MEETING 12

 25 October 2006

 Blimey!  We’ve been at Ransomes’ a year although nobody realized that it was our first anniversary on the night – girly stuff obviously.  There was a lot to cover it turned out; however, firstly we welcomed Graham Lovell – latterly of the Mildenhall club and a belated, although heartfelt, welcome to Rob Arnehov from Colchester – who arrived last month but, who was considered such a seasoned show-goer that it had not registered it was his first evening at the Club.  Welcome both.

 EAMS

 The EAMS has been and gone.  The Chairman again proffered his apologies for letting work get in the way of a good time, but he’s retarded like that so he was forgiven.  The Secretary was also delayed in his arrival at the Show, having been drinking moderately at a former colleague’s retirement bash in Uxbridge the night previously however, as that was a purely social event involving booze at highly subsidised prices it was agreed that most people would have done the same!  Ian B manfully took on the mantle of Show Organiser for the day for both St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and was seen early on in the day equally manfully trying to extinguish his ‘head-fire’ using 2 cold bricks.  A big well-done to Ian, who got it all sorted in the end and to all of the members who helped to make it all happen.  Well done!

 It was generally felt that it had been a good show and this was born out by the fact that the number of paying visitors to the Show was up by nearly 20% this year to 250. However, due to the Bury treasurer being on holiday and the final invoice for the hall hire still having not been received, it was unclear as to the exact sum of money the Show had raised; it was roughly calculated as being in the region of £300, subject to confirmation, and it had been agreed with Bury to hold the profit in abeyance to cover the costs of next year’s show.       

 Next Year’s Show.     At the EAMS the Club was approached by the chairman and secretary of the Stowmarket Model Railway Club to see if we would be interested in amalgamating the railway modeller’s show with ours and also inviting RC modellers to attend also, thus allowing us to take over the whole Sports Centre.  It was felt that this was a good idea to pursue, especially in light of the fact that the model railway show reportedly attracts in the region of 1200 guests and the move of the Brampton show date that will clash with the EAMS usual early autumn date.  The Stowmarket show would be held in April 07.  Concerns to be considered would include the following:  clash of adjacent shows, e.g. Hinckley, how would the clubs be mixed in the halls, what extra car parking considerations would be required due to the envisaged increase in numbers.  The Chairman undertook to liaise with railway modellers to see if the amalgamated show can be achieved.

 EAMC

 The EAMC was discussed with a view to promoting it at SMW 06.  It was agreed that it should go ahead as previously decided; however, for the visit on the Saturday, it was agreed that if Kelvin E would undertake to consult his contacts at Wattisham to provide access to an AH this would be an excellent visit to offer our guests.  The Secretary undertook to coordinate the visit if the aircraft could be displayed.  Mike G undertook to inquire about local B&Bs to see if their rates could compete with the local motels on the A14.

 SIX-HOUR BUILD 

 David reported that the 6 hour build was a great success, the models chosen this time aiding the task of completion for everyone – well most people.  Nine modellers took part with success in the aeroplane class going to Jan M with the 1/48^th Eduard LA-5 and to Kev B in the armour class with the Italeri 1/72 Sd Kfz 234/3.  The Secretary apologised for the ungracious way in which he accepted the accolade on Sunday, however he asserted that as Paul C was now in the room it was appropriate to repeat his performance, give the ‘Armoured Charmer’ the finger and tell him to, “Ram it, armour’s too easy!”  Dave reports that there will be another 6 hour build in the spring and hopefully timed so that it is still light outside so that the participants don’t have to bring their own torches to finish the paint-job!  Try to get there next time, it’s a fun day out…

 CLUB FUNDS

 The subject of the Club Funds was discussed as we have approximately £400 in the bank.  Suggestions were fielded as to possible expenditure of the funds and it was agreed that we should have a subsidised meal in January 2007 instead of a Christmas ‘Do’.  It was further agreed in light of the January meal that the December meeting should be held in the Ransomes’ club on the 3^rd  Wednesday and involve a quiz.  Members are requested to bring some ‘nibbles’ and a set of questions that should not be excessively esoteric!  Furthermore, Julien undertook to look at the procurement of club polo-shirts, hopefully in time for Telford although this was not imperative.  

SMW 06

 The Club stand was assembled in order to see how the layout would appear.  It would seem that the stand will be well filled and that it should provide a good showing for the Club.  It was agreed that a pre-Nats subby will be held in order to finalise travel plans and set-up details.

 AOB

 Visit to RAF Marham.            A date has yet to be decided for the visit to RAF Marham.  As soon as it has been arranged, members will be informed.

 Boxted Show.             It has been reported by Bob T that the Boxted show will not be held next year.  It was agreed that this was a shame and the possibility existed that without the show the new landowner could plough up the runway and this would make it impossible to run the show again.

 Military Modelling International.       The Secretary reported that the club report for the EAMC will be in the December issue of MMI.