MEMBERS of Abergavenny and District Society have a full programme of meetings to look forward to this year.

The Society, with a membership of more than 80 enthusiasts, meets at the Hen and Chickens public house in Flannel Street at 8pm on the second Tuesday of the month.

Secretary Ken Mumford, who attends every meeting from his home in Swindon, says:"I am personally very much encouraged by the fact that our society is growing and I trust that we will be able to enrol many new members."

Leading the way is the neighbouring Pontypool and Blaenavon Society who keep interest among young people alive by asking them to help with the restoration of their rolling stock.

Guest speakers at the Abergavenny society, in a packed programme of talks booked for the year, include visitors from Derby and Torquay, while several talks about the good old days of steam have been arranged for 2009.

This year's talks include such topics as The Right Kind of Snow on February 12, 1000 Eggs on a Bicycle on April 8, West and North Devon on June 10, Men of the Mechanicals on October 14 and a quiz with a difference on December 9. The annual meeting is on May 13.

Mr Mumford, who also edits the Society's magazine, The Coal Tank, can be contacted on 01793 335862.