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--- public:eastmids [2020/05/14 21:06] – Add may online meeting PeteB
+++ public:eastmids [2024/03/03 07:45] (current) – Add March 24 meeting PeteB
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-:-)====== MERG East Midlands Area Group News ======
+:-)
-[[:public:areagroups|Return to Area Groups News]]\\
+====== MERG East Midlands Area Group News ======
-[[:public:start|Index to other public pages]]\\
+[[https://www.merg.org.uk/content/areagroups|Return to Area Groups Index]]\\
+[[https://www.merg.org.uk/content/knowledgebase|More about our Knowledgebase]]\\
+**This is the public page, members please check here for the latest news
+[[areagroups:emag:eastmids|EMAG Members Pages]]**
@@ Line 7: / Line 11: @@
-To send us an email, use the [[https://www.merg.org.uk/areagroup.php?area=2|MERG East Midlands Area Group contact form]].
+To contact us, use **[[https://www.merg.org.uk/contactus.php?t=1&n=36|Contact MERG ]]** and please indicate East Midlands Area Group in your message
 For MERG members, you might also like to look at our [[https://www.merg.org.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=55|area group forum]].
@@ Line 14: / Line 17: @@
 ----
-====== MAY 2020 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======
+====== March 2024 East Midlands face to face area group meeting ======
-**Saturday 16th May 2020 from 10:00**
-This meeting will be online using Zoom.
+Here is the agenda for our March 2024 area group meeting.
-During our online courses, we found that breaks of 10-15 mins per hour worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will plan to do the same again.
+**Saturday 16th March 2024 from 10:00**
-----
+This meeting is Kindly hosted by the The Bassetlaw (North Notts) Railway Society at their clubrooms on Retford Railway Station.
+Thanks to MERG and Bassetlaw Railway Society member Julian Pratt for arranging the venue for us.
-**AGENDA**
+The Bassetlaw Railway Society are not charging us for the use of the room, but we will ask for a donation of £2 per head to cover the cost of teas & coffees and biscuits, and make a donation to the Society.
-The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
+Access is step free, but the entry door to the clubrooms is probably not wide enough for a powered wheelchair.
-  * 10:00 - Get connected, sort out any microphone/audio/video issues
+For those coming by train, there are reasonable arrivals from east (9:50), west (9:20) and north (9:38). From the south, there is one from Peterborough and Newark arriving at (8:45) and one from Kings Cross and Grantham arriving at (8:51), so you will be waiting a while before the meeting starts, but as railway enthusiasts you can of course enjoy watching the trains pass by during your wait. :)
-  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
-  * 10:45 - Fitting crystal adapter boards to CBUS modules - Graham Clark
-  * 11:15 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!)
-  * 11:30 - Update on my projects - Pete Brownlow
-  * 12:00 - QnA and anyone looking for advice and help on any projects
-  * 12:30 - Lunch Break
-  * 13:30 - Kit locker update from Judi Rastal
-  * 14:00 - Continuation of QnA and advice clinic, until everyone has had enough!
+Parking is now: £6.25 at the station, £4.95 at [[https://victoriaroadcarpark.com]] or £4 at Cobwell Road, DN22 7DD [[https://parkanddonate.co.uk]], 3 mins walk.
-----
+There is a Costa Coffee on the station, a convenience store 2 minutes walk away and Retford has many excellent eating places, just 12 minutes walk away, or you may bring a packed lunch.
+There is no Wi-Fi at the venue, so a Zoom connection will not be possible. If presenters need to access something online, we may be able to use mobile phone hotspots, 4G coverage permitting.
-For the QnA sessions, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.
+More details of parking and how to find the clubrooms will be included in your confirmation email when you book your place.
-If you would like to join in, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, during the Friday before the meeting, you will get a reply with Zoom link and meeting id.
-----
-====== APRIL 2020 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======
-Here is the agenda for our Easter online area group meeting.
-**Saturday 11th April 2020 from 10:00**
-This meeting would have been at the Kingsway Centre in Wellingborough, home to Kingsway Model Railway Society. Thanks are due to Kingsway Cenetre and KMRS, and hopefully we can re-schedule another meeting there at some time in the future.
-In the meantime, this meeting will now be online using Zoom.
-During our online courses, we found that breaks of 10-15 mins per hour worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will follow that idea for the area group meeting.
 ----
@@ Line 67: / Line 48: @@
 The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
-  * 10:00 - Get connected, sort out any microphone/audio/video issues
+  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
   * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
-  * 10:45 - Kit locker update - Judi Rastall
+  * 10:40 - The Bassetlaw (North Notts) Railway Society - Julian Pratt
-  * 11:15 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!)
+  * 10:50 - MERG news - John Gowers (MERG chairman)
-  * 11:30 - CBUS & JMRI update - Pete Brownlow
+  * 11:00 - The CANXIO - Pete Brownlow
-  * 12:15 - Another break
+  * 11:45 - Tea/coffee break
-  * 12:30 - QnA and anyone looking for advice and help on any projects
+  * 12:00 - The Raspberry Pi Pico - David Jones
-  * 13:30 - Lunch Break
+  * 12:45 - Kit locker update - Judi Rastall
-  * 14:30 - Optional continuation of QnA and advice clinic, if we hadn't finished in the morning
+  * 13:15 - LUNCH BREAK
+  *
+  * 14:00 - 16:30 ish - Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic.
-----
+During the afternoon our chairman, John Gowers, will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about MERG committee matters etc.
-For the QnA sessions, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.
+The Bassetlaw Railway Society modelling rooms will be open, where the main 00 gauge layout will be operated by society members and other layouts will be on display, including a newly started N gauge, a nearly ready O gauge and a Triang TT.
-If you would like to join in, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message here in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, during tomorrow Friday, course, you will get a reply with Zoom link and meeting id.
+We will of course have our usual problem clinic providing General help on problems with kits or other electronic projects, building, testing, problem solving etc.
-I will also host a test Zoom meeting at 7pm on Friday evening, for anyone who wants to test out that they can get connected ok before the meeting proper.
+----
-----
+If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, a week or so before the meeting, you will get a reply with full details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers.
-====== MARCH 2020 East Midlands area group meeting ======
+(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I will be sending out confirmation emails in the week before the meeting).
-**Saturday 14th March 2020 from 10:00**
-Our March meeting is Kindly hosted by the Historical Model Railway Society (HMRS) at their Museum and Study Centre located at The Midland Railway Centre, Swanwick Junction, near Derby.
+----
-(See http://www.hmrs.org.uk)
-We will ask for a donation of £2 per head to cover teas/coffees and a donation to HMRS for our use of the room.
+====== January 2024 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======
-I have been advised that there will be no catering on site that day, other than the teas and coffees, so you will need to bring a packed lunch.
+Here is the agenda for our January online Zoom area group meeting.
-The meeting room is upstairs, but HMRS have a platform stair lift which I have confirmed is working, so step free access is available. The platform should accept a standard wheelchair, but will not take the larger mobility scooters. When confirming your place, please let us know if you have any mobility requirements.
+**Saturday 20th January 2024 from 10:00**
+This meeting will be online using Zoom.
-----
+As before, we have found that regular breaks of roughly 10-15 mins worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will plan to do the same again.
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 **AGENDA**
@@ Line 110: / Line 92: @@
 The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
-  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
+  *  10:00 - Get connected, Informal chat
-  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
+  *  10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
-  * 10:45 - An Arduino based timed shuttle - Jeremy Cole
+  *  10:45 - Essex Brick part 2 - getting into using YAAT for automation - Eddy
-  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break
+  *  11:30 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!)
-  * 12:00 - CBUS/CANMIO update & building CBUS modules that are not yet in the kit locker - Pete Brownlow
+  *  11:45 - My initial exploration of the Hornby HM7000 system - David Page
-  * 13:00 - MERG Kit locker Update - Judi Rastall – News on new/updated kits, availability, changes to the kit locker
+  * 12:15 - QnA on the above talks
+  * 12:30 - Kit and other news
+  *  13:00 - LUNCH BREAK
+  *  14:00 on - General QnA and help clinic
-  * 13:30 - LUNCH BREAK
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-  * 14:30 - 16:30ish - Making it work: Practical session & problem clinic plus demos & Soldering help (inc surface mount) with John Gowers
+For the help clinic session in the afternoon, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.
+If you would like to join in, please go to the MERG website, select the menu option MEMBER LINKS->MY UPCOMING EVENTS, or go directly to https://merg.org.uk/membership/summary.php, and you should see the details of this meeting together with the Zoom link to join in
-----
+Please don't share the Zoom links with anyone outside MERG, or post them on any public social media or web page.
+If you cannot see the details for East Midlands area group meetings, go to https://www.merg.org.uk/membership and make sure you are subscribed to the East Midlands area group. There is no requirement that you live in the East Midlands, any member can subscribe and join in. If you would like to introduce a visitor to the meeting, please email their details to eastmids@merg.org.uk.
-For the practical sessions, as we have done before, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please bring it along and we'll work on it with you as a demonstration for all those interested.
+If you still can't get the Zoom link, send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk and I'll email you the Zoom link.
-If you already know what you want help on for this session, please email or post the details in advance so we can gen-up on it and look like we know what we are talking about!
+I will send out the usual reminder email, it will go automatically to everyone who is subscribed to this area group.
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in due course, you will get a reply with full address details, directions to the venue and parking information. Let us know if you need a lift from a nearby station - Alfreton is the closest.
+----
-(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I will be sending out confirmation emails in the next few days.)
-----
+====== December 2023 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======
-====== OCTOBER 2019 East Midlands area group meeting ======
+Here is the agenda for our December 2023 online Zoom area group meeting.
-**Saturday 26th October 2019 from 9:30**
+**Saturday 9th December from 10:00**
-Kindly hosted by the Nene Valley Railway in their Study Centre meeting room at Wansford
+This meeting will be online using Zoom.
-Thanks to Russ Jenner for organising the venue for us.
+As before, we have found that regular breaks of roughly 10-15 mins worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will plan to do the same again.
-This is an Arduino themed meeting.
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
 **AGENDA**
-  * 09:30 Members arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
+The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
-  * 10:00 Group news and events update
-  * 10:15 Introduction to Arduino - Alex Hamilton
-  * 11:15 Coffee Break
-  * 11:30 Case studies of Arduino in model railway projects - Duncan Greenwood
-  * 12:30 Lunch
-  * 13:30 Kit locker news - Judi Rastall
-  * 14:00 Afternoon practical sessions, including:
-          A chance to talk in more detail with our speakers
+  *  10:00 - Get connected, Informal chat
+  *  10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
-          Various Arduino demos by MERG members and others
+  *  10:45 - Essex Brick a lockdown to exhibition layout - Eddy
+  *  11:30 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!)
-          Our usual practical problem solving clinic session
+  *  11:45 - Update on my developments with DCC, CBUS and JMRI - Pete Brownlow
+   * 12:45 - QnA
-          We may also have some NVR signal box tours available organised by Russ Jenner
+  *  13:00 - LUNCH BREAK
+  *  14:00 on - General QnA and help clinic
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-We will ask for £2 per head to cover the room hire cost and £1 each in the "honesty box" will cover as many teas and coffees as you want all day. This money will all go to the Nene Valley Railway.
+For the help clinic session in the afternoon, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.
-A selection of MERG kits will be available for purchase. If you have specific requirements, then it would be best to pre-order what you want from the kit locker for collection at the meeting, as we will only have a selection of stock at the meeting.
+If you would like to join in, please go to the MERG website, select the menu option MEMBER LINKS->MY UPCOMING EVENTS, or go directly to https://merg.org.uk/membership/summary.php, and you should see the details of this meeting together with the Zoom link to join in
-The NVR cafe will be open from about 8:30 for bacon butties or full breakfast, and also open at lunchtime. However, as it is a running weekend including Thomas the Tank Engine, it may be very busy. For that reason, we have scheduled lunch fairly early, and we will probably make arrangements to pre-order during the morning.
+Please don't share the Zoom links with anyone outside MERG, or post them on any public social media or web page.
-The meeting room is step-free accessible. If you need a disabled parking space reserved close up, please let us know.
+If you cannot see the details for East Midlands area group meetings, go to https://www.merg.org.uk/membership and make sure you are subscribed to the East Midlands area group. There is no requirement that you live in the East Midlands, any member can subscribe and join in. If you would like to introduce a visitor to the meeting, please email their details to eastmids@merg.org.uk.
-For those who would like to come by train, we can arrange to collect you from Peterborough station or, if you can get there early enough, I can collect from Wellingborough station on my way to the meeting about 7:30am.
+If you still can't get the Zoom link, send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk and I'll email you the Zoom link.
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. You will get a reply in due course with full address details and directions to the venue.
+I will send out the usual reminder email, it will go automatically to everyone who is subscribed to this area group.
-Members from outside the East Midlands are always welcome at our meetings, as are visitors. Please just let us know you are coming so we can plan for the numbers expected.
 ----
+----
+====== OCTOBER 2023 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
+**Saturday 21st October 2023 from 10:00**
-====== AUGUST 2019 East Midlands area group meeting ======
+The meeting is Kindly hosted by the Nene Valley Railway at Wansford. Thanks to MERG and NVR member Russ Jenner for arranging the venue for us.
-**Saturday 17th August 2019 from 10:00**
+We will ask for a donation of £5 per head to cover both the venue hire and teas/coffees for the day. If we collect more than the cost of hiring the venue and supplying refreshments, we will donate the difference to the NVR.
-Kindly hosted by David Straker at his place in Leicester.
+The venue has level step free access and good parking. If you need a disabled space reserved, please let us know.
-Weather permitting, there will be an opportunity to see and operate David's 'O' gauge garden layout, Victoria to Beckenham Junction.
+There is a cafe on site, I will confirm arrangements, but most likely we will pass the menu around in the morning so you can order lunch if you wish.
-Collection can be arranged from Leicester station for those who would like to come by train.
-Tea and coffee will be provided, please bring your own packed lunch.
-The meeting is on the ground floor and easily accessible with no steps.
+If the Wifi at the venue is working well enough, we will endeavour to have a Zoom connection for the morning meeting, for those who cannot come in person. However, the meeting will be optimised for those who manage to get along, who will get the best experience.
 ----
@@ Line 207: / Line 181: @@
 The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
-  * 10:00 Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
+  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
-  * 10:30 Welcome - David Straker
+  * 10:30 - Welcome to NVR and housekeeping - Russ Jenner
-  * 10:40 Introductions and group news
+  * 10:35 - Group news and Introductions
-  * 10:50 Kit locker Update - Judi Rastall
+  * 10:45 - CBUS and JMRI at Gwynne Junction - James Cunningham - including some or all of CANMIO Rev K, JMRI semaphore signalling, my JMRI touchscreen signal box and Railcom
-  * 11:15 Short coffee break
+  * 11:45 - Tea/coffee break
-  * 11:30 CBUS enhancements to JMRI, demo and discussion - Steve Young
+  * 12:00 - MERG & kit locker updates - Judi Rastall
-  * 12:15 Finding your way around the MERG website, forum and wiki - Pete Brownlow
+  * 12:30 - The Universal Experimenters Module - Pete Brownlow
-  * 13:00 Lunch - bring your own packed lunch (tea and coffee provided)
+  * 13:00 - LUNCH BREAK
+  *
+  * 13:30 - 16:30 ish - Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic
-  * 13:30 A chance to operate David Straker's 'O' gauge garden railway
-  * in parallel with:
-  * 13:30 Making it work - our usual problem solving clinic
-  * 16:00 “Wrap up” discussion, confirm next meeting and thanks to our host
+----
+During the afternoon, as well as our usual help and problem solving clinic, Russ advises that the railwayana shop at NVR will be open which now has quite a lot of double 00 and a few N and O gauge second hand stock.
-----
+If he can get the 00 layout running for the afternoon he will do so.
+Short trips to the NVR shed will be available during the afternoon.
-If you would like to bring anything to run on David's layout, it is 'O' gauge with dead track, so battery and radio control is usually the best bet.
+It is a running day at NVR with 3 trains, pulled by W D Austerity.
-There will be some kits available for purchase, but we can only bring a selection so If you want any specific kits, you would be best to order them in advance from the kit locker and specify collection at the Leicester area group meeting at the checkout page.
+If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in the week before the meeting, you will get a reply with full address details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers. Please don't just turn up on spec, in case there are last minute changes we need to let you know about.
-For the clinic session, as we have done before, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please bring it along and we'll work on it with you as a demonstration for everyone. If you know in advance what you would like to get sorted, let us know in advance so we can gen up on it.
+Let us know if you need a lift from Peterborough station. Please plan to arrive at Peterborough station no later than 9:30am, so whoever picks you up does not have to miss any of the meeting.
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. You will get a reply with full address details and directions to the venue. (If you have already done so - your confirmation email should arrive in the next day or two)
+(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I have noted you and I will be sending out confirmation emails in the week before the meeting.)
-If you would like to come by train, please let us know if you need a lift from the station. If coming by train, please plan to arrive at Leicester station by about 09:45 so that whoever comes to pick you up does not have to miss any of the meeting.
-All visitors, and MERG members from outside the East Midlands, are always welcome at our area group meetings.
 ----
+====== JULY 2023 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
+**Saturday 8th July 2023 from 10:00**
+Due to Judi's building work not being complete in time, we have swapped the venues for our July and September meetings.
-====== SUMMER 2019 East Midlands area group meeting ======
+This meeting will now be at Aisthorpe Village Hall, near Lincoln, Kindly hosted by Lincoln & District Model Railway Club (L&DMRC) at Scampton and Aisthorpe Village hall, near Lincoln.
-**Sunday 7th July 2019 from 10:00**
+Thanks to Richard Joyce for organising the venue for us.
-Kindly hosted by Julie and Brian Chapman at their place in Skegness.
+Tea and Coffee will be available all day, please bring your own packed lunch as there are no other facilities nearby.
-Collection can be arranged from Skegness station for those who would like to come by train.
+We will ask for a donation of £5 per head to cover the venue hire and teas/coffees. Note that one payment covers both, you don't need to pay separately for the teas and coffees. If we collect more than the cost of hiring the venue and refreshments, we will donate the difference to L&DMRC.
-Full details and directions to the venue will be confirmed to those attending.
+The venue has level step free access and reasonable parking. If you need a disabled space reserved, please let us know.
+Provided the Internet connection at the venue is working well, we will have a Zoom connection for the morning meeting, for those who cannot come in person. I will add a Zoom link to the meeting info, so that it appears in your upcoming meetings on the MERG website.
+More details of parking and how to find the venue will be included in your confirmation email when you book your place. Please remember to book a place and not just turn up on spec, in case there are any changes we need to let you know about.
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 **AGENDA**
@@ Line 255: / Line 237: @@
 The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
-  * 10:00 Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
+  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
-  * 10:30 Introductions, Group news, future meetings etc.
+  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
-  * 10:45 Driving and firing a steam locomotive, and how to apply this to correct use of a steam sound decoder : John Gowers
+  * 10:45 - Introduction to the Lincoln & District Model Railway Club - Richard Joyce
-  * 11:45 Short tea/coffee break
+  * 10:50 - The CANPROG - what it is, building one, using it to program PICs - Pete Brownlow
-  * 12:00 Report on a recent visit to Minatur Wunderland with some photos and video - Pete Brownlow
+  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break
-  * 12:45 Kit locker update - Judi Rastall
+  * 11:45 - Update on FCU development (CBUS FLim Config Utility) - Julian Pratt
+  * 12:15 - Kit locker update - Judi Rastall
+  * 13:00 - LUNCH BREAK
+  * 14:00 - 16:00 ish - Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic - including FCU tutorial if requested
-  * 13:00 Lunch
+There should also be a chance to see some of the L&DMRC layouts.
-  * 14:00 Making it work - practical sessions and problem clinic on any members projects, MERG kits or anything else.
-  * 16:00 Final discussion, confirm next meeting and thanks to our hosts
+We will of course have our usual problem clinic providing General help on problems with kits or other electronic projects, building, testing, problem solving, techniques such as soldering etc.
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
+If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in the week before the meeting, you will get a reply with full details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers.
+Please book a place rather than just turning up on spec, if there are any last minute changes we need to know who is coming so that we can contact you.
-As always, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please bring it along and we'll work on it with you during the afternoon clinic as a demonstration for everyone.
+(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I will be sending out confirmation emails in the week before the meeting).
-There will be some kits available to buy, but if you want something specific, I would recommend ordering it from the kit locker now and marking it for collection at the meeting.
+====== May 2023 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======
-Julie and Brian can accommodate a maximum of 20 people, so it will be first come first served for booking a place.
+Here is the agenda for our May 2023 online Zoom area group meeting.
-Parking is quite limited, with double yellow lines on all roads nearby, Brian and the next door neighbour can accommodate about 10-12 cars max on the driveway. So please car share as much as possible. If it looks like we will have too many cars, then we will identify a car park in the vicinity where people can meet up and come on to the venue in one car.
+**Saturday 27th May from 10:00**
-The venue is accessible. There are two steps but wheelchair ramps are available if required. If you need a parking space reserved on Brian's drive, please let us know.
+This meeting will be online using Zoom.
-Tea/Coffee and biscuits will be available all day, bacon butties will be available in the morning. Please indicate when booking, if you would like a buttie, so Julie has a idea of numbers.
+As before, we have found that breaks of roughly 10-15 mins per hour worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will plan to do the same again.
-Let us know if you need a lift from the station. If arriving by train, please plan to arrive at Skegness station no later than 10am so that whoever picks you up does not have to miss any of the meeting.
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. You will get a reply, in due course, with full address details, directions to the venue and parking information.
+**AGENDA**
-For those who have already indicated you would like to come, I will be sending out confirmation emails over the next few days.
+The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
-----
+  *  10:00 - Get connected, Informal chat
+  *  10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
+  *  10:45 - MERG and kit locker news
+  *  11:00 - FCU (CBUS Config utility) - development news and status - Pete Brownlow
+  *  11:30 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!)
+  *  11:45 - WebFCU (alternative CBUS config utility) - David Ellis
+  *  12:15 - From the MERG chairman - John Gowers
+  * 12:45 - MERG AGM event - possible East Mids Area group involvement
+  *  13:00 - LUNCH BREAK
+  *  14:00 on - General QnA and help clinic
-====== EASTER 2019 East Midlands area group meeting ======
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-**Saturday 20th April 2019 from 10:00**
+For the QnA sessions, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.
-Our next meeting is Kindly hosted by the Kingsway Model Railway Society (KMRS) in Wellingborough.
+If you would like to join in, please go to the MERG website, select the menu option MEMBER LINKS->MY UPCOMING EVENTS, or go directly to https://merg.org.uk/membership/summary.php, and you should see the details of this meeting together with the Zoom link to join in
-KMRS is a small club that has a room in the Kingsway Centre in Wellingborough, where a small 00 gauge layout is under construction. They also have portable N gauge and 009 layouts at various stages of development. The society uses the meeting room in the centre for their weekly club meetings.
+Please don't share the Zoom links with anyone outside MERG, or post them on any public social media or web page.
-Normally it is not possible to hire the meeting room at weekends, as there are regular weekly meetings on Saturdays and Sundays by a language class and a dance school.
+If you cannot see the details for East Midlands area group meetings, go to https://www.merg.org.uk/membership and make sure you are subscribed to the East Midlands area group. There is no requirement that you live in the East Midlands, any member can subscribe and join in. If you would like to introduce a visitor to the meeting, please email their details to eastmids@merg.org.uk.
-However, neither of these organisations are meeting on Easter Saturday 20th April, so we have been able to hire the room.
+If you still can't get the Zoom link, send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk and I'll email you the Zoom link.
-Collection can be arranged from Wellingborough station for those who would like to come by train.
+I will send out the usual reminder email to everyone subscribed to the area group, it will go automatically to everyone who is subscribed to this area group.
-We will ask for a donation of £2.50 per head to cover the room hire, and £1 each in the pot to cover teas/coffees biscuits etc. for the day. Any excess over the costs will be donated to KMRS.
+----
+====== APRIL 2023 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
-There is a Sainsbury's with a cafe less than 5 minutes drive away, and a local convenience store about 350yds away, or bring your own packed lunch.
+**Saturday 8th April 2023 from 10:00**
-The venue is level access with no stairs. If you need a disabled car parking space reserved close to the door, please let me know.
+Here is the agenda for our April meeting.
-----
+This meeting is Kindly hosted by the The Kingsway Model Railway Society (KMRS) at the Kingsway Centre in Wellingborough.
-**AGENDA**
+We will ask for a donation of £5 per head to cover the venue hire and teas/coffees. Note that one payment covers both, you don't need to pay separately for the teas and coffees. If we collect more than the cost of hiring the venue and refreshments, we will donate the difference to KMRS.
-The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
+The venue has level step free access and good parking. If you need a disabled space reserved, please let us know.
-  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
+You can either bring a packed lunch or nip out to somewhere locally, the town centre is about 5 minutes drive away and there is a co-op shop a few minutes walk away.
-  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
-  * 11:00 - CBUS update, developments and news - by Pete Brownlow
-  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break
-  * 11:45 - Setting up JMRI routes with CBUS by Graham Clark
-JMRI is a free software program for computer control, Graham will show how he used it to set up routing using the MERG CBUS system. Graham is bring a demo board, and invites questions and discussion after his presentation.
+Provided the Internet connection at the venue is working, we will have a Zoom connection for the morning meeting, for those who cannot come in person. I will add a Zoom link to the meeting info, so that it appears in your upcoming meetings on the MERG website.
-  * 12:30 MERG DCC and CBUS on the KMRS 00 layout
+More details of parking and how to find the venue will be included in your confirmation email when you book your place. Please remember to book a place and not just turn up on spec, in case there are any changes we need to let you know about, and so we now how many people to cater for.
-Pete will describe his experiences, tribulations and future plans installing the MERG DCC system and CBUS accessory control on the layout at KMRS, together with live demos on the layout itself, which is in the room adjoining our meeting.
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-  * 13:15 - LUNCH BREAK
+**AGENDA**
-  * 14:30 - 16:00 ish - Making it work - Practical workshop session and problem clinic
+  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
+  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
+  * 10:40 - Introduction to the Kingsway Model Railway Society - Roger Barker
+  * 10:45 - CBUS update - what has been happening in the CBUS world - Pete Brownlow
+  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break
+  * 11:45 - The new improved MERG ATC system - Mike Collins
+  * 12:30 - Kit locker update - Judi Rastall
+  * 13:00 - LUNCH BREAK
+  * 14:00 - 16:30 ish - Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic
+The Kingsway Model Railway Society 00 gauge layout will be open and partially running (one corner currently has an engineering possession for relaying the track). This uses the MERG DCC system and CBUS. The N gauge layout will also be set up. Pete will also have the Missenden St Mary's layout set up and running.
-----
+Feel free if you want to bring something to run, the 00 layouts are DCC, the N gauge layout is analogue.
+We will of course have our usual problem clinic providing General help on problems with kits or other electronic projects, building, testing, problem solving, techniques such as soldering etc.
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-For the practical sessions, as we have done before, if you have built something and/or would like any help and advice, please bring it along and we'll work on it with you as a demonstration for everyone.
+If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, before the event, you will get a reply with full details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers.
-If you already know what you want help on for this session, please email the details in advance so we can gen-up on it and look like we know what we are talking about!
+Please book a place rather than just turning up on spec, if there are any last minute changes we need to know who is coming so that we can contact you.
+Regards,
-Although the main presentations are quite CBUS-centric this time, we will of course cover anything and everything during the afternoon workshop session.
+Pete
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in due course, you will get a reply with full address details, directions to the venue and parking information.
-If you are planning to come by train, let us know if you need a lift from Wellingborough station. Please plan to arrive at Wellingborough station no later than 10am so that whoever comes to pick you up does not have to miss any of the meeting.
-----
-====== FEBRUARY 2019 East Midlands area group meeting ======
+====== SEPTEMBER 2022 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
-**Saturday 23rd February 2019 from 10:00**
+**Saturday 3rd September 2022 from 10:00**
-Our next meeting is Kindly hosted by the Historical Model Railway Society (HMRS) at their Museum and Study Centre located at The Midland Railway Centre, Swanwick Junction.
+Here is the agenda for our September meeting.
-(See http://www.hmrs.org.uk)
-Firstly an apology for the clash with the Newark show, which I missed when booking the venue for this date. If anyone is not planning to come to this meeting, but could help with the MERG stand at Newark on the Saturday, or if anyone can help at that show on Sunday, then please contact the exhibition manger on exhibitions@merg.org.uk
+This meeting is Kindly hosted by the The Kingsway Model Railway Society at the Kingsway Centre in Wellingborough.
-For our area group meeting, collection can be arranged from a nearby station for those who would like to come by train.
-Visitors are always welcome at our area group meetings.
+We will ask for a donation of £5 per head to cover the venue hire and teas/coffees. Note that one payment covers both this time, you don't need to pay separately for the teas and coffees. If we collect more than the cost of hiring the venue and refreshments, we will donate the difference to KMRS.
-We will ask for a donation of £2 per head to cover teas/coffees and a donation to HMRS for our use of the room.
+The venue has level step free access and good parking. If you need a disabled space reserved, please let us know.
-I will check and confirm if the buffet on site will be open on that day, serving refreshments, they have a range from light snacks to full meals. Alternatively, you can bring a packed lunch if you prefer.
+You can either bring a packed lunch or nip out to somewhere locally, the town centre is about 5 minutes drive away.  There is a co-op shop a few minutes walk away.
-Steam trains will be running on the day between Butterley and Swanwick Junction, however the first train is not until 11:00 so too late to use it as transport to the meeting. Details of the timetable can be found here http://www.midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/event/
+Provided the Internet connection at the venue is working, we will have a Zoom connection for the morning meeting, for those who cannot come in person. I will add a Zoom link to the meeting info, so that it appears in your upcoming meetings on the MERG website.
-The meeting room is upstairs, but HMRS have platform stair lift which I will double check is working, so step free access is available. The platform should accept a standard wheelchair, but will not take the larger mobility scooters. When confirming your place, please let us know if you have any mobility requirements.
+More details of parking and how to find the venue will be included in your confirmation email when you book your place. PLease remember to book a place and not just turn up on spec, in case there are any changes we need to let you know about.
 ----
@@ Line 378: / Line 375: @@
   * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
   * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
-  * 10:45 - Decoder Pro - by Colin Head
+  * 10:40 - Introduction to the Kingsway Model Railway Society - Roger barker
+  * 10:45 - Turntable Tales - My journey so far with the Peco Turntable and MERG Turntable Controller - kit John Wood\\ (Also includes using Julian's auto-reverser to power the deck)
+  * 11:15 - Tea/coffee break
+  * 11:30 - DCC and CBUS new developments with live demo - Pete Brownlow\\ (Including new features in CANCMD, CANCOMPUTE and development news on CANMIO (Universal) )
+  * 13:00 - LUNCH BREAK
-  * Decoder Pro is part of the JMRI software program, and can be used to set up the CV settings on DCC locos.  Colin will show how this is done with live demonstrations.
-  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break
+  * 14:00 - 16:30 ish - Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic
-  * 12:00 - CBUS on Kimble - by John Gowers
-  * John will describe his trials and tribulations implementing MERG DCC and CBUS on the 'O' gauge "Kimble" exhibition layout at the Leamington & Warwick Model Railway Society.
-  * 13:00 - MERG Kit locker Update - Judi Rastall – News on new/updated kits, availability, what is coming soon.
+The Kingsway Model Railway Society 00 gauge layout will be open and running, this uses the MERG DCC system and CBUS. The N gauge layout will also be set up.  Pete will also have the Missenden St Mary's layout set up and running.
-  * 13:30 - LUNCH BREAK
+Feel free if you want to bring something to run,  the 00 layouts are DCC, the N gauge layout is analogue.
-  * 14:30 - 16:30 ish - Making it work - Practical session and problem clinic
+We will of course have our usual problem clinic providing General help on problems with kits or other electronic projects, building, testing, problem solving, techniques such as soldering etc.
 ----
-During introductions, we like to go round the room and each member can give a very brief summary (about 30 seconds max) of who they are, where they are from, what they are modelling in. Also please tell us what subject you would like to see at a future meeting.
+If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in a day or two, you will get a reply with full details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers.
-For the practical sessions, as we have done before, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please bring it along and we'll work on it with you as a demonstration for everyone.
+Please book a place rather than just turning up on spec, if there are any last minute changes we need to know who is coming so that we can contact you.
-If you already know what you want help on for this session, please email the details in advance so we can gen-up on it and look like we know what we are talking about!
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in due course, you will get a reply with full address details, directions to the venue and parking information. Let us know if you need a lift from a nearby station.
-(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I will be sending out confirmation emails in the next day or so.)
+(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I will be sending out confirmation emails in the next few days).
 ----
+====== JULY 2022 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
+**Saturday 9th July 2022 from 10:00**
-====== AUGUST MERG East Midlands area group meeting ======
+The meeting is Kindly hosted by the Nene Valley Railway at Wansford. Thanks to MERG and NVR member Russ Jenner for arranging the venue for us.
-**Saturday 11th August 2018 from 10:00**
+We will ask for a donation of £5 per head to cover both the venue hire and teas/coffees for the day. If we collect more than the cost of hiring the venue and supplying refreshments, we will donate the difference to the NVR.
-Kindly hosted by David Straker at his place in Leicester.
+The venue has level step free access and good parking. If you need a disabled space reserved, please let us know.
-Weather permitting, there will be an opportunity to see and operate David's 'O' gauge garden layout, Victoria to Beckenham Junction.
+There is a cafe on site, we will pass the menu around in the morning so you can order lunch if you wish.
-Collection can be arranged from Leicester station for those who would like to come by train.
+If the Wifi at the venue is working well enough, we will endevour have a Zoom connection for the morning meeting, for those who cannot come in person. However, the meeting will be optimised for those who manage to get along, who will get the best experience.
-Tea and coffee will be provided, please bring your own packed lunch, .
+It is a running day on the NVR, purple timetable, scheduled to be a mix of steam and the Peak diesel. See the NVR website for more details.
-The meeting is on the ground floor and easily accessible with no steps.
@@ Line 432: / Line 425: @@
 The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
-  * 10:00 Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
+  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
-  * 10:30 Welcome - David Straker
+  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
-  * 10:45 Introductions and group news
+  * 10:40 - Developing FCU - progress and challenges, David Radcliffe
-  * 11:10 Kit locker Update - Judi Rastall
+  * 11:20 - Tea/coffee break
-  * 11:30 Short coffee break
+  * 11:30 - Colin Head - Demo and progress report on my layout (which has no name yet!)
-  * 11:45 What I'm doing and planning with DCC and CBUS - Pete Brownlow
+  * 12:10 - MERG & kit locker updates - Judi Rastall
+  * 12:30 - LUNCH BREAK
+  * 13:30 - 16:30 ish - Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic
-  * 12:30 Lunch - bring your own packed lunch (tea and coffee provided)
+Note: "FCU" is the FLiM Config Utility, used to configure CBUS modules from a computer
-  * 13:30 A chance to operate David Straker's 'O' gauge garden railway
-  * in parallel with:
-  * 13:30 Making it work - our usual problem solving clinic
-  * 16:00 “Wrap up” discussion, confirm next meeting and thanks to our host
 ----
+If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message here in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in due course, you will get a reply with full address details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers.
-This will the last meeting organised by me as area group leader, so hopefully somebody would like to step in and take over that roll.
+Let us know if you need a lift from Peterborough station. Please plan to arrive at Peterborough station no later than 9:30am, so whoever picks you up does not have to miss any of the meeting.
-Judi will have some kits for purchase, but can only bring a selection so If you want any specific kits, you would be best to order them in advance from the kit locker and specify collection at the Leicester area group meeting at the checkout page.
-For the clinic session, as we have done before, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please bring it along and we'll work on it with you as a demonstration for everyone. If you know in advance what you would like to get sorted, let us know in advance so we can gen up on it.
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. You will get a reply with full address details and directions to the venue. (If you have already done so - you should have received your confirmation email - please contact us if you have not received it)
-If you would like to come by train, please let us know if you need a lift from the station. If coming by train, please plan to arrive at Leicester station by 09:30 so that whoever comes to pick you up does not have to miss any of the meeting.
-All visitors, and MERG members from outside the East Midlands, are always welcome at our area group meetings.
+Those who have already let us know that you are coming, you should have received a confirmation email with directions, parking, lunch details etc. If you have not received your confirmation email, please get in touch.
 ----
+====== APRIL 2022 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
+**Saturday  16th April 2022 from 10:00**
-====== SUMMER 2018 MERG East Midlands area group meeting ======
+This meeting is Kindly hosted by the The Kingsway Model Railway Society at the Kingsway Centre in Wellingborough.
-**Sunday 15th July 2018 from 10:00**
+We will ask for a donation of £5 per head to cover the venue hire and teas/coffees. Note that one payment covers both this time, you don't need to pay separately for the teas and coffees. If we collect more than the cost of hiring the venue and refreshments, we will donate the difference to KMRS.
-Kindly hosted by Judi Rastall at her place in Sutton on Sea.
+The venue has level step free access and good parking. If you need a disabled space reserved, please let us know.
-Come to the seaside for our Summer meeting! The weather forecast is hot and sunny.
+You can either bring a packed lunch or nip out to somewhere locally, the town centre is about 5 minutes drive away.  There is a co-op shop a few minutes walk away.
-The venue is about 5 minutes walk from the Prom, so you might like to bring the family for a day by the seaside, whilst we get on with the far more important stuff! Partners and families are welcome to use the other room for teas/coffees etc. whilst we are having the meeting.
+We will have a Zoom connection for the morning meeting, for those who cannot come in person. I have added the Zoom link to the meeting info, so that it appears in your upcoming meetings on the MERG website.
-Judi can accommodate up to 20 people, so bookings are first come first served. If we become fully booked, we will keep a waiting list in case of cancellations. Note that the 20 limit is for the room where we have the meeting, any partners or family who would like to come along for a day at the seaside are additional to the 20 limit.
+More details of parking and how to find the venue will be included in your confirmation email when you book your place.
-If you would like to come, please let us know as soon as possible. If you do decide at the last minute, it is still worth getting in touch as, with the longer distance that most have to travel, the numbers are usually less than more centrally located meetings.
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Most of you will know that Judi is our Kit Sales Manager. This is an opportunity to see the huge MERG kit operation, how Judi manages the stock, processes the orders and sends out all those kits.
+**AGENDA**
-Sutton on Sea is on the east coast of Lincolnshire between Skegness and Grimsby. Parking is available on street near the venue. We have scheduled this meeting before the start of the peak summer season. Once the school holidays start, from late July, parking becomes much more difficult and there will be long queues on all roads into the resort on a Saturday morning – so come and enjoy the seaside before the mad summer rush.
+The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
-This venue is less convenient for arrival by train. The nearest railhead is Skegness which is at the end of a long branch line and is an hour round trip from Sutton.
+  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
+  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
+  * 10:35 - Introduction to the Kingsway Model Railway Society - Roger barker
+  * 10:45 - My CBUS & JMRI journey - Julian Pratt (held over from the previous meeting)
+  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break
+  * 11:45 - Kit locker update - news about MERG kits - Judi Rastall
+  * 12:15 - CBUS update - developments and things I am working on - Pete Brownlow
-Tea and Coffee will be available, lunch can be purchased from local fish and chip shops (which are open on a Sunday), or bring your own if you prefer.
+  * 13:00 - LUNCH BREAK
-Judi has been progressing her loft railway, so you can have a look at how it is getting on. It is OO gauge DCC, visiting locos and stock are welcome.
+  * 14:00 - 16:30 ish - Demonstrations and practical problems help clinic
+The Kingsway Model Railway Society 00 gauge layout will be open and running, this uses the MERG DCC system and CBUS. The N gauge layout will also be set up.
-----
+We will of course have our usual problem clinic providing General help on problems with kits or other electronic projects, building, testing, problem solving etc. There will also be the chance to operate the Kingsway 00 gauge layout using the MERG DCC system.
-**AGENDA**
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
+If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in a day or two, you will get a reply with full details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers.
-  * 10:00 Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
-  * 10:30 Introductions and group news
-  * 11:00 The Great Model Railway Challenge - TV Series - my experience By Marcus Dawson
-  * 11:45 Short coffee break
-  * 12:00 Update from the committee – Martin Perry
-  * 12:30 MERG kit news by Judi Rastall – News on new/updated kits, availability, what is coming
-  * 12:30 Progress on my layout - Judi Rastall - an update on progress with the loft layout
-  * 13:15 Lunch - Fish and chips from the local shops or bring your own
-  * 14:30 Afternoon sessions:
-  *    - The MERG kit locker by Judi Rastall – guided tours
-  *    - Running session on Judi's loft layout
-  *    - Making it work - our usual problem solving clinic
-  *    - Help with soldering and kit construction
-  *    - Or just relax in the sunshine in the garden
+(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I will be sending out confirmation emails in the next day or two).
 ----
+====== FEBRUARY 2022 East Midlands MERG Area Group FACE to FACE meeting ======
+**Saturday 26th February 2022 from 10:00**
-Kits will, of course, be available for purchase. If you have specific requirements, then it would be best to pre-order what you want from Judi for collection at the meeting, as popular kits can go out of stock quickly.
+This meeting is Kindly hosted by the The Bassetlaw (North Notts) Railway Society at their clubrooms on Retford Railway Station.
-For the clinic session, as we have done before, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please bring it along and we'll work on it with you as a demonstration for everyone. If you know in advance what you would like to get sorted, let us know in advance so we can gen up on it.
+Thanks to MERG and Bassetlaw Railway Society member Julian Pratt for arranging the venue for us.
-The venue is reasonably accessible, there are a couple of shallow steps up through the front door and a step down into the kitchen of 5". The width of the kitchen doorway is 29". Please advise if you need any assistance.
+The Bassetlaw Railway Society are not charging us for the use of the room, but we will ask for a donation of £2 per head to cover the cost of teas & coffees and make a donation to the Society.
-To access the loft layout, you do need to be able to climb up the loft ladder, so this will not be possible for everybody. Judi will give a talk about her progress during the morning session, with the option to visit and operate the layout in the afternoon for those who can access it.
+Parking is available in the station car park at a cost of £5. You can of course come by train to Retford Station.
-Please note that Judi is owned by her two Kit Cats who will be in attendance, so anyone who has any feline allergy or intolerance should be aware of this.
+If we can get a Wi-Fi connection at the venue, we will have a Zoom connection for the morning meeting, for those who cannot come in person. However, I understand we are reliant on the LNER hosted Wi-Fi at the station, so we don't yet know if this will be possible.
-If you would like to come, and have not already done so, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. You will get a reply in due course with full address details and directions to the venue.
+Numbers will be limited to 20, to ensure reasonable separation. Mask wearing is now optional, please make your own choice. We would recommend that everyone takes a lateral flow test before coming.
-If you have already emailed or posted that you are coming, you should get your confirmation email in the next few days.
 ----
-====== MAY 2018 MERG East Midlands area group meeting ======
-**Saturday 26th May 2018 from 9:30**
-Kindly hosted by the Nene Valley Railway in their Study Centre meeting room at Wansford
-Thanks to Russ Jenner for organising the venue for us.
-These arrangements are provisional, as some details still have to be finalised with the speakers.
 **AGENDA**
-With lots of good stuff on the agenda, We've gone for a slightly earlier start - since most people usually get there early anyway!
+The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
+  * 10:00 - Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
+  * 10:30 - Welcome, group news and Introductions
+  * 10:40 - The Bassetlaw (North Notts) Railway Society - Julian Pratt
+  * 10:50 - Different cabs for the MERG DCC system - Simon West, John Gowers & Pete Brownlow
+  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break
+  * 11:45 - Different cabs for the MERG DCC system - continued
+  * 12:15 - Kit locker update - Judi Rastall
+  * 12:30 - My CBUS & JMRI journey - Julian Pratt
-----
+  * 13:00 - LUNCH BREAK
-  * 09:00 Members arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
+  * 14:00 - 16:30 ish - Demonstrations, soldering clinic and practical problems help clinic
-  * 09:30 Introductions and group news
-  * 09:45 Introduction to the CBUS CANMIO - Pete Brownlow
-  * 10:00 The Universal CANMIO firmware - Ian Hogg
-  * 11:00 Coffee Break
-  * 11:30 MERG Kit news - Judi Rastall
-  * 12:00 Lunch (early as the NVR cafe may be busy)
-  * 13:00 3D printing - Howard Watkins
-  * 14:30 Split out for afternoon practical clinics:
-       * Setting up the Universal CANMIO with Ian Hogg
-       * 3D printing with Howard Watkins
-       * General kit problem solving with the usual team
-----
+The cabs session will cover basic how to use the MERG DCC system, circuit designs, the standard MERG CANCAB and other variations designed by members.
+During the afternoon John Gowers will provide a soldering clinic, both through hole and surface mount.
-We will ask for £2 per head to cover the room hire cost and £1 each in the "honesty box" will cover as many teas and coffees as you want all day. This money will all go to the Nene Valley Railway.
+We will of course have our usual problem clinic providing General help on problems with kits or other electronic projects, building, testing, problem solving etc.
-Kits will be available for purchase. If you have specific requirements, then it would be best to pre-order what you want from the kit locker for collection at the meeting, as Judi can only bring a selection of stock to the meeting.
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-The NVR cafe will be open from about 8:30 for bacon butties or full breakfast, and also open at lunchtime. However, as it is a bank holiday running weekend at NVR, it may be very busy. For that reason, we have scheduled lunch early, and we may make arrangements to pre-order during the morning.
+If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. I will add you to the list and, in a few days, you will get a reply with full details, directions to the venue and parking information. Even if you are not sure yet whether you can get along, please let us know anyway so we can plan for likely numbers.
-The meeting room is step-free accessible. If you need a disabled parking space reserved close up, please let us know.
+(Those who have already let me know that you are coming, I will be sending out confirmation emails in the next few days.)
-For those who would like to come by train, we can arrange to collect you from Peterborough station or, if you can get there early enough, I can collect from Wellingborough station on my way to the meeting about 7:30am.
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. You will get a reply in due course with full address details and directions to the venue.
+----
+====== JANUARY 2022 East Midlands ONLINE area group meeting ======
-Members from outside the East Midlands are always welcome at our meetings, as are visitors. Please just let us know you are coming so we can plan for the numbers expected.
+Here is the agenda for our January 2022 online area group meeting.
-----
+**Saturday 15th January from 10:00**
+This meeting will be online using Zoom.
-====== FEBRUARY 2018 MERG East Midlands area group meeting ======
+As before, we have found that breaks of roughly 10-15 mins per hour worked well, to avoid people getting fatigued from staring at their screens, so we will plan to do the same again.
-**Sunday 4th Febrary 2018 from 10:00**
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Kindly hosted by the Syston Model Railway Society at their clubrooms at The Old School Community Centre, Thurmaston, Leicestershire
+**AGENDA**
-Thanks to SMRS and MERG member Mike Collins for arranging this venue for us.
+The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
-Due to when the venue is available, we are trying a Sunday this time. The Pros are that members who have Saturday commitments, such as football fans or those working in retail, might be able to get along. The downside is that the local chip shop is not open on a Sunday, so you'll need to bring a packed lunch, and arriving by train might be more difficult due to Sunday services starting later than on a Saturday.
+  * 10:00 - Get connected, sort out any microphone/audio/video issues, have a chat.
+  * 10:30 - Welcome and Introductions
+  * 10:45 - - CBUS miscellany - Pete Brownlow
-Collection can be arranged from Syston station for those who would like to come by train.
+    * Latest CANMO (Universal) firmware release
+    * Using RFID and Railcom in JMRI
+    * CBUS control panels for Burnden Park
+    * Any other CBUS updates
-Tea and coffee will be available.
+  * 11:30 - Tea/coffee break (make your own!)
+  * 11:45 - Kit locker update - Judi Rastall
+  * 12:00 - Lunch break
+  * 13:00 - QnA and anyone looking for advice and help on any projects
-We will ask for a donation of £2 per head to cover the room hire.
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-The meeting room is on the ground floor and easily accessible. The clubrooms housing the SMRS layouts are upstairs.
+For the QnA sessions, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please be ready to wave it at the camera, and we'll see what help and advice we can give from afar.
-**AGENDA**
+If you would like to join in, please go to the MERG website, select the menu option MEMBER LINKS->MY UPCOMING EVENTS, or go directly to https://merg.org.uk/membership/summary.php, and you should see the details of this meeting together with the Zoom link to join in (Note- I updated the link earlier this week as there was a problem with the original one posted)
-The meeting will be informal and flexible, so these are approximate times:
+Please don't share the Zoom links with anyone outside MERG, or post them on any public social media or web page.
-  * 10:00 Arrival, Informal chat and get to know the other members
-  * 10:30 Welcome to SMRS - by Mike Collins
-  * 10:35 Introductions and group news
-  * 11:00 Update on progress with my new automated layout by Colin Head
-  * 11:30 Tea/coffee break (or recovery time if we are running late)
-  * 11:45 Kit locker update - Judi Rastall
-  * 12:15 What's new and coming soon in JMRI latest versions - Pete Brownlow
-  * 13:00 Lunch - Bring your own
-Also a chance to see the SMRS layouts on site
+If you cannot see the details for East Midlands area group meetings, go to https://www.merg.org.uk/membership and make sure you are subscribed to the East Midlands area group. There is no requirement that you live in the East Midlands, any member can subscribe and join in. If you would like to introduce a visitor to the meeting, please email their details to eastmids@merg.org.uk.
-  * 14:00 Making it work - practical sessions using members projects, MERG kits or anything else.
+If you still can't get the Zoom link, send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk and I'll email you the Zoom link.
-  * 16:30 Wrap-up discussion, confirm next meeting and thanks to our hosts
-  * 16:35 Carry on with anything else we havn't fixed yet until we get thown out!
+I will send out the usual reminder email to everyone subscribed to the area group soon, it will go automatically to everyone who is subscribed to this area group.
 ----
-Kits will be available for purchase. If you have specific requirements, then it would be best to pre-order what you want from the kit locker for collection at the meeting, as Judi can only bring a selection of stock to the meeting.
+====== Details of Earlier East Midlands Area Group meetings ======
-For the practical sessions, as we have done before, if you have built something and would like any help and advice, please bring it along and we'll work on it with you as a demonstration for everyone.
+[[areagroups:emag:eastmidsarchivedmeetings|Details of previous East Midlands Area Group meetings]]\\
+and [[areagroups:emag:eastmid|Details of more previous East Midlands Area Group meetings]]\\
+NB. These links are for MERG members only.
-If you already know what you want help on for this session, please email the details in advance so we can gen-up on it and look like we know what we are talking about!
-If we didn't quite have time to get your project properly sorted at the last meeting, please bring it along again and you will be top of the list.
-If you would like to come, please send an email to eastmids@merg.org.uk or post a message in the East Midlands Area group section of the MERG forum. You will get a reply in due course with full address details, directions to the venue and parking information. Let us know if you need a lift from the station.
-MERG members and visitors from anywhere are always welcome at our meetings, you don't have to live in the East Midlands to come!
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-[[public:eastmidsarchivedmeetings|Details of previous East Midlands Area Group meetings]]
+{{tag>AGS_1}}