We did a survey of our visitors a few years ago and one of the items was the excellent models on display. Not in admiration, but I could never do that, and ignored, treated like museum pieces! We started looking at beginners projects, on-going building etc.

Also we thought about the club's exhibit and eliminated the 'pod' system where there is no access to the cowboys in the middle of the drawn up waggons and the Indians circling. But encouraging exhibitors to be near the visitors and happy to talk and answer questions. We also suggested they might try and gain some new members!
Roy

Yes Roy, you're several steps ahead!
It's very difficult here, as everyone who manages these places just walks around with dollar signs in their eyes, like Disney's Banker Duck. . .
But at least we're seeing an increase in free art in schools again.
Perhaps this could be the first step towards model making.
At least I was able to take the phrase "I can't do that" away from my grandsons. You can see how I adapt, change and improve some things 2 or 3 times. Even now, with the Mississippi steamer, they have seen how something can be spontaneously adapted and recreated.
Positive demonstration: there is a solution for everything, even if it has to be adapted several times. This is called tinkering. .
Read you soon!
Michel-C.

This is a subject close to the heart of the Big Model Show we put on each year in St. Albans. All of our visiting clubs are asked to do something to interest the younger visitors and it seems to be working.

We have around 500 to 600 children attend ( we sell around 2000 tickets) with parents and grand parents over the 2 days. You might expect it to be pandamonium but there is just a buzz in the air, no screaming. Outside there are train rides and have a go RC boats, live steam etc.

We have a lovely man who brings in the makings for small flying aeroplanes. He does more 'business' with us than he ever did at Alexandra Palace.

Meccano is well represented and has small things for the young to operate and attracts a lot of interest. Meccano comes in very cheap kits to make a specific model. We have 3 rooms of it including the big stuff.

Lego is also graded for age groups and come in from a few pounds upwards. Sadly not represented this year and I have really tried!

The first thing it is necessary to do is get the young to manipulate scissors, do up nuts and bolts and generally use their hands. This seems to be missing from general education at the moment. There must also be genuine interest and guidance from adults in attendance to get them past the 'I can't do this' bit.

Even making paper airplanes and flying them is a start. Joining in and feeling part of things is also good, coupled with encouragement.

If you are near us come and try our Big Show in St. Albans Herts. See our flyers. Allow at least half a day!
Roy

I wish I had the answer.
Over the years my wife and I have tried various methods to get our grandchildren interested in making things for themselves, even very simple things. An example of this were the cotton-reel crawlers - quick and easy to make, and great fun to race. Interest in these lasted a few minutes. Just not 'hi-tec' enough I guess.
We then tried simple sling shots or trebouchets. Again, a few minutes interest only.
Club 500 racing was more success, but that is not making stuff.
I believe that in today's world youngsters expect things to happen as quickly as the hi-tec equipment they use every day, and if it doesn't then they lose interest straight away. But how we can change this I do not know.
Answers on a post card please ! 😉

Mike a good morning
as a member of 2 clubs this is the thought that goes through my mind
HOW CAN WE STIMULATE YOUNGSTERS TO DO MODELBOATBUILDING ?
they are very busy with school, sports and definetely with tik tok and social media.
I think it is the disease of the present times. In the 6o ties there was no cellphone, no tik-tok, no social media. May be we have to live with the present situation. No youngster or father with son has present themselves to join our club.
You must be a very happy grandfather that your two grandsons are enjoining modelboatinng
keep on going strong
regards
Herman

Hello everyone,
We babysat our grandchildren for two days from Sunday and surprised them with two things.
Firstly with camping, they were allowed to sleep in a tent, and secondly with building a watercraft with simple things.
See for yourself . .
Hobbyist greetings,
Michel-C (Pensioner) with grandchildren Gabriel (11) and Samuel (8)

Ps: We made 2 of them, to each his own!