HULL MODEL EXPO

[Wizzel]

It's about time I got back on here so what better than to do a small show report on the first Hull Model Expo.  This was organised and run by Hull Model Club and the Hull Veterans Support Centre who work closely together anyway as many veterans are modellers - good therapy you see!  It was as much of a charity affair with a model show going on as it was a model show with a charity event and for me it was a very successful day.

The venue was one on the bar/lounge areas at the KC stadium (unfortunately, with KC stadium prices for drinks too) and was fairly small in my limited experience of model shows.  That said, once everyone had set up, it wasn't overcrowded and was well supported by a wide variety of clubs and traders, all of whom seemed to deem it worth attending - I made it my business to talk to as many as possible as an intelligence gathering task you see.

The set up was a little rickety at first mainly due to the arena staff not being available to provide more tables/chairs etc and the bar not being open for the sale of hot drinks and snacks to the traders and exhibitors while they were waiting for the extra furniture.  This was exacerbated by many people moaning about it and hassling the organisers instead of just accepting that the public were not coming in for another 2 hours so there was plenty of time to sit and relax - or indeed, offer to help the clearly harassed organiser out a bit, after all we modellers are all trying to achieve the same objective of promoting our hobby and introduce it to today's youngster to ensure it survives (or am I being too simplistic and selfless?).

For a first effort I thought it was a bloody good show and I wish the lads well for future events.  A few things that would help their cause would be; a quicker response to enquiries - but there are reasons for this which I informed you about via email on Friday, more information sent out to traders and clubs - including maps, better signage to the venue itself, more promotion to make the public aware and perhaps a bit more of a corporate identity so people know who to approach for assistance.

We filled our 4 tables nicely and picked up a few prizes to boot; John Cook, Dave Smith, Tony Beesting and John Hunsley all walked away with at least one award each.  As all are online they can blow their own trumpets about what prize they got for what kit - and if they're not registered on the website, that's their problem not mine.

Kind regards,

Mr Grumpy of Withernsea

[attachment deleted by admin]

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Wizzel]

More pictures.


[attachment deleted by admin]

[attachment deleted by admin]

[zak]

Yes, bound to be a few teething problems, but it all worked out in the end.
I enjoyed the day.
My Great War SIG stand attracted quite a lot of interest and as always it was nice to spend time with club members.
Thanks for keeping me almost sane.
As usual I forgot my camera.
The competition was a bit like ousr and seemed to work well.
Lots of prizes for our club - well done to all.

[Haddock]

Can't agree more, particular congrats to John Hunsley who always turns out a very nice model.
Haddock.

[Bigkev]

Hi Guys,

You really did us proud. A great looking stand with lots of different subjects on display. Picked up 4 prizes, fantastic!
Looking at show pictures it seems the Hull Lads did a good job at their first show, it is a steep learning curve as we all know! They should be proud of their first attempt.
Hopefully if they do it again next year I might be able to make it.
Wait to speak to you all in person to hear about it first hand.
Bigkev

[Haddock]

Correct me if I'm wrong folks, but I counted six awards.
Haddock.

[zak]

You, me, John H, and John C (he got 3).
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......................looks like 6 to me.

[Kiteman]

thanks for the photos, it has given me an idea how it was. A most impressive display from you all....well done!, and congrats to the award winners, well deserved.

[Bigkev]

Look, I didn't take my socks off to count.

Wizzel only mentions four members not the number of awards actually won, so I assumed 4 was a good start point.

It just goes to prove the skill within the club. Well done to the Fantastic 4, and all the awards they won!

Bigkev