Model railway group on the move, again

Heywood Model Railway Group is in the process of relocating, just a few months after its last move.

The bankruptcy of their landlord Heywood New Heart Community Transport is the reason behind the move. Group secretary Roger Bottomley explained: “After three months of just getting it how we wanted it we got a phone call saying “Oh sorry, we’re going bang in a few days”.”

It then became a struggle for the group to find anywhere else in Heywood. “We came to the conclusion that Heywood didn’t want us”, said Mr Bottomley. “After 6 years of going to meetings at Heywood Township, all they offered us was a double garage.” This inspired the group to look elsewhere, and so a site in Middleton was found.

Overall, the move is generally being seen as a positive step. Mr Bottomley said: “We’re in the process of moving to Warwick Mill. It’s part of a set up called ‘Inspire Middleton’. The landlord there had a space, so we’ve now got over 2000sq ft. It gives us a chance to fill it out a bit.

“It gives us the facility to have open days on a Saturday. We’re also hoping to have workshops, to show people how to make the models.”

The group are currently preparing for their March exhibition, which will take place at Heywood Civic Centre.