Andover Model Railway Club refurbishes Chantry space

Andover Model Railway Club, based in the Chantry Centre, refurbished its space thanks to two grants from Test Valley Borough Council.

The funding was used to improve security, install new furnishings, and redecorate the club’s facilities, including the kitchen and toilets.

On Saturday, October 25, the club hosted a showcase and in attendance were Test Valley Borough Councillors Iris Andersen, Jan Budzynski and Debbie Cattell.

Andover Model Railway Club front of store. (Image: Daniel Quina Brito)

Councillor Andersen said: "We gave the grant money to the shop because they wanted different things to do to support the shop that they have in the Chantry Centre, and since we last visited, they have come leaps and bounds.

"The grant money that we give to different associations is always used for what they want to put it in.

Councillor Andersen said the improvements reflect the positive impact that targeted funding can have on community organisations.

She said: "They have come leaps and bounds."

These improvements have been warmly welcomed by club members, who say the support has made a real difference.

Paul Cooper, a member of the Andover Model Railway Club, said: "It is very important to receive this grant money, as although we are almost self-funded, it is very difficult to generate revenue at things like this.

"Without that relevant capital, obviously, we cannot make improvements, so it is all a knock-on effect as these grants allow us to make those changes and put us in a better position long term."

Paul Leonard and Andrew Fendick in front of their display Colin's Cove. (Image: Daniel Quina Brito)

Paul Leonard, a member of the Andover Model Railway Club, said: "We have now got access to the unit through the rear, which the kind councillors gave us the grant for, with the door having a numeric lock, which means we can come in when the centre has closed.

"The small grant they have provided us with has done us the world of good because it means we have access, so in terms of local community involvement, they are great, they have been really supportive of us."

David Niven, another member of the club, said: "We were very fortunate to get two grants, one from the local councillors and another from the leader of the council, Phil North."

Test Valley Borough Council leader Phil North said: "Growing up in an era in which many children had a model railway, I was no exception. Even into adulthood, I had a model railway, it's currently languishing in boxes, awaiting my retirement.

"When approached to support the Andover Model Train Club, how could I refuse?

"Here is a group of kindred spirits who have taken a hobby and turned it into a creative wonderland.

"Incredibly, the club also runs workshops for young people to experience the enjoyment that model railways can bring. Many famous people have model railways, so does Andover."

Paul Leonard's railway display inside the Andover Model Railway Store. (Image: Daniel Quina Brito)