February 2008 saw a new exhibition venue for model railway fans in North Kent. St Johns School Historical Society staged its initial exhibition on the schools Rochester road, Gravesend premises on Sunday 10th February.
The event was staged by Year 11 pupils from the school which has a lively and active historical society. In addition to organising the exhibition and other projects, the society has published a number of interesting books on the experiences of WWII veterans and other aspects of historical interest of the two World Wars.
A varied number of exhibitors were present with layouts and exhibits from local model railway and modelling societies of gauges varying from ‘O’ through to ‘Z’ , together with stands representing other transport interests such as shipping and road transport as well as marine modelling.
For those wishing to add to their collection or starting out in the hobby, a number of trade stands were also there selling a wide range of goods. Other stands were there representing local railway preservation and enthusiast societies. An excellent refreshment and snack bar was laid on for the benefit of visitors and exhibitors alike.
The only disappointment was that the exhibition coincided with the temporary closure of the nearby A2 trunk road which unfortunately saw heavy traffic diverted past the school which inevitably restricted visitor numbers
Altogether a splendid effort by the pupils, who started without any experience of this type of exhibition and managed to put on a varied and interesting show. We look forward to the next exhibition planned for later in 2008 which it is hoped will include other modelling and miniature hobbies.
Bob Poole