Re: Midlands Model Engineering Exhibition 2024

[Laurentic]

You seem to have given yourself a big job Mike, organising a MEM stall at this show and having to deal with an alien (to us) way of working a show, but I for one am very grateful that you have.  The proof will be in the pudding as the saying goes, and I and sure that the proof will show a success and maybe, just maybe, convince the organisers that an alternative vision of how a show should be run not only exists but adds to their show.  Well done for taking it to them.  See you there!

Chris

[Vixen]

Hello Chris,

Thanks for saying that, very much appreciated. Yes, there is a lot to organise and much more to come. I don't mind doing it; it's my way of repaying a dept to the hobby which has given me so much pleasure over the years.

It all started immediately after last years Midland 2023 show. A number of people commented on the sterile rows of unattended locos on display with nobody to talk too. The 'drop them off on Wednesday, pick them up on Sunday' may have been very convenient for the organisers but gave little though to the needs of the exhibitors themselves. Many MEM members expressed the desire to bring our models (our life's work??) for only one or two days. Non of us are getting any younger and may no longer have the endurance or finances for more days. Most expressed the need for more freedom to interact and talk with the many visitors.

Jason advised the show organisers to read the discussions on the MEM forum to get some genuine unbiased feedback on their show. They did, and have agreed to make big changes to the arrangements for this year. So, I have the cooperation of the organisers and loads of enthusiastic volunteers from the MEM members who are within reach of the Midland show ground.

We have a basic plan, which is acceptable to the show organisers, but it shows we a a bit exposed on the Sunday. However, I have until the end of August before I need to finalise the stand manning and provide a manifest of the models and their daily movements. It's a long time till then and longer to the show, lots of things and circumstance could change in the meantime, so I don't intend to try to cast the plan in concrete until August at the earliest. Who knows what can or will happen? We need to stay flexible.

Looking at the stand manning and models on display we currently have:

Thursday: Vixen with a selection of radial and GP engines      Simplyloco with his triple steam engine

Friday:      Vixen with a selection of radial and GP engines      Simplyloco with his triple steam engine  Twizseven with a selection or stationary engines and other small engines

Saturday:  Chipmaster with a selection of stationary engines   Charles Lemont with his cam grinding rig   Twizseven with a selection or stationary engines and other small engines

Sunday:  Chipmaster with a selection of stationary engines, supported by a friend to man the stand.

That's how it looks at the moment, we can still shuffle things about before the end of August, when we know how things stand.



Thank you all for your help and patience.

Cheers   

Mike

[Twizseven]

Mike,
Hoping I will be okay for October as I go in for Prostate Surgery Monday morning next week (24th).
Regards,
Colin

[Vixen]

Colin,
Good luck, I hope all goes well and you recover quickly.

Regards

Mike

[Admiral_dk]

Best wishes Colin - both for the surgery and a speedy recovery.

Per

[Twizseven]

Thanks guys.

[Jo]

Hope it all goes well Colin 

Jo

[Twizseven]

Surgery all done successfully, now back home, just 1 night in hospital. 

Now for recovery, feel very bloated and as if been trampled by herd of cattle.

No workshop for a few weeks.

Hopefully should be fully fit for show..

Colin

[Vixen]

Well done Colin,

That is really good news to hear.     Take it easy and recover in slow time.

I wouldn't like to be trampled by a herd of cattle, certainly not in that region. 

Mike

[Jo]

That's good news Colin, fingers crossed for a swift recovery.

Jo

[Vixen]

Well, things are not going exactly to plan for the 2024 Midlands Model Engineering Exhibition. There is a danger, we will not meet the minimum requirement of manning the MEM tables for each of the four days and may be forced to cancel and pull out

Firstly, I have not been feeling too good for a while. Actually, I have not made it out to the workshop all summer. Regrettably, I will have to pull out from participating in this years Midlands MEX. Maybe, try again next year?

Secondly, I have just been informed that Simplyloco has also pulled out, due to conflicting family commitments.

Third, I have not heard from Colin (Twizseven) following his recent operation, so don’t know if he will be fit enough

This puts our previous plans into complete disarray. The stand manning and models on display were to have been:

Thursday: Vixen with a selection of radial and GP engines      Simplyloco with his triple steam engine

Friday:    Vixen with a selection of radial and GP engines      Simplyloco with his triple steam engine     Twizseven with a selection or stationary engines and other small engines.

Saturday:  Chipmaster with a selection of stationary engines   Charles Lemont with his cam grinding rig     Twizseven with a selection or stationary engines and other small engines.

Sunday:  Chipmaster with a selection of stationary engines, supported by a friend to man the stand.


What can we do? Obviously, we need more members willing and able to display their models for a day (or two). We also need someone to take over the roster and co-ordination with the show’s security and administration.

Any thoughts? Should we just call it off?

Mike

[pirmin]

a Pitty that i am not UK BAsed 

[Jasonb]

If no more takers by end of day I would let Avril know of the situation even if a final decision can be delayed.

I'd be inclined to let Avril know as soon as possible and suggest she makes it an "internet forum" display and opens the space up for the likes of MECH, HMEM and ME forum members who don't or can't do the whole 4 days. At least then she has time to sort things and give people reasonable notice.

[Jo]

I'd be inclined to let Avril know as soon as possible and suggest she makes it an "internet forum" display and opens the space up for the likes of MECH, HMEM and ME forum members who don't or can't do the whole 4 days. At least then she has time to sort things and give people reasonable notice.

It takes a lot of organising to arrange a display/stand (herding cats comes to mind  ) so  I can't see the Midland's organisers wanting to take it on.

There is plenty of time: don't tell them yet or they will just cancel the opportunity.

Jo

[Chipmaster]

I’ll stick with it and cover Saturday and Sunday,  ‘tarnhelm’  will be with me on the Sunday.
Andy