Ian Samson – Strathaven Model Society
Thu, Feb 29th 2024 at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Ian, Director and Secretary of Strathaven Model Society Ltd., will talk on the history of Strathaven’s Miniature Railway.
Host: Bill McCallum
VoT: Bill McCallum
Our guest at tonight’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Motherwell and Wishaw was Ian Samson, the secretary of the Strathaven Model Society, which operates the miniature railway in Strathaven Park in South Lanarkshire.
Ian advised members that this is now the oldest continuously running miniature railway in Scotland with their, passenger hauling, trains running from 14th May 1949 with this year marking their 75th anniversary.
The trains run from late March/early April till the last weekend of September at weekends and public holidays, weather permitting.
The original steam locomotive, Margaret, which was running on the first operating day all those years ago, is still running well and can be seen in steam on special occasions throughout the year. Ian told us that she has been lovingly rebuilt and maintained over the years by their dedicated team at SMS Ltd.
From the start, the miniature railway has used different modes of locomotive power, steam, petrol and electric, with steam still being the most popular with young and old alike.
“The Wee Train”, as it is fondly referred to by locals, is celebrating its 75 years of steam in the park during 2024 with great enthusiasm and participation from visitors and enthusiasts from all round Britain and further afield, joining the special events that will be held during this exciting year.
Ian said that from ticket sale information available 765,785 passengers had ridden on the miniature railway but, on special occasions such as Guy Fawkes night, only donations are given and number not recorded, so Ian estimates that in excess of a million passengers have been carried.
Ian then responded to a number of questions put to him before Bill McCallum proposed the vote of thanks.Contact Lorna Dick about this page:
'What We Do' Main Pages:
The members of the Rotary Club of Motherwell and Wishaw are delighted to welcome our newest recruit, David Crichton.
more
When asked if we could help one of our local primary schools make and build a hut for their garden projects how could we refuse, and what a fantastic day we had doing it.
more
As a Club, we sponsor the attendance of at least two young people on this fantastic award scheme
more
For more than 30 years, Rotary, and our partners, have been working to End Polio Now. We"™re this close to ending the disease forever. Join us!
more
The members of the Rotary Club of Motherwell and Wishaw are delighted to welcome another new member inducted online, David Grieve
more
The members of the Rotary Club of Motherwell and Wishaw are proud to recognise the outstanding service given by Past President Jim Robertson in his thirty-five years in our Club
more
The Furniture for Families Project provides furniture and household items to families in need within our service areas - Motherwell, Wishaw, Bellshill and Larkhall.
more
.png)
The members of the Rotary Club of Motherwell and Wishaw are delighted to welcome our second new member inducted online, Jean Murray.
more
.jpg)
The members of the Rotary Club of Motherwell and Wishaw are proud to support the Rotary Club of Chelmer Bridge, in the 2019 Rotary Poppy Pin Appeal to raise funds for the Royal British Legion, including Poppy Scotland
more
Working with the Head Teacher and staff of Coltness High School, the Rotary Club of Motherwell and Wishaw has agreed to sponsor an Interact Club
more.jpg)
For the second year, the members of the Rotary Club of Motherwell and Wishaw welcome our new President, Charles Keeper, online!!
more
The Rotary Club of Motherwell and Wishaw recognises the importance of building and maintaining close links with the youth of today, through the schools and youth organisations in our community
more - President.jpg)
The members of the Rotary Club of Motherwell and Wishaw welcome President Katrina in unusual circumstances!!
more
For a Registration Fee, members of the Club will support cyclists, riding to raise funds for named charities.
more
On 15th and 22nd December, Santa, and some Rotarian helpers, toured Motherwell, then Wishaw, spreading Christmas Spirit and raising funds for various charities.
more
Tablets, equipped with dementia friendly apps, are delivered to two nursing homes for the use of their residents
more
Golf tournament, for the Douglas Clementson Trophy, participating teams being from our local secondary schools to be held at Colville Park Golf Course
more
An annual event for primary schools in the Larkhall area being held for the first time by the Rotary Club of Motherwell and Wishaw (previously run by Clyde Valley Rotary Club)
more