Model Railway Show and 7mm NGA AGM - Littlehampton
Friday 17th
Our exhibition started on Thursday afternoon, as we packed the two cars with everything we needed for the show. Midday on Friday, we made our separate ways to the Premier Inn in East Preston where we met up with Chris Holmes - friend and co-operator from Cottesmore days, before driving to the Littlehampton Academy. At the easily accessible venue we unloaded everything in the cavernous reception area and started to set-up in the space allocated to us. Once the trestles were levelled, the rest of the layout just rolled out and an hour and a quarter later, it was finished. We ran-in a temporary power supply and breathed a huge sigh of relief as everything (bar one set of building lights) came to life. We went back to the hotel for a relaxed and well-deserved meal (and a couple of drinks).
Saturday 18th
After another quick test of all electrical items and a track clean, our first main task was to load stock onto the layout, the storage cassettes and the display stand. The show opened and we ran trains, talked to the public and generally had a wonderful day. A few people remembered the Worton Court/Cottesmore era, but most people had no idea and were generally surprised to hear that the core of the layout was 40 years old. Towards the end of the afternoon, two awards were presented - Best in Show voted by the public went to Bridport Town (0-16.5), but Best in Show voted by the exhibitors went to Worton Court. With Geoff tending to a call of nature, Stephen was pushed forward to accept the trophy.
Laurence Murray, Stephen Brown, Geoff Thorne and guest operator Chris Holmes
We had enquiries to attend 5 more shows and will be considering them carefully in due course. However, our focus has now switched to the 7mm NGA show at Burton-on-Trent on Saturday 18th June - 3 weeks time - but are now more confident of putting on a decent show.
