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news archive July-Dec.'03 |
CHRISTIE’S AUCTION HOUSE VISIT THE MSMC Hugo
Marsh of Christie’s treated members of the MSMC to an insight into the
auction business at their October club night. For more than thirty
years the toys, dolls and teddy bears department at Christie’s has
offered unrivalled expertise to buyers and sellers alike. With their
selective policy of only offering best quality and interesting pieces,
their clients have confidence in the specialised sales that they hold
regularly. Hugo’s presentation lasted for well over an hour
before answering questions from the floor.
Another new display and competition theme was tried at the October meeting - it was suggested as cartoon models, although due to a mix up it was published in the club magazine as Disney models! This rather narrowed down the theme and unfortunately affected the number of members who participated. First place went to Barbara Simpson’s petite Disneykin TV Scenes Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket figures. Alan Simpson was awarded second prize for his comical Marx Donald Duck Tricycle. Both the first and second place models were obtained many years ago from a toyshop in Beaconsfield when it closed down. Third place was given to Ray Strutt for his miniature Pluto Racing Car; fourth position went to John Garside’s Snow White jigsaw puzzle, which he refused to assemble! Fifth place was given to Michael Driver’s trio of talking figures - Minnie Mouse, "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!" Donald Duck and his female companion.
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A CHARITY EVENING AT THE MSMC The
MSMC held our annual charity auction in September. Members donate
auction items to help raise money for the club's charity
fund.
As something a little unusual the display and competition theme for September was for railway accessories, giving a very wide scope for everyone to participate. Members certainly didn’t disappoint, as the competition table was full of interesting entries. First place went to Alan Simpson’s rather large and complex Trix conveyor system. Cliff Maddock was awarded second prize for his delightful boxed Hornby accessories and third place was given to Hilary Gatward with her charming set of railway advertising signs. Fourth position went to Barbara Simpson’s Merit BR Scammell Scarab, while everyone else who took part was awarded a point. Points accumulate towards the John Parker Trophy awarded at the end of the club year.
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THE MSMC ENJOY A NOGGIN & NATTER
As
the end of the holiday period was approaching, it seemed appropriate
that the MSMC’s August club night was a noggin and natter evening for
members to catch up on all their activities over the summer.
The display and competition theme for the month was public transport – being anything from a horse drawn omnibus to the supersonic Concorde! As usual there was a wide and varied selection of entries on the competition table. First place was awarded to a surprised Bob Pitkin for his three-wheel tricycle. Brian Gatward was given second prize for his charming clockwork Hornby LMS train set, which he had owned from childhood, whilst third place was given to Paul Rowley with his Wells Brimtoy tinplate double decker bus. Fourth position went to Alan Simpson’s Wells Brimtoy clockwork ‘Golden Streak’.
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A FRENCH FLAVOUR AT THE MSMC
 John Garside kept MSMC club members entertained with an informative and knowledgeable presentation on CIJ models at their July club night. John had a selection of models on display from his own personal collection, which included some extremely rare and charming items.  The display and competition was also on a French theme. As usual club members produced a varied selection of entries for the judges to choose from. First place was awarded to Cliff Maddock and his Hornby train. John Garside was fittingly given second prize for his lovely little Waterman’s Van and third place went to Ron Simmonds with pair of ‘gas propelled’ Fiats. Fourth position was presented to Ernie Jackson for his Solido cut-away model.
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A SPORTING THEME AT THE MSMC!
As
a change from the usual summer BBQ and to tie in with all the recent
sporting activities; members of the MSMC enjoyed a World Cup/sport
related theme at their June club night. A wide selection of hot food
associated with eating alfresco, along with a complimentary drink from
the bar was available to all members. The England World Cup match was
being shown on the big screen television and club activities progressed
throughout the match.
The display and competition theme was for sport-related models. There was a larger percentage of member participation than usual, was this because of the ‘new’ points scoring scheme now in operation? First place was presented to Robert Newson for his exquisite ‘Newmarket’ Horse Box by an unknown manufacturer. Ian Cook was awarded second prize for his trio of England 1966 World Cup players and third place was given to Colin Sinnott with his pair of Britains Speedway bikes. Fourth place went to Paul Rowley for his charming little 1966 World Cup mascot, World Cup Willy!
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A PUZZLED EVENING AT THE MSMC! John
Garside kept members of the MSMC amused at the May club night with
his model related quiz. The display and competition theme for May
was ‘Twin Models’ - the same model made in two different
materials. As usual members certainly found some interesting
entries. First place was awarded to Hilary Gatward’s delightful
pair of Volvos, a Somerville diecast and an Emek plastic version.
Michael Driver scooped second prize for his pair of Jaguars and third
place was given to Paul Rowley with his two dustcarts. Just out of the
points were Brian Gatward’s exquisite Volvo 144 Police cars and Colin
Penn’s pair of Ford Prefects - great!
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A MINIATURE EVENING AT THE MSMC
Things were certainly scaled down at the April clubnight. There was a mini swapmeet where members sold their unwanted items and looked out for that little gem. Some members ended up going home with more than they arrived with! The competition and display theme was for ‘smallest models’; even the prizes were miniature! As usual members filled the table with a variety of items for the judges to choose from. First place was awarded to a surprised Peter Carpenter for his superb tiny Sunderland Flying Boat. John Garside walked away with second place for his petite C.I.J. Tanker. The final prize was presented to Hilary Gatward for her box of Tuf-Tots miniatures. Just outside of the prizes was Ernie Jackson in fourth spot with his little plastic Armoured Car, while Ron Simmonds grabbed the last of the points with his pair of ‘little & large’ VW Beetles.
MSMC MEMBERS ELECT!  The Maidenhead
Static Model Club began its 38th year with the Annual General Meeting
in March. Members elected a new committee, with several changes
from the previous year. John Ward was voted in as Chairman, as
well as continuing to hold his previous post of Press Officer.
Peter Carpenter took on the position of Secretary and Cliff Maddock
joined the committee as Newsletter Editor.As well as the AGM, March is also the month when the club’s annual trophies are presented, honouring club members for their efforts and achievements. John Bennett and Derek Boxall were jointly awarded the John Parker Trophy for winning the most points in clubnight display competitions. The Harry Gunner Trophy was also presented to John Bennett for his winning entry in the chop competition. The Tony Gleave Trophy, presented for was exceptional club effort over the past twelve months, was jointly awarded to both George and John Bennett. A BUSY MONTH AT THE MSMC Members
were kept very busy at the February clubnight. First, they were
introduced to ‘Pepper’, the Club’s chosen charity for this year.
Robert Brakewell from the Iain Rennie/Pepper Foundation educated
members on the history, needs and aims of this very worthwhile
organisation. The Pepper Foundation is a totally voluntary
organisation, which exists to alleviate suffering by funding home care
to help seriously ill children within the local community. Pepper
paediatric nurses provide professional care for children which can
greatly improve the quality of life of some children who may only live
for a few years. The MSMC will be presenting the Pepper
Foundation with a donation later in the year.
Long standing club member and ex-chairman Mike Forbes gave an interesting insight into his everyday job as editor of Diecast Collector Magazine. Eight years as editor and some 100 issues in, Mike is still as keen today as when the first issue was published. The overall appeal of Diecast Collector has kept it as a firm favourite on the newsstands. He outlined the history of the magazine and how Jack Odell created the craze of the craze of ‘modern’ collectables with the Matchbox Yesteryear range. Although Mike enjoys the job thoroughly, he is keen to point out it is not as glamorous as you may imagine! February’s competition saw the results of the Talbot Van Chop challenge. There were several very ingenious and amusing entries for the judges to deliberate over before choosing their favourites. First place was awarded to John Bennett for his very modified van, which had become a Breakdown Truck. John Hiett grabbed second place with his cheeky ‘Half done’ conversion and third place went to a very nicely assembled Chivers/Wright hybrid van produced by Ian Cook. Derek Boxall won fourth spot with his Woodly Carriers van, and Les Duplock grabbed the last of the points with his Talbot Bitza!
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