TRANSPORT, in its many guises, is the stuff of dreams for many a schoolboy - and a newly formed group intends to capture the essence of that enthusiasm. From railway locomotives to fighter jets, from classic cars to rockets, Wings and Wheels aims to cover the whole range of transport. KIRSTY RAMSDEN spoke to its founders Richard Kelsey and Dave Lamb, both of Cam, to find out about their fascination for planes, trains and automobiles.
PALS Richard Kelsey and Dave Lamb have been enthusiastic about transport since boyhood.
They and fellow enthusiasts are frequent visitors to transport shows and events.
A recent trip was to have flights in bi-planes owned by Tiger Airways of Gloucester.
This visit prompted the friends to decide to turn their informal gathering into a more organised club.
An accomplished photographer Mr Kelsey has given a number of slide presentations on transport.
At these events he has been asked for the details of clubs on subjects such as railways or aviation, so he realised there was a demand for such a society.
He said: "We thought we would get one started."
Wings and Wheels held its first meeting this month at Dursley Community Centre with Mr Kelsey giving the first talk.
Using his photographic skills, he gave a talk with slide presentation covering Second World War flying aircraft and other forms of transport, including rockets, in the US state of Texas.
The first meeting attracted about 20 enthusiasts - an encouraging number for an initial gathering.
Those attending were predominately from the Cam and Dursley area but also from further afield including Whitminster, Uley and Slimbridge.
The age range spanned from late 20s to pensioners and the event attracted both men and women.
Mr Kelsey said: "We had a lot of people attend who had never met each other but they were quickly all talking."
The club estimates it gives 40 per cent of its attention to railways, 40 per cent to aviation and 20 per cent to the remainder, including road and sea transport.
Mr Lamb said: "You find that anyone who has an interest in one form of transport often has some form of interest in the others.
"Most men like some form of transport."
Mr Kelsey said: "There used to be a railway club in Dursley more than 20 years ago but it folded.
"We thought it would be a good mix to put the different forms of transport together."
The club's monthly meetings will include a guest speaker during the winter months.
Wings and Wheels has future talks will focus on subjects including the RAAF at Leighterton 1914 to 1918 and steam around Britain.
Organisers would like to hear from people who could speak at future meetings.
"Anyone who has anything interesting to talk about on the subject of transport," explained Mr Lamb.
"We are not looking for professional speakers just anyone interested in coming along and sharing their interest."
At present the club is enlisting speakers through word of mouth or friends of friends.
During the summer months the club intends to organise trips to various transport events and organisations.
The club is shying away from being too rigid or official.
There is no membership fee - those wanting to attend particular talks just pay on the door.
Mr Kelsey's father, Brian, is an active member of the RAF Association and Wings and Wheels intends to give a donation to the charity from any spare funds it may have.
Wings and Wheels next meets at Dursley Community Centre on Thursday, December 11 (7.45pm) for a talk on the RAAF at Leighterton 1914-1918.
For further details about the club call 07909 960202 or 01453 544348.
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