May 2007
1. The first issue of business for this meeting was our annual summer barbecue. As with last year, the club will cover the cost of pop and burgers completely. Every member is asked to bring something else (desert, salad, chips, etc.).
The barbecue kind of snuck up on everyone (including the President.... oops...) this year. Because of this, it was decided that the event will be held in July, rather than in June as is tradition. There’s no particular reason for it to be in June anyway, so the change is no problem.
Cam Hastings was kind enough to volunteer to look at hosting the event. He still needs to sort out some logistics, but he was the only voice to come forth and offer his assistance with this important part of the event.
It should be noted here that a lack of having a member volunteer to hold the barbecue WILL result in the CANCELLATION of the event.
Cam said that he was flexible most of the month, so all members should check their calendars so we can set a date at the next meeting. Also, someone else should be ready to volunteer to host the event in case it doesn’t work out at Cam’s.
Just as a note, I’m going to say that the 14th is not good for me and my brother, so if it can be another week that would be great.
2.) The second topic was the Westmount Library demo for the 12th of May. The room has been set aside and the display case is full. Show fliers and club fliers should be on hand in abundance.
Also, members participating should be at the Library about 9:30, so that they can set up. The event runs from 10:00am until 2:00pm. Bring a kit, some tools and have fun working on a model and chatting with interested people coming to the library.
3.) Third up was the show. A new Show Flier is now available. However, we need vendors and sponsors, so everyone is encouraged to go out and hit the tarmac to get us some of each.
4.) As it turns out, the 12th of May is also the Spring Muster at the RCR museum. While it is little more than a potential concept, the idea was put forth of perhaps marrying our demo day to this event, since there is a distinct historical tie in. There are a lot of details yet to be worked out, but Dennis Glas said that he’d attend that and see how it was, and we’ll get filled in on what went on and the feasibility of doing a demo out there for the future.
5.) The website is coming along, although the transfer of old stuff to the new format is quite time consuming. To this end, Scott Taylor and Stuart Clark have been working hard. However, it seems it might be more expedient just to bring the content over to the new website and leave it in the format it’s in, for now.
6.) Doug Booth gave an excellent demonstration on the art of stretching sprue. This is apparently one of those ‘dark ages’ kind of techniques which has been largely obviated by the appearance of extensive photoetch and other aftermarket goodies. Still, the technique has its uses, and the demonstration was very interesting.
There was also a hands-on tutorial, where old hands got to re-acquaint themselves with this black art, and neophytes could test their beginner’s luck.
7.) The show and tell table was kind of small, with a few books, a few primered kits and a Panther in the box, plus a P-59 in 1/72.
8.) The turn out was a bit smaller this time, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, since we were still in the small room. However, starting next month, we will be in the BIG room full time! The big room has also been booked for 2008 in its entirety, so we shouldn’t have to get too cozy with each other from now on.
Next time:
It’s the great ‘Wandering in Circles Event’! Namely, it’s time for our annual Swap Night! Bring your kits and see what you can sell to your neighbours, as well as what gems you can find for yourself.
All that, plus 50/50, show and tell and a barbecue update. Be there!