For well over thirty years people have been trekking to Skegness in Lincolnshire during the summer to attend what is now the country’s biggest exhibition of Meccano models. Organised by a willing band of volunteers from the NMMG this premier event draws people from many British and foreign clubs.
Your Committee is pleased to announce that SkegEx 2020 is continuing with its new mid -week slot and in 2020 it will be on Wednesday & Thursday 27/28 May (schools’ half-term holiday) with usual set – up on 26 May. Plans will be made – and announced later – for a buffet or similar event on the Wednesday evening.
The booking enables us to remain in the part of the town that attracts tourists and allows us to use the considerable scope and reach of the Embassy’s publicity machine. At the same time hire costs will enable us to live within our means with the £10 table fee.
Each year there are prizes for the top 5 models, voted for by all the exhibitors, and the Issigonis Shield is awarded to the first place. A raffle with Meccano sets as prizes is also run.
Children are especially welcome and we are proud to have a special section run by Wendy Miller to look after their Meccano interests.
Skegness abounds with cheap but excellent accommodation. The local Tourist Information Centre is opposite the theatre. Call them on 01754 899887.
We look forward to greeting you all again. Please make sure you are able to stay right until the end.
For a look back at last year’s show (and much more!) check out Greg Webb’s gallery on Flickr- https://www.flickr.com/photos/gregwebbphotographer/albums/72157709686765332
Finding Skegness
Skegness is situated on the east coast of Lincolnshire some 30 miles north east of Boston and is accessible by both road and rail. It is a traditional English seaside resort, particularly known for its fine beach and famously ‘bracing’ climate.
The Embassy Theatre (PE25 2UG) is arguably the best known venue in Skegness and is located on the sea side of the sea front on Grand Parade, about 100 yards north of the famous Clock Tower.
Nearby parking is in the council car park directly behind the theatre, accessed from the beach road beyond the Clocktower.
Access to the hall itself outside normal theatre hours is via the stage door area adjacent to and accessible from the car park: Disabled access is provided to all facilities and there is a lift between floors in the foyer area. The theatre is equipped with licensed bars where meals are available and there is plenty of space to relax outside the actual hall itself. Cafes, restaurants and pubs a-plenty are found outside the hall.
Please note that there is a table charge of £10.00 for all exhibitors.
East Lindsey District Council is the landlord and again imposing certain conditions.
a) Car park passes will not be available.
b) Restrictions on entry and exit via back door, to be used only for unloading and loading models and sales.
c) Exhibitor badges must be worn at all times for entry and Exhibitor passes available for spouses and partners.
All enquiries to Geoff Brown 01522 790422 or gfnbrown@btinternet.com
Members of all Meccano Clubs and Guilds who wish to exhibit are traditionally welcome as guests of the NMMG, though if you intend coming for the first time, it would be a courtesy to ring or e-mail Marion to make sure that you are expected. Please note that there is a table charge to all exhibitors of £!5.00 to help defray costs.
Members wishing to exhibit should check in with Marion at the stage door and sign the Visitors’ book. One of the Stewards will then help them find space and get set up. The display tables are provided with power sockets below and special table covering cloths so it is not necessary to bring one’s own covering. Any incidental damage to table coverings, e.g., fouling by oil drips, should be reported to the stewards. Generally, the exhibitor concerned would be expected to have the cloth cleaned himself and returned in good order.
Public Liability insurance for the event is taken out by the NMMG. However, under-18s are deemed to be under the control of their parents. Other than in the special case of the Children’s Section, no NMMG member or visiting exhibitor should assume responsibility for other people’s children.