Meir 2008

This year I made a personal visit to The Potteries Model Show, which took place on the 16th March at the Meir Community Centre. It’s over two years since we, as a club, have been invited to this, the closest show to us. Other SMMC members and I were warmly welcomed by Cliff, Mick, Dave Seabridge and other Meir members.

The show was spread over the main hall and reception room with the competition in one of the classrooms. If anything, it appeared to have attracted more traders than when I last visited. At a guess I should say that there were at least 10-12 traders plying their wares. A good number of clubs completed the scene with some of our friends from Wombourne, Crewe and Warrington making up the club stands. It was nice, in a way not to have a club table, as I spent time chatting to members of other clubs and old friends from Meir.

The competition was very acceptable for a small show like Meir, in fact there were more categories than at some large shows. I have to be honest and say that in certain classes the entries were on the thin side, with figures, bust and mounted figure classes particularly badly patronised.

During the afternoon, the show became quiet and I found myself sitting and talking to members of Wombourne, picking up tips on building vac-form kits, before having afternoon tea with Dave “the Gannet” Seabridge.

The day had gone past too quickly and the competitions results were announced. As individuals we managed to pick-up 2 – 1st, 4 – 2nd and 4 – 3rd placings. What could we have done if the SMMC was attending in strength?

Something that I found intriguing was the progress that Meir Club has achieved in the last 18 months. A new table design with new dark green cloth and chrome/glass display stand. All very professional looking with a full table of models covering a wide variety of subjects.

Phil Wain.