The AGM of our Association took place on Saturday 1st June 2013 as planned in Buckfastleigh Town Hall. Thank you to all of you who sent in your apologies together with your proxy votes.

Before getting down to the formal business a presentation was made to both Harry Baker and Kristian Lipscombe who have been chosen jointly to receive the “Brian Cocks Memorial Shield” as the South Devon Railway Association’s Young Volunteer’s of the Year for 2012. The presentation was made by June Cocks, Brian’s widow.

The meeting conferred the award of honoury life membership to Mike and Gill Comben for their dedication to the SDRA over the past 2 decades.

This year our President, Ron Reynolds had asked to stand down at the AGM and so at the meeting the Management Committee proposed Richard Elliott to succeed him. I am pleased to say that those present unanimously confirmed Richards’s appointment.

Our Treasurer, Mike Wall had also confirmed that he would not be offering himself for re-election this year and I am pleased to report that Joe Clowes offered himself to take over the role and again his nomination was duly accepted and confirmed by those present at the meeting .

Seven nominations were received for six places on the committee and after a ballot the following were elected.

Committee Members

Steve Bates, Allan Cash, John Harris, Jon Morton, Ian Short and Howard Webster.

The Management Committee would like to place on record their very grateful thanks to both Ron Reynolds and Mike Wall for all their hard work on behalf of the association membership during their respective tenures as officers of the Association.

At our last Management Committee meeting held before the AGM, our quarterly “250 Club” draw took place and the prize winners are :

• 1st Prize £150 AM Bridge
• 2nd Prize £75 K Hindle
• 3rd Prize £25 D Kiver

Please note also the date of the 2014, Association Draw and Dinner which has been confirmed. This will take place at Dainton Park Golf Club on Saturday 25th January 2014. We only have space to seat 100 so please reserve your place now with Howard Webster if you want to attend.

Finally, later in the year you will once again receive Draw Tickets for the Association Annual Draw The profits from the draw this year will be put towards the “Heritage Vehicle Fund” which this year has seen a sum of money allocated to the fumigation of the association Super Saloon “King George” due to an infestation of woodworm that was discovered and needed to be treated very quickly. This was carried out in May and the vehicle returned to traffic for the Dining Train season. Your assistance in selling books of tickets is really appreciated as their sale will provide profits which will be allocated to the fund.