Transport & Machines
What: The subject offers a chance to get together and to learn all about Transport and Machines. This covers a wide range of topics with discussions and visits out to interesting places. The group is for both men and women.
When: Third Wednesday in the month, Afternoons 14:00 - 16:00
Where: Madginford Library or through the summer visits out will be arranged by members in turn.
How to join: For more details use the blue pigeon Send a Message button on the top right hand side of this page to contact Mike Transport & Machines Group co-ordinator or Linda the Interest Groups Co-ordinator
Annual Report 2023
Transport & Machines - Mike
This group evolved from the “Aviation” Group, via the “Men and Machines” group title, which was then considered non-PC! (We still don’t have any ladies in the group). The group meets on the third Wednesday afternoon of each month. The nominal size of the group is twelve, but a couple of members have recently dropped out, so there are a couple of vacancies at present.
During the winter months (not December, too close to Christmas) we try to have our meetings in a member’s house, when the member (or another) will give a presentation of their choice, sometimes work-related, or a topic which they are familiar with, such as a hobby. Also, some museums are closed in winter.
In summer (not August, holidays) we try to visit museums of interest to the group.
This summer we have visited the following:
Eastchurch Aviation Museum on the Isle of Sheppey which was the birthplace of British aviation,
The Kent & East Sussex Railway workshops at Rolvenden, while they had a “Battle of Britain” class locomotive undergoing maintenance. This was the largest locomotive ever to visit this heritage railway,
Ifield Watermill Museum, near Crawley.
Plans for future visits include the Medway Queen paddle steamer at Gillingham, the Medway Aircraft Preservation Society at Rochester Airport, and Brooklands, where there are many aircraft including a Concorde, many cars and related paraphernalia, and the Bus Museum. Next door to Brooklands is the Mercedes-Benz World, so a visit to both on the same day would be sensible, but this would be an all-day trip.