A MODEAL railway society in Basingstoke is set to officially open its new club building.

The Basingstoke and North Hants Model Railway Society (B&NHMRS) will hold a ceremony on Sunday, September 1 at 12pm to mark the occasion.

The mayor of Basingstoke, Cllr Dan Putty, and judge Steve Flint from The Great Model Railway Challenge will officiate the opening.

The society raised funds for more than 20 years to build the new facility.

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The money was collected through donations and from their successful annual model railway exhibition.

Planning permission was granted in March 2023 and construction started in September 2023.

The members of the society did much of the work themselves while tradesmen were employed where required.

The completed building, which was finished in July 2024, features an entrance hall, a large display hall for model railway layouts, a kitchen, and accessible toilets.

Robin Gilchrist, chairman of the society, said: “It is hoped that this smart building will provide a permanent new base for the Society and enable it to continue its annual exhibition in the town which is held on the second weekend in March at Richard Aldworth School, Western Way, Basingstoke.

“Moreover, since the club’s successful appearance as finalists in Channel 5’s The Great Model Railway Challenge programme, the society has enjoyed a successful period of growing membership.”