The Board would like to thank everyone who came to Members Day on Saturday. It makes the time spent on organisation worthwhile when so many members turn out. We had some good weather although it went a little cloudy in the afternoon which wouldn't have pleased the photographers.

We had two service trains with Alycidon and both were busy. In the evening the Beerex had good support with all the pies being eaten but a disappointing effort in demolishing the 80 pints of real ale with some left over. Alycidon ran on two engines in the evening making a spectacular display between Loughborough and Quorn.

A special mention to James who spent the whole weekend at Loughborough as travelling fitter. It is difficult to get him to come out of the engine room and we have to now tempt him out using sausage sandwiches.

The GCR Diesel Gala is next and the timetables are in a separate article. The GCR are aware that RSG is on tour on Saturday and so they have given us plenty of running on Friday and Sunday as well as another Beerex on Saturday evening. I think they expect us to finish off the real ale for them this time (not a problem).

Peter Kennan

Calling potential editors! With Charlie Cawthorne standing down as Editor, the position of Editor is vacant.

Are there any members who might like to have a go – with tuition if need be?

The magazine uses Corel Draw for the design software.

Do please contact the Secretary if you are willing to consider taking on Deltic Deadline.

One ticket from the AGM Raffle was not claimed, yesterday. Pink ticket 990, which is worth £10 to spend with our sales department, is waiting to be claimed. If the owner of the ticket would like to contact me, then I'll arrange for the prize to be awarded.

£84 was raised by the raffle. Thank you to everyone for their support.

Graham Clarke

The Draw took place, as planned, on 9 January 2010 at our Depot at Barrow Hill. The following numbers are the winners:

1st prize of £250 = 2322
2nd prize of £100 = 18161
3rd prize of £100 = 13795
4th prize of £50 = 2324
5th prize of £50 = 4131
6th prize of £50 = 12912

The Draw has raised £3,010, after deducting prizes and printing costs. This compares to £2,538 last year and is the highest figure ever. This is a fantastic achievement, especially against the current background of economic turmoil. All of the DPS Board would like to express their thanks for your generous and enduring support.

I’ll be contacting winners, using the information on the ticket stubs. However, please feel free to contact me via email or by telephone, using the contact details given on this website and in Deltic Deadline.

Finally, another thank you to everyone who supported the Draw and a Happy New Year!

Graham Clarke

Shop on line and raise funds for the DPS.

Do you, your family, friends, shop for goods online? If so, then by shopping via our buy.at site, you can raise money for the DPS at the same time.

There is no extra cost to you when you purchase via this method. You will pay the same prices as shopping directly with the retailer and there are often discounts exclusive to the webshop. All transactions use the retailers secure payment methods.

And remember the more you use the webshop, the more commission the DPS receives!, so tell your family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues.

you can go to the web site by clicking HERE

Saturday 7th March 2009

Aston Court Hotel, Derby, Midland Road, opposite the railway station.

Doors open at 10:00, The formal business of the DPS AGM begins at 11.00 and is open to members only.

In the afternoon (approx 13:30) the Lord Nelson Memorial Lecture will take place entitled: DP1 - a pictorial service history by Nigel Paine. This lecture is open to members of the public.

This will be followed by the society's annual auction.

The DPS sales stand will be in attendance with a wide selection of items on sale.

Anyone requiring the return of their membership card in time for the AGM on 7th March 2009 should ensure that their renewal is received by the membership secretary by Saturday 28th February to enable it to be processed and returned to them.

Thank you

In recent weeks there has been various postings on web forums and repeated in the railway press concerning alleged activities by the DPS. These include turning down an offer of sponsorship to renovate D9015 Tulyar to matters regarding the loan of a bogie to Harry Needle Railroad Company.

The DPS is a limited company and its directors are only responsible to its ‘shareholders’, i.e. its members. It is not the DPS’ policy to respond to every bit of tittle-tattle in the media and hence this statement.

The DPS has not received any approach from a company or individual to sponsor the renovation of Tulyar to main line standard. The DPS did enter into a contractual arrangement with HNRC for the temporary loan of a bogie, signed by both parties.

The publication of erroneous information which shows the DPS in a poor light is deplorable. Any magazine which perpetuates ill-informed alleged stories will find itself isolated. The Board directors have had to waste inordinate amounts of time responding to members’ inquiries as to whether such ‘stories’ were true and this is resented – all because some individuals take pleasure from making up fiction.

The best way to learn what is going on in the Society is to read ‘Deltic Deadline’ and by regularly looking at the society’s website where every effort is made to keep the site bang up to date.

Thanks for your continued support.

Murray Brown

Alycidon has now returned to Barrow Hill after a successfull and enjoyable visit to Napier Powerex-200 at Quainton.

The DPS would like to thank the napier Power Heritage Trust for their invitation to take part in the event to celebrate 200 years of Napier history. Many thanks to the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre for their hospitality and assistance over the weekend at their excellent facility. Thanks to the volunteers and staff of all groups who made the event possible. Finally thanks also to Allelys Heavy Haulage for safely transporting Alycidon to and from the event.

A photo gallery of the event is available by clicking HERE.

Mark Harrison, Finance Director and Secretary has unfortunately and regrettably decided to stand down from the Board. Are there any members who would like to consider taking on these roles? It is felt that the Secretary position deserves a separate person to that of the financial position. Mark has willingly offered to help anyone into the position so any newcomer will not be left high and dry. This is an excellent way to help run your society – please give some thought as to whether you can contribute – you will be made most welcome. Please contact Murray Brown via the 'Contact Us' link to the left if so.

The Board would like to place on record its thanks to Mark Harrison for his considerable efforts whilst being a Board member – he has expertly held the financial reigns and offered sensible guidance on many an occasion. We all hope to see him when there are Deltic events to enjoy.