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Buckminster Fuller, Creationist
[An expanded, corrected and illustrated update of this article appears in The Lost Inventions of Buckminster Fuller.]
According to a 1991 Gallup poll, 5% of all scientists in the United States are creationists. R. Buckminster Fuller was a member of that elite group. All quotes followed by a number in brackets are from Fuller's book Synergetics.
Fuller claimed Darwin's theory of evolution was false. Fuller described Darwin's theory of evolution as "going from simple –> complex; amoeba –> monkey –> man" [229.02] and "survival of only the fittest species (and individuals within species)" [000.108]. Fuller also described Darwin's theory of evolution as "an illusion that as yet pervades and debilitates elementary education." [229.02] "My speculative prehistory has assumed (since 1927) Darwin's evolution of life from the simple to the complex, accomplished through progressive agglomeration of single-cell amoebas, to be in reverse of the facts." [Critical Path, page 7]
Instead of Darwin's theory of evolution, Fuller supported a Lamarckian style of creationism (he did not use those terms). Lamarckism is the theory that an organism can pass on characteristics that it acquired during its lifetime to its offspring. Creationism is the theory that humanity was created by God to fulfill a purpose. Fuller claimed that by Lamarckism physical characteristics could be bred into humanity but mental characteristics could only be bred out of humanity. Fuller also claimed it was possible for porpoises and whales had human ancestors who were particularly good swimmers.
It is easy to breed out metaphysical intellection characteristics, leaving a residual concentration of purely physical proclivities and evoluting by further inbreeding from human to monkey. (Witness the millions of dollars society pays for a "prizefight" in which two organisms are each trying to destroy the other's thinking mechanism. This and other trends disclose that a large segment of humanity is evoluting toward producing the next millennia's special breed of monkeys). [229.04]
We can comprehend how South Sea-atoll, lagoon-frolicking male and female human swimmers gradually inbred pairs of underwater swimmers who held their breath in their lungs for ever-longer periods, and after many inbreedings of largest lungers and as many outbreedings of general adaptability organic equipment, the progeny evolved into porpoises and later into whales. [Critical Path, pages 8-9]
Darwin was influenced by Lamarckism. After reading Robert Chambers' 1884 book supporting Lamarckism, Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation, Darwin determined to put more care into his work than Chambers had put into his. Lamarckism claimed that animals gradually changed over long periods time, that different species had common ancestors, and that one of the forces that caused change in animals was the environment. But while Darwin claimed that animals unable to adapt to changing environments perished, Lamarckism claimed animals able to adapt flourished. While Darwin claimed the agent of change in animals was random mutation, Lamarckism claimed the agent of change in animals was a drive toward perfection. The fossil record and contemporary observations confirm the theories of Darwin and discredit the theories of Jean Baptiste de Lamarck. In mistaking the non-random survival of random mutations as a drive for perfection ("Evolutingly we always acquire the means to come closer to the truth" [542.06]), Fuller was mistaken.
Whales and porpoises and humans are all mammals. Whales and porpoises have an ancestor that walked on land, as do humans. But the last common ancestor between these sea creatures and one that walked on the land died out fifty four million years ago. Humanity has existed for less than two hundred thousand years. It is not possible that whales and porpoises evolved from humans.
Fuller claimed we could guide Lamarckian change through applying our intellect to problem solving. He claimed humanity exists because the universe wants us to solve problems.
Since experience is finite, it can be stored, studied, directed, and turned with conscious effort to human advantage. This means that evolution pivots on the conscious, selective use of cumulative human experience and not on Darwin's hypothesis of chance adaptation to survival nor on his assumption of evolution independent of individual will and design. [502.23]
Humans were included in the cosmic system's design to fulfill critical functions in respect to maintenance of the integrity of eternally regenerative Scenario Universe. To arrive full-blown and functioning in its cosmic role, humanity has been given the capability to inventory its tactical resources progressively and to reorient its functioning from an omniautomated behavior to a progressively more conscious and responsible behavioral pattern." [ 265.01]
"Principles are entirely and only intellectually discernible. The fundamental generalized mathematical principles govern subjective comprehension and objective realization by man of his conscious participation in evolutionary events of the Universe." [220.02]
Darwin's theory of evolution is an explanation for why humans (and all other life forms) exist that does not include a supernatural element. Humanity exists without any particular purpose and without any claim to be special among all other life forms. Fuller disagreed, and in so doing is a creationist. Fuller claimed that humanity exists because an anthropomorphic Universe / cosmic system / God created us. We may have been placed on the Earth by this cosmic integrity Fuller also claimed humanity among all living things exists because we have a function, and that function is problem solving. To reject this destiny is to guarantee that humanity will die out. Fuller claimed humanity was discovering the principles of Universe / God and is therefore able to evolve.
So it could be that human beings, wherever they occur in Universe, may be introduced as a means of coping metaphysically with the most complex kinds of local Universe problems, so that each one of us is where the problem-solving of Universe is being transacted. If we were to think of ourselves as things – as china dolls, as kinds of china dolls that would just get smashed up or would just get worn or eroded away – that wouldn't be very good thinking. It would be much closer to actual Universe to think of ourselves as an absolutely continuous complex process. We are quite possibly the most complex of the problem-solving challenges of the invention that is eternally regenerative Scenario Universe. In this way each of us might be a department of the mind of what we might call god. [311.14]
Generalized design-science exploration is concerned with discovery and use by human mind of complex aggregates of generalized principles in specific-longevity, special-case innovations designed to induce humanity's consciously competent participation in local evolutionary transformation events invoking the conscious comprehension by ever-increasing proportions of humanity of the cosmically unique functioning of humans in the generalized design scheme of Universe. [165.00]
Science must be seen as a tool of fundamental advantage for all, which Universe requires that man understand and use exclusively for the positive advantage of all of humanity, or humanity itself will be discarded by Universe as a viable evolutionary agent. [826.05]
Humans, like the honeybee, are born ignorant, preprogrammed with hunger, thirst, and respiratory drives to take in chemical elements in crystalline, liquid, and gaseous increments, as well as with procreativeness and parental-protectiveness drives. With their directly programmed drives humans inadvertently produce (what are to them) side effects, which results in their doing the right cosmic regenerative tasks for all the wrong reasons – or without any reason at all. This preliminary phase of preconditioned human reflexing, while lasting millions of years, is a gestative-phase behavior that becomes obsolete as humans' metaphysical mind discovers the principles of precession and discovers – only through vast, cumulative trial and error – the pattern experience of both terrestrial and cosmic ecology; whereafter humans will progressively recommit their endeavors in support of the recycling and orbitally regenerative effects, precessionally interproduced by all independently orbiting cosmic systems. This abrupt 90-degree reorientation constitutes the evolutionary stage through which humanity is now passing, wherein humanity will progressively exchange its exclusive preoccupation with self-preservation for that of supporting omni-inclusive, cosmic integrity. [326.13]
As noted in the present author's essay Inefficient Nature, Fuller was an advocate of teleology. Teleology is the interpretation of apparent order as deliberate design. The observation of apparent order in Universe is interpreted as evidence of an ordering agent, apparent design interpreted as evidence of a designer.
Fuller might have resisted the title creationist. He resisted most titles, unless they were titles he coined for himself. He might have been uncomfortable with the company of fellow creationists, or proud to be seen again as an outsider to mainstream scientific thought. How much being a creationist is a mark for or against Fuller is left to the reader. But the fact that Fuller was a creationist is demonstrated in his own words.
– Trevor Blake
Trevor Blake is the author of the Buckminster Fuller Bibliography, available at synchronofile.com
Fuller, R. Buckminster: Critical Path. New York: St. Martin's Press 1981.
Fuller, R. Buckminster: Synergetics. New York: Macmillan, 1975.
Fuller, R. Buckminster: Synergetics 2. New York: Macmillan, 1979.
Isaak, Mark: Index to Creationist Claims, Claim CA111. http://www.talkorigins.org/indexcc/CA/CA111.html
Wikipedia: Cetacea. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cetacea
Wikipedia: Human. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human
Wikipedia: Lamarckism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamarckism
Wikipedia: The Ancestor's Tale. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ancestor's_Tale
Wilkins, John: Darwin's Precursors and Influences. http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/precursors/precurstrans.html
- "Lost Inventions" and "Bibliography" Going Out of Print January 2016
- Buckminster Fuller at 120
- Buckminster Fuller's Ultra-Micro Computer
- Buckminster Fuller's Automatic Cotton Mill
- Synergetics Stew July 2013
- How Much Does Your Archive Weigh?
- The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller
- Energetic-Synergetic Geometry 1962
- The Lost Inventions of Buckminster Fuller – Kindle Edition
- The Nestable Structural Joggled Diamond Shingles Geodesic
- Buckminster Fuller Bibliography – Kindle Edition
- Fuller in Fashion
- Synergetics Stew June 2011
- R. Buckminster Fuller's Influence on Science Fiction Films and Television
- R. Buckminster Fuller: A Verb on Two Legs
- Dymaxion Deployment Units Still Standing
- R. Buckminster Fuller and Technocracy Incorporated
- Geodesic Domes and Earthquakes
- LOST Domes
- Opening of the BFI Study Center
- Synergetics Stew January 2009
- 4D Syndicate, The First Google Wave for Buckminster Fuller
- 4d House Paper Model
- Who Am I?
- Dymaxion Car Restored
- Buckminster Fuller, Creationist
- 4D House in 3D
- R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE
- Buckminster Fuller and the Twelfth of July
- Buckminster Fuller, Literary Critic
- Buckminster Fuller and the Homeless of New York
- The Lost Inventions of Buckminster Fuller (Part 3 of 3)
- The Lost Inventions of Buckminster Fuller (Part 2 of 3)
- The Lost Inventions of Buckminster Fuller (Part 1 of 3)
- Inefficient Nature
- The Puppets of Buckminster Fuller
- The Approximately Omnidirectional Ephemeralization of Richard Buckminster Fuller
- Dymaxion Portland
- R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE


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I would be remiss as the Inner Harbor Examiner if I did not comment on the passing of William Donald Schaefer. The Inner Harbor project, which was his brainchild, became the jewel of a revitalized city. Many publications, pundits and local celebrities for the last 24 hours have been listing his accomplishments so let's get that out of the way: the World Trade Center, the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, the Science Center, Camden Yards, Raven's Stadium and a host of others. However, in my opinion, these "things" are not the essence of the legacy. Unlike the building projects of Antiquity, these monuments were not intended for the emboldening of a leader, but it was for the psyche of a people.
William Donald Schaefer was either the Mayor of Baltimore or Governor of Maryland for the first 21 years of my life. I was born in Johns Hopkins in 1973 (Yup, I admitted it!) and this city was in trouble. I have heard many people shake their heads when they presently talk about the dire situation of Detroit. In the early 1970s, we were on that same path. I remember being a very little boy and downtown was an ugly place. This city went from nearly a million people to 600,000 in a few decades. The combination of riots in the late 1960s, white and corporate flight, plus a downtown skyline scattered with high-rise tenements had the same affect as draping the city with a blanket of malaise.
And then came Willie Don. I feel that sometimes as Baltimoreans we have a chip on our shoulder. As a member of the prestigious I-95 Corridor we believe that everyone out there has it in for us because we are not Boston, New York, Philadelphia or Washington D.C.. If you don't believe me, venture out to any bar during an Orioles or Ravens game and you will hear a plethora of conspiracy theories. Mayor Schaefer became that figure in all the "arkward" teenage coming of age movies who shows the dorky kid he is somebody. The Inner Harbor and Camden Yards are the people's trophy to show off. We now say, "I come from the place that has the awesome urban waterfront promenade" or "I come from the place that has the baseball stadium that every other baseball stadium has copied since 1992." Yeah, we lost a football team but we fought and never quit till we got another one (and won Super Bowl XXV, WHAT!).
So William Donald Schaefer help mold my thinking as to where I came from – and maybe to a certain extent who I am. He did it the only way one of us Baltimoreans could accomplish such a feat. He was feisty and ornery with a blue collar/neighborhood charm, sentimentality and sensibility. If that's not Baltimore, I don't know what is. Thank you Mayor.

subset: commoncrawl


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Very few dinners could be more healthful than this delicious combination of dark leafy greens mixed with red beans. Kale and the paprika spice provide for a flavorful dish, however, collard greens also work great.
Kale can provide you with some special cholesterol-lowering benefits if you will cook it by steaming. The fiber-related components in kale do a better job of binding together with bile acids in your digestive tract when they've been steamed. Kale's also has risk-lowering benefits for cancer have recently been extended to at least five different types of cancer. These types include cancer of the bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate. In addition, Kale is recognized to support the body's detoxification system.
The smoky paprika adds a nice addition to the flavor of this dish. Use hot paprika for a spicy zip or sweet paprika to add a bit of sweetness.
Red Beans and Kale
2 cups dried kidney beans
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 large onions, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tsp. dried oregano
1 Tsp. dried thyme
1/2 Tsp. freshly ground sea salt
1/2 Tsp. freshly ground pepper
1/4 Tsp. ground allspice or 6 whole allspice, tied in a piece of cheesecloth
2 bay leaves
4 cups vegetable stock
1 Tsp. smoky or sweet paprika
2 lbs kale, thoroughly washed, stems removed and chopped
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1. Soak beans according to the package. Drain and rinse and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and celery to the skillet. Cook, stirring until softened.
3. Add garlic, and spices to the skillet. Cook and stir for about 1 minute. Transfer to a slow cooker.
4. Add beans and vegetable stock.
5. Cover and cook on a low setting for about 9 hours. Or until beans are tender. Stir in the paprika.
6. Steam greens until tender about 10 minutes if using collard greens. Toss with butter and balsamic vinegar. Season to taste with freshly group sea salt and pepper. Add to beans and stir to combine. Serve immediately.
7. This recipe makes about 7 servings.


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Savage Wolverine #19 will be hitting your comic book store shelves on May 21, 2014. The story is written by Gail Simone, you know her best as Batgirl. The art is by Neil Edwards and Terry Pallot with cover art by Shane Davis. Wolverine says he's the best at what he does, but what he doesn't isn't always good, so what if he has a bad day? Can Jubilee help Logan when he runs into some really bad luck on one of the worst possible days?
"It's Wolverine's no good, very bad, extremely awful day by Gail Simone (Batgirl) and Somebody!"
Savage Wolverine #19
Here we see Wolverine tracking throw the snow. That's nothing unusual for Logan. Can we talk about how Batgirl, Gail Simone, wrote this story? It's so awesome, DC and Marvel becoming one. You'll be able to get Savage Wolverine on May 21, 2014.
Will Jubilee be able to help Logan? They have always been good friends and here we see that she made him smile after looking very angry. Seems that Jubilee is have a good time with her hands out to the side while riding away with Wolverine on his motorcycle.
Wolverine having a bad day.
Wolverine has been known to have a short fuse. His a very dangerous man and when he has a bad day it gets very bad. We see in the top panel that Wolverine is chained to something and has to break free. Wonder what he has gotten himself into this time?


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On June 4 Variety broke the news that a live action "Beauty and the Beast" film is in development by Disney, and will be based on the classic animated adventure. The announcement comes just a few days after "Maleficent," a similar film was a smash hit at the box office. The original film was released in 1991 and received an Oscar nomination.
Disney has found success bringing back popular stories to the big screen, like "Alice in Wonderland" and "Oz the Great and Powerful," both of which were financially successful with audiences and have sequels in the works. Director Guillermo del Toro is also trying to make a live action version of the film, with Emma Watson in talks to play the lead role of Belle.
The new film will be directed by Bill Condon, whose previous work includes "Chicago," "Dreamgirls" and both films based on the final book in the "Twilight" saga. He is an ideal choice as director due to his familiarity with big musical numbers and adaptable stories. The Disney classic spawned a Broadway play and a show on ice.
Slashfilm revealed on June 4 that the film would be the third of it's kind to make it to the big screen after "Maleficent" and the planed live action "Cinderella" movie. The film on the maid turned princess will be directed by Kenneth Branagh and is scheduled for a 2015 theatrical release. The new film was pushed through by Disney due to its previous films about classic character raking in millions at the box office while making a profit against the high cost of special effects.
The production has nicknamed the project "The Beast," and Mandeville Films is producing the feature with a script from Evan Spiliotopoulos. The story follows a young woman named Belle, who lives in France with her father, an eccentric inventor and the town joke. One day he gets lost in the woods and finds a castle, only to be held prisoner there by a monstrous beast. Belle goes to the castle and offers to stay forever so her father can go free.
Over time, Belle and the beast become friends but there is a terrible curse that must be broken. The beast must get Belle to fall in love with him before a special rose in the castle dies, or he will be stuck as a beast forever. The original film grossed over three hundred and seventy-five million dollars worldwide at the box office and was a successful on VHS and DVD. There is currently no casting information and no official release date has been posted for the feature film.


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Jazz Studies
The Bachelor of Music - Jazz StudiesConcentration is a comprehensive program. Areas of study include performance, history, arranging, composition and pedagogy. Our faculty encourages creativity and versatility in our students to prepare them for careers as jazz performers, writers and educators.
Advising Checklist – Jazz Major (PDF)
Advising Checklist – Jazz Minor
contact Director of Jazz Studies, Dr. Doug Leibinger at firstname.lastname@example.com or (707) 664-4149.
Auditions for SSU Jazz Ensembles
Auditions for SSU Jazz Ensembles, including:
Jazz Orchestra (MUS 390) - W 7:00-9:40 PM
Ornette Coleman Ensemble (MUS 391) Tue 1:00-2:15 PM + ARR
ECM Ensemble (MUS 391) Tue -2:40-3:55 PM + ARR
Latin Band (MUS 379) Thu 4:00-5:15 PM + ARR
Blue Note Ensemble (MUS 379) Thu 5:25-6:40 PM + ARR
Auditions will be held on Tuesday, August 25th in the Green Music Center - room 1029 - 1:00-8:00 PM.
Please email Doug Leibinger with your availability during that time, and he will assign you a 10-minute slot.
One audition can place you in any of the jazz ensembles. We will ask for your availability and preference on the day of the audition. All jazz majors MUST audition for a jazz ensemble. Other music concentrations and non-music majors are welcome and encouraged to audition.
All jazz majors MUST audition for a jazz ensemble.
Other music concentrations and non-music majors are welcome and encouraged to audition.
Instrumentalists, print out your audition etude here (there is one page specific to your instrument):
Bring a play-along CD with a tune of your choice to improvise on (optional for jazz orchestra). We will also sight-read.
Drummers be ready to play various styles - i.e. swing, bossa, samba, afro, salsa, jazz waltz, etc.
Vocalists - please bring two contrasting tunes to sing on play-along CD if possible (you may also use an accompanist.)


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The HSE has said that 776 pharmacist contractors have given the Executive agreement termination notices. A total of 867 pharmacies will be open for medical card and other State drugs schemes from August 1, as 30 days' notice is required to terminate the Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement.
The HSE confirmed these pharmacies will operate the Medical Card, Drugs Payment and Long Term Illness Schemes.
Paddy Burke, Head of the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS), said that the total annual distribution costs of €640 million — payable to wholesalers and pharmacists — was being lowered by 20 per cent.
On average, each prescription consists of just over three items. Under the new fee structure, pharmacists will on average receive €4 per item dispensed, which equates to an average fee of €12 per prescription.
Community pharmacists dispense 55 million prescription items annually.


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|77 Marquis Wallace
Will open final collegiate season listed as a reserve right guard ... Expected to battle Will Foxx as J.T. Boyd's top backup when camp opens ... Has battled injury problems since arriving at ECU, thus has experienced a very limited role in program so far ... Did not participate in any strength and conditioning testing during the spring ... A highly-recruited linemen who originally signed with West Virginia in 2010 and transferred to Marshall prior to the start of the season before attending Blinn (Texas) Junior College and Lackawanna College ... Reported to preseason camp in Morgantown and participated with the Mountaineers for the first 10 days before departing the WVU program.
2013: Did not play in any games during first season with the Pirates ... Shared time between the scout and travel unit squads during fall practice ... Joined the ECU program during the spring.
Junior College (Lackawanna): A starter on the line for an offensive unit that averaged 34.7 points per game ... Helped Falcons to a 5-5 overall record and a 2-4 ledger in Northeast Football Conference play in 2012 ... Played for head coach Mark Duda, who starred in the National Football League (spending six seasons with the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals) ... Previous players from Lackawanna who recently signed with the Pirates include linebackers Orlando Farrow and Danny Muhwezi, who both joined the ECU program as mid-year additions in December, 2005.
High School: A three-star recruit according to ESPN.com who earned selection to the 2009 VirginiaPreps.com AAA All-State squad (offense) ...Also a two-time First-Team All-Central Regional honoree for head coach Stu Brown ... Included among Virginia's Top 25 prospects by Rivals.com and the Roanoke Times ... A three-time All-Capital District selection ... Helped lead Varina to an 8-2 record, a district championship game appearance and a No. 12 state ranking as a senior ... Key component of an offensive line that paved the way for a 1,700-yard rusher and a unit average of 33.5 points a game ... Also garnered a Top 30 ranking in the state of Virginia by VirginiaPreps.com.
Personal: Full name is Marquis Quincey Wallace ... A communications major.


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Archive for the '.' tag
Is this Nokia's upcoming Lumia 1520 phablet device?
Just when you thought Nokia had their head screwed on right with their three digit naming scheme, the Finns go and start a four digit naming scheme again. The latest addition to the 'family' seems to be the rumoured Nokia Lumia 1520 phablet device as allegedly caught on camera above.
The Nokia Lumia 1520 is set to be the second Lumia device with a four digit name, after the camera centric Nokia Lumia 1020 was announced just over a month ago. The Lumia 1520 is allegedly shown above alongside the smaller Lumia 1020, depicting the device's actual size. The super sized Lumia 1520 will allegedly feature a 6-inch 1080p touch display alongside a camera that is likely to be larger than 20MP. The polycarbonate body is once again seen and the device obviously runs a newer version of Windows Phone 8, most likely Windows Phone 8.1.
It remains to be seen as to exactly when Nokia will officially launch the device, especially considering that current Windows Phone 8 software limits display resolution to 720p, meaning support for that oversized 1080p screen will have to come first.


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It's probably happened to anyone who has taken the Skytrain. The passenger is lulled into a dream by the rhythm of the train, maybe observes a few other riders and makes up a story around them. It fires the imagination … Continue reading
Cinderpop RSS
B.C. music festivals happening over the weekend
Although the print version of The Garage doesn't appear until the July 24, these festivals are on now. The Nanaimo Bathtub Race is this (past) weekend, with a few of the rock acts appearing July 19-21 at the Tim Hortons … Continue reading
Best 2012 B.C. albums sent to The Garage . . . so far
The Garage listens to every B.C.-made CD it gets and realizes there are a lot of records it doesn't. Each week, the column highlights the best of what came in while hoping to find room for the rest. The Garage, … Continue reading
CD of the week: Manic Sparkles by Cinderpop
Cinderpop has done two things with its Manic Sparkles. One is to toughen its sound. The 14 tracks generally are more aggressive and occasionally pushy. Two is to expand it. There are strings and woodwinds and a broad use of … Continue reading
B.C. independent music news roundup
The 560 Club hosts the Vancouver 80s Rock Reunion, May 17, with proceeds going to the B.C. Coalition of Music Education. The host band is the Ray Roper Project, Roper a cornerstone of Stonebolt in the 80s, while one … Continue reading


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Cabrini faculty step away from their daily routines to pursue fascinating projects on sabbatical.
Their experiences span a wide range, from laboratory research to teaching abroad on Fulbright fellowships, from exploring techniques of online instruction to exploring the roots of depression in teens.
Of course, like any long-term undertaking, sabbaticals don't go according to plan every time. And, in a world of unexpected opportunities, that's not always bad.
Just ask Leonard Norman Primiano, Ph.D., chair and professor of the religious studies department.
His proposed sabbatical focused on the life and work of "Sister" Ann Ameen, a religious folk artist Primiano has studied for years and had interviewed many times before her death in 1998.
Not a Catholic nun, but a self-described "evangelical Christian missionary," Sister Ann gives new meaning to the idea of a colorful life.
A 4'10" dynamo," she created, as Primiano writes, "a personal religious iconography filled with words, symbols, and landscapes forged in life experiences as the mail-order bride of a Rhode Island dentist, as a New York City burlesque dancer, and as a Connecticut preacher…"
She was also, Primiano came to discover, an informant who liked to stretch the truth. In fact, he later learned she had fabricated much of what she told him. She was, as Primiano puts it, "not at all a reliable witness to her own life."
This fact complicated Primiano's work immensely—while making Sister Ann's story even richer to tell. But it was a challenge Primiano did not have to wrestle with until resolving the other surprise of his sabbatical, a major unexpected writing assignment.
It turns out that just as Primiano was prepared to delve into the life of Sister Ann, he was asked to contribute a chapter to a new scholarly book. The project, exploring the theme of religion and food, provided a chance to write on Father Divine, long a figure of interest to Primiano.
A religious leader arguably as fascinating and multifaceted as Sister Ann, Father Divine founded the International Peace Mission Movement, for years headquartered in Philadelphia.
He also established the Divine Lorraine Hotel on North Broad Street, the city's first racially integrated hotel. One other factor attracted Primiano to the book project: It was to be published by Columbia University Press.
As Primiano points out, "When someone comes to you with an opportunity to be published by a press at that level, you jump on it."
After completing his article on Father Divine, Primiano returned to his work on Sister Ann, exploring deep inside various archives, for instance, searching through years of records at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center for information on her time in New York.
He also learned all he could from anthropologists, legal scholars, and fellow folklorists on how to work with a source who proves less than trustworthy, like Sister Ann.
"Some of the paths you follow inevitably turn out to be dead ends," Primiano says, describing the realities of research, "but unless you have the time to follow them, you never know. You can't be sure you've uncovered all there is to find. That is something truly valuable about the opportunity of a sabbatical."
© 2012


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M.K. Nobilette has been voted into the top 13 in season 13 of 'American Idol'. Hopefully 13 is a lucky number for Nobilette who sparked attention in becoming the singing competition's first openly gay contestant. In coming out on the show she made it known that she was weary about public reaction, but as she explained in an interview with PEOPLE published on Feb. 21, the reaction has been mostly public.
Like celebrities, athletes and other public figures who have come out as gay or bisexual, Nobilette says the support has been mostly positive, although there were a few instances of negativity. Nobilette, who isn't as well known, told PEOPLE that the support has been there for her.
"There have been a few haters, but I predicted that the minute I said it. But actually, the response has been pretty positive. Mostly, people have been really supportive."
A lot of that support has come from the judges and her fellow contestants. Harry Connick Jr. saw her advancement as an "indication of where our country is going" and finalist C.J. Harris said, "it is a whole new world" and described M.K. as a sister to him.
But the main reason she is smiling about making it to the top 13 is that she is being viewed as an influential person to those who are in similar situations.
"People have told me how they are going to change the way that they are going to come out to their parents. That makes me really proud," says Nobilette.
M.K.'s last performance, singling "All of Me" by John Legend inspired tears because by coming out prior to the competition's live shows, she exposed every part of who she is. Her story is one that many share, but her voice has an opportunity to make a statement. Not for herself, but for the country as a whole.
Subscribe to New England Gay Issues Examiner.
Follow the New England Gay Issues Examiner on Twitter.


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Gracenote, a company specialized in embedded technology, enriched content, and data services for digital entertainment solutions, today announced it will provide its music services embedded into handsets of LG Electronics. The services include its popular Mobile MusicID and two other services embedded in handsets for the first time, File ID and Playlist. Together, these services will bring music identification, discovery and navigation to the mobile phone like never before.
Many of LG's new handsets will now come standard with Gracenote's popular Mobile MusicID, allowing users to instantly identify songs playing at a party, in the car or even at a club. Whether it's the latest pop single, a forgotten one-hit wonder, or an album name under debate, users will be the first to know just by holding their phone up to the music and having the Gracenote Mobile MusicID service retrieve the song, album and artist information in just seconds.
"LG is one of the leaders in music-enabled phones and is known for bringing innovative and stylish products, such as the Chocolate Phone and Shine Phone, to the mobile market," said Jim Hollingsworth, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Gracenote. "We are really excited about being able to power LG's next generation of music handsets."
Gracenote's File ID, embedded for the first time in a handset, lets users identify any music file that is imported into their phone. Regardless of whether songs are downloaded from a website or transferred via memory card, users can now be assured that their entire collection of music will have complete, correct and consistent information, making labels like "Unknown" or "Track 1" a thing of the past. Additionally, LG's handsets will also feature Gracenote Playlist, another first-time feature, to provide one-touch More Like This mixes. No more scrolling through endless menus to find the music you want — with Gracenote's More Like This feature, when users hear a song they like, they simply hit a button to create an instant mix of similar music.
All of the new features from Gracenote will come standard in LG's handsets at no extra cost to the consumer.
"As our handsets continue to evolve to include the latest in advanced mobile entertainment, Gracenote was a natural provider, as it is the only company to offer a complete set of innovative technologies as well as a global content solution," said Doo-whan Sang, vice president of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "By embedding Gracenote's mobile music services, we are bringing the largest, most comprehensive music database in the world and accompanying music features to our devices, while raising the bar for the entire industry."
Other IT news about Gracenote
Other IT news about LG Electronics
Prestigious tourist destination, Las Vegas is recognized for its many casinos and a major tie with Hollywood. The city offers a new uncommon gadget being able to distribute the marijuana drug. The residents of Las Vegas are now able to use electronic machines which distribute marijuana 24 hours aday.


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Michael Patrick McCoy
Position: DT-NT
Height: 6-5 Weight: 284 lbs.
Born: September 6, 1948 in Erie, PA
High School: Cathedral Prep
College: Notre Dame (school history) (McCoy college stats)
Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 1st round (2nd overall) of the 1970 NFL Draft.
Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 46 (1763rd overall since 1950)
Promote your website or business by sponsoring this page for $10 on Pro-Football-Reference.com. Your message will replace this ad.
1978 Game Log: Regular Season · Playoffs · vs.


text:
After reading the thread on FOPP going / gone bust... it got me thinking of my latest CD I bought. I realise there is a thread for what people are currently listening to, but forgive me if it has already been done, but how about a thread recommending sources of CDs and Vinyl other than ebay. Here in Geordieland, there are the usual High street outlets, Virgin - HMV - WHSmith etc. However I would not recommend them per se, as some of their normal prices are a joke. There are Internet sites also like Amazon, Play.com, which usually come up on general Internet searches. What I am also suggesting with this thread is when people come across some bargains, to let other wammers know so that the opportunity can be taken advantage of.
For example yesterday I bought Icky Thump by White Stripes from Morrisons for £7. IMO thats cheap and worth it. I got Police boxed set in HMV Edinburgh for £14 recently, when I went into my local HMV to get another for my son, I found the one in Edinburgh had been wrongly priced and it should have been £40!.
I often look in Woolworth's as they often have some cracking bargains, from as little as a £1.
Windows Newcastle (often overlooked)
Steel Wheels 36 St. Mary's Place Newcastle
RPM High Bridge Newcastle
Spin CDs & CDEXPRESS High Bridge
Music Zone Metro Centre & Sunderland
Oldhitz The Vinyl Frontier! 69 Grainger Street
HMV Newcastle (Sales only)
Virgin Newcastle (Sales only)
WH.Smith Newcastle(Sales only)
Woolworth's Newcastle (Sales only)
Morrisons Anywhere


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Catapult King
iOS Universal Games
Become the catapult!
Take down forts, castles and even a fire-breathing dragon in the award-winning Catapult King—the King of castle crushers! Rescue the princess and defeat the enemy in this beautiful, 3D fantasy adventure.
This app offers in-app purchases. You may restrict in-app purchasing using your device settings.
Princesses are constantly getting themselves kidnapped by dragons and this one is no different. Now it's up to you to get her back using your arsenal of cannonballs and power-ups.
The Nasty Knights are helping the dragon keep the princess captive. Teach them a lesson in over 100 fun and challenging levels.
Complete levels to earn magic, then use this to enchant your catapult. You can give your catapult a line of sight for accuracy, use the Earth Shock to blast the bad guys away, or call in a devastating Lunar Strike!
Visit the Chillingo room on the App Store to see more of our great games: appstore.com/chillingo
Important Consumer Information. This app: Requires acceptance of EA's Privacy & Cookie Policy, TOS and EULA. Collects data through third party ad serving and analytics technology (see Privacy & Cookie Policy for details). Contains direct links to the Internet and social networking sites intended for an audience over 13. Allows players to communicate via Facebook notifications and gifting. To disable see the settings in-game.
Terms of Service : http://www.ea.com/terms-of-service
Privacy & Cookie Policy : http://www.ea.com/privacy-policy
EULA : http://tos.ea.com/legalapp/mobileeula/US/en/OTHER/
Visit http://www.chillingo.com/about/game-faqs/ for assistance or inquiries.
EA may retire online features and services after 30 days notice posted on www.ea.com/1/service-updates
What's New
Your catapult is overdue for an inspection!
Download this update so that our catapult experts can perform a maintenance check and make sure it's in top shape to knock down castles and fire-breathing dragons.
TouchArcade —Freebie Alert: 'Catapult King' Review - High-Flying Fun, the Old-Fashioned Way
148Apps —Catapult King Review
PocketGamer —Catapult King


text:
Frank Tayo Omiyale
Position: T
Height: 6-4 Weight: 310 lbs.
Born: November 23, 1982 in Nashville, TN
High School: Whites Creek
College: Tennessee Tech
Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 5th round (163rd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.
Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 17 (5416th overall since 1950)
Promote your website or business by sponsoring this page for $5 on Pro-Football-Reference.com. Your message will replace this ad.
|0 Accepted Penalty


text:
HOSSEGOR surf
The highest concentration of beach breaks, the best food, the best party atmosphere and the best surf infrastructure in Europe. Wine, cheese, sun, sand, surf, cycle paths, forest… All together! If you're looking for the perfect surf holidays in France, you will find it here!
- daily surf lessons (5 days surf lessons on week pack)
- 1 surf lesson per day (2 hours)
- surf equipment included
- surf insurance
- free surfing after classes during your entire stay
- daily transportation to beach
- professional and friendly coaching
- bike rental during your entire stay
- 1 evening theory sessions with video analysis
- linen and towels
- spoken languages: English and French
- transfer from & to Biarritz airport/train station
- daily surf guiding (5 days surf guiding on week pack)
- surf equipment included
- surf insurance
- free surfing after classes
- daily transportation to beach
- professional and friendly coaching
- daily bike rental
- 1 evening theory sessions with video analysis
-linen and towels
- spoken languages: English and French
At Hossegor we offer two different solutions: self-catering apartments or Junior surfcamps.
The self-catering apartments are the perfect solution for more independent surf holidays in France. Although, all surf services are included in the pack!
Junior surfcamp is conceived only for teenagers from 14 to 18 years old who wish to participate in an intensive week of surfing and extra activities with other boys and girls. Full catered and 24 hours adult supervision.
Both solutions are set on privileged locations right in front of the beach!
You will never get bored in Hossegor. Lots to do for everyone whether you're with your family or group of friends. After a long day surfing you can visit the local markets, cycle in the beautiful pine forests or on the sun soaked terraces in any one of the numerous cafes and restaurants.
One thing Hossegor is also famous about is for its several surf shops or the factory outlet stores.
Surfinn Hossegor Surf Camp & Surf School is set on specially selected and decorated beach apartments best suited for groups of friends, couples and families, anywhere between 2 and 8 people per apartment.
All apartments have direct access to France's best beach breaks and only a short 5 minutes' walk from a great variety of bars, clubs, restaurants, shops and markets that only France can offer, allowing you complete freedom and a relaxation in your surf holidays in France.
All apartments have a fully equipped kitchen area, living room with TV+DVD and sofa (double) bed, separate bedroom with double bed and mezzanine with double bed. Towels and sheets are provided.
We will pick you up directly at the airport (in the van or the car depending on group size) and drive you to your apartment (via the supermarket if you want to stock up straight away or via the beach if you can't wait to get in for surfing).
On the large balcony you'll find the surfboards, wetsuits and wax waiting for you, alongside the surf magazines and surf DVDs and tide timetable.
Your towels will be on the ready-made beds and the bikes attached in the bike shed downstairs. You just need to tell us when you want your 1st surf lesson and our surf instructor or guide picks you up from the apartment every day for the two hour surf lesson or surf guide session. The rest of the day is yours to continue surfing or laze on the beach or do some sight-seeing or cultural visits. Just as simple as that!
Check out all the direct flights to France from more than 20 European cities.
- private bathrooms
- fully equipped kitchen
- living room with TV and DVD
- balcony
- close to many airports (Biarritz, Pau, Bordeaux)
Also for unaccompanied adolescents we provide an in house 'cultural immersion' surf camp where your son or daughter live with us and our two children for 1 week in a beautiful house in a stunningly quaint and typical French village, helping out and learning French or English or both. The teenagers will be taking an active part in daily family life.
The accommodation provided is a 30m2 separate bedroom with en-suite, the whole of the top floor is theirs. We can cater for a maximum of four adolescents ages 14 to 18. We have a tennis court, basketball, 5 aside football, darts, great off road cycling all within 50 meters of the house.
- full access to bikes, skateboards, tennis court, darts…
- All meals included, organic home cooking
- daily surf lessons (5 x 2hrs in the week).
- Adult supervision 24hrs a day.
- Small groups of 4 maximum.
- Airport or train station pick up and drop offs.
This area that covers Hossegor has 250 kms of endless sandy beaches perfect for learning how to surf or finding your own empty peak. This is what Hossegor is all about!
Your surf instructor picks you up and drops you off at the door for your daily surf lessons or surf guiding. Surfing lessons in the morning followed by a good lunch, a siesta then lounging on a café terrace, dinner, finishing off with a last drink in a bar or in the Safari nightclub. This is how life flows here in Hossegor.
Best to come in the summer if you are a beginner and best to come in the rest of the year if you are an advanced surfer looking for more challenging waves to improve your skills on. Check with our team what is the best season to surf in France.
With our surfari package, our surf guides will take you to the best spot suited to your level on any given day.
Hossegor region has the longest surf tradition in Europe and is still one of the most popular surf destinations. It's consistency and quality waves brings the ASP World Championship Tour every year to the Quicksilver France Pro stage.
The climate, the food, the people, the waves, the history and the culture make this place real unique in the world. All of the above are to be found within a 5min walk from the surf house. So easy and so close.
Twin, Double
Cultural tours, Paintball, Windsurfing, Trekking, Rafting, Golf, Fishing, Sailing
twin/double rooms, private bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, living room with DVD, outside balcony
2 mins
45 mins (Biarritz)


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Police Alert
April 3, 2008
FROM: David M. Donaldson, Chief of Police
RE: Dr. Arnold Murcock
Dr. Arnold Murdock, assistant professor in the Watson School of Education, has been relieved of his job duties and is not permitted on UNCW's campus. As a precautionary measure, you are being notified of this individual's status. If you have any knowledge of his presence on our campus, you are urged to contact UNCW Police immediately.
Emergency 911
NonEmergency 962-2222
Anonymously at 962-TIPS (8477) or by email at www.uncw.edu/police
Dr. Arnold Keith Murdock


text:
The Seward County Community College/Area Technical School Drama Department
has opened a fourth night for the production of ³Beauty and the Beast.² The
new production will be at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 21 in addition to 7:30
p.m., April 22-24. Limited tickets are available for April 22-24.
Tickets are $6, sides, and $8 center. If available, tickets will be $10 at
the door.
For tickets, call 620-417-1451 or come by the Humanities Building, 1801 N.
©2016 Seward County Broadcasting Company, Inc.
1410 N. Western Ave. Liberal, KS 67901


text:
Several roads in Hoyland Common have been closed following the discovery of a man's body.
Police were alerted to the 31-year-old's death at about 11am on Tuesday and officers were sent to a property on Sheffield Road.
A police source said there were not believed to be any suspicious circumstances but chemicals had been found in the house. Fire crews were called to establish what the chemicals were and make sure the scene was safe before paramedics were allowed in.
The force is expected to release a statement this afternoon.
CommentsClick here to add a comment...
Roads closed from birdwell roundabout and juntction of Sheffield rd traffice lights
Roads closed from birdwell roundabout and traffic lights at Sheffield rd
Most read news stories


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Vilans – Integrated Care
Together with Vilans, thé Dutch knowledge center for long-term care, we developed several video's about integrated care. This video will be used as a tool to explain the service package on integrated care that Vilans offers. The Selfevaluation package on integrated care gives the care coordinator insights on the development points of the care chain.
By using circles, lines and figures, this video has a clear iconic illustration style. The characters are abstracted versions of the characters from the Vilans videos we made on the New Care Employee.
Vilans uses the video as a promovideo on the website and for seminars, exhibitions and lectures.
The above video is about Self-evaluation on integrated care and only available in dutch.


text:
Ivory Alencon lace fit and flare bridal gown, V-neckline with deep V-back, beaded ribbon belt at natural waist. Chapel train. Unaltered label size 12, street size 8. This dress is immaculate and looks brand new.
Contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com for more pictures and info. Go to www.white-organza.com to see more gowns.
- Alterations: None.
- Preservation Method: This dress is immaculate and looks brand new.
- Terms of Sale: Returns Accepted
- Original Owner: Yes
- Has Original Receipt:
- Location: , NC
- Will Ship to: Anywhere at Buyer Expense
- Payment Methods Accepted: Escrow.com
Please read our BUYER'S GUIDE before purchasing a dress online.


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Having had to abandon hopes of getting to Shepton Mallet in 2015 due to family health matters, I was determined to make it this year, particularly as the usual exhibition manager, Howard Martin, has been very ill and at the time of the show, was in the VSI ward in Plymouth awaiting a liver transplant, so it was very much a "call to arms" to support the hard working Small & Delightful Group team who had picked up the exhibition folder from Howard, sent it off to the "spooks" at Cheltenham for decrypting and then burned a lot of midnight oil in ensuring that Howard's tradition of laying on what many consider to be the best annual NG modelling event in the country took place. And I am very pleased to say that they did this superbly! Once again it was a fantastic, friendly and inspiring day and everybody that I spoke to thought the same. Get well soon Howard!
Mick's Roving Reporter Photo Collections
All photos in this Blogspot and those accessed in Picasaweb via the links in each report are my Copyright and may be saved for personal use only. They may not be republished elsewhere without the written permission of the Copyright holder.
Hello and welcome to my reinstated and updated photo reports of visits to narrow gauge model railway layouts and events! Following the sudden and untimely cessation of Fotopic in March 2011 and with it the loss of my photo galleries, I started this blog in order to try to keep my "Roving Reports" available to those who enjoy viewing them. I have linked this blogsite to the old galleries which I rebuilt and posted in Picasaweb Albums. Once all the old reports had been rebuilt, I have continued to add completely new ones to cover my visits to events from April 2011 onwards.
Because of the way this Blogspot works, the most recent postings appear first and the oldest ones last. Each report contains a link to the Picasaweb photo album plus captions for that report. The link will take you to an automatically scrolling slideshow but you can view at your own desired speed manually or view individual photos through the Picasaweb contents simply by using the controls which appear below the slideshow photos.
Any report can be accessed sequentially by scrolling downwards and if required, click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of the list, or simply go to the Blog Archive on the right of the window and select any report by simply clicking on the title.
All photos in this Blogspot and those accessed in Picasaweb via the links in each report are my Copyright and may be saved for personal use only. They may not be republished elsewhere without the written permission of the Copyright holder.
Hello and welcome to my reinstated and updated photo reports of visits to narrow gauge model railway layouts and events! Following the sudden and untimely cessation of Fotopic in March 2011 and with it the loss of my photo galleries, I started this blog in order to try to keep my "Roving Reports" available to those who enjoy viewing them. I have linked this blogsite to the old galleries which I rebuilt and posted in Picasaweb Albums. Once all the old reports had been rebuilt, I have continued to add completely new ones to cover my visits to events from April 2011 onwards.
Because of the way this Blogspot works, the most recent postings appear first and the oldest ones last. Each report contains a link to the Picasaweb photo album plus captions for that report. The link will take you to an automatically scrolling slideshow but you can view at your own desired speed manually or view individual photos through the Picasaweb contents simply by using the controls which appear below the slideshow photos.
Any report can be accessed sequentially by scrolling downwards and if required, click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of the list, or simply go to the Blog Archive on the right of the window and select any report by simply clicking on the title.
Saturday, 16 April 2016
Friday, 12 February 2016
09 January 2016, SWOONS Members Open Day – Ilton, Somerset
Another new year, wet and soggy in Somerset again, but that is not enough to deter the faithful and for the 10th annual South West 009 Society (SWOONS) members open day in Ilton, between Yeovil and Taunton in Somerset, over 100 narrow gauge modelling enthusiasts, about twice the previous year's attendance came from all points of the compass, some travelling considerable distances, to once again enjoy a splendid, informal, friendly and relaxed day out amongst like minded people. Matthew and Maria Cicquel as usual brought their famous pasties from their Devon Railway Centre as well as lots of other culinary goodies, and of course the 009 Society and the regular trading attenders of CWR and Jurassic Models provided railway goodies for all depths of wallet. Another splendid start to the narrow gauge modelling year and as I say every time: if you could have gone but didn't, kick yourself now!
Sunday, 24 January 2016
05 January 2016, A Visit To The Burnbake and Woodyhyde Railway
It's quite a while since I had a chance to visit a layout "at home", so I jumped at the opportunity to accept an invitation to visit David Collins at his home near Creech, to the south of Wareham in Dorset, to take a set of photos to supplement an article that he had prepared on his layout for the 009 Society journal, 009 News. David's home is in "clay country" in the Purbecks and the trackbed of the old Furzebrook Tramway is all of 10 yards away from the house on the other side of the garden fence, so no surprise that David's layout theme has been a clay mining operation. This is no "NG mainline" with hundreds of locomotives. " Less Is More" is the watchword with a locomotive roster of just 2 steam engines and one tiny IC PW dept trolley. Has this been successful? I think so!
Monday, 21 December 2015
05 December 2015, Wessex NGM and Dorset members of the 009 Society open day, Colehill
Once again Brian Guilmant rounded off a full programme of narrow gauge modelling events in the year by organising a special little event on behalf of both the Wessex NG Modellers and members of the 009 Society who live within easy reach of the community hall near his home in Colehill, near Wimborne in Dorset and who would like to bring their layouts along – as well as some who came from further out including Bob Vaughan from Watford, Tom and Lyn Snook from Mere, and Jim and Lyn Owers who came over from the Isle of Wight. Around 100 enthusiasts arrived from all points including as far away as Yorkshire and a sizeable contingent from the
West Midlands.
A great day in an informal and friendly atmosphere for all who participated or
visited to enjoy with the added bonus of free guided tours to Brian's fantastic
home layout thrown in as well!
22 November 2015, Northampton & District NG Modellers Open Day, Weedon Bec
As family matters precluded me being able to attend the 2013 Open Day, I was particularly looking forward to being able to get myself to Weedon Bec, near
this year for the 6th Group Open Day and was certainly not
disappointed! Over 100 people paid at the door and there were no less than 17
layouts in various sizes and scales, excellent refreshments available all day
from the hard working team behind the counter and as ever, a very friendly,
informal and enjoyable day out amongst friends old and new from the narrow
gauge railway modelling world. This biennial event has certainly come a long
way since I attended the first one, on a very wet and miserable Friday evening
in a small scout hut in Northampton
10 years ago. Keep up the good work guys, looking forward to the 2017 event
with eager anticipation already!
Sunday, 29 November 2015
31 October 2015, Expo Narrow Gauge, Swanley, Kent
The last weekend in October again, and this time literally the last day and everyone who has Narrow Gauge railway modelling in their blood who is able to is, or should be, on their way to Swanley in Kent for the annual fest of all that is best in the hobby. ExpoNG is thought by some to be a NG modelling trade show with a few layouts scattered between the traders; well I counted 23 layouts and this didn't include some that were on trade stands, so I don't think that charge holds any water nowadays, not this year certainly! Once again, it was a fantastic day out amongst about 700 like minded people and as far as I know everyone enjoyed themselves immensely, I certainly did. Long distance award this year went to Yoshiya Kobayashi and friends, who came all the way from
just to be there. Japan
There was so much to see that I have had to split this report into 2 parts, as I did in both 2013 and 2014. More splendid layouts to see, in a variety of scales and a variety of sizes, plus an extended collection of photos of the largest layout at the show. The Sussex Downs Group Evaleight Light Railway was assembled in its entirety for what we have been told was positively the last appearance in this form. Modules of this layout will be seen at shows again, but not the whole railway as it takes such a lot of manpower, time and transport to get it from A to B, so I thought it totally appropriate to take a larger than usual number of photos to give a tour of the system as a souvenir of appreciation to the Sussex Downs Group for a layout that has entertained for many years.
There was so much to see that I have had to split this report into 2 parts, as I did in both 2013 and 2014. More splendid layouts to see, in a variety of scales and a variety of sizes, plus an extended collection of photos of the largest layout at the show. The Sussex Downs Group Evaleight Light Railway was assembled in its entirety for what we have been told was positively the last appearance in this form. Modules of this layout will be seen at shows again, but not the whole railway as it takes such a lot of manpower, time and transport to get it from A to B, so I thought it totally appropriate to take a larger than usual number of photos to give a tour of the system as a souvenir of appreciation to the Sussex Downs Group for a layout that has entertained for many years.
Saturday, 24 October 2015
10 October 2015, M5/M50 NG Modellers Open Day, Corse & Staunton, Gloucestershire
I was especially pleased to be able to get to the M5/M50 NG Modellers open day this year as I realised checking my archives that it was back in 2012 since I last made it to this attractive part of Gloucestershire. The group, with support from a large contingent from the West Midlands Group, once again laid on an excellent show, with layouts in a variety of scales, 009 Society Sales, Secondhand Sales and Modelling Goods from the 7mm NGA, several traders, Shirley Harper's craft stall for the ladies and the Webb Family Catering Corps providing 5 star refreshments throughout the day. In addition of course there was the friendly fellowship of like minded enthusiasts, both exhibiting and visiting which make these events so good. A very enjoyable day out and well worth the 200 mile round trip for me. Here's my selection of photos as a record of the event.
Tuesday, 20 October 2015
12 September 2015 - Welsh Highland Great & Small II, Dinas
After 4 months of immobility as a result of breaking my ankle, I was at last able to drive the car again, so to celebrate the return of at least some mobility, my son and I headed up for a weekend in North Wales, which coincidently was at the same time as the 2nd Welsh Highland Great and Small weekend based on Dinas station. Outdoors there were all sorts of attractions including footplate rides, slate wagon shunts and Victorian train rides; whilst on the main line there were shuttle services between Dinas, Caernarfon and Waunfawr as well as the Welsh Highland service trains. In the goods shed and hidden around various other small rooms were 14 narrow gauge layouts, mostly Ffestiniog or Welsh Highland themed, with 12 of the 14 being in 4mm scale. Great stuff and a great event! I made the journey home with indelible memories and will certainly return to
Wales sometime soon!
Tuesday, 13 October 2015
06 June 2015 - A Visit to Statfold Barn
"Prepare to be amazed" warned fellow Wessex NG Modellers member Patrick Collins, when he organised a group visit to Statfold Barn. Understatement? I'll say! Statfold Barn is literally a huge 1:1 scale narrow gauge train set, put together and of course owned by Graham Lee near
Tamworth in Staffordshire. Privately owned and only open
to the public on 3 special open day events in March, June and September each
year, I can honestly report that if you haven't yet been, it is something that
you should put on your "bucket list" right now, and get yourself ready to not
only be amazed, but if you have any narrow gauge juices flowing at all, a visit
will, literally, blow you away! As I've been out of camera action and "absent" from
the blog for 4 months now, I thought this was as good an opportunity as any, to
celebrate my return to roving reporting!
Friday, 5 June 2015
17 May 2015, Beds & Bucks NG Modellers Members Open Day, Barton Le Clay
For the 10th annual Beds & Bucks NG Modellers Open Day. Mark Howe and his stalwart colleagues pulled out all the stops and took the risk of moving the event from its traditional January date to mid May. Did the gamble pay off? Well nearly 200 visitors plus around 50 or so who participated in one way or another certainly thought so and as we have all come to expect from this members day, it firmly re-established itself as one of the premier events of its type and is most definitely one that is "not to be missed". I spotted modellers from as far away as
Cumbria amongst the visiting enthusiasts (as
well as Keith Fainges and partner who planned their holiday from to
coincide with the event). A great day out – superbly organised, great layouts,
outstanding 5 star refreshments service and Very Friendly. I'm looking forward
to next year already! Australia
Monday, 25 May 2015
18 April 2015, 009 Society AGM and NG Show, Rainford, St Helens
This year, Stan Williams and his team pulled out all the stops! The unfortunate demise of Narrow Gauge North has resulted in the North being left a little thin on the ground at the moment for specialist narrow gauge modelling events, so Stan duly arranged for the use of the local Scout hall, in addition to the Guide hall procured last time, to supplement the two halls and corridor available in the original parish hall venue! Competing for space with a bicycle racing event and a wedding on the same day certainly made for interesting and colourful encounters on the short journey between the two sets of halls, which added to the carnival atmosphere of a really great day out (an 18 hour day and 500 mile round trip in my own case) and another super narrow gauge model event. Many thanks to all who were involved in organising the show.
Saturday, 4 April 2015
28 March 2015, Sussex Downs 009 Group Open Day, Lancing
The Sussex Downs Group laid on their 5th biennial open day in the 5th different location since the first in 2007 - and this year moved away from the Haywards Heath area down to the coast at Lancing, to the very well appointed and suitable for this type of event in Lancing Parish Hall. As always, it was a very well organised event indeed on all counts including a 5 star refreshment service, with 9 layouts, mainly in 009 and 2 in 0-16.5 plus trade support from Narrow Planet, Meridian Models, and the 009 Society Sales, Star of the show was undoubtedly Ted Polet's small layout Nixnie which he brought all the way to Lancing from his home in Leiden in the Netherlands. I had a splendidly enjoyable day in
Sussex as did everyone present that
I spoke to. Very well done to the SDG team and see you in 2017 hopefully!
Sunday, 25 January 2015
17 January 2015, SWOONS Members Open Day – Ilton, Somerset
2015 got itself off to the now traditional great narrow gauge start to the year with the 9th annual South West 009 Society's (SWOONS) members open day in the Merryfield Hall at Ilton, between Yeovil and
Taunton in . If it ain't
broke don't fix it is the watchword and once again, Geoff Bowyer and his team
laid on a super friendly day and managed to shoehorn 10 layouts, 3 traders plus
the full 009 Society sales roadshow as well as Matthew and Maria Cicquel's 5
star refreshments into a small village hall without somehow making it seem
cramped! Those who do travel from far and wide in some cases to be at Ilton in
January know that it is well worth the effort to get there and enjoy the
special non-elitist fellowship of narrow gauge modelling in a relaxed informal
and friendly environment. Kick yourself now if you didn't go! Somerset
Click Here to View the Photo Album for this Report
Click Here to View the Photo Album for this Report
Friday, 9 January 2015
08 January 2015 - New Year Roundup – 3 that nearly slipped through the net in 2014
Starting a new year, or finishing off an old one, depending which angle you look at it from, a couple of layouts and a visit to help launch a ready to run 009 loco that I didn't manage to fit into any of my 2014 reports, but too good to simply let them fade away. First is a small selection of photos I took on a visit to Rod Allcock's home in Devon to take some photos of his newly released ready to run 009 diesel loco "Dirty Doris", which I can personally highly recommend as a super little model, then a flying visit to the Fareham MRC exhibition on the 5 October where members of the host club were exhibiting the splendid 09 estate railway Watt Estate and Patrick Collins with a couple of fellow members of the Wessex NG Modellers had brought Ryedown Lane to the show.
Monday, 29 December 2014
30 November 2014, Dorset Narrow Gauge Open Day, Colehill near Wimborne
Following the successful Members Morning's that Brian Guilmant had organised in 2012 and 2013, for this year he laid on a full day mini-exhibition with a selection of top quality invited layouts in 3 scales, both the 009 Society and 7mm NGA sales stands, a "drop in surgery" for sick items of stock provided by fault finding wizard Ian Turner and the usual superb refreshments provided by Muriel Guilmant and her team of volunteer ladies. Once again, enthusiasts who know a good thing when they see it came from near and in some cases very far and including those who were participating, about 100 people enjoyed an outstanding friendly day of narrow gauge modelling fellowship. What a splendid way to round off another full year of these superb little informal events. If you haven't been to one yet, then make sure you do in 2015 – a much more enjoyable day out than you get at the big mainstream exhibitions!
Sunday, 16 November 2014
25 October 2014, Expo NG, Swanley, Kent
Another Friday evening in late October, M25 totally gridlocked and still 10 miles of it to suffer before arrival at Swanley for "setting up" and hopefully managing to get to the Campanile Hotel under the QE Bridge approach before the bar closes – It must be ExpoNG time again, doesn't time fly! This time the year 2014 formed an appropriate title for a selection of superb 0-14 layouts amongst the 18 top quality NG layouts assembled "amongst all the trade stands". Once again the event was one of the main focal points of the year for like minded narrow gauge modellers from near and far to meet up and once again due to the number of photos I took I have had to split this report into 2 parts. A great day was had by all who managed to get there!
Part 2 continues with more layouts, including a special extended coverage of Richard Glover's
, which was being shown for the
final time before being retired. Fortunately for fans of this splendid layout,
it has now passed to the safe keeping of a very experienced 009 modeller so
there is a chance that this was actually not the "final" showing of the layout.
In order to provide photos which I hope has given viewers something of the
experience of a day at ExpoNG, producing a report with over 200 photos and with
captions as well, is very time consuming, but I have enjoyed this task and do
hope that you enjoy it equally. I do hope to be able to continue to produce
these photo reports particularly so that those who are unable to attend either
through distance, health, or personal circumstances may be able to attend
"virtually" via my photos. Pagham Harbour
Tuesday, 7 October 2014
27 September 2014, Small & Delightful Railway Group Open Day, Compton Dundon, Somerset
The Small & Delightful Railway Group are the small team of dedicated mainly Somerset based narrow gauge modellers that organise and host Narrow Gauge Southwest at Shepton Mallet every February. Because of the size and success of this super event, they are unable to show off their own layouts so, every couple of years they get together with some additional invited layouts from relatively local modellers to have a small, informal and very enjoyable little show of their own. To round off a splendid day out for all those who like this type of small specialist event, the Glastonbury Lions ladies provide a fantastic array of world class cakes. The Great British Bake Off TV competition pales into insignificance compared to a Glastonbury Ladies Victoria Cream Sponge! 14 narrow gauge layouts, covering all the main scales – a really splendid and enjoyable feast of modelling (and cakes!).
Friday, 5 September 2014
16 August 2014, Ice Cream, Jelly and Trains in Sussex
A gathering of guests invited by Chris Ford and Nigel Hill to play and talk trains, and to consume jelly & ice cream took place at a secret location in Mid-Sussex on the 16th August. Although I've been invited before, this was the first time I had managed to get to this exclusive gathering. The "invite conditions" are that you have to bring a layout or something to show and I must admit I was not sure how my table of 009 stock would be received, however everyone either approved or were too polite to indicate otherwise. Hurrah! The company was outstanding as was the quality of the items brought along to show, and the hospitality of the hosts: Chris, Nigel, Karen and Mrs Ford senior, who all worked ceaselessly all day replenishing the food and the teapot was fantastic. A splendid party indeed and huge thanks for the invitation!
Sunday, 31 August 2014
29 June 2014, East Midlands Group, 009 Society Members Day, Portland College nr Mansfield
So, the excellent Oxfordshire NGM members day came to a close and those of us in it for the duration all packed up and headed 130 miles north, to
in Nottinghamshire. This was the first full scale members day for the East
Midlands Group and they had found a good venue thanks to the generosity of
Portland College Principal (and East Midlands Group member!) Dr Mark Dale. No
less than 21 layouts and several static displays as well as 009 Society sales,
A1 models, Fourdees and Andrew Neale providing trade support. It was another
splendid day and I for one am very glad that I made the decision to travel a
long way from home and pay out for petrol and a hotel bed in order to attend -
well worth it and again much appreciation to the hosting Group for a very
enjoyable event indeed.
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
28 June 2014, Oxfordshire NG Railway Modellers Open Day, Steventon
The first of 2 narrow gauge modelling events this weekend saw the "
009 Society Road Show" making tracks
to Steventon, near Abingdon, for the 2nd biennial open day organised
by Richard Holder and fellow members of the Oxfordshire NG Railway Modellers. A
splendid location, including a cricket match on the green outside the hall and
absolutely outstanding hospitality and organisation by the Group inside the
hall! There were14 top quality layouts,
a good selection of traders plus a very well stocked 009 Society sales stand
and excellent 5 star refreshments. It was a super day, spent in friendly
company and just the right start to a full weekend of modelling excellence! All
too soon, it was time to pack up the sales stock, Rod Allcock's Corris layout
and A1 Models, all appearing at both events, and a number of 009 Society
members headed north towards the Sunday event at Mansfield.
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
17 May 2014, SWING, Bognor Regis
"Small Wonderful Industrial and Narrow Gauge", which is quite a mouthful but actually very descriptive of what this little event is all about. Organised by the South Downs Group of the 7mm Narrow Gauge Association, I expected the event to be awash with 7mm NG and nothing much else, but I was very wrong as actually there were only about half the layouts in the 7mm NGA own favoured scale range, the other half containing five 3½/4mm plus one each Sn2 and BIG 7/8" scale layouts as well as a 5/7¼" dual gauge steam powered kiddy ride outside on the lawn. Overall it was a splendid, informal and friendly day, in the best tradition of members days and it was very well attended by narrow gauge enthusiasts, some of whom had travelled considerable distances to join in. This was the 6th annual SWING event but my first, I certainly don't intend it to be my last!
Monday, 14 April 2014
05 April 2014, Narrow Gauge South, Sparsholt College, Winchester
For the 12th biennial NGS at Sparsholt College, near Winchester, Alan Rolfe and the hosting Wessex NG Modellers put on another fantastic day that once again proved to be a challenge to get round everything as well as fit in the 009 Society AGM within the available time! 27 layouts plus a further 3 on trade and society stands, amongst a total of 54 stands, there was a feast of top quality layouts and modelling on display, all set in the friendly atmosphere that this do is renowned for. Another overload of shutter clicking from me to the extent that, once again I have had to split my report into 2 instalments in order to provide what I hope is a fair representation of everything that there was to see on the day – I've even had to omit the traditional food photos this time (except for one!). I hope you enjoy the selection I have chosen!
Part 2 continues in the same room that we completed Part 1 in, where we had just looked at a splendid American 0n30 layout. Immediately opposite was another American narrow gauge layout, this time in HOn30, providing a good contrast and comparison for anyone still confused about size and scale nomenclature! Still only about half way through our tour of the diverse and entertaining selection of narrow gauge layouts that Exhibition Manager Alan Rolfe had invited from near and far, like many others who attended, I found it quite a challenge to get round everything allowing sufficient time to enjoy all that I saw, and like others reported, I very nearly missed out on a couple of rooms, but, having double checked the show programme, I am as confident as I can be that I got at least a glimpse of every layout present !
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
15 February 2014, Narrow Gauge South West, Shepton Mallet
For the 22nd Small & Delightful Group's wonderful day out at Shepton Mallet, some 25% of those who normally attend looked at their atlases and worked out that as Shepton Mallet is in
Somerset, it must be under 6ft of water, so must
be too dangerous to attend. For the other 75% who know enough about geography
to know that the flooded Somerset Levels are to the WEST of Glastonbury
and Shepton is several miles to the EAST, then they had a bit more room to walk
around the halls and enjoy the 25 layouts and loads of traders and societies
present in what in many minds is the biggest, best and friendliest annual
narrow gauge modelling event of them all. Unfortunately I got called back home
on urgent matters at around lunchtime, but I still managed to get some photos of
just about everything so here is my record of what was another fantastic trip
to Somerset.
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
26 January 2014, Beds & Bucks NG Modellers Members Open Day, Barton Le Clay
Barton Le Clay seems to get better every year! This time, the 9th annual open day that Mark Howe and the Beds & Bucks NG Modellers have put on, there were 16 layouts in a variety of scales and despite the bad weather, over 200 people were present in the village hall making it a very snug and friendly event indeed. The 5 star catering team were hard at it all day providing a never ending queue with fried sausage baps and loads of other super goodies whilst Brian Guilmant and his 009 Society sales team were under siege in an adjoining room as usual. This open day has filled the gap for a narrow gauge modelling event that is accessible from all 4 points of the compass that was left when Chilterns NG stopped some years ago and has become one of the top NG specialist events in the calendar. Well Done Indeed Everyone!
Monday, 31 March 2014
11 January 2014, SWOONS Members Open Day, Ilton, Somerset
Another extremely wet and windy start to the year as Brian Guilmant and myself loaded flares and lifejackets into the 009 Society Salesmobile and set forth into the waterworld that parts of
Somerset had become. Our destination, Ilton,
is very near the flooded Somerset Levels and at times the A303 heading west
from Yeovil was a bit like a causeway across a giant lake but we navigated a
dry route and got there safely, as did a good number of narrow gauge
enthusiasts, ready to enjoy the 8th South West Group 009 Society Members
Open Day. Once again Matt and Maria Cicquel came up from the Devon Railway
Centre and provided 5 star beverages and food including some splendid hot
"oggies" whilst everyone enjoyed the usual informal, relaxed and friendly
gathering amidst an entertaining variety of models provided by the host group
and friends. Well done to all the SWOONS team for an excellent event.
Sunday, 30 March 2014
A Visit to Tim Sanderson's Elmgate and Thatcham Light Railway
A long time ago Tim Sanderson invited me to visit his home in Haywards Heath and take some photos of the Elmgate & Thatcham. Eventually the opportunity arose in September 2013 and just 2 weeks after my photo session at Brian Guilmant's home, I found myself visiting Tim at last. I have been an admirer of Tim's innovative and imaginative modelling since I first read about his "Jintybash" locomotives in Railway Modeller January 2000 and subsequent articles on converted TT goods vehicles and Meridian Ashover coach modifications in the July 2001 and August 2002 issues respectively. This is a portable layout built for exhibitions and operation and is a complete contrast to Brian's Imperial Western in the previous report. As I couldn't publish results of my photo session at the time, I thought it appropriate to put it in here as a fitting finale to my 2013 outings with the camera. I hope you agree!
Saturday, 29 March 2014
A Visit To Brian Guilmant's Imperial Western Railway
I mentioned in the report on the Member's Morning on 14 December 2014 (the previous report in this blog) that, in addition to organising a mini-exhibition in his local community hall, Brian Guilmant had also invited visitors to see the fantastic narrow gauge empire that he has been building in his 30ft x 14ft converted attic. As can be appreciated I'm sure, taking photos of a home layout visit with a number of people present can be "challenging", so I thought it entirely appropriate to cheat a little here and insert a record of a special invitation that I had from Brian 3 months earlier, in September, to take a set of photos of the layout which he used some of in his article that was published in 009 News issue for December 2013. Here then is my own guided tour of the world that exists in Brian's Attic!
Friday, 28 March 2014
14 December 2014, 009 Society and Wessex NGM Members Morning, Colehill, Wimborne
Following the success of the Members Morning in Colehill in 2012, Brian Guilmant, hired the Colehill community hall a hundred yards from his home and organised another one for 2013, to the same recipe as the previous year: a selection of invited layouts, complete with the 009 Society sales stand, bacon rolls for breakfast and soup and rolls for lunch, a visit to Brian's fantastic narrow gauge empire in his attic and for the Wessex NG Modellers members and invited guests, their own Group Christmas Meeting in the afternoon. Another very successful day, if exhausting for the organiser! Lots of people made the journey, some travelling considerable distances. I had to leave at lunchtime, but everyone that I spoke to during the morning told me that they thought it was a splendid little do and a very enjoyable way to spend a Saturday morning!
Click Here to view the Photo Album for this Report
Click Here to view the Photo Album for this Report
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
26 October 2013, Expo NG, Swanley
Expong time again! Just 4 weeks after the 009 Society 40th Anniversary Convention, I was half expecting ExpoNG to be a bit of an anticlimax, but I was very much mistaken. The day was much the same formula as normal – 65 stands with 18 of them being layouts, but supplemented by another half dozen or so within the society and trade stands, plus 5 more entries for the Dave Brewer Challenge. I thought that the layouts this year were of particularly top quality with some really stunning examples of modelmaking across the spectrum and in a variety of scales. In fact, my shutter finger was so busy trying to keep up with constant stream of superb photo subjects that I found myself in front of, that I have had to split this photo report into 2 parts in order to try to give a worthwhile impression of the day as a whole.
Many people describe ExpoNG as "a trade show with some layouts" which is rather unkind, but there are a larger proportion of trade and society stands present at this event than one normally finds at the other "national" narrow gauge model shows, Therefore I thought it appropriate in order to present a valid impression of what a day at ExpoNG is like, to include a reasonably wide selection of photos of the trade and association stands with some of the people who provide these specialised services to the hobby in addition to the normal layout photos. Obviously I did not have the time to include every one, but I have tried to be as fair as possible and to include some of the regular attenders that don't normally get a mention in these post-show reports. Part 1 therefore is rather heavy on people and trade stands, but there are also some super layouts included!
As usual, no stars awarded to the White Oak Leisure Centre for the catering but all deserved accolades to the bakery shop in Swanley Village High Street where it is always packed by 8am on the morning of ExpoNG by those "in the know" about where the good food is! ExpoNG 2013 celebrated 3 anniversaries – 30 years of ExpoNG, 45 years of the hosting Greenwich & District NG Railway Society and 40 years of Meridian Models. It was a very pleasant day amongst a large number of like-minded narrow gauge fans. Much appreciation to Hazel Brewer and all the Greenwich Society members for their hard work.
Part 2 continues with more layouts and models, with a wealth of top quality modelling still to be seen. Although producing this photo album with nearly 180 photos and captions to be added, is quite hard work, and very time consuming, I have really enjoyed the task of selecting and arranging the album and I hope that you enjoy it equally. The most difficult task for me was in having to decide which photos NOT to include in order to keep the size of the reports down to a relatively manageable size! I look forward to meeting some of you at future events and I do hope to continue to be able to produce these photo reports particularly so that those who are unable to attend either through distance, health, or personal circumstances may be able to attend "virtually" via my photos.
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
27-29 September 2013. 009 Society 40th Anniversary Convention, Kegworth
2 years ago Brian Guilmant started to plan his vision for the 009 Society to host a weekend convention to mark the 40th anniversary of the Society in 2013. A suitable centrally located venue was found at the Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre in Kegworth, 2 miles from the
near Loughborough.
Like "topsy" it just "growed" from an original estimate of about 50 members attending
to having the whole hotel given over exclusively to the Society and another
hotel 100 yards up the road providing overflow accommodation as well. 200
stayed the weekend and attended the dinner and over 300 signed in as visitors between
Friday afternoon and Sunday morning. Although conventions are not unique, there
has certainly never been an event of this nature before in the 40 years history
of the 009 Society and what a resounding success it was! East Midlands
Originally it was planned to invite a maximum of 8 layouts, due to space restrictions and having to pack the room up for the Saturday dinner. However, when the number of booking applications resulted in the whole hotel being given over exclusively to the Society, the invited layouts grew to 21, some staying the whole weekend and some just for Saturday. Sunday morning was declared as "open house, bring anything you want" and another 15 layouts, ranging in size from Michael Campbell's trophy winning shoebox layout Southon Yard to Roger Bugg's 10ft x 10ft home based layout depicting the whole of the Talyllyn Railway just "turned up". Added to all that was a continuous round of both planned and ad hoc clinics covering many aspects of railway modelling running from Friday evening through to Sunday lunchtime with breaks only for sleep, food and the Saturday dinner night! Specialist Traders and 009 Society Sales were in operation until 11pm on the Friday and on both Saturday and Sunday were up and running from 8 in the morning. All this for a £5 weekend convention fee! You don't get that at Warley!
I tried my best to take photos covering as much of the weekend activities as I could. This was indeed a mammoth challenge and I failed quite miserably with some of the Saturday only layouts as by the time I got to the room where they were late on Saturday afternoon, they were all packing up the room ready for the grand dinner night, but I did manage to get at least one photo of all layouts present – I think! Sincere apologies to any that were missed – must try harder next time – 45th or 50th anniversary? Some people would like it to happen every year now they've been to one!
Because of the mammoth size of this event and some really special photo opportunities arising, which you will see in the photos, I have had to split this into instalments. Simply click on the links shown in the usual way to be taken to the different photo album instalments. If you didn't attend, I hope this provides a reasonably comprehensive illustrated record of what was a fantastic 48 hour event. If you did attend, I hope it gives you a souvenir and hopefully a reminder of what went on – although I am certain that many will have seen a lot of aspects that I didn't!
Part 1 starts us off with a selection of general snaps around the different rooms, some people that got trapped in my lens, a quick tour around some of the many clinics just to get some of the flavour, a mercifully short selection of murky photos taken during the Saturday evening grand dinner and the Minitrains competition entries Then as a prelude to the "main event" ie the models, we at last get to see at least a glimpse of the Saturday layouts and some of the models and Heritage Collection models in the display cabinets.
Part 2 concentrates on the layouts that were brought along for the informal and largely ad hoc Sunday morning session. In some ways this was the best part of the weekend. Wherever you went there were layouts, from micro to large, that just sort of "turned up" and were set up basically anywhere there was a convenient space and a plug. I'm sure there was some furious organisational paddling going on just beneath the surface but above it everything ran like a well oiled machine, everyone that I saw was enjoying themselves immensely, new friends were being made, the sun was shining outside for interludes on the terrace and all in all, it was about the best Sunday morning I can remember having anytime, anywhere!
Part 3 includes most of the layouts that were present for the whole weekend. A superb variety of layout sizes, styles and vintages ranging from a tiny layout on its first live showing in the
to several iconic layouts that have been regularly exhibited for up to nearly
40 years. Within this box of delights are included a couple of past Railway and
Continental Modeller "Railways of the Month", a forthcoming one (see the
December 2013 issue of RM out next month!) and a number of highly acclaimed award
winners. A truly splendid cornucopia of 009 modelling excellence indeed!
In the 1950's there was only one narrow gauge layout regularly published, the Craig & Mertonford Railway, the late Philip (PD) Hancock's masterpiece, that appeared in articles in MRN initially, from November 1950 and then in RM regularly right through the 1950's into the early 60's and then at irregular intervals right up to February 1993. Many will have read opening paragraphs to layout descriptions that listed PDH and the CMR as their inspiration to take up ng modelling.
Most of the original CMR was broken up but one part, Dundreich, survived and Malcolm MacLeod, with the support of the Edinburgh & Lothians MRC that now owns it, has painstakingly worked to restore it and managed to borrow much of the surviving CMR NG stock from the current owner, Lee Marsh just for the Convention. Dundreich at the Convention was a very special event indeed. For me, it was by far the highlight.of what was already a very special event.
Well, that has been my impressions of what was a truly memorable weekend. I hope that the 4 parts of my report have provided a reasonable record illustrating the atmosphere of the event and the variety of models and layouts that were there to be seen and enjoyed. We must all do it again sometime - but perhaps not every weekend or even every month!
Friday, 23 August 2013
10 August 2013, Wiltshire Group 009 Society Members Day and MOMING 13, Pewsey
The 009 Society Wiltshire Group's 14th Biennial Members Day has been and gone and if you missed it, you'll have to wait another 2 years for the next one! Approximately 200 (including participants) people did make their way to Pewsey and once again, it was a really splendid day out with 9 representatives from specialist traders and narrow gauge model societies; and no less than 20 layouts including 7 participating in Christopher Payne's 9th MOMING gathering, the 5th time they have joined with the 009 Society at Pewsey. If traders are prepared to travel from
Scotland and Manchester, as well as Birmingham and the West Country to spend
Saturday in a village hall in rural Wiltshire, then there must be something
special about it mustn't there? Huge appreciation to Andy Cundick and the
Wiltshire Group team plus Christopher Payne once again for their considerable efforts. Looking forward
to Pewsey 15, 2015 already!
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
01 June 2013, South West 009 Society Group (SWOONS) at the Exeter Model Railway Exhibition
A space in the diary, Exeter MRX with the traditional SWOONS heavy presence and, a realisation that it is 3 years since I last got to this excellent show! No excuses then and on a fine Saturday morning I duly arrived in Exeter to find a bevy of 009 layouts and a publicity stand camped just inside the entrance, so that everyone who came to the show just had to be educated about the 009 Society before passing on into the less exciting world of standard gauge layouts – although to be fair, some of them were very good! The only negative point of an otherwise excellent day was that the entrance hall has a very large dark green skylight, causing everything to be bathed in a ghastly turquoise coloured glow! My first 2 unedited photos show what I was faced with – certainly a photographic challenge, which I struggled to overcome!
Thursday, 2 May 2013
20 April 2013, 009 Society AGM and Members Day, Rainford, St Helens
This was my third 009 Society AGM trip to Rainford, Merseyside and for various reasons I have not yet managed a night's sleep beforehand, this year being no exception!. I dropped my son off at Heathrow at 9pm the previous night, got snarled up on the M6 around Birmingham and arrived in the car park at Rainford at 2am where I proceeded to doss down in the car – well worth the discomfort and sleep loss as at least I was in early and got 2 cups of tea with my bacon toastie! Thanks to the ladies and 5 stars already awarded before we even got to the scrumptious cakes! Superbly organised by Stan Williams and Merseyside & SW Lancs colleagues, an excellent show was opened by Pete Waterman, a great selection of layouts and a host of friendly modellers present. I hope you enjoy my photo impressions of the day!
Monday, 1 April 2013
16 March 2013, Sussex Downs 009 Group Open Day, Haywards Heath
The Sussex Downs Group laid on their 4th biennial open day in the 4th location that we have visited for the event in and around Haywards Heath - and I think this was the best of the four so far both for event and location! A very professionally organised event that attracted around 100 members and guest visitors and featured 12 layouts, mainly in 009 with trade support from Narrow Planet, Meridian Models, Rodney Stenning and the 009 Society Sales, Star of the show was the celebration of Evaleight, the group layout's 35th birthday with a joining of the all the sections amounting to a 50ft plus layout, which I make no apology for devoting nearly half of my photos to. Very impressive indeed! I had a great day in
as did everyone at the show
that I spoke to. Well done chaps - looking forward to 2015 already! Sussex
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
16 February 2013, Narrow Gauge South West, Shepton Mallet
3rd Saturday in February, easterly wind and chill factor makes it seem freezing, but the sun is shining brightly – must be NG South West! The annual Small & Delightful "do" at Shepton Mallet is a reminder that winter is nearly over and it is time for a big get together, enjoy some super modelling, enjoy the friendly company of like-minded boys and girls and eat lots of cake! Once again, Howard Martin and his team of "jolly helpers" put turkey farming, tractors and cider drinking to one side and pulled together to provide a memorable day out in Somerset for the nearly 600 paying visitors who joined the 100 or so already inside who were participating one way or another. I very much enjoyed the day, I always do, and everyone I spoke to shared the same opinion. It was, in short, a fantastic, friendly, informal and hugely inspiring experience.
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