RAIL enthusiasts are going full steam ahead with a recruitment drive in a bid to get new members on board.

Skipton & District Railway Society is to stage a showcase day targeting all those interested in railways and modelling, including prospective new recruits, at the Soroptimists' Rooms in Otley Street, Skipton, on Saturday, May 9, between 10am and 4pm. Admission is free and tea and coffee will be served.

Some of the society’s 25-strong membership will be showing off the not inconsiderable skills required to construct model railways, including building locos, wagons, track, buildings, scenery and couplings. They will also demonstrate working models and inform visitors what the club is all about.

“There’s an open invitation to all interested in railways and modelling to come along and see us and have a go,” said chairman Bill Mills, of Burnley.

Skipton & District Railway Society was founded in 1968 at a time when steam was dying and such bodies were springing up to keep interest alive. The local group comprised people interested in prototype railways and in modelling them – and more than 40 years on the ethos remains unchanged, though the main pursuit of members these days is the construction of model railways and exhibiting the results of their work.

The society stages an annual exhibition, always extremely popular and well attended by both the young and not so young, which this year will take place on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, at Ermysted's Grammar School in Skipton.

Members meet weekly on Monday evenings in the society’s own club rooms and while the main interest centres on building and exhibiting model railways, it is supported by a year-long programme of special activities and varied events.

Through the summer months, as well as planning and organising the annual exhibition, there are regular outings on externally organised steam specials, along with informal visits to sites of railway interest.

A monthly programme of events is also arranged over the winter months and, typically, might include invited speakers and slide shows/videos of specific interest to members, competitions and quizzes, along with occasional demonstration evenings, when members who have particular modelling skills will showcase their techniques and provide hands-on tutoring to anyone interested.

Prospective new members should make themselves known if attending the showcase day, or alternatively contact the club secretary, Addingham’s Trevor Shaw on 01943 831935, or email secretary@skiptonrailsoc.org.uk The society also has its own information-packed website at www.skiponrailsoc.org.uk