The exhibition was another great success with as usual several layouts appearing which are
fairly new to the exhibition circuit. There were twenty one layouts attending in a wide variety of scale, size,
period and prototype. Our thanks to all those who brought they pride and joys, in some cases many miles, to
the exhibition for the enjoyment of our paying visitors.
Of particular note was the first appearance of Pempoul - so long in the making that it
still seems unreal that at last it was unveiled in its completed format. Still it has made a change for Gordon and
Maggie Gravett not to be demonstrating the construction of the model buildings which they have been doing at St Albans
for several years. Also with us was Llaniog, making its first completed appearance. This is a finescale layout
by Brian Lewis (Mr C&L) on which the trackwork has to be the best, doesn't it?
There was to have been the first appearance of Calstock (Cothehele) but for various reasons
it will now be at St Albans in 2009. Our thanks to Nigel Adams for stepping in at relatively short notice with
Willowbrook Marsh. Unfortunately Napier Valley Railroad had to be withdrawn at the very last
moment due to illness.
The annual presentation of The Denis Moore Cup for the best scenic modelling on a layout was presented
on the Saturday afternoon to Ian Hollis for his outstanding scenary and buildings on Alkham.
Our thanks go to the 25 members of the trade who supported the exhibition this year as well as to all
those exhibitors who manned demonstration and society stands.
For the first time in several years Philip McGovern took a well earned rest from moving all the equipment used at
the exhibition to and from our store in Welwyn Garden City. Instead he operated the Foxup layout. It was particularly pleasing
that two of our member organisations volunteered to take on the transportation task, splitting the duties of collection and return
of the equipment between them, thanks gents.
A new venture for this year was the use of colour in the exhibition programme. Hopefully visitors found it pleasing.
It gave us the chance to use photographs to advantage and we were able to include some of the layouts present at the exhibition as well
as a bit of a taster for next year..., and talking of which, next year's show will be on the 10th and 11th January 2009, again
at The Alban Arena.
