Over 30 members turned out on a cold bright day in November for the Winter meeting, joining friends, old and new, for a great day’s puzzling in Ullesthorpe Village Hall, near Lutterworth in Leicestershire. The meeting was hosted by Michael Foster, an expert on all matters railway, but had a twofold theme – ‘The Orient’ and ‘Steam Trains’. The former yielded more puzzles than the latter and together they provided ample opportunity for some great puzzling and an interesting and varied show and tell session.
Sadly John, who was scheduled to share some of his no doubt stunning oriental puzzles, was unable to make the meeting but there were plenty of other members prepared to participate in the usual show and tell session. Magazine editor Brian kicked off with a varied selection of Salmon train puzzles that included a 1929 “Special Value” puzzle, “King Arthur” cut in the outline of the engine, and finishing up with “Speed” showing a steam train, aeroplane and racing car. Barrie showed with examples of Peacock puzzles, both oriental and train-related and was followed by Jill with a circular Waddington’s “A Court Reception” and Julia who included a Wentworth “Drum Bridge near Meguro”. Jackie had prepared quite a detailed account of her collection of oriental puzzles that included examples from Victory, URCJ, Geert Bekkering (a clever invertible puzzle of a happy or sad oriental gentlemen), Heather Prydderch, Elms , Liberty and Wentworth. Bronwen showed three puzzles including “In The Seraglio” made by disabled soldiers and sailors, and a Jeux Artistiques puzzle “Persian Miniature”. David then returned to the train theme with three from Ponda, Seaboard and AVN Jones’ “The Flying Scotsman” and finished with a Japanese Holtzapffel. Sally included a Rupert Bear “Mandarin’s Tea Party” and Lynn two by the Church Missionary Society and one cut by a Howard Smeeton.
Chairman David showed Christine’s fabulous Mrs Appleby puzzle “Going Abroad” and then Phil with the biggest puzzle of the day, an 800 piece Chad Valley titled “The Canadian Pacific Train”, followed by another collectable Chad Valley from Alan, the GWR series ” Locos in the Making”. Finally Martin shared just a picture of a lovely Holtzapffel puzzle, “Stephenson’s Rocket”, that he didnt realise he owned until he recently opened a box in his store room and found it lying there!
Thanks to Michael for organising the day, to Sally for organising the teas and coffees and all who provided further sustenance throughout the day.