September 2009 Newsletter
September 2009 Newsletter
Issue 132
This was one of our informal quarterly meetings where our members showed off their latest Meccano creations.
At around 2:00pm we had a short committee meeting, followed by the Model Tour in which members were invited to give a short talk about their models — in particular their entries for the Secretary’s Challenge!
Report written by Chris Fry
Following an appeal by Chris Warrell for volunteers to display Meccano models at the ‘Great Get Together’ events I signed up for the event at Blackheath Rugby Club, Eltham on 23rd May. Arriving at 8:30am and equipped with an Official Exhibitor notice it was possible to drive right up to our designated display area, which proved to be useful, if not invaluable, for some of us. We were also allowed on-site parking provided we left the right paperwork on display.
A general view of our stand
We were provided with a shared marquee, ample table space, chairs and electrical power from a nearby noisy generator — deemed too close for comfort by Frank Paine who craftily re-sited us to the other end of the marquee before other exhibitors arrived!
With our models arranged for presentation we received our first visitors before the gates were opened to the public at 11:00am. From then onwards we had a steady stream of interested visitors including the Mayor and his entourage. He seemed genuinely interested in our models and acknowledged having Meccano in his youth. His assistant suggested that if we send an invitation to the Mayoral office he might be able to attend our exhibition in October.
The Mayor tries out one of Frank Paine’s models
Since there were nine SELMEC members present, it was possible to make short excursions around the rest of the displays and stalls. There was a large stage with various live music acts throughout the day, simulated golf, climbing wall, bouncy castle and other inflatables, and too many other attractions to mention.
Models from Frank Paine, Peter Clay and Brian Leach
The whole event was very well organised and I can’t think of much that would have made our attendance easier. Best of all it didn’t rain! We were able to promote the club exhibition with promises of a ‘hall full of models’ and exhausted our available supply of flyers. With luck we might have bumper attendance in October.
See also our report on this year’s Charlton Great Get Together.
Report written by Chris Warrell
On 28th June, five weeks after the Eltham Great Get Together, six club members turned up in Charlton Park for a repeat performance. This time there was no need to move to a better location, but we did have problems with a lack of power coming from a generator behind the marquee. The electricians made several attempts to correct it and luckily cured the fault well before the visitors arrived. This was another fine sunny day and the crowds were out in force.
We didn’t see the Mayor this time but Clive Efford, our local MP, paid us a visit and he promised to publicise our exhibition. As before, we gave out all of our flyers, the last one going just as we were packing up.
Hopefully we’ll be invited back next year.
A crowd gathers around Adrian Ashford’s models
A visiting shaman attempts to influence Brian Leach’s fruit machine payout
See also our report on this year’s Eltham Great Get Together.