Page 5 - November December 2001

is tremendous and the running quality is first class (he must have found a very long stocking to put it in at Christmas!!)
There were three clinics on the Saturday and a further slide show on the Sunday morning, the Convention ran a Silent Auction throughout the weekend, there was the usual hilarious raffle, the draw being held at 4pm on the Saturday, as usual hosted by the one and only John Hey (need I say more!!)
Despite having no official Contest Chairman for the Convention, a contest was held organised by Steve Park, and I must thank Steve together with Joe Halsall and Robert Van der Logt who assisted him throughout the Convention for all their efforts into making the contests such a success, and that also goes for the judges who gave of their time so freely. If all those involved didn’t enter into the spirit of such events we wouldn’t have the award ceremony later on in the evening - again a big thank you to them all!
So to the highlight of the weekend, the banquet on Saturday. Once again the hotel had done us proud both with the tables and the meal! Then we came to the awards. Steve Park presented the awards, including several that had been carried over from last year, some of the categories were very close indeed, some going down to one single point, which I think shows just how high the standard of modelling was!
I was very happy indeed to be able to present two trophies to the winner of the Junior Section for both Freight Cars and Buildings, the winner being Master Andrew Hildrup (the Grandson of NMRA member Gordon Nelhams) there’s hope for the NMRA yet. It’s nice to see some young members coming through the ranks (keep up the good work Andrew for the future). Member David Cole won several categories; unfortunately David wasn’t with us so they were collected on his behalf (they really needed Securicor to escort them home). John Farrell and Tim Healey won the “Ellis Award” for the best modular piece - this was “Gloritta Pass”, which was part of the Black Diamonds N scale modular layout. Vanessa Howells won the “Bill Eaglesham” trophy for the best HO layout Devils Creek, this was a very fine piece of work and a joy to behold.
I had hoped to present a special award to both Ian Wilson and Martin Boyask for outstanding service to the NMRA (BR). However as neither was present at the Convention due to other commitments (what other commitments!). As I write this the engraved plaques together with the
Tom Winlow, Keith Webb and Dave Gunn judging this year’s structures. Steve Park keeps them in order!
certificates are on their way by post to both recipients, together with our best wishes and thanks for all they have done for the NMRA in keeping the Roundhouse magazine to the fore in the hobby.
I did however manage to snare a couple of members who were at the event on the night; firstly Len Firth for his many years as the Region’s Treasurer - through his hard work we are in a sound financial state - and for his help and assistance during my stint as President. I hope that the book presented to Len will give him many happy hours of pleasant reading and maybe the photographs will help him to relive many fond memories of his stateside adventures.
Steve Park was somewhat surprised to be called upon to receive a model of a tall ship (not the usual award to receive at a model railroad convention) however through various devious methods (his wife Nolene in fact) I had found out that Steve had a great leaning towards the tall ships (he had been in the RNVR), the name Endeavour seemed appropriate in the circumstances, his endeavours on behalf of the NMRA (BR) are very much appreciated, especially by myself for all the help and assistance he has given me over the past three years. I shan’t forget that either, he has been and still is a great Trustee of a great Association and long may he continue to be.
Julie Pocknell took first place in the Ladies Section. Sadly Julie tells me that she is giving up the position after three years, so if there are any Ladies out there you would like to have a go at the Ladies Section then please get in touch.
There were far too many winners to mention them all in this article, however in this issue of the magazine there will be published a full list of all who took part in the contests, to them I send you my sincere congratulations, remember if it wasn’t for your entries then we wouldn’t have a contest in the first place.
To all the first-timers who attended this convention I hope that you all enjoyed the experience, and that we shall see you back again next year and future years to come. Just a further couple of items and then I’ll put the typewriter away for this time.
I am very pleased to be able to announce that the position of Contest Chairman has been filled by NMRA (MMR) Tony Martin - my congratulations to Tony on his appointment and every good wish for the future. Similarly the position of Publicity Officer has been taken on by Nobby Clarke. Nobby tells me that he is looking forward to the position, so don’t forget when you require either the NMRA stand, the Video or the PA System or indeed all of them for future shows, get in touch with Nobby and he will be able to assist you. As I write this the stand is at the Wickham Show courtesy of Rod Coombes - my thanks to him for his efforts.
Last of all may I, together with my wife Joan, send all of you our best wishes for a great Christmas and a Happy New Year, the last 12 months have passed so quickly, they have been very enjoyable indeed and I look forward to the next twelve with anticipation.
Don’t forget, keep em rollin’.
DECEMBER 2001 5
Ian Wilson