Jim Walker: Ian Bell - Hawick & District Railway Society

Hawick Rotary Club went to Galashiels last week for a round of the Rotary quiz when they were narrowly fefeated 17-14.

 President Sandy Bannerman introduced Ian Bell who gave an interesting talk on Hawick and District Railway Society.  Ian was a founder member of the club in 1967 when, along with other like-minded youths, they spent their time on the platform of Hawick Railway Station "spotting" the steam trains passing through the station.  A club was formed and members grew as interest increased and then adults became involved and the club was put on a formal footing.  They even went to Carlisle to see the trains using the west coast line.  The club started being involved in model trains and railways and this became an all-year round activity coming to the fore when the line closed through Hawick in 1969.  They had a room at the station to meet but on the closure had to look elsewhere for a meeting place and had several before they settled in a room in the basement of the Town Hall where they still meet.  They were involved in the campaign to save the Waverley Line and lent their support.  The club has always been strong and puts on exhibitions each year at the summer festival in Hawick.  They are also involved in the Whitrope Railway Project.  The talk created many questions after which Junior Vice President gave the vote of thanks.

 Jim McPherson, President of the Selkirk Club attended the meeting and presented a cheque for