London Model Engineering Exhibition - 22nd - 24th January 2010

Once again it’s time for me to do a write up for the Ali-Pali Exhibition and I am pleased to confirm the SWA where invited back to take part this year again. I am pleased to confirm the quality of the SWA stand was greatly appreciated by the Show Authorities - Meridienne Exhibitions. We had over 25 excellent models on display showing naval craft both large and small and from all across the globe.

Pride of place on the stand was taken up by the Late Jim Walker’s superb model of HMS Starling. This was placed in honour of Jims memory and all the very good work he carried out on behalf of the SWA over the years. We had 9 personnel who helped to staff the stand over the three days namely Hilary Breeze, Jack Connelly, Clem Knowles, Derek Battson, Peter Revill, Charles Davis and myself and our particular thanks to Phillip Bellamy who again travelled over from Switzerland and has helped with our intercourse with the Show authorities over the years. Also our Secretary John Coster who travelled over from France to attend the show and the AGM. The Association are very lucky to have such willing members who are prepared to do all this travelling on our behalf.

As you will remember the SWA received 2nd prize for the quality of its stand at Warwick in 2009. I am pleased to report the SWA received 3rd prize for the presentation of the stand. for this years show. Bearing in mind the large size and quality of the stands, our members are to be congratulated for all their efforts to achieve this. As the SWA have now received a 2nd and 3rd prize for their stands quality, the only thing left for us is to go for the top spot. Number one .

Barry Chapman