A regular attraction on the final day of Stamford’s famous Mid Lent Fair, the model show’s popularity was evident as the organisers announced that all space had been taken several weeks prior to the event. This is down to the hard work put in by local fair supporters Andy Hill and Terry Baker; afterwards both expressed their satisfaction with how things went.
The United Reformed Church Hall in Broad Street, part of the fair, was filled with some outstanding models from Ian Watts’ large trucks in the foyer to Michael and John Molden’s huge Capriola built with Meccano on the stage at the far end.
Steve Manning’s models of Silcock’s transport appeared here for the first time, Andy Hill had his No 1 Waltzer fully built up with his No 2 Waltzer alongside on the loads and the articulated living trailer by Pete Drew was superb in every detail.
For many years the Festival Big Wheel of Charlie Farrell graced the fair and Rod Sherwood brought along his detailed miniature version and Ray Wilson’s Dragons were shown for the first time alongside Ray’s Cake Walk.
Also contributing to another excellent show were Darren Smallwood’s Psycho House and Miami, Martin Cooper’s Mirror Maze, Mick Reynolds’ Ghost Train, Ian Johnson’s Super Bob, David Jones’ Lego models, David Arthur’s Swingboats, Pez Thomas’ Arthur Holland Speedway, Kevin Racher’s Rock-o-Plane and Crazy Bulls, Paul Curzon’s Waltzer, Dave Homer’s Dodgems and transport, John Penfold’s Noah’s Ark and Octopus, Dave Wilson’s Paratrooper, Paul Beetson’s Big Wheel, Chris Gibson’s 1/76 Dodgem track, Chris Partridge’s Dragon Master’s Lair and transport in various scales, Richard Franklin’s Gallopers, Andrew Grover’s Cake Walk and Paul Needham’s Waltzer and Miami.
Model funfairs came from Pete Bullimore and Geoff Bolton, with further transport from Dave Spray, Dave Hargreaves & Sacha Jones, and John Jennings’ loads, with Steve Earl’s living wagons.
Bill Warder’s organ stood at the entrance with Hayley Johnson bringing the Fairground Society book stall, Terry Cornell displaying his photos and Carl Burton his hand painted signs.
This article from our correspondent David Springthorpe is published posthumously.
