This year's meeting dates... |
At the first meeting of 2011, two new members. Nick Knights and Ron Frith, were welcomed to the meeting.
As for the models on show, Graham Aldous displayed five models which were a speed play 3 racing car, a selection of 1998-2001 Motion System models, the Tuning Set 8950 (radio controlled car) Design Advanced Set 2 (F1 racing car) and the August 1954 Meccano Magazine naval destroyer. Brian Beavis also had numerous models on view - an automated rotawheels fairground ride, concorde, a harrier jet and the Design 3 radio controlled articulated tractor unit. Another selection was provided by Tony Brown, who showed Trix and Meccano X Series skiers, the Super Highways Multi Kit bulldozer, Highways Multi Kit crane lorry and surface grader and a Marklin articulated van in addition to small Trix and Meccano sets. David Fawkes had a Design 3 radio controlled 'artic' tractor unit with an own design trailer, and a beam engine, also of his own design. Kelvin Freeman displayed a horizontal beam engine, a 1937 set 9 dutch windmill, a Dinky Builder truck and four vans in addition to a boxed Dinky Builder set, while Carole Freeman had three crazy inventors models - a "Batplane", go-kart and an amphibious walking boat. New member Ron Frith brought a mechanical workshop helicopter plus a dual motor set mobile crane, and our other newbie Nick Knights exhibited a six wheeled truck. Raymond Massingham showed a clockwork beam engine, 'Spanner Challenge' Ford Anglia, a stealth destroyer, bulldozer, elastic band gun, excavators and "The Gherkin". Wife Margaret had an Xtreme Set 5820 dragster, an overtype steam engine and an inertial motor buggy. Tony Parmee exhibited a nickelled open topped bus as well as a 1940's set 9 mechanical horse and trailer while Clive Parsons brought a horizontal beam engine. Martin Parsons displayed a 1960's set flat bed lorry, a 1960's set 1 helicopter plus an own design low wing monoplane.
Maurice and Tony Rednall brought their by now 'traditional' and highly anticipated table-full of Meccano goodies for sale, though Tony also demonstrated his hydraulic excavator as well. Dennis Remnant showed a 1954 Set 10 showman's traction engine, and Bernard Shaw displayed a wide range of 1950's to 1960's models - a coach, sports car, taxi, jeep, and a Morgan style three wheeler. Bill Tickle had an own design articulated low loader and bulldozer. Geoff Tooley's models were a Blaw Knox/Barber Green style road surfacer and a tracked tractor. Roger Upson-Smith's models were a christmas tree, Multi Models Set 6515 cable-operated excavator, and a new set dragster.
Finally, Dennis trusts that he hasn't missed any models, described any incorrectly, or credited any to the wrong modeller.
There have been no TEAMS events since the last club meeting. However, on 16th December 2010 Tony Rednall and Dennis were interviewed on Park Radio, Diss and were able to tell the presenter about TEAMS and Meccano generally. It gave us a bit of publicity, although we haven't had any contacts as a result.
Hethersett Old Hall Girls School, Monday, 14th March.
Arrangements have been made for a brief talk on the history of Meccano, and a display to illustrate something of engineering by Tony R's. Penny Farthing cyclist and tight rope Unicyclist, and Dennis's 9F Locomotive. Maurice's Ball Roller will demonstrate the use of electrical components, and Michael W. will represent science with a number of Orreries. There isn't time or space for any more members to take part.
Denny Centre, Diss Spring Fair, Saturday, 14th May, 10.00 to 12.00 noon.
Will anyone able to join in this please let Dennis know.
Methwold Day Care Centre, Monday, 23rd May, 1.00 pm onwards
The event is to give a brief history of Meccano, and then demonstrate the models we take. Maurice, Tony R. and Dennis expect to go, and will be pleased for anyone else who can make it to join us. The folk attending the Methwold Centre are much more "with it" than those at the Denny Centre.
Friends of Diss Museum, Friday, 17th June, 7.30 to 9.00 p.m.
The plan is to give a talk on the history and development of Meccano and to have a demonstration of models in St. Mary's Church Hall. Any members interested in coming contact Dennis.
Burrel Steam Museum, Thetford
Tony R. has not heard any more from the Museum, so we will forget them unless a definite approach is made.
Burgate Church Fete
Burgate Fete is to be held on Saturday, 13th August, the same day as the August TEAMS meeting. Dennis has suggested we could take part if they change the date to 30th July or 27th August.
Carleton Rode Baptist Church Family Fun Day, Saturday, 18th June
The venue for this is not certain. The organiser is trying to find a hall instead of a marquee at Tibenham Airfield. More information at the next meeting.
Prickwiilow Pumping Station, Sunday, 21st August
Tony B. notified members about the exhibition at the pumping station. Anyone wishing to attend arrange with Tony.
Dennis again reminded members that it is essential for everyone exhibiting models at meetings, etc., where the public are attending be covered for public liability. If not, in the case of an accident involving a model of someone not covered, every member could possibly be personally held liable.
Voting slips were distributed and the model well-deservedly voted the most original/unique/unusual or interesting was Kelvin's Dutch Windmill. He will be presented with a signed certificate at the next meeting.
Dennis distributed copies of the 2010 accounts to all members. Those not present will be receive theirs with the minutes of this meeting.
The models from the display at Snetterton Park Modelshop had been dismantled and packed in their boxes. In accordance with the agreement at the last meeting, they were offered for auction. The proceeds amounted to £92 for club funds.
In addition to our regulars, we were graced by two new members (Stuart and Molly Ward) who had found the website and came to see what we do. They wish to join the club and we expect to see them at the next meeting.
Since the last meeting Geoff Tooley has been diagnosed with cancer. He has had an operation and is home and on the road to recovery. We wish him a speedy return to health, and hope to see him in August.
Ian Maunders had kindly accompanied Martin to the meeting.
Brian Beavis brought several models to show - a Double Ferris Wheel Fairground Ride, Harrier Jet, 2 Red Arrows, a Hawk Jet, Sopwith Camel and 2 small modern Robots. Tony Brown also had several models a Giant Dragline plus an alternative Digger Arm, a Meccano X Series Motor Lorry, Super Highway Multikit Trench Digger and Combat Multikit AA Gun. David Fawkes had a Design 3 New Generation Beach Buggy, Design Starter Snowmobile, Beach Buggy, Cabin Cruiser and Digger, and a Maxi Kit mini Bulldozer, while Kelvin Freeman displayed a Dealers' No. 0 Aircraft Construction Display and 3 additional Aeroplane models.
Ron Frith continued Brian Beavis' aeronautical theme with a Spitfire, Red Arrow, Sopwith Camel, his own design Hurricane made from Spitfire Set parts, and coming down to Earth, a R/C Rally Car. Tony Homden had a model of the Hay Inclined Plane, the Coalbrookdale canal boat lift and a Meccano-framed Minibrick model of the Aldburgh Moot Hall. Nick Knights, who was accompanied by his daughter Emily, brought a 1970's Set 9 Ferry Boat and a Six-Wheeled Tipper Truck. Raymond Massingham showed a Modelplan lOOa Road Locomotive, and Tony Parmee exhibited his nickelled "Old Bill" Open Topped Bus, Concentric Spheres, and a 'Catapult' - incidentally, in the February Meeting Report we said that Tony's Mechanical Horse and Trailer was from the 1940's Set - it should have read 1954 Set 9 - apologies!
Martin Parson's display was own design Steam Tram and a Dutch Windmill. Maurice Rednall brought along an improved version of his Chronometer Detent Escapement, while brother Tony brought along 2 tables-full of Meccano goodies for sale. Dennis Remnant showed a 1998/2001 Motion System 5510 Motor Cycle and the 1970’s Set 4 Flying Jets Fairground Ride. Bill Tickle had an own design Combine Harvester while Roger Upson-Smith’s models were a Landmark Set Tower Bridge, the Crane Multikit dockside Crane and a Bulldozer and Racing Car from the Pocket Meccano series. Michael Whiting remained true to form by showing a 'Tiltarium' of the Solar System and an Orrery of Kepler 11 and 6 of its Planets.
Hethersett Old Hall Girls School, 14th March
Maurice, Tony R., Dennis, and Michael W. set up a display to start off the School's "Science and Engineering" Week. We ran six or seven sessions during the course of the day, and the display was very well received.
The Denny Centre, Diss Spring Fair, Saturday 14th May, 10.00 to 12.00 noon:
Will anyone able to join in this please let Dennis know.
Methwold Day Care Centre, Monday 23rd May, 1.00 pm to ?:
The event is to give a brief history of Meccano, and then demonstrate the models we take. Maurice, Tony R. and Dennis expect to go, and will be pleased for anyone else who can make it to join us. The folk attending the Methwold Centre are much more "with it" than those at the Denny Centre.
Friends of Diss Museum, Friday 17th June, 7.30 to 9.00 pm.
The plan is to give a talk on the history and development of Meccano and to have a demonstration of models in St. Mary's Church Hall. Tony R., Dennis and possibly Michael W. will be taking part. Any other members interested in coming contact Dennis.
Carleton Rode Baptist Church Family Fun Day, Saturday 18th June, 11.00 am to 2.00 pm, Bunwell Village Hall.
We may have as much space as we want. Roger, Ron and Dennis have so far said they will take part. As many as possible please come and give them a good show. There will be refreshments, including a barbecue.
Oxburgh Hall "Boys and Their Toys" Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 18th and 19th June.
Kelvin, Tony H. and Michael W. will be exhibiting on both days. Dennis R. will be there on Sunday only, after setting up on Friday afternoon.
Scole Village Fete, Saturday 9th July, 1.00 to 5.00 pm.
Owing to lack of interest, Dennis notified the organisers that we are unable to help.
Prickwillow Pumping Station, Sunday 21st August.
Tony B. notified members about the exhibition at the pumping station. Anyone wishing to attend arrange with Tony.
Dennis again reminded members that it is essential for everyone exhibiting models at meetings, etc., where the public are attending be covered for public liability. Ian McCalla, Treasurer of the Telford and Ironbridge Meccano Society spoke to Dennis when they last met, and suggested that TEAMS might like to link with TIMS as Associates. Although it was felt it would not be practical to do that as a club, it might be a good idea if as many as are willing would do so individually. The subscription is £12 per year, and this gives automatic Public Liability Insurance to all members wherever they exhibit in the country, up to £5,000,000.
Voting slips were distributed and the model well-deservedly voted the most original/unique/unusual or interesting was Brian's Double Ferris Wheel. Dennis presented him with a signed certificate. Dennis also gave Kelvin the certificate earned by his Dutch Windmill at the last meeting.
We welcomed Bruce Anderson, Clive and Ivy Dennett-Thorpe and Christopher Kemp, prospective new members, some of whom had heard about us via the TEAMS website. We had a huge range of models on show at this meeting - Brian Beavis brought a Galloper Fairground Roundabout, a 2010 Metal Robot and a new Space Range Fighter. Tony Brown showed a 1954 Set 10 Lifting Shovel and an M & S Sopwith Camel, while Clive Dennett-Thorpe brought a Platelayers' Trolley, a Modelplan Side Tank Locomotive with modifications and an Organ Grinder and Monkey from Constructors’ Quarterly.
Kelvin Freeman also displayed a range of models, but these were from the Aircraft Construction Kit. Ron Frith had a wide variety on show - a German Panzer Tank, a 20 model set Dragster, a Meccanograph, and a 100th Anniversary Set Crane. Tony Homden stayed true to his nautical roots with a laptop computer presentation of a WWI "Q" Ship and U-boat.
Margaret Massingham’s model was a Trick Cyclist based on one in the March 1965 Meccano Magazine, and Christopher Kemp had a Dealer’s Model Wind Pump driven by a mains motor. Raymond Massingham showed a Motor Car Chassis, while Tony Parmee exhibited his Concentric Spheres and, staying in areas mathematical, a Spherical Icosahedron! He also had an Automatic Crane Gearbox and a Merry Miller Windmill Handheld Weathervane. Tony Rednall brought a Showman's Traction Engine which still needed its operating controls, and his always-popular 2 tables-full of Meccano goodies for sale!
Dennis showed a 1928 Super Model Travelling Bucket Dredger, and Bernard Shaw had a virtual showroom full of motor vehicles - a 1962 Set 1 three-wheeled Sports Car, 1970 Set 2 American Jeep, 1962 Set 3 Saloon Car, 1960 Set 4 Streamlined Sports Car, 1969 Set 5 Single Decker Bus, 1945 Set 6 Sir Malcolm Campbell's "Bluebird" Speed Car, 1948 Set 7 Builders' Lorry, 1970 Set 8 Double Decker Bus, and last but not least a 1976 Set 9 Articulated Low Loader.
Geoff Tooley showed an Articulated Low Loader together with Doctor Who’ s K-Nine - renamed Electric Shuck! Roger’s models were a Volvo Articulated Truck Tractor Unit and a Mobile Crane. Michael Whiting took us into deep space with his Orrery of the star Kepler 11 and its 6 Planets as well as an Orrery of Pluto and 4 Moons.
Hethersett Old Hall Girls School, 14th March
Following the above event reported at the last meeting, Michael Whiting had sent a brief account and photographs to North Midlands Meccano Guild, and these had been printed in their July Newsmag.
The Denny Centre, Diss Spring Fair, Saturday, 14th May
Tony Rednall and Dennis Remnant took a few models and felt it was worthwhile as quite a number of members of the public came in.
Methwold Day Care Centre, Monday, 23rd May
Maurice, Tony R. and Dennis put on a fair show of models at this event, which generated a lot of interest amongst staff and "clients".
Friends of Diss Museum, Friday, 17th June
Tony R. and Dennis took a number of models and presented a brief history of Meccano, showing something of how it developed over the last 100 years or so.
Carleton Rode Baptist Church Family Fun Day, Saturday, 18th June
There was an excellent turnout of members who put on a marvellous display of Meccano and Dinky Toys. Brian, Ron, Maurice, Tony R., Dennis, Bill Tickle, Geoff Tooley and Roger showed about three-quarters as many as are brought for a Club meeting.
Oxburgh Hall "Boys and Their Toys" Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 18th and 19th June
Kelvin, Tony H. and Michael W. exhibited on both days. Dennis joined them on Sunday, having taken part in the Bunwell Fun Day on Saturday!
Prickwillow Pumping Station, Sunday, 21st August
Tony Brown reminded members about the exhibition at the pumping station. Anyone wishing to attend should make arrangements with Tony.
Norwich Millenium Library, Saturday, 27th August
Dennis had offers to exhibit, but some would be dependent on other family events. It was agreed that if no concession could be obtained from the Local Authority, car parking fees would be met from Club funds. (This event was actually postponed until later in the year)
Voting slips were distributed and the model well-deservedly voted the most original/unique/unusual or interesting was Tony Rednall's Showman's Traction Engine.
Again there were some new faces at a TEAMS meeting, so Dennis welcomed Amanda Clarke, Roy and Marie Taylor, and Chris Turnbull, prospective new members.
Brian Beavis took to the skies, with a modified Concorde, two Red Arrows and a black Hawk trainer, two Sopwith Camels, a Spitfire and two Harriers. Tony Brown showed a 7 model Set Motor Cycle mini-robot and Space Chaos models, and Marie Taylor maintained the space theme with a small space model.
Clive Dennett-Thorpe also had a themed set of models - an Arnfield Clock, Carillon Bell control and an Organette Roll (under construction) and David Fawkes had a modern Set Helicopter. Kelvin Freeman displayed a 1937 Set 9 Racing Seaplane. Carole's model was a modified 1954 Set 9 Lorry, and Ron Frith brought his own-design Mobile Crane, the 1978 5 Set Breakdown Crane - but with 1990's remote control! In addition he went all Lewis Hamilton on us with a new Turbo Set Racer, a mid-1990's mini Formula 1 racer, 2005 Renault Special F1 car, a Mechanical Workshop set F1 car, a 20 model set Dragster and a 1994 William's F1 set!
Tony Homden had a model of an Avro I Triplane, Nick Knights showed the 1970's Set 9 Ferry Boat, a CQ model Tipping Lorry, 1990's Set 6, and a boxed Set 10 for sale. The outfit No 10 theme was added to by Raymond Massingham, who displayed a 1937/38 Set 10 Railway Service Crane, with modified Match Truck from the 1954 Set. Margaret's model was a 1937 - 1948 Set 9 Dock Quay and Warehouse (without the Locomotive).
Tony Parmee had his hand-held Merry Miller Wind Vane, a pair of Boxers in the Ring (based on a 1937 - 1953 set), Meccano Magazine December 1962 Five Pin Bowling Alley under construction, and Clive Parsons showed an 0-2-0 Narrow Gauge Tractor Unit and a Design Starter set Helicopter. Martin Parsons had an own-design Mobile Crane, while Maurice and Tony Rednall had a couple of tables of parts for sale, and Tony had completed his new Showman's Traction Engine. Dennis showed a 1953 - 1962 Automatic Snow Loader, and the accent on power was carried on by Bill Tickle, whose model was a Ruston Bucyrus-type tracked Steam Navvy. Chris Turnbull exhibited the Meccano Magazine November 1963 Giant Tower Crane, while
Roger Upson-Smith's models were a 2002 Special Edition 4-6-4 American-style Locomotive, a 1970's set Battleship and a Harrier jet. Stuart Ward brought a Lathe taken off a CD, an own-design two speed and reversing Gear Box, a modern Multi Set Rescue Helicopter, and an own design Industrial Floor Sweeper. Michael Whiting had his London Underground Map (in Meccano of course!) with stations near to 2012 Olympic venues indicated, and a mini Chess Set.
Dennis notes: As the Club membership is growing and some members bring several models, it is becoming more difficult for me to obtain a clear record as I go round trying to catch up as they arrive and find a table space. In future, could modellers please bring a brief description as above of your models. Thank you.
There have not been any TEAMS events since the last meeting.
Norwich Millenium Library, Saturday, 26th November, 9.00 am to about 4.00/4.30 pm.
Dennis, Tony and Maurice, Tony H., and Brian have said they will exhibit, Roger and Ron have said they can bring models, Kelvin possibly. Dennis will ask Val Tooley if we may borrow a couple of Geoffs models to display in his memory. Access to the rear of the library is from the corner of Bethel Street at the top of the Market. This may only be used for the delivery of models. There are number of car parks around the area, and members agreed at the last meeting that the Club will reimburse the costs, but do get a receipt. Anyone else able to join in, please contact Dennis. Don'1 forget the need for Public Liability Insurance, which may be included in some Home Contents Policies. Dennis will try to get some publicity on local radio and TV. Dennis telephone 01953 788877, e-mail dennis-millcot@supanet.com
Mid-Norfolk Railway
Christopher Kemp has not yet been able to speak to his contact, but will do so as soon as possible.
Ditchingham Hall Jubilee Fair, Monday 4th June 2012, 2.00 - 5.00 pm.
This is a special Queen's Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday, and the theme of the Fair will be "Sixty Glorious Years". The TEAMS display would be for six exhibits, one for each decade. Michael W. says he will take care of the 1950's. Dennis can find something for any one of the others, so we just need four more volunteers!
Bank Account
A Treasurers Account has been opened in the Club's name, and £50 deposited.
Voting slips were distributed and the model well-deservedly voted the most original/unique/unusual or interesting was Kelvin's Racing Seaplane. Dennis presented him with a signed certificate.
Badges
Dennis had purchased a batch of new plastic badge holders. He had a few with him, and gave them out. He will bring the rest to the next meeting.
2012 programme of meetings
Dates agreed were - llth February, 12th May, llth August and 27th October.
Putting the EA in TEAMS
Tony Rednall pointed out that this is The East Anglian Meccano Set, and that it would be a good thing if members who lived away from this central area might cast about for possible exhibition venues near where they live.
Locations suggested were Forncett Steam Museum, Thursford, Gressenhall. These will be investigated.