AGM and Scale ModelWorld awards

The past two weekends have been fairly busy for the club, first there was the annual modelfest of Scale ModelWorld over the weekend of 8th and 9th November and as always it attracted modellers from around the world as well as the UK. Followed by the Branch AGM on Sunday 16th November.

Scale ModelWorld 2014

We had a good turnout from the membership, all of whom contributed to the branch's stand. Of particular interest to many visitors was Shaun Bowater's  1/32 scale B-17G. Our display always reflects the diversity of interests within the club and this year it was exceptional, thank you to everyone who helped to make it the best  for a number of years.

Steve and Isaac with their Gold medals

In the competition we had two Gold Medallists, Steve Newton for his scratch built sailing boat and Isaac Peat for his Paratrooper figure. This is Isaac's second Gold in as many years, it is good to see a young modeller making such an impact, may he continue to flourish in our hobby.

Isaac's paratrooper

These were no mean feats given the volume and quality of the models in this year's contest so their awards were thoroughly well deserved and our congratulations go to them both.

Steve's sailing boat

Bill receiving his award from Paul Regan

The other notable honour was a Life Membership of IPMS (UK) for one of our oldest club members, Bill Nicholls. Until poor health curtailed his activities Bill was a stalwart of Scale ModelWorld awards ceremony for many years looking after and organising the trophies and it was in recognition of his long service to the society that the National Executive Committee made the award. He was also the instigator of the bomber Command Trophy and was again able to present it after a two year absence from the show.

Bruce (left and Matt

Another of our members, Bruce Heideman, has also been unwell in recent months and it was good to see him back in harness with his Pinnacle trade stand, ably assisted by club Treasurer Matt Nicholls.

Group photo of branch members in front of the IPMS Birmingham stand.

For more photographss from the show please view the slideshow below.

 

AGM

Pete Betteridge

Sunday 16th November saw the branch's Annual General Meeting the main business of which is to elect the officers for the coming year. Apart from the role of Chairman all the existing holders were reelected. Pete Betteridge, the current Chairman is standing down and Roland Turner has been elected to take over from him on 1st January 2015. For full details of the office holders go to the "About IPMS Birmingham" page.

Roland Turner

Next month's meeting will be the Christmas Party when members and their families bring along food to share around plus any winning competition entries from the year to be voted on for the Branch Chamionship. Also, as seasoned members know there is the "readed" Hospice Challenge - but more on that in a future post!