INTERNATIONAL MODEL BOAT SHOW 11-13th NOVEMBER 2011. WARWICKSHIRE EXHIBITION CENTRE

Once again the SWA attended the above show and I am pleased to say this was again a great success and was enjoyed by all who were there. Owing to illness, only 9 members where available to help to staff the stand this year. However the stand ended up just as large and as well laid out as usual. We also had the pride of place adjacent to the entrance and the pool. Once again the SWA showed the public a magnificent array of 32 numerous naval types of vessels. These included a magnificent 10ft model of the Aircraft Carrier "Glory" Another model catching the visitors eye was a fully rigged model of the "Victory”. As with the rest of the models on display; all were of the highest quality and a credit to their modellers.
The Show Organisers passed on their appreciation of the quality of our exhibits and the enthusiasm our stand staff showed in meeting the public and answering their questions and queries. To help entertain the crowd, twice a day the SWA gave a sailing demonstration of different naval craft on the indoor pool and Malcolm Wilson gave an excellent commentary over the PA system describing all the different craft.
On both Saturday and Sunday during lunch time, 12 till l pm, the pool is reserved for children to have a go at running an r/c model boat. Our thanks to both Malcolm and Jordon who run this event each year. As the Show Authorities were let down at the last minute by another club who usually help us with this item they also expressed their special thanks to both Malcolm and Jordan Wilson doing this on their own and making this such a successful event. Over the 2 days 78 children where given the opportunity to try their hand at steering an r/c model. Also our thanks to Eastleigh Model Boat Club who via Malcolm Wilson loaned the show 6 demonstration boats.
Once again this year we were asked to organise a Service of Remembrance on the pool. This consists of the SWA having a half a dozen or so Naval Models forming a slow sailing circle round the pool. The Show PA System is relayed to the hall and hooked up to the BBC Cenotaph Service. At 11 am the models are stopped during the 2 minutes silence and then after the last post, continue their circling. The whole event was made more poignant by our member Captain Moriarty supplying our models with the appropriate Church Pennants for showing a "Ships Service" taking place. This is becoming a favourite item of the show and the SWA are proud to be asked to run this service each year.
Unfortunately we did not win the cup this year which went to Burton & District Model Boat Club. This was followed by Knights Cotes Model Boat Club and a joint third place shared by Life Boat Enthusiasts and Luton Model Boat Club. Let us hope we will not be struck by Illness next year and will be back firing on all cylinders.
Finally those taking part in the Exhibition this year where, Phillip Bellamy, Hilary Breeze, Barry Chapman, John Coster, Malcolm and Jordon Wilson, Mike Astle, Roy Skeats and Colin Watson. We also had a number of SWA members calling into the stand to say hallo. Perhaps next year you may wish to join us on the stand with your models between the 9^th-! 1^th November 2012. Look out for details in next years QDR

Barry Chapman.