Chairman’s Report – Winter 2025
Dear Members
Firstly, apologies from me. I would have liked to get this winter newsletter out sooner but without excuses we have been very busy at work, Cyril (my father in law) spending nine weeks in hospital and on coming out, my wife Lynn spent a week 24/7 caring which was not working, so Cyril went to Westlake’s Nursing Home in Pond Tail Road Horsham originally for rest bite but his decision now to stay. I must admit it is an excellent place with 24 hour care and peace of mind. As it comes in three’s we had a leaking pipe that was buried in the bathroom wall, all going through insurance, dehumidifiers, bathroom floor up. It won’t be done before Christmas. Anyway, enough about me!
I wanted to do the newsletter after the 2025 SEAMS AGM, which was held on Friday evening 21st November at Faygate Village Hall, I think with the changes made they will unlock a new era in SEAMS history, but more about that later.
It was with sadness that I had to open the meeting with reflecting on the news that we lost our dear friend Richard Amos this year, club historian and long-standing SEAMS member. To all that we have lost we remember them at this time.
Looking back over the year, in the summer newsletter I wrote that we were just about to attend the SEAMS 20th anniversary at Foxleigh Barn. Peter and Lin always made us welcome, and this year was no exception. It was a good weekend with free SEAMS BBQ on both Saturday and Sunday. I was next to Brian Charman whose engine was not playing ball, you can’t fail to get involved. We were able to diagnose the problem which involved taking the engine head off to access the valve push rod. Anyway, both Brian and I were very happy thanks to Peter and Lin again, looking forward to the 2026 weekend.
I also attended the autumn show at Ardingly Show Ground on 27th and 28th, we had a good spot different to last year, this engine pen was run by Phillip Sampson. We had more engines than last year which suited the location. We looked straight into the wood cutting display with a steamer driving the saw bench and a portable driving a smaller one.
We saw a good number of people even though the odd shower blew in, there were approximately 14 engines – see pics.
Also, in issue 286 I talked around the prep to get into Cranleigh car show, well, I am pleased to say that entry went well, we had our usual spot, however on arrival the organisers had extended some of the car pens which looked like there would be a chicane for the passing traffic around our area. This raised a few eyebrows and after a few chats with the marshals they decided they did not need it and the normal set up was resumed. It was a great day, well supported and I know a few people came back with some items from the auto jumble. Me, I bought a re- pop cast shell sign, but it looks good in the workshop. There are a few pictures to capture the day.
On October 26th we had our late season breakfast gas up at Hassocks Garden Centre. SEAMS always makes a donation to the “Budding Foundation” for the use of the area which John Peters always arranges. John could not exhibit at this event, but it was great that he made the journey to meet up, have a chat and a cup of tea. As many of you know the format is to arrive, unload the engines and the majority will then wander down for breakfast at 09:30. I would like to say a big club thank you to Phillip and Rowan Sampson who were not partaking in the breakfast who, while we ate breakfast pinned and roped the whole engine pen. I am sure that Rowan has laser line eyes as the ropes were as straight as an arrow in very difficult ground, many thanks again it was greatly appreciated.
Now back to the AGM, it was not a bad turn out considering it was a dark night in November. The AGM has always been held in November, something as chairman has been passed on and continued with. I believe the main reason accounts from November to November were chosen is that as most financial activity has died down and before it starts again with the forthcoming new membership cards, club insurance etc the accounts are stable. We did take suggestions for it to be held, say, October before the clocks go back or even on a Saturday, neither have been ruled out as yet.
Circling back to my comment in the opening, I mentioned a new era. The minutes of the AGM are laid out in the subsequent pages but we have had a few changes to the committee line up proposed & voted as approved. Phillip Sampson stepped down as events secretary which Luke Huckle aided by Andrew Headings said they would pick up the challenge with more focus on social media and the network that brings.
Speaking with Jon Foster who has been SEAMS Vice Chairman for many years who admits has a lot of focus to the hot rod world of late also decided to step down.
To this I proposed that Luke Huckle to become Vice Chairman who accepted and Andrew Headings to become Events and Social Media secretary.
Luke and Andrew will work as a team to promote new opportunities to join and show at new/different events. They have proposed a read only Whatsapp group that will send out club messages on events and info. Should anyone not want to be included in this group, please let Luke, Andrew or myself know and your number will be removed.
Luke and Andrew’s numbers can now be found in the committee line up in subsequent pages. So, big thanks to Jon and Phillip, but I am pleased to say that Phillip has asked to remain as a committee helper.
I do hope there is enough time to have the newsletter edited, printed and distributed before Christmas, so apologies again.
This New Years gas up is set for Sunday 11th January at Faygate Village Hall – BBQ provided and please bring raffle prizes. Don’t forget to run an engine at the New Year gas up, you will need to have joined the club to get insurance, also available on the day.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.