The Project Class 22 Society has a Merchandise and Information Stand that is used at events and galas throughout the UK. Where you see the ‘PROJECT 22 ON TOUR’ sign, our stand is not very far away!
Our over-all aims are to raise awareness of the project, provide information about the building process and its progress, and, especially, to attract new members. We are looking for volunteers to help us run it as often as we can throughout the year. There are several specific objectives for the stand:
Informing people about the Project
This objective involves engaging with people; telling them what we are doing and how we intend build the loco; and showing plans and pictures that reflect our aim. There are a number of interesting items on the stand to help draw people’s attention and initiate discussion. People like to talk and see that we really are taking an interest in them, so we must be careful not to monopolise all the conversation(!)
Encouraging Investment
A key objective is to ask people to donate monthly, which will then make them investors. It would be nice if those interested could fill out the form there and then, but we must expect most to read through the information before committing. Our objective is to show that we can be trusted, that their investment is safe, and even returnable should the project not reach its conclusion.
Meeting people with a story
We are always looking for information, recollections and stories relating to Class 22s, from drivers, rail enthusiasts, and model makers. If we are told a good story we might want others to share it, and would like to do this through the newsletter and website.
Giving away literature and selling books
We have a supply of literature describing the Project, and books and other items for sale. A good basic arithmetic ability is desirable, and a familiarity with the items being sold encourages confidence.
Events
We aim to attend two or three galas a year, and are considering a number of smaller shows using a satellite stand. If we can get enough volunteers on our team we could create wider familiarity with the Project.
What’s in it for you?
Helping on the stand is very rewarding as you meet and socialise with people from the railway and preservation world. There is no pressure – you do as much or as little as you are able. If you begin to feel a little bit out of your depth, there will be support from Business and Technical Members, and you can always take enquirers’ details and ensure them that they will be sent answers to their queries. There is a lot of banter and humour across the stand, too.
What’s in it for us?
By joining us at these events, you get to know us better; and the more support we receive from members, the more we can do, and the sooner we see a Class 22 built. Putting on a confident front and discussing the Project’s plans are key moves forward. We need lots of members to help in any way they can – as the saying goes, ‘every little helps’.
The future for the Stand
We are in the planning stage of building a mock-up cab of a Class 22 made from timber and fibreglass to form a spectacular display and draw the much-needed attention we require. It will be full size, light-weight and mobile. We would like to expand the scope of the stand by visiting more shows and galas, which is possible if we can expand the stand team. Maybe you could help staff one near where you live.
Possible events
Strong candidates are parts of the country with appropriate Western Region connections, as follows:
West Somerset Railway
Severn Valley Railway
Swanage Railway
East Lancashire Railway
Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway
Dean Forest Railway
Please come and join us.
If you can give any time at all to help, please let us know – the Business Manager will be very pleased to hear from you. His email address is richard@class22newbuild.co.uk.
