Show attacked

[LesGros]

This thread has morphed into a hanging and flogging. I think we should keep on the topic.

Tim,

[Jol Wilkinson]

The event has attracted a remarkable amount of national media interest. BBC R4 6 p.m. News had what was probably the most grown up handling of it, while Sky News dealt with it in a positive, grown up, way.

Jeremy Vine's Radio 2 lunchtime Radio 2 programme also featured a piece in which Tim Watson of the MRC spoke eloquently, while JV showed what might be considered the "Man on the Clapham Omnibus's" lack of understanding of scale or gauge. Two enthusiast's, rather more representative of the general public's impression of a railway modeller, called in after Tim's piece and there was also a quote from a call by another, younger, modeller.

Some of the media pieces were more of the "grown men crying because their models have been broken". Whether all this exposure will have a longer term positive effect on the public's perception of this hobby remains to be seen. This event also calls into the question the security of some of the facility used for model railway (and other community, club or group) events. Likewise, the provision made by show organiser will need reviewing, something insurers may look into.

While the scratch and kit built models ruined can never be satisfactorily replaced, at least the £75K so far pledges will hopefully help the Market Deeping Club to move forward in a positive way.

[Phil O]

The total raised so far is now in excess of £81000. A fantastic response, I must say, but I can't help wondering if such an amount will become a liability in being able to use the funds in an accountable and transparent manner.

Phil

[LesGros]

The total raised so far is now in excess of £81000. A fantastic response, I must say, but I can't help wondering if such an amount will become a liability in being able to use the funds in an accountable and transparent manner.

A news piece today stated that the event was for a charity, the initial £500 sought was to offset lost revenue and that once the damage compensation was complete, the Balance would be given to a charitable trust.

Or to put it another way, in due course, the magnitude headache will lie elsewhere.

In my view, a sensible, step by step, way forward for the club.

Cheery,

[Terry Bendall]

Likewise, the provision made by show organiser will need reviewing, something insurers may look into.

Steps have already been taken in respect of Scaleforum but for obvious reasons they will not be made public. One of the downsides of the publicity is that all the low life who fancy an easy target for theft or vandalism just need to look out for publicity for their local show.


Terry Bendall

[Phil O]

The total raised so far is now in excess of £81000. A fantastic response, I must say, but I can't help wondering if such an amount will become a liability in being able to use the funds in an accountable and transparent manner.

A news piece today stated that the event was for a charity, the initial £500 sought was to offset lost revenue and that once the damage compensation was complete, the Balance would be given to a charitable trust.

Or to put it another way, in due course, the magnitude headache will lie elsewhere.

In my view, a sensible, step by step, way forward for the club.

Cheery,

Thanks Les,

Glad to hear that some of the good will, will be spread around useful good causes.

Phil.

[Philip Hall]

Where did the ‘charity’ comment come from, Les? It’s just that in all the things I have read on RMW and elsewhere, including comments from the club chairman, nothing has been said about it being a charity event, merely the club’s annual exhibition. Perhaps I’ve missed something?

Philip

[LesGros]

"Philip Hall"wrote:

Where did the ‘charity’ comment come from, Les?

Daily Mail, Tuesday 21 May - Robert Hardman column, page 17.

[Philip Hall]

Thanks Les, I missed that. Something in one of the local papers in Spalding has appeared where a trust fund is mentioned as well. As you said, a way to administer the funds and to help other clubs faced with rising expenses as a result of this.

https://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/ma ... -m97B7nS0Q

Philip