Message from Exhibition Secretary 2014

I hadn't realized that the Ellesmere Show was only two weeks away until I got this email from Gordon the Exhibition Secretary, and as you will be able to read the weather is in a small part effecting us, but not in the serious way of those poor people in the south!.

Here is his email in full  

Sods law rears its ugly head as usual when you are trying to organise something! With the terrible weather last night putting a block on having a quick talk to members about the above show, can you please put a reminder about it to those who wish to go and show boats/have a sail/ or just simply attend, on the main blog page please.

The show is on Sat/Sun the 1/2nd March at the Boat Museum, Ellesmere Port. For those showing boats the venue is open on Friday P.M. for setting up, or Saturday 8.00am to 10.00am. If you arrive after that time the back gates will be shut and you will have to go in the main entrance, and PAY.

I have put together the attached for anyone who intends to show their stuff, can you cut and paste it somewhere?

Lastly and this is where sods law really gets in the way, I am going into hospital next Monday and don't know what state I will be in for the next 2/3 weeks or so, consequently may/may not be fit for the next meeting, or even the show itself, so Geoff Garside has ‘kindly’ offered to stand in for me (his arm is recovering well after I twisted it behind his back) and will be flourishing lists round at the next meeting for names of members who will be showing models, as I am hoping over the next few months to generate a data base of those who like to show off their skills, and get some idea of the standard of the models, so if we are short on space, or looking for particular classes of model – I will know who to call upon.

Cheers,

Gordon

Here is some very good advice from Gordon on showing your models to the best advantage and showing the club stand at it's best. 

                                             

Please take a minute to read this if you intend to exhibit a model

·         Most exhibitions use tables that are 2ft wide (often doubled up) so where possible models around 4ft long, or less, are best.

·         Please only bring models that are worth putting on show, probably two maximum (bring as many as you want to actually sail) and not ‘stand-off’ models! They may look fine on our lake but people are seeing them close up and your detailed workmanship (or lack of it) reflects on our Club!

·         Take time to clean it and check it over beforehand, nothing looks worse than a boat out of the attic covered in dust and fingerprints, or with bits missing, or hanging loose.

·         If you have clothing with the club logo please wear it, also your membership badge must be worn.

·         Try to engage the public as they walk past and look at the models. The best way is to ask them a short question – it’s very difficult for them to ignore you that way. For example - Have you ever built anything like this? You look puzzled, can I help? Can you see the detail here? Are you local? Etc. etc.

·         Attending a display stand and maybe having to stand around all day can be both boring and very tiring. Try not to look uninterested – with arms folded leaning against a wall,  or clustered together in a group chatting and ignoring the public – They have paid to be there!

·         Ensure at all times that at least one member is on the stand, especially when there are young children about, to them our boats are toys – and even some adults can’t understand the words ‘please do not touch’!

·         We all need to have a break and a coffee/lunch, but try to keep it as unobtrusive as possible and don’t leave cups, lunch boxes, etc.  lying around amongst the display.

Lastly enjoy the day, arrange between yourselves times to go off and see the rest of the exhibition, or time to have a sail.

Gordon Longworth – Exhibition Secretary.

.............................................................

I was at the lake on Thursday 13th, and after the previous night when the club meeting was cancelled at short notice due to the weather , it was dry and just enough wind to please the sailors!, also met a couple of newish members who you can see in the members gallery so you will know them next time to see them.

Then it was off to the Cafe for a warm up and bite to eat and the usual chat with the members, catching up with the news and upcoming events, a nice day out!.

I'm sure you will join me in wishing Gordon a speedy recovery after his hospital visit.

That's all for now folks.

...............................................................................