In this issue of the “Oily Rag”, I am starting what I intend to be a new regular column - “News from the Trade” with the aim of informing you of any new developments or new products that I think will be of use and of interest to you as Model Engineers.

Most members will know and remember Geoff Stait who has regularly attended our Exhibitions with the Trade Stand of one of the big Model Engineering Suppliers. Well Geoff has now decided to start his own business and some details of what he can offer together with his contact details can be found in this new column. Geoff has been a great friend of this Society in the past and I hope that members will think of supporting him and wish him well with his new venture.

It is our policy not to take paid adverts in this magazine but if you know of anything that will fall within the scope of this new column and if you would like to pass it on to members, then please let me know so that it can be included.

Talking of our Exhibition, I am also going to include a further regular column in the magazine, designed to keep you up to date with Exhibition planning. There is a tremendous amount of work involved, mainly done by just a tiny handful of members and I think it important that everybody is kept aware of what is happening and what is and will be required of them during the run up to it.

Our oldest member, Alec Hadfield was 90 on June 19th. Alec has only just eased up on his workshop activities but he has been a prolific builder of all sorts of models of the highest quality over the years. Not now quite as mobile as he was, he keeps very active and occupied with his computer. I know that all members will wish to join me in wishing him many more happy birthdays to come!

Tony