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I like the idea of VBD members getting together again in June at the NEC. I would certainly hope to attend to catch up with all you foreigners!!!

GHOSTHUNTER wrote:Greg, I fully agree that THAT is a proper Convention for model collectors and enthusiasts, but the whole costing of that type of convention must be quite high, money I suspect we would rather spend on models some of us are still chasing...

I could not help but post this below, not to get into an argument with Hugh ("Idris"), but just to pull 'MY' meaning of 'Convention' into line and I must admit what I imagine we would be doing at the NEC (Sandown Park), is close to the 2nd meaning, but even closer to the 3rd meaning on this 'Wiki' based list...

I very much doubt it would be possible or feasible for members of this forum to organise a proper model based convention along the lines of the old 'MICA' events or that event for July, in Alubquerque.

Ghosty.

Jim would know far better than me, but I would imagine the highest hurdle to clear on such an event would be negotiating a deal with a suitable venue for such a convention: a hotel or conference center. I'm betting they would want a significant deposit to reserve the space and time necessary to pull off such an event. That financial risk would be, perhaps, too much to ask any one individual to make. If Ghosty, by "the whole costing of that type of convention" you are referencing the registration fee, I can tell you that the registration for Jim's Albuquerque Gathering is $75.00 for the 150 people Jim can accept. This includes a lovely Saturday night dinner buffet (local southwest US cuisine), a special model from Mattel, the Saturday classes, etc. So I don't think the registration cost is a huge back-breaker that would keep the majority of collectors away.
It is my understanding that there are years (perhaps every year) where the registration fees do NOT cover the cost of the event that Jim sponsors, and that he, on occasion has, perhaps considerable, out of pocket expense.
Now make no mistake, Mattel would not likely have any interest in being involved in a "MATCHBOX" based event in the UK. But before we rule out the possibility that our VBD family COULD pull off a "convention" with events significant enough to lure people in from around the world, I think it makes good sense for someone, or some group from the VBD to enter into a dialog with Jim to explore the "behind the scenes" realities of such an event. There is a team of us that "help" Jim with the Albuquerque Gathering, but make no mistake, Jim and his family are the ones that make this machine turn each year. Jim knows and understands the ugly underbelly of such a beast.
I guess I make this appeal on a somewhat selfish basis. I treasure the notion that one day I will find the excuse/opportunity to travel to the UK. Heck, the "Davis" side of my family is rooted in Wales! But more importantly I'd love to shake hands and rub elbows with you folks, the VBD family. As much as I love these toys, I can honestly say the friendships I've realized through this hobby trump the toys themselves every time!

Thank you Greg for those wise words and an insight into Jim's hard work on the Convention, much appreciated I am sure by all those who attend. When you sit down and think who could now organize such an event in the UK, it is not clear, yes the old 'MICA' club is still with us wearing a new Dress and there are several websites and forums with a good number of members catering for the Matchbox collector, but who could actually pull off a traditional Convention, I don't know, not without looking into it seriously, but there should be something on the Calender for future collectors, surely!

I am no longer in a position to be deeply involved in organizing an event, I sadly can not attend every club nite for the model club I joined several Months ago due to being a full time carer for Father, but will always lend a hand when and if I can, in some sort of capacity, so will support such a convention in the UK when it happens, but I don't see one happening within the next Five Years!

GHOSTHUNTER.

If we do have a bit of a get-together at the NEC, I would also like to have a look at the colours/shades of the 10c Foden Sugar Container Truck.