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The Steam Plough Club celebrated
its 40th anniversary in style on 2 December 2006 at the Great
Northern Hotel at Peterborough. This was almost exactly to the day when
26 met with Harold Bonnett at the same place to consider the creation of
the SPC.
Over sixty members and friends sat
down to a celebratory luncheon and were presented with a special
anniversary menu card and commemorative brass plaque to mark the
occasion. Founder member Charles Roads, President of the SPC opened with
a welcome and by saying that Harold Bonnett would have been very proud
and surprised to see such a happy occasion so long after the club’s
inception.
Mike Goodman, member No 2, spoke
after the lunch and related a history of the club from its early
beginnings up to the highly successful Great Challenge held last
September. Michael had been a close confidante of Harold right from the
day of Patten sale in June 1960 when the seeds of a new club were sown
between them.
In recognition of their long
commitment to the club, by acclamation, the eight survivors of the
original meeting were accorded honorary life membership.
Members and friends continued to
converse well into the evening. A special attraction were a series of
vintage films shown including the SPC’s own "Ploughing by Steam" 16mm
colour sound film made in 1971 by John Rogers and with a commentary by
Harold Bonnett. A special treat, not available in 1966, was the sight
and sound of Gresley A4 pacific 60009 stopping in the station nearby on
an up excursion from York.
Summing up, club Chairman Roger
Hales said, “We have had an absolutely splendid day and have celebrated
the anniversary in fine style. I would like to thank all those who made
it possible and for so many members travelling so far to be with us
today.”
John Billard
3 December 2006 |
