Model Railway enthusiasts from many parts of the country have helped to raise over £2000 to support MacMillan Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer UK
Organisers of this year’s Model Railway Exhibition staged by the Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe have voted the event ‘another huge success’.
During the day, over 450 visitors to the Youth and Community Centre venue in the town enjoyed 23 working layouts, 10 trade stands and 4 preservation society exhibits.
Visitors included Rotary District Governor Len Burns, Durham County Council Chairman Bill Kellett, and Great Aycliffe Mayor Cllr Wendy Hillary.
“We were delighted with the support we received from near and far again this year, with one visitor coming from near Inverness” said Rtn John Burrows who headed the organising team.
The Hogwarts layout, built by a Newton Aycliffe resident and member of the town’s Rotary Club, attracted a great deal of attention but the layout which swept the board was “Canalside Ironworks” by Dave Atkinson of Penrith. He won both the John Henry Jones Trophy for the best layout as judged by the other exhibitors and The People’s Choice Trophy, judged by the visiting public. This is the first time this has ever happened in the nine years of running the exhibition.
The John Henry jones Trophy is in memory of “Johnnie” Jones who helped start the event and was presented by his Granddaughter Charlotte Iceton.
Rtn. Tony Robinson, President of the Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe, said later: “This exhibition is now accepted as one of the best railway exhibitions in the North East and is an excellent method of bringing visitors to the town whilst benefitting important charities”.
Main Photo: County Council Chairman Bill Kellett and his wife and Rotary North East Governor Len Burns and his wife with Aycliffe President Tony Robinson.
The winning Model
Mayor Wendy Hillary with consort Jed and Tony Robinson
Ellie and Tillie Smailes search for the hidden unicorns in the eye-catching Hogwarts layout, designed and built by Brian Winwood from Newton Aycliffe
Charlotte Iceton presents Trophies to Dave Atkinson of Penrith watched by Exhibition Organiser John Burrows and Rotary Club President Tony Robinson.
