Holden St James was built as a private venture by six members and
exhibited by them on behalf of the club and used a mix of club and
members stock. In these photo's its being exhibited at the Ely
Exhibition held at The Maltings, date is 18/9/82. This was the only
exhibition it attended outside Bury. Unfortunately it turned out to be
somewhat of a "white elephant" due to its very large size being 24'0" x
12'0" and would warrant six full time operators, 4 mainlines, 1 branch
and 1 on the goods yard. "Non owner" members put a good deal of effort
in to the layout and helped at exhibitions. The layout was eventually
sold.
The first shot shows the expanse of the layout. Operators are (left
front to back) Eric "The Hat" Young, Les Buckle, myself (only small bald
patch) Don Gilham (seated) John Forge (standing/smoking). On the fiddle
yard is someone always referred to as "Alan's Dad" (Whenever he came to
the club, someone would say "Hello Alan's Dad!") At the front hands on
hips Chris, not sure last name, but brought a theodolite to ensure
layout was level! Norman Willis is just behind the layout chatting to
Fred Walton. Sadly I have to report that five fellow members from this
photo are no longer with us.
