Should we tell the other site so that they can prepare their negative posts?

The local takeaway had the cat and without it Dave only has seven courses which is a cataclysmic catastrophic catastrophe 

Edited By Paul T on 10/03/2017 16:14:18

Where's Coalville???

It's north of Watford, Ashley. You'd need a visa and a course of injections.

DM

I spent most of yesterday at the show.

First off I hadn't even got into the leisure centre before I was beckoned over to a parked car by the bloke behind the wheel. This turned out to be MB Forum member Dave Cook who, by half past eleven, had driven down from Preston, been round the show and bought what looked like a lot of items, and was preparing to drive back home via the model shop in Skelmersdale! This is true dedication to the cause.

The show was busier than I've ever seen it and I was pleased to meet so many former customers of ACTion and members of the Internet model boat forums. The trade stands were doing excellent business although there was the usual drop-off around lunchtime  – aka "spot the customer". There were many models I recognised from previous shows and also quite a lot of new ones. I have to pick out the huge model of HMS Fearless – all 8.5ft of it – for both its impressive size and and its wonderful small details. For example there is a painting crew on a scaffold along the side of the boat and their tiny paint-brushes not only had bristles but each had the correct colour paint on them! The model sits on its own very sophisticated launch stand which can be operated by one person. It can be wheeled to the lakeside, launched, sailed and retrieved all with even touching it – a remarkable piece of workmanship in every respect.

Most of the clubs who had booked were well represented, although one failed to show up and occupy the 8 tables which had been reserved. Fortunately these were taken up by last-minute occupants after a bit of smartish rejigging by the organisers. The 'bring and buy' attracted a large number of boats and these seemed to be going very quickly. John Dowd spotted a hull for sale which had been painstakingly plated with small copper tiles – quite fascinating!

Speaking of the organisers, Iain Lewis and his man Alan have done a splendid job of designing and making the portable pond, although there weren't many boats out on it when I passed. Iain told me that this was its first outing and he was very happy with it, although it does take an age to fill and empty.

The cafeteria was busy all day and the bacon rolls were every bit as good as I remembered. For just a fiver on the door this is an excellent show all round. If there's still time today and you are within range then I recommend a visit.

Dave Milbourn

Edited By Dave Milbourn on 02/04/2017 10:40:40