Wessex Association of Model Railway Clubs

Welcome to our new URL and independent web presence. The external site map link has now been reset as have the search option with FreeFind and our Web Ring links.

General introduction. (Page updated 4 May 2008) Site update log

We are an association of Model Railway Clubs covering the Wessex area from Haslemere in the East to Burnham on Sea and Exeter in the West.

We are devoted to the furtherance of railway modeling in the area.

We co-ordinate exhibition dates to avoid clashes.

We are preparing a series of common "model" documentation sets to ease club's compliance with modern legislation.   The three critical topic items, the Generic Risk Assessment, Data Protection Policy & Equal Opportunities Policy documents are all now available.

We encourage clubs in locations where model railway exhibitions are not held to organise one and support them with finance, layouts and personnel.

The Association was formed following a proposal by Harry Symonds and Eddie Dowdell of the Solent Model Railway Group, Southampton in 1978. After a meeting held in Eastleigh agreement was reached and the Association founded. Initially 13 organisations were brought together in this common interest forum. The Association has expanded its activities and although membership fluctuates it is now around the 30 mark.

The Association holds 4 meetings annually across the region. A related interest item or short talk is also now generally held.

Associated clubs independently manage their affairs and no inspection or vetting of individual club standards of scale, gauge, technical or artistic competence takes place, nor is criticism of their mode of operation made. In the 25+ years since its formation the Association has developed and now runs an annual exhibition in different locations in the area. From the start it was recognised that many towns never see a railway exhibition and it was agreed that the Association should try to cover this gap to widen public perception of our hobby. The Association was formed to provide a forum for discussion of points of common interest between organisations active in railway modeling It was agreed from the outset that no preconditions were to be imposed. The constitution has been purposely left broad to allow a wide latitude of operation.

The association publishes a members exhibition diary on this site and as part of the minutes of business meetings to inform associated clubs and avoid dates clashing . A register is maintained of layouts available for exhibition use. The cost is minimal to cover minutes and postage.

Does your club belong to the Association? If not take a print of this page along to your Secretary. Further information will be gladly supplied by one of the Association's officers.