President, Barry Chiswell sent members details of the events on 26th and 27th September, and the arrangements for set up on Saturday morning and pack up on Sunday.
2021 Club Calendar – Photo Request
As I said in the last Members Update, the Club Treasurer, Daphne, is organising the printing of a Club Calendar for next year. Daphne is still looking for photos from members that may be suitable for inclusion in the calendar. It is preferred that the photos are of model trains or model train layouts. If you have a photo that you would be happy to have printed in the calendar, please get in touch with Daphne as soon as possible. You will need to have copyright in the photo, so photos from magazines or books could not be used.
Christmas Party
The Committee has been looking at venues for the annual Christmas Party/Dinner. Details of what is available and members preferences will be discussed at the Members’ Meeting on 26th September. Following that meeting it is hoped that we can lock in a date and a venue.
Well, that’s about it for now. Please take care of yourselves and be safe.
All the best.
John Bateman
President
All Gauge Model Railway Club Inc.
Members’ Update – 26 July 2020
Since the Members’ Update of 7 July 2020, the Committee met on 14 July and there was a Members Meeting held on Saturday 18 July. That was our first Members Meeting held back at the PCYC Carindale since the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions. We had 15 members attend that meeting and it was good to see everyone again after about 4 months of lock down. Hopefully the COVID-19 situation will continue to improve and we will be able to hold future Members Meetings at the PCYC Carindale. While the use of electronic media like Zoom greatly assists in facilitating meetings and communications between people, I am sure that everyone would much prefer the social interaction of a physical meeting.
I have set out below some details of the more important issues that have been reviewed by the Committee and raised at the Members Meeting last week.
Running Sessions at Members Homes
Given the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions, the issue of recommencing train running sessions at members houses was discussed at the Members Meeting last weekend. It was agreed that regular running sessions would be reinstated as follows:
DCC – HO/OO Gauge Layout – David Austin’s House
Running sessions will start on Saturday 1 August 2020 from 9.00am to 12.00 noon. These sessions will then be held on the first Saturday of each month until further notice.
DC – N Gauge Layout – Daphne and Barry’s House
Running sessions will start on Saturday 29 August 2020 from 9.00am to 12.00 noon. These sessions will then be held on the third Saturday of each month until further notice.
The Secretary, Barry Chiswell will provide members will details of address, etc. by separate email and letter.
Next Members Meeting and Club Running Weekend – 26 and 27 September 2020
The possibility of organising a member only running weekend was discussed at the Members Meeting on 18 July. It was proposed that Midlands and Cylo, as well as other layouts brought by members, could be set up for a weekend running at the PCYC Carindale. The Secretary was asked to explore the possibilities of coupling the running weekend with a Members Meeting.
After discussions with Sergeant David Beard, it was decided that the best weekend for this event would be Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September. This is a school holiday weekend and there are no events scheduled at the PCYC Carindale. It was resolved that the Club could use the large hall (where the table sales were held) as this would enable an easier and safer setup and takedown of layouts as well as enable compliance with COVID-19 requirements.
Rather than holding the Members Meeting on Saturday 19 September as was resolved at the Members Meeting last week, it is proposed that the Members Meeting now take place on Saturday 26 September at 1.00pm in the large hall. Members can set up and run trains prior to the Members Meeting and then stay for the afternoon to run trains. Running trains would then be available for members on the Sunday. The layouts would have to be packed up and removed by early Sunday afternoon.
I would like to encourage you all to attend this event and Members Meeting. It will be a great social event and allow members to catch up in an informal setting. I look forward to seeing as many members there as possible.
Of course, running an event such as this does not come without some effort and we will require volunteers at assist with getting the layouts to and from the PCYC Carindale as well as assisting with setup and then pack up at the end of the event. Further organisational details will be sent to members by the Secretary in the coming weeks.
2021 Club Calendar – Photo Request
The Club Treasurer, Daphne, is again organising the printing of a Club Calendar for next year. Daphne has asked members if they have any photos that may be suitable for inclusion in the calendar. It is preferred that the photos are of model trains or model train layouts. You will need to have copyright in the photo, so photos from magazines or books could not be used. It does not matter whether the photo is a digital file or a hard copy photo.
If you have a photo that you would be happy to have printed in the calendar, please get in touch with Daphne as soon as possible.
COVID-19 Safety Management Plan
As the Club uses the facilities of the PCYC Carindale for its meetings and other events, the Club is required to have a COVID-19 Safety Management Plan in compliance with Queensland Government and PCYC requirements. I have completed the Club’s COVID-19 Safety Management Plan and sent it through to the PCYC Carindale. You can find a copy on this website under About Us > Useful Documents.
Well, that’s about it for now. Please take care of yourselves and be safe.
All the best.
John Bateman
President
All Gauge Model Railway Club Inc.
Member’s Update – 7 July 2020
Posted on July 7, 2020
Hello fellow AGMRC members,
Since my last communication with you the Committee has met on two occasions; once on 14 April via Skype and more recently on 16 June where we met in person for the first time since the Covid 19 restrictions were lifted. It was a pleasure to be able to meet face to face without the use of technology, as good as that technology may be in these trying times.
Many of you participated in our Members’ General Meeting on 16 May and experienced first-hand our first “virtual” meeting as a Club. For a first attempt, things went pretty smoothly and the meeting was a success. However, I am sure that you will all be happy to hear that our next meeting on 18 July 2020 will take at the Carindale PCYC. We will have to have in place some social distancing measures but in all other respects the meeting will be the same as in past. It will be good to catch up with everyone again.
Although it was my intention to send this Member’s Update following each Committee meeting, I have been caught up at work over the past 2 months and have not had the time to devote to finalising this note. Please accept my apologies for the silence of the past eight weeks or so.
Due to the slowdown in activities because of the impacts of Covid19, there is not a lot to report to members at this time. The main issues discussed by the Committee in the last two meetings are set out below.
Meetings at Members House to Run Trains
As you know the Club’s layouts which are currently at member’s homes have not been available at regular events since the start of the Covid19 restrictions. The opening up of these layouts to members will be discussed at the coming General Meeting.
Next Members’ Meeting – 18 July 2020
As stated above, the next Members’ Meeting will take place at the Carindale PCYC at 1.00pm on Saturday 18th July 2020. We will still have to practice social distancing and the seating will reflect that on the day. Our Club Secretary, Barry Chiswell sent an invitation withy copies of the Agenda and Minutes to all members last week. If you did not receive this invitation, please let me know and I will organise for it to be sent to you.
I would like to encourage you all to attend this meeting.
Club Accommodation – Yeronga Community Centre
The Vice President, Dennis Remmer has had some updates on the progress of the Yeronga site from Economic Development Queensland. Dennis was advised that the negotiations for Yeronga were still progressing but that a final agreement with the preferred development proponent has not yet been concluded. Economic Development Queensland were unable to provide a time frame around when the agreement will be finalised. However, they did confirm that we and all the interested stakeholders, will be notified as soon as the agreement is in place.
Club Events
Due to Covid19 concerns and difficulties in organisation at this time there will be no Table Sales or Train Shows for the remainder of 2020. Depending on the continuing impacts of Covid19, these events will return next year. The Committee and event organisers will continue to monitor the situation and you will be updated as soon as more is known.
That’s about it for now. Take care of yourselves and be safe.
All the best.
John Bateman
President
President’s Update to Members – April 2020
Posted on April 20, 2020
The Committee met for the second time this year on 14 April 2020. This meeting was different to all previous Committee meetings as we all met online for the first time due to the social distancing requirements during these times of COVID 19. We met via Skype, which to the uninitiated is a teleconferencing service.
I intend to send this Member’s Update following each Committee meeting. My aim is to ensure that all members continue to be kept informed of what is going on in the Club, particularly at this time of social distancing which directly affects the usual social interaction between members. If any member has any comments or suggestions for any content in these Updates, please let me know.
The main issues that the Committee discussed last week are set out below.
New Constitution
The Secretary, Barry Chiswell, confirmed that he had lodged the amended Constitution, passed at the AGM on 29 February 2020, with the Office of Fair Trading for registration last month. Barry advised that the Office of Fair Trading confirmed in a letter dated 3 April 2020, that the amended Constitution has now been registered.
Dennis, the Vice-President, has uploaded the new amended Constitution to the Club’s website. If you require a copy of the document, you can download it here on Club’s website or request a copy from Barry.
Audit Report
As advised at the Member’s Meeting of 29 February 2020 the Treasurer, Daphne, was waiting on the finalisation of the Auditor’s Report. Daphne informed Committee members at the last Committee Meeting that she is now in receipt of that document from the Club’s Auditors. Barry will be providing all members with a copy of that report within the next few days and he will also be asking you to vote on the acceptance of the Audit Report. Once accepted, Daphne will be submitting it to the Office of Fair Trading as required under the legislation.
Next Members Meeting – 16 May 2020
As you may know, the next Members Meeting will take place on Saturday,16 May 2020 at the usual time of 1.00pm. As stated in the Members Update of 21 March 2020, due to the current social distancing requirements, we will not be able to meet in person at the Carindale PCYC as normal. The Vice-President, Dennis Remmer, is organising for all members to meet by means of a teleconference which means that you can call into the meeting by way of your telephone.
Dennis and Barry will be providing you with details of how this process will work in the coming days.
Club Accommodation – Yeronga Community Centre
Dennis indicated that Economic Development Queensland (who are responsible for building the Yeronga Community Centre) advised him by email on 14 April 2020 that the procurement process for the design and construction is still ongoing. Economic Development Queensland will advise details of the successful supplier in due course however, an announcement is not expected for a month or so. Dennis was assured that position of the Yeronga Community Centre and consequently this Club’s position has not changed. This was reassuring.
Club Newsletter
The Committee talked again about the possibility of creating a Club newsletter. The idea is to create a very simple newsletter of perhaps no more than a page. It will concentrate on issues and matters of interest to AGMRC members. In the last Member’s Update, members were asked for feedback regarding the idea of a newsletter and any ideas on content but to date, there has been no comment received.
One idea that came up from the Committee Meeting was to ask members to submit photo/s of their layout or models for publication in the newsletter. I would be grateful of your thoughts on that idea. Perhaps those submitting a photo could also provide a short commentary. Again, your thoughts on that would be welcome.
You could reply to enquiry@allgauge.org.au
Vale Christine Rough
The Committee acknowledged the very sad news that Col Rough’s wife, Christine, passed away on 13 April. Christine had been diagnosed with cancer several months ago. The Committee, and I am sure all members of the Club, were deeply saddened by this news and offer Col and his family our sincerest condolences during these difficult days. Barry has sent a sympathy card on behalf of the Committee and all members to Col.
I should have mentioned in the previous Update about the election of the members of the Management Committee at the AGM on 29 February 2020. This was an oversight by me, and I apologise, particularly to those members who were unable to be present at that meeting. The following nominees were elected unopposed at the AGM:
President John Bateman
Vice President Dennis Remmer
Treasurer Daphne Huang
Secretary Barry Chiswell
At the Members Meeting that followed the AGM, Alf Petralia was appointed by the meeting to the position of Committee Member.
I would like to personally thank all the members of the 2019 Management Committee. It was a particularly challenging year for the Club with all members contributing significantly to the progress of the Club. Of course, I have to thank all members of the Club for their contributions over the past 12 months and particularly to those who were always there to lend a hand at Club events like table sales and layout exhibitions. The Club owes you a great debt.
I would also like to thank the outgoing Committee Members, John Pollard and Samuel Pollard. John’s passion for the Club is well known. His commitment to seeking out potential sites for the Club and submitting numerous proposals with the property owners for potential sites has been appreciated by all. It was fantastic having Samuel on the Committee as his views and fresh ideas, particularly from a young person’s perspective, were always welcome. His contributions, particularly in sorting out the new Club logo were very welcome and appreciated by the entire Committee. John’s and Samuel’s preparation and delivery of the Trivia at the Christmas Party was the highlight of the night.
That’s about it for now. Take care of yourselves and be safe.
All the best,
John Bateman
AGMRC President
Retiring President’s report to AGM – 29 Feb 2020
Posted on March 2, 2020
As I have been President for both 2018 and 2019, my report covers both years, with concentration on the past year.
Although bereft of our clubhouse, the members have been very strong in supporting the club and turning up for meetings. This has been to me one of the best aspects of club membership.
Over the past two years I have had nothing but support from all seven committee members, and I would like to thank them individually for their work on the Committee of Management.
Alf Petralia has been a great Vice President; always supportive and always around when something has to be done.
Both John Bateman as Secretary and Daphne Huang as Treasurer have excelled, and we are very grateful to John for updating our Constitution.
John Pollard has always been constructive, and has spent a lot of time searching out new possible locations for our clubhouse, while Samuel Pollard has found time from his University studies to do artwork for the club.
Last, but by no means least, Dennis Remmer has put so much of his great talent in getting us so well placed to have a new clubhouse at the new Yeronga Community Centre (YCC) development.
While thanking members for their efforts, one can’t fail to note Ron Parker’s sterling work, assisted by Alf Petralia, in carrying the Club Table Sales to greater heights.
Finally, I know that all members will join with me in a big thankyou to David Beard and the Carina PCYC for so willingly providing us with a place to meet regularly.
2019 has been a year in which members have been much exercised in setting up our layouts at various venues. The HO gauge “Midlands” and one of our DCC layouts were mounted for the big two day Brisbane model railway show, while we ran “Midlands” and an N gauge layout, provided by Graeme Ross, at a one day show at the YCC open day. We also set up and ran “Midlands” and our N gauge layout, “Cylo”, at a PCYC open day later in the year. If the results of setting up and demounting our layouts has proved anything, it is that both our main exhibition layouts are very portable. The designers and builders have done an excellent job.
I have enjoyed my Presidency, and would again like to thank the members for their support.
Barry Chiswell
President’s Report – December 2019
Posted on December 3, 2019
The annual Christmas Party for members and guests, to be held at the Carina PCYC on Friday 6 December, once again heralds the closing of the functions of All Gauge for the year.
Although without a clubhouse, members have rallied as usual to requirements to keep the club a going (and successful) concern.
The three Table Sales held during the year have each excelled the previous sale. Our thanks are indeed due to Ron and Alf who have ensured their increasing success.
The open day at the Yeronga Community Centre during the year was most successful. We were able to exhibit the fine HO “Midlands” layout, and an N gauge layout provided by Graeme Ross. Again the members put their backs to the wheel to mount and dismount “Midlands”. Our thanks are particularly due to Graeme for getting his layout to the show.
The regular member’s meetings have been consistently attended by a sound cohort of members, while to me, as President, the Club Committee has been a dream to work with.
It remains to me to wish all readers a safe and happy Christmas and a New Year that hopefully will bring us closer to our own Clubhouse
And a reminder to all members that the 2020 AGM will be held on Saturday 29 February.
Barry Chiswell, AGMRC President.
President’s Report – July 2019
Posted on July 25, 2019
The early part of July has been a very busy time for All Gauge.
On Sunday 7th, the biggest and most successful Table Sale in the Club’s history was held at the Carina PCYC. Sellers of model railway material took up over 50 tables at the sale, which was attended by a goodly number of buyers. Table Sales are not only a buy and sell function; they also provide a sharing of model rail knowledge as well as offering a social occasion for all those interested in railway modelling.
Sunday 14 July saw All Gauge at the Yeronga Community Centre where we joined with our Historical Society friends and members and staff of the Community Centre to present a one day show event. All Gauge mounted two layouts, the Club’s “Midlands” HO gauge and Graeme Ross’s N gauge layouts, as well as a run-your-own Thomas The Tank Engine corner. Members of the Club were there in force to run their trains, and interest in the Club’s exhibits was sustained, as it was for the Historical Society’s display and the various items on sale from the Centre.
Saturday 20th saw members present once more at a Members Meeting. At this meeting we accepted the resignation of our Patron of some years, Cr. Ryan Murphy, and unanimously resolved to ask the new councillor for Doboy Ward, Cr. Lisa Atwood, if she would be happy to serve as our new Patron. Lisa, who attended the meeting shortly after passage of this resolution was very happy to accept.
The members also agreed that the Committee should proceed to further detailed planning on a new Club T-shirt for the Club, as currently there are members requesting one, and there are none available.
Next Saturday, July 27th sees work continuing on bringing up to show status the Club’s “Cylo” N gauge layout.
President’s Report – May 2019
Posted on May 9, 2019
The Queensland Branch of the Australian Model Railway Association (AMRA) held its 42nd annual show at the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds on Saturday and Sunday 4 & 5 of May. All Gauge as in many previous years was in attendance, with this year two layouts to exhibit.
Public attendance at the show was very good, and our members voted the exhibition hall the best facility that they could remember. Click the Gallery link above to find some great pictures from the event.
Interest in both of our layouts was high, and children, in particular, found the computer controlled DCC layout fascinating, while many adults showed much interest in the high standard of modelling associated with the large “Midlands” layout.
Upcoming functions for the Club are:
Members meeting at the Carina PCYC Hall at 1pm Saturday 18 May.
The second club Table Sale for 2019 at the Carina PCYC Hall Sunday 7 July.
A layout exhibition at the Yeronga Community Centre 10am – 2pm on Sunday 14 July.
President’s Report – March 2019
Posted on March 13, 2019
The recent Club AGM at the Carina PCYC was well-attended; even without a clubhouse, members are very supportive.
Election of the Committee was straightforward, with the previous Committee being re-elected with one change. Jack Hallam, who has done great work by opening his premises every Wednesday for members to run on “Midlands”, did not stand and was replace by Samuel Pollard. We look forward to Samuel bringing a fresh, younger approach to our deliberations.
The Club Committee is now :
Barry Chiswell, President; Alf Petralia, Vice President; John Bateman, Secretary; Daphne Huang, Treasurer; with Samuel Pollard, Dennis Remmer and John Pollard as Committee members.
Dennis Remmer reported at the AGM on our application for space at the old Yeronga TAFE site which is currently undergoing total redevelopment. All the signs are good for us to be allocated dedicated space for our layouts. If we are successful in our application, this will herald a new era for the Club as we will be much more involved in community activities than in the last few years.
2019 will be our second year without a clubhouse. All the signs from 2018 indicate that All Gauge will continue to stay strong and to carry on with its activities of the very successful Table Sales, Shows and socialisation at member’s houses.
Of particular interest is the AMRA 2019 Show Saturday & Sunday 4 & 5 May to which we plan to take two layouts, and an open/show day being organised by the Yeronga Community Association in late June/early July to which we have been asked to take a layout.
President’s Report – December 2018
Posted on December 18, 2018
The traditional All Gauge Christmas Party, as usual, wrapped up the meeting year for 2018. Some 30+ attendees made it great night, capped by spectacular desserts. Once again we thank our Patron, Ryan Murphy, for his supporting grant through the Brisbane City Council.
Without a clubhouse, it might have been expected that 2018 would have been a difficult, and perhaps a disappointing year. This has not been the case. Dedicated membership has been retained, and enthusiastic support for all Club activities has been much in evidence.
The Carina PCYC has been our home away from home for the year, and is set to remain so until we achieve our dream of a clubhouse. We owe a great debt of gratitude to David Beard of the PCYC for his friendly and welcoming attitude towards us.
Hopefully the clubhouse dream may not be only that, as through the great work done by Dennis Remmer, the possibility of the Club being re-sited to the new State Government development at the old Yeronga TAFE premises is looking extremely promising. 2020-21 could be very good years for us.
During this year, while we have been without our clubhouse, members have still been able to run their trains at the homes of various members. Small groups have met regularly, and certain members have made the homes available for running to all members at certain advertised times.
A Happy Christmas, and a great New Year to all our model railway operators and friends.
Presidents Report – October 2018
Posted on October 22, 2018
After the flurry of activity of two Table Sales and a Public Show Day, we’re entering a quiet period, however All Gauge is still moving forward.
The well-attended October members meeting at the Carina PCYC enthusiastically welcomed the news that the Club is pursuing good options for its future home. At this stage we are looking at 2020 as the timeframe for new permanent premises, but until then we continue to partner with the Carina PCYC to hold our events program and member functions. We will announce more soon on our future plans.
Some photos from recent events are here https://photos.app.goo.gl/MDrC9RtJMyw1yGLp9 and here https://photos.app.goo.gl/9meqNM83a2NGAGdp9 .
Members continue to run their non-DCC locos on our Midlands layout on Wednesdays at Jack Hallam’s home from 8am until noon, and DCC locos on the Bodmin Road layout at David Austin’s place on Fridays 6-9pm. Our next (and last for 2018) Members meeting will be held at the Carina PCYC hall at 1pm on Saturday 24 November. However, this is not our last function for 2018, as our annual Christmas Party will be held on Friday 7 December at the Carina PCYC hall.
We welcome any membership enquiries for 2019. Please email enquiry@allgauge.org.au for more information.
General Update – June 2018
Posted on June 20, 2018
All Gauge has coped with its loss of premises very well. Membership is still holding up as demonstrated by the attendance at the last members meeting in early June. Our changed circumstances have led to the formation of a number of “cells’, where members meet at other member’s premises to run trains and to socialise. Jack Hallam’s invitation to all members to run trains at his house every Wednesday has been very successful. See our Gallery for pictures.
Our interaction with the Carindale PCYC has been very positive, and we are grateful to Peter Beard, the PCYC manager, for his strong support. Two upcoming functions of the Club at the PCYC are the Table Sale on 22 July, organised by Ron Parker, and the Club Open Day on 19 August being coordinated by Jack Hallam.
General Update – May 2018
Posted on May 4, 2018
The All Gauge Model Railway Club is back in business with a Train Modellers Sale of thirty plus tables full of model trains and all the paraphernalia modellers need on Sunday July 22, 2018.
And – as for 30 years with our Clubhouse Table Sales – it’s more than a sale; it will be our usual friendly, social occasion that finishes around 1pm.
However as the Clem Jones Centre has bulldozed our clubhouse, the Train Modelers Sale will be at the big blue Carina P.C.Y.C. clubhouse. Entrance to the sale is from Narracott Street (off Creek Road).
As you can see, good things are happening.
The committee has already booked three events into the P.C.Y.C. (plus bi-monthly Members Meetings) for 2018 including a big Open-to-the-Public Model Layouts Show.
General Update – March 2018
Posted on March 27, 2018
The latest members meeting had a sound attendance, being held at the Carina Police Citizens Youth Club who made their hall available at modest cost. We hope to hold all future functions for 2018 at this venue. The calendar for the year will be published when all bookings are finalised; including table sales and train shows.
Dates and times of members meetings are given on this website, and non-members with an interest in model railways are invited to attend; hopefully we can interest you in joining with us.
The new Club Committee has met twice since the AGM in early February, and is very active in following up the possibility of negotiating arrangements for a new clubhouse; if you know of a possible site for our consideration, please send an email to our Secretary, John Bateman. We will gratefully acknowledge all suggestions.
HO and N gauge members are still regularly running trains on our portable layouts installed at member’s houses, and we are attempting to line up a number of social functions.
We would like if possible to share our clubroom, when we get it, with other clubs, whether modelling or otherwise. If you have suggestions re other clubs seeking a clubhouse who may be interested in joining with us, please contact Barry Chiswell. Such an arrangement will be beneficial to both parties in terms of funding etc.
General Update – February 2018
Posted on February 14, 2018 | Leave a comment
2018 is already moving along, and All Gauge is moving quickly to get a new Clubroom following the demolition of the old Clubroom at the Clem Jones Centre.
Annual elections were held at the 2018 AGM held on 3 February at the Carina Leagues Club who provided a free meeting room for us. Some 28 financial members turned up at the AGM, and the general feeling was that the new committee of management of seven represented a good cross section of the membership. Almost all of the new committee have had prior experience in the Club’s operations.
The Club’s focus this year will be in obtaining a new Clubhouse, and the committee is exploring two options at present. Any suggestions re further options will be gratefully received and pursued. Please contact the Secretary, John Bateman, at johnbateman@optusnet.com.au if you can offer suggestions.
Facilities for members to run trains are being regularly provided for HO and N gauge locos, and it is hoped to get the DCC HO layout also made available during the year.
A Club functions calendar for the year will shortly be on the website to convince everybody that the Club is very much a live and functioning body.
Carina Clubhouse Now Closed
Posted on January 7, 2018
The All Gauge Model Railway Club closed its Carina clubhouse doors on Wednesday 20/12/17. The clubhouse building has now been handed over to the Clem Jones Centre to be demolished. It was a very sad day for our club!
The next official meeting of members will be our AGM on 03/02/18 at the Carina Leagues Club.
The club is not closing down and we are still looking for a new building. We again ask if anyone has knowledge of a possible site to contact the club secretary at chiswell1936@gmail.com or at the current mail address of 83 Longden St, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108.
We are moving
Posted on November 29, 2017
From the end of December All Gauge will no longer be situated at the Clem Jones Centre at 56 Zahel Street, Carina. Developments at the Centre require us to vacate a building which we have used now for almost 30 years.
The Club has been able to demount some of the layouts built with great care over the years and store them. However, much of the permanent layouts will be lost.
Although without a Clubroom, the demountable layouts will be stored at member’s homes and will still be available for mounting at model railway shows.
The Club is not closing down, but will continue to operate via email, snailmail and phone contacts with members. The next official meeting of members will be the 2018 AGM on Saturday 3 February, venue to be notified.
During 2017 we have been actively searching for a new clubhouse with no success at this stage. We would ask anyone who may have knowledge of a possible site to contact the Club Secretary at chiswell1936@gmail.com or at the Club’s current mailing address of 83 Longden St., Coopers Plains, 4108.
Our requirements are for a space of roughly 300sq. metres, preferably in the Brisbane City Council area, and preferably south of the river. Please keep in mind that our space will be occupied with permanent layouts.
Vale Barry Williams ….
Posted on September 23, 2016
As those of you who were present at our Members Bi-monthly Meeting last Saturday will know, we received a phone call during the meeting advising us that long-time member Barry Williams had passed away on August 14.
There had been no funeral service.
All of us who come to our club Table Model Train Sales will have their memory of him there in his wheel chair, selling his N scale items. He always did me the courtesy of phoning me to make sure I kept his table for him, a couple of weeks before each sale.
He phoned me several weeks ago to say he was in hospital and not to keep his table for the present. I phoned his daughter twice more after that, asking about him and she said he was still in hospital and they didn’t expect him to come home.
Maybe those of us who knew Barry should sit and think of him for one silent minute after reading this. Jeff Wilde has sent a card from all of us in the club to the few remaining members of his family.
Did You See Our Newspaper Story?
Posted on June 18, 2016
Earlier this year The Courier Mail and Quest Newspapers website featured a story and photos on us and our layouts.
To read the article just click this line.
New lighting throughout the clubhouse completed
Posted on June 15, 2015
Replacement of all the light units Upstairs was recently completed.
Some units had not been working, others had only a single tube, or none. Some would no longer safely hold their tubes.
All the upstairs light units are new doubles with new tubes.
The lighting upstairs is now brighter making the layouts easier to see and also making the environment safer, in support of the new Emergency Exit upstairs, as a building inspection had recommended.
Importantly, the upstairs lighting Automatic Trigger Unit (which has not worked for some time) was also replaced so that, in the event of an emergency such as a blackout, a light automatically comes on near the Emergency Exit upstairs, near the internal stairs down.
A green light unit was also installed over the upstairs Emergency Exit so that exit can be found in the dark. This also remains on in a lighting power failure.
Downstairs every light tube, including in the toilet and over the kitchen, was replaced with new tubes.
A green light was also installed over the existing downstairs Emergency Exit and it, and the downstairs Auto Trigger Unit, operate in a blackout the same as upstairs. All these Emergency Units have new built-in support batteries.
Now, in a total blackout in the clubhouse, the internal stairs have lights top and bottom, and the Emergency Exits green signs remain on.
Of course these all operate in a suburban or Brisbane blackout also.
As Glen Brown, the club Safety officer often reminds us at Members Meetings, all members and visitors must sign-in on arrival at the clubhouse so that we have a record of those present in the unlikely event of an evacuation.
You are reminded that the gathering area in an emergency situation is in the swimming pool car park outside near the rear exit.
Recent work on the HO/OO layout upstairs
Posted on April 12, 2015
The All Gauge Model Railway Club Inc has introduced two initiatives to improve the enjoyment of running your trains at your club. Firstly, Amp meters have been installed on the Inner and Outer lines of the HO/OO layout upstairs for members to keep track of the amperage their locos draw. This will allow you to make sure your locos draw less than 2 Amps on each controller as this is the maximum the controllers can deliver without causing overheating and damage to the controller units – such as happened recently when one had to be replaced and sent to be repaired.
Single locos should draw between 200 to 350 milliamps with normal running while some Athern models may draw significantly more. Some members have run large double-headed 6 wheel bogie pickup/drive diesels, and maybe another train at the same time on the same line. This is only OK if the total amperage drawn is less than 2 Amps.
The meters are scaled as 5 Amp meters where each amp scales in 10 indications to the amp. Therefore, each one 10th of an amp is 100 milliamps as there are 1000 milliamps to the single amp. So the average unit should indicate around 3 & one half on the scale when running “imperial” as indicated on the controllers. If you run the opposite way, as in the “USA” and wherever else they run on the right side of a pair of rails, the meters will register a negative reading. This is not an issue for the meter but if you think you might be overloading the controller, reverse your loco slowly and you should get a positive reading which will represent 80/90% of the negative reading which is occurring with normal running in a “USA” situation. The Watts your unit is using may come up. This is the power (EMF) your unit/s are using and this is calculated simply as Voltage times Amperage = Watts. So, if you are drawing 350 milliamps and the controller is on 10 Volts, you are using 3.5 Watts to drive your unit/s.
Not all members are on the Google email system and every member won’t see this notice so please make this a topic of conversation at the club and upstairs while running your trains. Secondly, three of the electric points in the Engine Yard have been brought back to life. It is now possible to run your trains through the Engine Yard’s reverse polarity loop more easily by using the now-electrified points. It is no longer necessary to walk around the yard, to hand-change the points near the time board.
Vale Club Life Member, Joe Parnis
Posted on April 2, 2015
A large group of All Gauge members and associates were part of more than 150 family and friends who attended a colourful, lovely Ceremony to mark the passing of one of our Life Members, Joe Parnis this week.
It was a sad event of course but there were also some bright and happy moments in the Eulogy delivered by one of his long-term friends, Geoff Horne.
And they were typical of many humorous day-to-day things members will always remember about Joe from times sitting around the table at morning tea at the club house and standing beside him upstairs running trains, over the years.
Following are parts of Geoff’s Eulogy …
It’s a great honour to be asked to give the Eulogy for my friend Joe Parnis, thank you Dianne for the opportunity.
I first met Joe some 25 years ago at Archerfield when we were looking at a business venture together. We were both private pilots, we loved classic cars, trains (model and real) and boats. As far as boats were concerned the bigger the better.
Joseph John Parnis was born in Malta on the September 7, 1949. In 1954 Joe with his mum and dad, his younger brother Victor, and sister Paulina set sail for a new life in Australia when he was just 5 years old.
Interestingly, their family’s arrival in Fremantle WA is recorded on the Welcome Wall of the WA Museum. On arrival in Queensland the family was temporality accommodated at Wacol’s migrant camp and later settled at Narella Street, Cannon Hill.
Joe left high school at year 10 to further his studies in Electronics and graduated as an Electronic Technician, specialising in Radio and Television repairs. After leaving high school and while studying he was also the lead guitarist in a rock band! I never heard him play but I’m sure he was great at it; he never did things by half.
Joe’s working career was interesting. When researching and listening to others who knew about this aspect of his life I felt a strong affinity with him as he tried so hard over the years to find the right path for his career. Joe was always on the lookout for ways to improve himself.
Joe married Kath Nightingale in 1971 and they have two adult children Michael born in 1973 and Michelle in 1975. Joe and Kath have two grandchildren Mitchell and Holly who were very special to Joe.
In 1976 the family moved to Manly. Joe’s affinity with all things marine caused them to purchase a beautiful home overlooking the harbour so Joe could check on his boat moored there.
In 1987 Joe and Kath separated and later divorced.
In 1992 Joe met Diane Wait and they married in 1993. Joe and Di made a dapper couple who enjoyed and made the most of their life together. Diane was indeed the love of Joe’s life.
They loved to take their classic cars out for a run spending as much time as they could around all things marine where they breakfasted regularly and checked out the boats in the harbour.
In closing this eulogy I want to share with you a significant event that happened two days before Joe died:
• Diane, Wendy and I were in Joe’s hospital room and Wendy and I were just about to leave. I so wanted to talk to and pray for Joe before we left but was not able to do so due to him going in and out of consciousness. I was so disappointed. I was sharing this with Di when I said to this effect “This is Joe’s last chance to re-commit his life to the Lord and we had missed it.” Joe, then hearing the words LAST CHANCE called out LAST CHANCE!!!!
We were shocked by this because we thought he couldn’t hear us talking.
We all moved to his bedside and I asked him if he wanted to re-commit his life to the Lord. At this stage I was overwhelmed by the moment and Wendy asked him to squeeze her hand if he wanted to. He squeezed her hand so hard that it hurt!
We then prayed for him and committed him to the Lord.
Wendy and I have lost a great friend far too early. Thank you Joe for being part of our lives.
REST IN PEACE!
DITTO from the train club mate, DITTO!
Club Honoured by Patron in its 40th Year
Posted on March 13, 2015
At the recent AGM (held 13th March 2015 – our 40th!) our club was honoured by its patron Ryan Murphy, Councillor for Doboy Ward, Brisbane City Council. AGMRC Club President Ron Parker was presented with the official Brisbane City Flag. On behalf of all Members, thank you to Councillor Murphy, and here’s to another 40 great years!
Brunel’s Britain: Kingdom come, from east to west – of interest to Great Western modellers
Posted on December 20, 2014
Hi All,
This article was in the travel section of the U.K’s “The Independent” Newspaper last year.
I hope you can open, read and enjoy it.
Either click below or copy and paste it in to your menu address.
Ron Parker.
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/uk/brunels-britain-kingdom-come-from-east-to-west-9910104.html
High praise for Bodmin Road at AMRA Train Show
Posted on May 20, 2014
All Gauge Model Railroad Club ( Our 40th Year). The Brisbane Train Show 3rd and 4th of May 2014.
This year All Gauge entered 3 Layouts, T-Trak, Endeavour Rail and Bodmin Road.
Our Club had an outstanding Show.
Bodmin Road received widespread acclaim from members of the public and other Model Train Club members due to its realistic presentation. Full credit goes to Andrew Kreraup and the work he did on the layout before the Show, applying professional weathering techniques coupled with a full refit of the Layouts general presentation, this included more than 200 1/76 scale trees. Bodmin Road was the talk of the show, it looked so life like. It was even heard by several of our Club members that other Model Train Clubs have said that All Gauge has now set the standard of Show Layout presentation. This was evidenced by the Layouts reception by the General Public along with the many verbal and written comments All Gauge has received. Bodmin Road was the most photographed layout of the show.
Our 2014 Train Show Final Report
Posted on August 22, 2014
The venue used this year (July 26, 27) was again the Carina Bowls Club part of the Clem Jones Sports Centre. Myself (Andrew Krarup) and Peter Ball managed the Co-ordination roles.
All Gauge Model Railway personnel on hand for the 2 days:
Show Co-ordinators: Peter Ball, President – Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Andrew Krarup, Treasurer – Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Don Rennie – Sunday. Jeff Wilde, Door Sales – Sat – Sun
Set-up: Alf Petralia, Door Sales – Saturday.
Set-up, Pick-up: Dave Austin, Door Sales – Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Bob McCabe, Set-up, Pick-up – Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
Road Signs, Show Programme: Ron Parker – pulled together our Show programme at the last minute and placed our Road Signs – Saturday, Sunday.
Thanks guys, we know who you are.
Peter and I would also like to personally acknowledge our generous sponsors (and their always helpful staff) including Brisbane Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk: Lord Mayor Suburban Initiative Fund; Our club patron Councillor Ryan Murphy (Doboy): Lord Mayor Suburban Initiative Fund; Steve Minnikin MP (Chatsworth); The Clem Jones Sports Club; The Carina Bowls Club; The Carina Leagues Club; Camp/Hill Carina Welfare Association and the Australian Railway Historical Society.
And remember everyone, Austral Model Craft, HobbyOne and Railco-Sandgate are your club’s preferred suppliers because they always help us in many ways. Please mention that you saw their adverts in this year’s Train Show program when you visit their shops.
Overall a very good Show. Thanks to all involved. 2015 looks to be an even better opportunity provided the venue can be found.
All Gauge Model Railway Club 