The Kirklees Warship Day 2011

Sunday 11^th September turned out to be a dry and sunny day which was a pleasant change from all the recent rain and gale force winds that the North of England had been experiencing of late

The Kirklees Model Boat Club held their 5^th annual Warship Day on Wilton Park, Bradford Road, Batley, W.Yorks. The Kirklees Club worked hard to put on a very good day for enthusiasts of model warships. Many thanks also to the member’s wives for providing refreshments for the day.

All types of model warships were on display with model clubs from Norwich, Glasgow, Sheffield, Kirklees, The SWA and the Ribble M.B.C.

A really excellent 1:96 scale model of the Aircraft Carrier HMS Hermes with all working parts and lights was on display on the Norwich Club stand.

The Glasgow Club displayed a lovely model of the Type 42 Destroyer HMS Edinburgh again with fully working functions and giving a a good sailing display.

The Kirklees Club members put on a good sailing display which included a submarine doing a diving run.

Ribble Model Boat Club had two Vosper Thorneycroft 1943 MTBs giving a good turn of speed during their on the water display.

As for the SWA display, this year we had nine models of cruisers and destroyers on display from Allen France, our new member Roy Cragg and myself.

Cruisers at 1:128 scale included HMS Liverpool, HMS Manchester and HMS Sheffield – all Southampton Class, HMS Lion – Lion Class and HMS Jamaica – Colony Class.

Destroyers at 1:96 scale included HMS Delight – Daring Class, HMS Saintes and HMS Vigo – Battle Class and at 1:128 scale HMS Velox – V Class.

With all Cruisers and Destroyers on display it looked like a full squadron on show. We had a lot of interest from the public inquiring about our models which kept us busy all day. One of the most pleasing aspects of showing a warship model is when a member of the public turns up and can tell you of their association with that ship. Sometimes they had relatives or friends who served aboard the ship and a few who served on HM Ships themselves.

Already, all of us who took part on the day are looking forward to 2012

Allan Derham