Gerry Willis (Exhibition Manager)
Our Exhibition was once again a great success, but I would like to start my report by telling you about the one difficulty that I faced. The Club keeps a master data-base of all models that members own from which we chose the models for our Exhibition. Our prime aim is to show fresh exhibits each year so that our visitors will have the pleasure of seeing something new each time that they come to us. I wrote to all members several months before the Exhibition to request up to date information about their models so that the data-base could be brought up to date before the choice for this year was made. Some members did not respond so I assumed from that no change was to be made to the details previously recorded and this year's exhibits were then chosen accordingly. It was only at the stage when members were advised that we would like to show their model that I was contacted by some members to say that a particular designated exhibit would not be available - with some members leaving it to just days or hours before the actual Exhibition before letting me know. About 20% of the models originally earmarked for display did not eventually appear, mainly for this reason.

I shall be sending out fresh forms to members in the very near future for completion on which all the models that you have previously told us that you own will already be listed. You may add or delete any models that will or will not be available to be chosen for next year's Exhibition.

I thank all those members who brought along extra models at such short notice to fill the gaps.

The setting up of the Exhibition on the Friday went very well and by 1pm we were ready to welcome our first models, traders and visiting clubs.

The trade was very well presented with Tracy Tools, HJH Cutting tools, Noggin End Metals, Cheddar Valley Steam; Hotspur Designs and Allendale Electronics (Machine DRO).

Helen Verral of Western Steam and Geoff Stait who has now joined her in business shared a stand under their name of G & S Supplies (incorporating Western Steam).

Member Nick Nicholls also had a stand in the small hall and did a roaring trade selling his usual variety of things.

Axminster Power tools declined to attend, this year, following poor results for them in 2008. Bridport Foundry intended to come along but because of a last minute problem at their Foundry, they had to cancel at the last moment. We were also disappointed that JB Cutting Tools were unable to attend this year.

We were well supported by neighbouring Clubs and Societies and we were very pleased to have them with us. Yeovil & Westland MES and East Somerset SMEE both had excellent DVD’s showing their respective tracks in operation. Is there anyone in our club who would be able to make a DVD of our two Railways which we can then show at next years Exhibition?

The Bristol Society could not be with us this year – they are fully committed at the moment with the arrangements for their various celebrations in this their centennial year. They hope to return next year. We do hope that they have a very successful year and congratulate them on this very significant land mark in their history.

Creech St Michael V/C Primary School attended and displayed models from their Design & Technology Class made by pupils aged up to11 years. All models had electric motors to make them work. We hope to forge closer links with them in the coming months.

Outside in the play area, Andy Cooke supervised the many traction engines in steam, all enjoying the brilliant sunshine and serenaded by Tony Cox and his family from Bristol playing a 20 note McCarthy organ.

John Arrowsmith, from Engineering in Miniature was in attendance on the Saturday, taking pictures and interviewing members. He informs me that his article should appear in the August edition of the magazine. We look forward to seeing it.

This year we adopted a security card system to ensure that all models leaving the Exhibition were with the right owners. It worked very well but will be modified for next year to ensure smoother running.

As usual the canteen did a roaring trade supplying excellent hot & cold meals at very reasonable prices –something that we are now noted for.

Next year's Exhibition will probably be held over the week-end of the 10th/11th April as Easter falls earlier. This date will be confirmed later. It is anticipated that we shall be running a 16mm railway in the small hall. I know that a number of members are already using this gauge.

And finally a big thank you to all who helped set up and act as stewards as without you it could not happen.

Gerry
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