Gala, Open Days and Exhibition Reports 2017
The Club have many events running this year. Particular Highlights are our Steam Day, Open Day and Navy Day. These days involve other clubs and Model Boat traders and members of the public are encouraged to attend these events.
A quick look at the events list will show many and varied interests. We build boats, race boats and yachts, and are always willing to talk to anybody interested at the Lakeside. We even have flying nights at Batley Leisure Centre.
As well as our own open days we display models and participate in many away events. These are reported in chronological order, with latest events first.
A quick look at the events list will show many and varied interests. We build boats, race boats and yachts, and are always willing to talk to anybody interested at the Lakeside. We even have flying nights at Batley Leisure Centre.
As well as our own open days we display models and participate in many away events. These are reported in chronological order, with latest events first.
Christmas lunch 10th December 2017
Christmas lunch at The Manor Golf Club, Drighlington
on 10th December 2017. Report by Pat Reffin
Despite having a panic about the weather with heavy snow being forecast for the day on Friday, all but
three members turned up as planned for their lunch.
The food was excellent as it has been in past years and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
David Barker was awarded the Keith Hays Trophy for the member who has contributed a lot to the club during the past twelve months.
Richard Simpson ,who won the accumulated total for the Club 500, was awarded a new plate trophy which will be awarded to the winner every year in the future.
The ladies who man the tea tent and Karen and me were given M&S vouchers to thank them for their hard work at the three open day events.
Gary Dyson awarded Stan a gotcha with a giant sized battery as Stan managed to flatten the car battery by leaving the cool box plugged in!
Four junior members were in attendance and they each received a small selection box along with the bag of
sprouts given to them by Stan!
I have booked the venue for next year and it will be on Sunday 9th December 2018 at 12 noon. Put this date in your diary for future reference. If you've not been to the Christmas lunch before why not give it a try in 2018, I am sure you wont be disappointed.
Photos by Emily Dyson - thanks from Cathy Wilson
.
on 10th December 2017. Report by Pat Reffin
Despite having a panic about the weather with heavy snow being forecast for the day on Friday, all but
three members turned up as planned for their lunch.
The food was excellent as it has been in past years and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
David Barker was awarded the Keith Hays Trophy for the member who has contributed a lot to the club during the past twelve months.
Richard Simpson ,who won the accumulated total for the Club 500, was awarded a new plate trophy which will be awarded to the winner every year in the future.
The ladies who man the tea tent and Karen and me were given M&S vouchers to thank them for their hard work at the three open day events.
Gary Dyson awarded Stan a gotcha with a giant sized battery as Stan managed to flatten the car battery by leaving the cool box plugged in!
Four junior members were in attendance and they each received a small selection box along with the bag of
sprouts given to them by Stan!
I have booked the venue for next year and it will be on Sunday 9th December 2018 at 12 noon. Put this date in your diary for future reference. If you've not been to the Christmas lunch before why not give it a try in 2018, I am sure you wont be disappointed.
Photos by Emily Dyson - thanks from Cathy Wilson
.
Mobile Marine's Open Day 25th November 2017
Report on Mobile Marine's Open Day 25th November by Stan Reffin
Once again I flew the flag for the club by displaying at this event. I displayed a selection of warships and
fishing vessels which attracted a lot of interest by other modellers.
The weather was fine and sunny with a bit of a cold wind but this didn't deter visitors. Business was brisk for the traders and the bring and buy did well. The event was supported by visiting Kirklees members and various clubs from the North of England.
Once again the burger van was well used, bacon sandwiches and breakfasts did well. One for the
calendar next year.
for photos of this event see Jan 2018 Newsletter.
Once again I flew the flag for the club by displaying at this event. I displayed a selection of warships and
fishing vessels which attracted a lot of interest by other modellers.
The weather was fine and sunny with a bit of a cold wind but this didn't deter visitors. Business was brisk for the traders and the bring and buy did well. The event was supported by visiting Kirklees members and various clubs from the North of England.
Once again the burger van was well used, bacon sandwiches and breakfasts did well. One for the
calendar next year.
for photos of this event see Jan 2018 Newsletter.
Blackpool Show on 21st and 22nd October 2017
Report on Blackpool Show on 21st and 22nd October 2017
by Stan Reffin
The club returned to this show after a 22 year break. Our last visit to this show as an exhibitor was when it was held in Blackpool Tower - no we didn't dance around the ballroom!
The Norbreck Hotel provides and excellent exhibition hall allowing you to drive your vehicles in which makes life easier for unloading the club's display stand and your models as well. Also easier when you are packing up on a Sunday.
Thanks to Gary Dyson and Dave and Sue Barker for taking all of the club stand to the show and bringing it back to their homes.
The weather was hurricane force winds with very heavy rain at times. By Sunday afternoon the wind had dropped and we had blue skies.
Many thanks to the following members who attended. Chris and Karen Behan, Pat and me, Dave and Sue Barker, Gary, Peter and Emily Dyson. Trade support was excellent, lots of nice models on display. Saturday, despite the terrible weather, lots of people in attendance and Sunday was also very busy. Representatives of each club were given the task of judging the best models in each class. I was fortunate enough to be awarded best naval vessel with my aircraft carrier Gambier Bay. I have sent the booking form in for next year already. A show to look forward to in the coming year.
for Photos of this event see the January 2018 Newsletter.
by Stan Reffin
The club returned to this show after a 22 year break. Our last visit to this show as an exhibitor was when it was held in Blackpool Tower - no we didn't dance around the ballroom!
The Norbreck Hotel provides and excellent exhibition hall allowing you to drive your vehicles in which makes life easier for unloading the club's display stand and your models as well. Also easier when you are packing up on a Sunday.
Thanks to Gary Dyson and Dave and Sue Barker for taking all of the club stand to the show and bringing it back to their homes.
The weather was hurricane force winds with very heavy rain at times. By Sunday afternoon the wind had dropped and we had blue skies.
Many thanks to the following members who attended. Chris and Karen Behan, Pat and me, Dave and Sue Barker, Gary, Peter and Emily Dyson. Trade support was excellent, lots of nice models on display. Saturday, despite the terrible weather, lots of people in attendance and Sunday was also very busy. Representatives of each club were given the task of judging the best models in each class. I was fortunate enough to be awarded best naval vessel with my aircraft carrier Gambier Bay. I have sent the booking form in for next year already. A show to look forward to in the coming year.
for Photos of this event see the January 2018 Newsletter.
Flying night 11th October 2017
Report on flying night 11th October 2017 by Pat Reffin
15 members and 3 visitors flew their respective planes, helicopters and drones of various sizes in the Sports Hall at Batley Sports Centre. Half a dozen or so members spectated from the balcony or in the Sports Hall itself.
No major catastrophes on the night and everyone present seemed to have an enjoyable time. Will be repeated on the club night in March 2018 i.e. Wednesday 14th March.
15 members and 3 visitors flew their respective planes, helicopters and drones of various sizes in the Sports Hall at Batley Sports Centre. Half a dozen or so members spectated from the balcony or in the Sports Hall itself.
No major catastrophes on the night and everyone present seemed to have an enjoyable time. Will be repeated on the club night in March 2018 i.e. Wednesday 14th March.
Night sail Wednesday 13th September at Wilton Park.
Night sail Wednesday 13th September at Wilton Park, report by Pat Reffin
It was chilly but dry and clear evening. 9 members arrived with boats containing various types of lighting. Several members attended to watch. Sailing was until about 8.30 pm after the bats had come out. There were fishing boats, tugs, pleasure craft, rescue vessels, motor sail vessels and hovercraft all displaying lights. One model owned by Keith Tomlinson's Earnslaw model had disco lighting on the top deck which gave a very effective reflection on the lake. Thanks to all the members who made the effort to come along.
It was chilly but dry and clear evening. 9 members arrived with boats containing various types of lighting. Several members attended to watch. Sailing was until about 8.30 pm after the bats had come out. There were fishing boats, tugs, pleasure craft, rescue vessels, motor sail vessels and hovercraft all displaying lights. One model owned by Keith Tomlinson's Earnslaw model had disco lighting on the top deck which gave a very effective reflection on the lake. Thanks to all the members who made the effort to come along.
Navy Day 10th September 2017
Report on Navy Day/Mountfleet Day 9th September 2017 by Stan Reffin
In spite of a bad forecast for today we decided to run the event and finish early.
It was a nice surprise to see clubs from Etherow, York, Leeds/Bradford, Potteries, HMES and Sheffield. The lifeboat people had a stand selling goods to raise funds for the RNLI.
We also had some large yachts which I think came from Balne Moor. Besides model boats we had quite a lot of model tanks which proved very interesting with the general public. May be this is a sign of the times to incorporate these and model trucks in open day events.
Mountfleet models were on site promoting their latest model. Sadly Tony Green Steam could not attend.
The day closed after the best warship presentation and raffle. We closed early as the weather forecast was
not good after 3 pm.
Thanks to everybody who attended. Thinking well into the future some dates for your diary. 8th July 2018 our annual Open Day and 9th September 2018 our Autumn Open Day. More information to follow in the New Year.
We have the following unclaimed raffle prizes. White 60 White161 White 165 Pink 392 Pink 389.Pink 20
Photos from Stan Reffin
In spite of a bad forecast for today we decided to run the event and finish early.
It was a nice surprise to see clubs from Etherow, York, Leeds/Bradford, Potteries, HMES and Sheffield. The lifeboat people had a stand selling goods to raise funds for the RNLI.
We also had some large yachts which I think came from Balne Moor. Besides model boats we had quite a lot of model tanks which proved very interesting with the general public. May be this is a sign of the times to incorporate these and model trucks in open day events.
Mountfleet models were on site promoting their latest model. Sadly Tony Green Steam could not attend.
The day closed after the best warship presentation and raffle. We closed early as the weather forecast was
not good after 3 pm.
Thanks to everybody who attended. Thinking well into the future some dates for your diary. 8th July 2018 our annual Open Day and 9th September 2018 our Autumn Open Day. More information to follow in the New Year.
We have the following unclaimed raffle prizes. White 60 White161 White 165 Pink 392 Pink 389.Pink 20
Photos from Stan Reffin
Photos from Debbie Roberts
Haydock Park Model Boat Convention 26th and 27th August 2017
Report on Haydock Park by Chris Behan
The show was well attended by Kirklees members and lots of other boat clubs. Trade support was good and the weather was sunny throughout the weekend.
Public numbers appeared down on the Saturday probably due to the Rugby Final featuring a local team. Lots of questions were posed by the viewing public and all the stands had a decent flow of visitors throughout the weekend.
The theme for 2017 was lifeboats so as you would expect lots of lifeboats were on display plus the bonus of a free Speedline lifeboat kit going to the best lifeboat in show donated by Speedline Models.
All in all a good show well represented by Kirklees members.
I once again won 1st place with my WW2 S class boat in the kit class and also best kit in show with the Mountfleet Models Rose Bowl award.
Barry Hill was awarded best boat on the Kirklees stand with his Bismark model. Well done Barry.
Note from Stan
Thanks to Roger Shepherd for receiving Barry Hill's award in Barry's absence and Roger was thrown in at the deep end organizing the display as I was on holiday. Thanks a lot Roger. Would you like to do it next year?
The show was well attended by Kirklees members and lots of other boat clubs. Trade support was good and the weather was sunny throughout the weekend.
Public numbers appeared down on the Saturday probably due to the Rugby Final featuring a local team. Lots of questions were posed by the viewing public and all the stands had a decent flow of visitors throughout the weekend.
The theme for 2017 was lifeboats so as you would expect lots of lifeboats were on display plus the bonus of a free Speedline lifeboat kit going to the best lifeboat in show donated by Speedline Models.
All in all a good show well represented by Kirklees members.
I once again won 1st place with my WW2 S class boat in the kit class and also best kit in show with the Mountfleet Models Rose Bowl award.
Barry Hill was awarded best boat on the Kirklees stand with his Bismark model. Well done Barry.
Note from Stan
Thanks to Roger Shepherd for receiving Barry Hill's award in Barry's absence and Roger was thrown in at the deep end organizing the display as I was on holiday. Thanks a lot Roger. Would you like to do it next year?
Open Day 9th July 2017
Report on Open Day 9th July 2017 by Stan Reffin
After many months of planning and constantly checking the weather forecast again we had excellent weather, warm with blue skies and sun cream was required!
An early start for this but on arrival at the park club members were already there opening up the shed and getting out all the items needed for a successful day. By 9 am all our tents were up and fitted out with tables and the boiler was up and running in the tea tent. Top priority.
But the Mutual Model Boat Club were the first club on sight and by 8.15 am their tent was up and running and so were the bacon sandwiches. A steady stream of clubs arrived and also traders who had to be allocated a space. The RNLI also attended helping to raise funds for their organization. They were allocated a space next to a very nice display of lifeboat models provided by a member of the Kinglear MBC.
In total we had representatives from 21 clubs or organizations and five traders.
The traders were all kept together making like a small trade area. The standard of models on display by all clubs was excellent. The trade area was kept busy as was the catering tent. Once again thanks to Kath, Kathleen, Sue and Brenda for providing refreshments all day and to Chris Behan for getting the boiler going.
Thanks to all club members who donated items for them to sell on the day.
A big thank you to Mick Hebden for organizing a display of large sail models to compliment John Dowd's J class. It was nice to see the sail and scale models all together on the water. A big thank you to Adam Holmes who worked tirelessly putting out the dock area and helping with the raffle. Thanks to Phill Bowker and Gary Dyson for putting up the PA system. I cannot list everybody who helped but thanks to anyone who helped on the day.
The sail by at 2 pm went very well with lots of models on the water. Debbie Roberts was on hand as usual with her camera, many thanks Debbie.
Peter Refern was awarded the Denis Smart Trophy for best KMBC model and Joe Lang of Liverpool MBC won best tug model.
The day concluded with the raffle, thanks to club members who donated items and thanks to Karen and Pat for selling raffle tickets all day.
On the 16th July a cheque was presented to the representatives of the RNLI, the combined total from the club and sales on their stand on the day amounted to £435.00.
After many months of planning and constantly checking the weather forecast again we had excellent weather, warm with blue skies and sun cream was required!
An early start for this but on arrival at the park club members were already there opening up the shed and getting out all the items needed for a successful day. By 9 am all our tents were up and fitted out with tables and the boiler was up and running in the tea tent. Top priority.
But the Mutual Model Boat Club were the first club on sight and by 8.15 am their tent was up and running and so were the bacon sandwiches. A steady stream of clubs arrived and also traders who had to be allocated a space. The RNLI also attended helping to raise funds for their organization. They were allocated a space next to a very nice display of lifeboat models provided by a member of the Kinglear MBC.
In total we had representatives from 21 clubs or organizations and five traders.
The traders were all kept together making like a small trade area. The standard of models on display by all clubs was excellent. The trade area was kept busy as was the catering tent. Once again thanks to Kath, Kathleen, Sue and Brenda for providing refreshments all day and to Chris Behan for getting the boiler going.
Thanks to all club members who donated items for them to sell on the day.
A big thank you to Mick Hebden for organizing a display of large sail models to compliment John Dowd's J class. It was nice to see the sail and scale models all together on the water. A big thank you to Adam Holmes who worked tirelessly putting out the dock area and helping with the raffle. Thanks to Phill Bowker and Gary Dyson for putting up the PA system. I cannot list everybody who helped but thanks to anyone who helped on the day.
The sail by at 2 pm went very well with lots of models on the water. Debbie Roberts was on hand as usual with her camera, many thanks Debbie.
Peter Refern was awarded the Denis Smart Trophy for best KMBC model and Joe Lang of Liverpool MBC won best tug model.
The day concluded with the raffle, thanks to club members who donated items and thanks to Karen and Pat for selling raffle tickets all day.
On the 16th July a cheque was presented to the representatives of the RNLI, the combined total from the club and sales on their stand on the day amounted to £435.00.
Photos thanks to Debbie Roberts
CADMA Model Boat Show - Doncaster 3rd and 4th June
CADMA show 3rd and 4th June - Report by Stan Reffin
Thank you to the club members who gave up their time to provide a club display over the two days and to none displaying club members who supported this event.
The traders who attended supplied a wide range of goods from kits of all types, electronics, figures, batteries, steam power, down to nuts and bolts, paints etc.
The club's display covered a vast range of marine models. The temporary pool was kept busy over the weekend and it was under cover in the event of rain but fortunately the weather kept fine.
Over the two days we were kept busy with visitors to the stand. Sadly we did not win the best stand this year but I am pleased to report Chris Behan was awarded best naval vessel and best in show for his German S boat. Well done Chris.
Thank you to the club members who gave up their time to provide a club display over the two days and to none displaying club members who supported this event.
The traders who attended supplied a wide range of goods from kits of all types, electronics, figures, batteries, steam power, down to nuts and bolts, paints etc.
The club's display covered a vast range of marine models. The temporary pool was kept busy over the weekend and it was under cover in the event of rain but fortunately the weather kept fine.
Over the two days we were kept busy with visitors to the stand. Sadly we did not win the best stand this year but I am pleased to report Chris Behan was awarded best naval vessel and best in show for his German S boat. Well done Chris.
Model Engineering Exhibition at Doncaster Race Course 12th to 14th May 2017
Report by Stan Reffin
Set up day on Thursday went very efficiently. Thank you to all members who attended to set up.
Friday was very busy with lots of visitors to the club stand asking lots of questions. Our members made use of the temporary pool on all three days.
Richard Simpson and Cathy Wilson had their steamers working. The club stand displayed all types of models that we operate at Wilton Park, including sail I am pleased to say.
Sadly the number of model boat clubs attending has diminished over the years, I don't know why this is the case as it is a good exhibition.
Outside you could pay and have some helicopter flying lessons. I don't think my nerves could stand it.
Trade support was good something for everyone. I would like to thank everyone who took home parts of the club stand on the Sunday as I was unable to take it.
Many thanks to Sue Barker for once again volunteering to take the display material home to wash it.
Photos by Cathy Wilson.
Set up day on Thursday went very efficiently. Thank you to all members who attended to set up.
Friday was very busy with lots of visitors to the club stand asking lots of questions. Our members made use of the temporary pool on all three days.
Richard Simpson and Cathy Wilson had their steamers working. The club stand displayed all types of models that we operate at Wilton Park, including sail I am pleased to say.
Sadly the number of model boat clubs attending has diminished over the years, I don't know why this is the case as it is a good exhibition.
Outside you could pay and have some helicopter flying lessons. I don't think my nerves could stand it.
Trade support was good something for everyone. I would like to thank everyone who took home parts of the club stand on the Sunday as I was unable to take it.
Many thanks to Sue Barker for once again volunteering to take the display material home to wash it.
Photos by Cathy Wilson.
South Pennine Canal Society Open Day 6th May 2017
Report on Show at South Pennine Boat Club, Mirfield by Stan Reffin
The club was invited to attend their two yearly open day at the canal basin and we were offered the use of the dry dock for sailing out models.
16 club members attended displaying all types of models for the visiting public to see. Sailing in the dry proved difficult for our sail members but not so for scale models.
Lots of other activies were taking place during the day for the visiting public, there was beer tent and tea tent on site and some very large scones, hot dogs and burgers for sail beside sandwiches and other cakes. The RNLI were also on site raising funds.
The car parking was well managed making unload and leaving the site easy. It was nice to see some of our sail colleagues attending.
The weather could have been warmer but at least it kept dry. Hopefully we will asked back in 2 years time. The organizers were very pleased with our static and sailing demonstrations.
Thanks to Debbie Roberts and Stan Reffin for the photos.
The club was invited to attend their two yearly open day at the canal basin and we were offered the use of the dry dock for sailing out models.
16 club members attended displaying all types of models for the visiting public to see. Sailing in the dry proved difficult for our sail members but not so for scale models.
Lots of other activies were taking place during the day for the visiting public, there was beer tent and tea tent on site and some very large scones, hot dogs and burgers for sail beside sandwiches and other cakes. The RNLI were also on site raising funds.
The car parking was well managed making unload and leaving the site easy. It was nice to see some of our sail colleagues attending.
The weather could have been warmer but at least it kept dry. Hopefully we will asked back in 2 years time. The organizers were very pleased with our static and sailing demonstrations.
Thanks to Debbie Roberts and Stan Reffin for the photos.
Steam Day 23rd April 2017
Report on Steam Day 23rd April 2017 by Stan Reffin
As per usual club members turned out in force for a very early start to help unloading the container and moving the equipment required to get the day off to a good start. Thanks to everyone who turned up to help
Obviously the first tent to be erected had to be the cup-of-tea tent! Well done to Roger Shepherd and Chris Behan for getting the boiler up and running. Also a big thank you must go to Gary Dyson for making sure the boiler was sterilized before use. As usual the ladies, Kath, Kathleen, Sue and Brenda looked after us all day with refreshments.
By 10 am. we had visitors from the following: York MBC, Potteries MBC, Crewe MBC, Teesside Steam Model Engineers, Balne Moor MBC, St Helens MBC, Runcorn MBC and Sheffield Ship Society and of course not forgetting Kirklees' members. 19 steam models were on display and Richard Simpson tested 13 steam plants throughout the day.
As usual John Dowd from Runcorn Club came along to display his J class yacht. Mick Hebden from our club also arranged for a selection of 1 mtr yachts to be displayed along with John's J class.
We also had a large selection of non-steam powered models of all types on display. Obviously the theme was steam which attracted a lot of attention so did the scale and yachts on display.
There was concern that running the Club 500 on the same day as this event may cause problems but in the end it all worked out well.
All the steam models on display are worthy winners of the “Steam Queen” trophy but Tony Middleton of York MBC won with his steam tug Sloyne. What made this model stand out was the fact when the steam plant was running it had a unique sound and it seemed to run forever. The engineering was of a high quality.
Finally we were blessed with sunny fine weather with a slight breeze.
Thanks to Debbie Roberts and Stan Reffin for the Photos.
As per usual club members turned out in force for a very early start to help unloading the container and moving the equipment required to get the day off to a good start. Thanks to everyone who turned up to help
Obviously the first tent to be erected had to be the cup-of-tea tent! Well done to Roger Shepherd and Chris Behan for getting the boiler up and running. Also a big thank you must go to Gary Dyson for making sure the boiler was sterilized before use. As usual the ladies, Kath, Kathleen, Sue and Brenda looked after us all day with refreshments.
By 10 am. we had visitors from the following: York MBC, Potteries MBC, Crewe MBC, Teesside Steam Model Engineers, Balne Moor MBC, St Helens MBC, Runcorn MBC and Sheffield Ship Society and of course not forgetting Kirklees' members. 19 steam models were on display and Richard Simpson tested 13 steam plants throughout the day.
As usual John Dowd from Runcorn Club came along to display his J class yacht. Mick Hebden from our club also arranged for a selection of 1 mtr yachts to be displayed along with John's J class.
We also had a large selection of non-steam powered models of all types on display. Obviously the theme was steam which attracted a lot of attention so did the scale and yachts on display.
There was concern that running the Club 500 on the same day as this event may cause problems but in the end it all worked out well.
All the steam models on display are worthy winners of the “Steam Queen” trophy but Tony Middleton of York MBC won with his steam tug Sloyne. What made this model stand out was the fact when the steam plant was running it had a unique sound and it seemed to run forever. The engineering was of a high quality.
Finally we were blessed with sunny fine weather with a slight breeze.
Thanks to Debbie Roberts and Stan Reffin for the Photos.
Ellesmere Port Spring Model Show 2017
Report by Stan Reffin
This year showed a reduced number of models on the club stand but the standard as usual was very high.
Chris and Karen Behan helped Pat and I to erect the club stand, having to trail through heavy rain and come up two sets of steps. Gary Dyson then arrived and helped to complete the club stand.
The trade support was the same as last year but model boat clubs seemed to be lacking. The lack of a cafe seemed to be a major problem but we were well prepared with flasks etc. Gary also provided cup cakes for everyone which went down well with a cuppa. There was a burger van on site if you wanted something warm. That was organised by Ellesmere Port MBC.
Saturday started off very well, busy with lots of people attending at the stand and asking questions but then it eased off on the afternoon. Tug towing was being carried out on Saturday but not Sunday due to the heavy rain. Also there was a lot of debris in the lock area.
Sunday the weather was heavy rain until late afternoon so visitor numbers and on the water activities were low. Thanks to the above named and Sue and David Barker who all helped dismantle the stand.
We must not forget the members of the Ellesmere Port MBC for providing this show this year under difficult circumstances. Many thanks to them.
The journey home proved to be a nightmare. We left Ellesmere Port at 3.45 pm and arrived in Leeds at 8.15 pm. Many thanks to the Highways Agency for closing the M62 down to 1 lane!
Pictures from Cathy Wilson.
This year showed a reduced number of models on the club stand but the standard as usual was very high.
Chris and Karen Behan helped Pat and I to erect the club stand, having to trail through heavy rain and come up two sets of steps. Gary Dyson then arrived and helped to complete the club stand.
The trade support was the same as last year but model boat clubs seemed to be lacking. The lack of a cafe seemed to be a major problem but we were well prepared with flasks etc. Gary also provided cup cakes for everyone which went down well with a cuppa. There was a burger van on site if you wanted something warm. That was organised by Ellesmere Port MBC.
Saturday started off very well, busy with lots of people attending at the stand and asking questions but then it eased off on the afternoon. Tug towing was being carried out on Saturday but not Sunday due to the heavy rain. Also there was a lot of debris in the lock area.
Sunday the weather was heavy rain until late afternoon so visitor numbers and on the water activities were low. Thanks to the above named and Sue and David Barker who all helped dismantle the stand.
We must not forget the members of the Ellesmere Port MBC for providing this show this year under difficult circumstances. Many thanks to them.
The journey home proved to be a nightmare. We left Ellesmere Port at 3.45 pm and arrived in Leeds at 8.15 pm. Many thanks to the Highways Agency for closing the M62 down to 1 lane!
Pictures from Cathy Wilson.