Thames Shiplovers and Ship Model Society

[Martin Field 1Participant @martinfield1]

When I were a young lad in the 70s, I belonged to the Thames Shiplovers and Ship Model Society. I got my first proper commission through John Blight. They seemed instrumental in the start of Model Shipwright, that hard back magazine of blessed memory, but I've heard nothing of it all in years. It seems odd that something as well established as that would just disappear.

Can anyone tell me what happened?

Martin

[Martin Field 1Participant @martinfield1]

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Bob Wilson knows more about it than I do as he used to write for Model Shipwright. Originally it was a periodical but in its latter years became an annual publication as circulation dropped. Eventually it became no longer financially viable.

The Society of Model Shipwrights which was closely associated with the magazine still exists although its membership is dwindling as people grow older and are not replaced. It holds biennial exhibitions of member's work at Orpington and I have only just posted details of this year's exhibition in the Events section.

Colin

[Martin Field 1Participant @martinfield1]

Colin, I've heard of the Society of Model Shipwrights and remember it being mooted in Model Shipwright, which I took for 3 years when it began.

The Thames Shiplovers though? Where did they go?

And they say the hobby is safe for the future. Ha!

Martin

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Clubs always seem to have a finite life although some last longer than others. The usual fate is that they fade away when the original prime movers move or pass on and are not replaced. Almost all clubs and societies are dependent on a small group of people who do most of the work and sometimes these individuals get fed up with carrying the load and leave after which the club breaks up. It's not particular to model making but to most other local organisations as well.

If the hobby itself is still popular then new clubs will spring up to take their place but model boating is generally in decline so this does not happen so frequently.

Colin

[Martin Field 1Participant @martinfield1]

Just as well the oldest is doing better than most then. I wish I could get down to Victoria sometime.

Martin

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