October 2006

1.)   Those who were at September’s meeting got to experience what a session in the big gymnasium room at the Kiwanis center is like.  It turns out that most of us really liked the bigger room, and there was a consensus to find out if it was possible to get the room for our 2007 meetings.

In the past month, the President has been in contact with the Kiwanis Center management and scheduling department, and requested the room for the meetings.  It turns out that it IS possible to get the room starting in January 2007!  However, the cost increase is significant. Currently, the room rental for one night is about $45.  The rental fee for the new room would be about $70-80.  This would put more of a strain on the club’s finances, but would definitely provide us with a room that has considerable growth potential.  After some discussions, it was decided that the club will pursue the use of the gymnasium for 2007.  To offset the costs, a suggestion was made that the Treasurer determine what kind of a dues hike would be needed to offset the cost of the room.  Another suggestion was that dues be increased by $10 for next year to help pay for the difference in rental costs.  This is what is being done, the vote being nearly unanimous.  The Treasurer will report on the increase in dues at the next meeting.  

2.)   On the topic of room, Bobby mentioned that he was looking to find a bigger place for the informal Wednesday build-up meetings.  He will be sure to pass on the information as soon as he has it.

3.)   Discussions were also held regarding finances in general.  Ways in which to trim club spending were discussed, including finding a newer and cheaper web hosting service for the club website.  The Treasurer is looking into this.

Other places to trim included the BBQ and Pizza night, which have traditionally only been PARTIALLY subsidized by the club, not wholly as for this year.  This is definitely something to keep in mind for 2007. 

4.)   T-Shirt orders were finalized and most people brought in their money!  To them, we of the Executive extend our thanks.  A check for the shirts was cut and given to Bobby for delivery to What’s Up Clothing, the T-Shirt provider.  An ETA on delivery has not yet been established, but hopefully they will be here in time for the Christmas meeting in December.   A few people still owe money for their shirts. They are:

1.)   Peter Fay - $5.502.)   Cam Murdoch - $5.503.)   Brent Conron - $5.504.)   Don McCall - $5.505.)   Rob Essery - $5.506.)   Harald Sydness - $9.00

Some of the above have already contacted either the Treasurer or the President about their respective situations.  In the case that you are on this list, please make sure you either bring your money to the next meeting or you find some other way to get the money to the Treasurer (stu.clark@gmail.com) or President (agrehorn@uwo.ca). They deployment of a force of TNA (Trained Ninja Assassins) will be considered as a final option for payment collection.  We hope not to take it to this level! 

5.)   There was no IPMS London Show update, as there wasn’t a lot new to report since the last meeting.  However, Mario has distributed about 300 flyers to date at various shows.  Way to go!

6.)   On the topic of shows, a motion was presented and passed to extend sponsorship to the Ajax Show on the 28^th of October.  The decision was made to sponsor two categories (of the organizers’ choice) at $15.00 per category.  This comes out of the $100 Sponsorship fund approved earlier in the year.

7.)   There were a number of new faces this time around, including a couple of gentlemen who build cars (including a fabulous Charger junker!) and one who builds 1/72 aircraft.  It was awesome to see new people out to the club, and it is our hope that they will return next time!  While it was a bit crowded, the new room should alleviate this for next year.

8.)   As always, there was an excellent show-and tell table.  This month saw an exceptionally varied mix, with everything from big bombers to tiny fighters, some WWI cannons, cars, scratch built trucks and even pre-built powered suits!

9.)   Our monthly seminar series this time was on using videos as modelling references by Dennis Glas.  Unfortunately, there was a hardware conflict, so we were not able to watch an episode of Canada at War as planned, but this did not detract from the well-researched presentation.  A number of worthy sources for modelling references were discussed, and the pitfalls of using such references were also dealt with.

10.)     The final piece of business was a discussion on possible seminar topics for next year’s meetings.  No responsibilities were assigned, but they will be next time.  Please consider a.) what other topics you might like covered and b.) if you would be willing and able to help out with a presentation on any of the following topics:

1.)   Photoetch – handling and techniques (armour and ships)2.)   Groundwork for dioramas3.)   Airbrush techniques (demonstration hopefully)4.)   Kitbashing techniques5.)   Decal making6.)   Making water and waterlining ships (Dave Walter said he would help on this)7.)   Sci-Fi modelling seminar8.)   Soldering and the use of white metal components

9.)   Rigging and stretching sprue10.)   Painting techniques for large figures/busts11.)  Swap meet

 Times and presenters will be discussed at the next meeting! 

Next Time:  Our monthly seminars will continue with a presentation on modelling WWII German Armour (something that seems to be a favourite subject of many).  Ed Kubiak will be in charge so you know there will be lots of good stuff coming our way! This, plus show and tell, seminar planning and our after meeting get together at Kelsey’s West. 

See you then!

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