Much the same as last year the Northern Show was quickly followed by Figureworld North organised by the White Rose Military Modelling Society. I’ve yet to discover if there is actually a Figureworld South, but if there is I’m sure it won’t be as good as its northern cousin. Once again, much like last year the weather gods were on the side of the organisers as it was a scorching day. In fact it was so hot that Chris made the rare decision to wear shorts. Thankfully it didn’t snow, though his legs were probably just as white.
Only a small amount of space available for display, 12ft single depth, but the 8 who ventured forth made short work of filling it. I made the massive error of not checking what I’d brought for display and discovered I’d brought the wrong base for My Hawker Sea Hawk. I needed to find some way of making some tiny holes in the base, Luckily, the trader opposite was selling tools and he very graciously let me have some 1mm drill bits to solve my problem. Even better he didn’t even charge me for them. A big thumbs up to Brook’s Models whose website I’ll definitely be adding to my favourites.
Once my issue was sorted it was time for a quick tour around the venue. Some excellent items up for sale from the traders in the main hall but figures and busts aren’t really my thing. Some were tempted though, and I look forward to seeing the results. Always amazed by the painting skills on show with these models.
Lunchtime came around quickly and as it was absolutely gorgeous outside it was time for a picnic. One person who missed out though was Terry who eagerly opened up his bag, only to find that instead of packing the sandwiches he’d made, he’d actually picked up the bag of unmade rolls instead, and left his sandwiches behind. Doh! I would say sandwiches in kit form, but he’d actually left the rest of the ingredients behind also. Ah well, at least George will have enjoyed them by the time he got home. The only answer was to retire to the pub and drown his sorrows with a few pints.
After finishing lunch al fresco some decided to have a tour around the artisan market being held in the town square. It was too hot to walk back round to the stand, so I decide to drop the bag off through an open window. I didn’t count on Chris being handily available to take a snap of me and accuse me of stealing from the trader set up inside. The brazenness of youth.
As always, a couple of competition entries were made. The lads weren’t as successful as they usually are, with the exception of Gav who entered 6 models and came away with 5 medals; a bronze, a silver and 3 golds. Honestly, it was like Michael Phelps at the Olympics……”and the gold goes to, once again, Gav Snowdon.”
All too soon it was time to pack up and leave. The show is only in its second year but it’s quickly establishing itself as a must on the circuit. The venue is excellent, and it also has a large sports hall attached which could provide room for expansion if the show continues to be a success. The one thing I would suggest though is that if they continue to hold it on the hottest day of the year can the organisers, please arrange for an ice cream van! Ice cream on the lawn would provide the perfect topping to an excellent day out.
