New clubhouse for model railway

Model railway enthusiasts are on track to a great future after the opening of their new clubhouse at the weekend.
Deputy Mayor of South Ribble, Councillor Mick Titherington and consort wife Carole on the trainDeputy Mayor of South Ribble, Councillor Mick Titherington and consort wife Carole on the train
Deputy Mayor of South Ribble, Councillor Mick Titherington and consort wife Carole on the train

Members of the Leyland Society of Model Engineers raised £30,000 to pay for the building in Worden Park.

It replaces their old base in a garage and, as well as providing a room for their twice-weekly meeting, it houses a kitchen and disabled toilet facilities.

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Money for the project has been raised in various ways, with £500 contributions from both the South Ribble Partnership Community Bids Fund and Leyland Festival, a loan from the Northern Association of Model Engineers and donations from members.

Councillor Peter Mullineaux, cabinet member with responsibility for Neighbourhoods and Street Scene, said: “The miniature railway is a key attraction within Worden Park and Leyland Society of Model Engineers works hard to keep it running, so we were delighted to be able to make a contribution to the new clubhouse.

“In April we revealed plans to refurbish Worden Park’s iconic conservatory and vine house and, along with new toilet facilities and a further extension of the overflow car park to accommodate 128 vehicles, these represent an investment of more than £500,000.

“In total we have committed to investing £1m in our parks and open spaces over a 12-month period and these come on top of improvements last year, which saw the creation of a grand new entrance and 160 new parking spaces.”

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Mike Heathcote, president and treasurer of the Leyland Society of Model Engineers, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, said: “We’re tickled pink with the new clubhouse.

“We’ve moved on since we first set up. Our first clubhouse was a garden shed and then we built a garage made out of concrete slabs, which we extended.

“But the floor was cracking and it was regarded as a bit of an eyesore. This new one looks so much better.”

Work on the brick clubhouse began last September and was carried out mainly by club members. While the main structure is complete and in use, a glass veranda is also due to be added.

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