The West Wiltshire Society of Model Engineers are full steam ahead with the launch of their new home in Westbury next month.
The society, which was formed in 1965 and has 70 members, was left homeless when their former site in Queens Road, Westbury, was sold to Selwood Housing for affordable homes three years ago.
In February last year Lafarge offered the club a one-and-a-half acre site near its Social Club, off Trowbridge Road, Westbury, and planning permission to change its use was granted by the district council.
The new facility will be officially opened by MP Andrew Murrison on June 6 with new mayor of Westbury Sue Ezra also in attendance.
Nev Boulton, 76, from Mill Lane, Bulkington, has been secretary for 16 of his 23 years at the club. He said: “Obviously affordable housing is more important than our club so we co-operated fully with the district council when they decided to sell our former home. But without a railway track to run our trains we were in trouble.
“One of the local councillors, Julie Swabey, helped us find a new site and we were approached by Lafarge. They offered us a site at their social club at a peppercorn rate.We are very grateful to them.”
A £10,000 lottery grant has paid for a new railway station and £36,000 of steel track has also been installed.
The society is also looking for new members of any age. Engineering experience is not necessary. If you are interested or for more information call Mr Boulton on 01380 828101.
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