







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 REDDITCH MODEL RAILWAY CLUB had been formed.