Hi Ken,
I live just outside of Hereford off the Brecon Road.
I'm a member of the Worcester model boat club, but only get to sail 3 or 4 times a year on the club waters.
There's a lake about 500 yds from my home that I have used occasionally but the access isn't easy with my bigger boats unless I have a helper. (Sugwas Pool Country Park).
In the summer months we try to go to the vintage and steam shows if they have a model section and usually take 20 to 30 boats for my display. Along with my wife's model vintage vehicle display.
But an invitation like yours and Nerys is too good to pass up.
Cheers and hope to see you soon, happy sailing Colin.

Hi Guys
I attach three photos of the NDMBC Stand on Remembrance Sunday. I was on duty back home delivering the Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph at our Parade.
My colleagues toured the stands of attending clubs with invites to our Open Day on 27/28th June at Earls Barton, Northampton. See our website for entries if you are interested, using the "events" link thanks

Sounds like a date girl, and I think Caroline would like to meet you as well, we usually have our picnic stove and associated items in the car on our boating days. Looking forward to seeing you both.
Cheers Colin.

Hi Colin,

Ken could give you that date because he attended the committee meeting last Saturday while I skived off to Warwick. We sail at Cold Knap Lake, Barry. CF62 6YU. Lakeside parking. cafe and toilets, about 200yds, but Alice and I produce cups of tea and you'll be able to try my sausage rolls. Will look forward to meeting you.

Cheers, Nerys

Thanks Ken, I'll have to add it to the boat calendar, where is the sailing location.
I almost forgot congratulations on the promotion.
Cheers Colin.

Colin, I'll certainly let you know the dates, As far as I know the plan is to have two open days, early and late, then the other club with whom we share the lake will be holding one in between.

Cheers, Nerys

That's a wonderful idea Nerys.
Let me know the dates and I will try to fit it into my diary.
Cheers Colin.

Hi Colin,

Didn't realise you lived in Herefordshire. We actually live in Ammanford which is 50plus miles from Barry. but I sail there out of nostalgia because I used to float pond yachts on the lake before the war. Why not come to one of our open days next year?
I too am in hospital on Tuesday. operation for a new fistula. Realised earlier that as it's going to be on my right lower arm, will they tell me I mustn't use it for a month or something silly. Luckily everything for the next few weeks on the barge won't require much effort.

All the best. Nerys

Hi Nerys,
I'm sure we'll meet up soon, Barry isn't so far away.
I have to go to Newport on Tuesday to see the surgeon who did my knee, I have been having a couple of problems with it, so he wants to have a look to see what is wrong.
Luckily my knee doesn't affect my ability to work on the modelling, just arthritis, eyes and memory problems. But having a wife who loves to get involved with the modelling helps no end.
I look forward to seeing you and your models, bye for now, cheers Colin.

Hi Colin,

I kept looking for gentlemen who looked something like your avatar, but didn't see anyone I felt confident enough to go up to and say 'Are you Colin'? Had I known your wife was with you, that might have made things easier as there weren't that many ladies present. I was looking out for somebody looking like you with a grandson, but without success. Perhaps we'll try again next year. Pleased you met up with AMBO, they are a nice crowd. I expect you spoke to Richard Chesney, the secretary. Of course Alice was with me, she was pushing my wheelchair!.

All the best, Nerys

Hi Nerys,
sorry we missed you, problem is that I didn't know what you looked like.
We thoroughly enjoyed the day, got a few bits for the grandsons boat.
I was really inspired by the model barge owners display, and they were very helpful in giving me advice and they were the only stand that had free information booklets. Likewise my wife was truly impressed by the friendly team.
The only other really helpful team was knightcote MBC. They offered me help with my vintage rc equipment.
If only I had found you I'm sure we could have managed a chat over a cup of tea. I take it Alice was with you to stop you straying off with anyone.
The one thing that keeps me modelling is my grandson's imagination. I don't know how he thinks but he has some wonderful ideas, especially with building stuff in lego and meccano.
Got to go wife's calling, it's dinner time. By for now, cheers Colin.

Once again a good show a few new boats on the stands thank goodness.A bit of let down by less dealers . Now squashed into two instead of three days the car park was full.

Home from the boat show. Great Show. Felt sorry for everyone leaving who had to walk a long distance in the pouring rain.
Looked out for Colin and Grandson, but didn't see them. As a Thames Barge enthusiast, it was good to meet up with the Association of Model Barge Owners. Some lovely models on the stand as there were throughout the show. Found quite a few bits and pieces to buy from the trade stands as well as picking up an order for bits for my current barge project from Dave Watts, Mastman. Altogether a very successful day, but I would liked to have met Colin.

Cheers, Nerys

Hi Ian, I tend to regard the Midlands as home waters as I lived there for many years until I returned to Wales five years ago. 'Venta' was converted to a yacht at a boatyard where I was working in the late forties.

Cheers, Nerys

Hi Nery's No problem, if my memory is correct Les has actually been aboard Venta many moons ago. Best take a ration pack with you as it sounds like you could be nattering for quite a while.
BTW Has Fleet Admiral ( RN Munich) sanctioned sailing into foreign waters of the Midlands?
enjoy Ian

Many thanks for that ikseno, I'll certainly visit your club stand, Thames Barges are my passion, so any chance for a chat about them, is eagerly sought. I remember the full size 'Venta' when she was still sailing.

Cheers, Nerys

Hi Nery's We have not communicated before. All the best with medical challenges next week.
I hope you enjoy the show, unfortunately I shall have to miss it, due to being Joint Chair of a Royal British Legion Branch and will be on Parade. Looking at your Barge, it may be worth you dropping by our club stand, Northants & District Stand R and having a chat with Les our resident, ex London, Thames Barge model builder and sailor. He is exhibiting three barges. I attached a couple photos of "Venta" underway. Just a thought, safe journey and enjoy yourselves. Ian

Yes, I'm looking forward to it, I know I have an uncomfortable week medically next week leading up to it, so it's something to look forward to. It's about a four hour drive each way for us, so we've booked into a Travelodge for Friday night then will drive home after the show on Saturday.

Cheers, Nerys

How I envy you the visit Nerys - was the one show never missed when living in the UK . The long trip from Bournemouth was no deterrent as it was always good with something different - Remember being floored by the rowboat crewed by skeletons.........
How nice being able to see such a variety of things available too...........