The 23rd MICA/MATCHBOX CLUB CONVENTION MARCH 2008

Although the official programme didn't start until the Saturday, the annual golf competition was played on the Friday afternoon; Andrew Daniels won it with Mike Searle and Kevin McGimpsey one point behind. This year we had 8 players, 2 of who were from Australia and 2 who were 2 ladies. A well-organised event and our thanks are extended to Eddie Cooper and his team.

The dress code of jacket and tie (hats are optional) is religiously upheld...as can be seen here!

The MICA Banner 2008

The Holiday Inn were overjoyed with the response to their Friday evening carvery with some 80 conventioneers take the opportunity to eat well at only £15 a head. John Moore and Ron Calcott had their toy show up and running from the Friday afternoon until lunchtime on the Sunday. It was well supported and attended by conventioneers and non-conventioneers. We even had a couple of collectors (ex MICA members) who flew in from Germany, just to attend the toy show and do some bedroom trading too. Nice to see you all enjoying the weekend's attractions.

Lionel Harber hides his wallet just in time...

On the Saturday, the MICA desk opened at 9.30. Conventioneers registered, some participated in the Silent Auction, some bought raffle tickets and most inspected the 100 plus auction lots.

The afternoon talk was by Paul Carr, who talked for just over 2 hours on his times at Lesney and Matchbox as a mould engineer and later a model designer with the Research & Development team. It was a superb talk aided by some 150 images. Time stood still for the 75 conventioneers in the audience. Paul had them truly enraptured with his stories. Did you know that Paul even attended a swapmeet on the morning of his marriage? Paul's talk was afterwards voted as being the best one heard at a convention for many a year.

At 5.30 those conventioneers who had booked their places by 1st October queued up to collect their complimentary Code 2 models. There was a choice of Models of Yesteryear (Holden), Dinky (DY8 Commer) and Miniature (MB44 Ford T).

More tables

Dinner was called at 7.15 when our own Club padre, the Venerable Donald Keegan said grace. The room had 15 tables (145 conventioneers) and each table was decorated in green due to the proximity of St. Patrick's Day. Mattel UK had very kindly made for the convention, 400 great metallic green Clubman models and Kevin took these around to the tables just before the starters were served. Thanks Mattel. Nice gesture.

Spot prizes were hard fought for before the first course. There were over 50 raffle prizes on offer as well as 15 expensive ladies prizes. Barbara Birch did a great job selling tickets. Thanks to Jenny Dunkley for donating an especially made teddy bear for the ladies raffle. Much appreciated Jenny.

After dinner, Kevin presented a bouquet of flowers to Jo Hopper whose husband and enthusiastic collector, member and conventioneer Martin, had been tragically killed in a road crash only a couple of months earlier. Next was the award of the MICA Star Trophy, the annual award for services to the Matchbox hobby or to the club. Last year's recipient, Stewart Orr who had co-founded MICA with Kevin in 1985 was called upon to present it and surprised everyone by re-presenting it to himself. Fair enough, considering what a great 'Matchbox' servant he has been for 2 decades. Maybe there will be a new winner next year.

Mike Bicknell official photographer...

A draw was made for free tickets to the 2009 Convention based on the completed booking forms received that morning and the Cooks from Bristol won the price worth £66.

The auction of 100 lots began at 10.00. The average prices of the 'free' dinner models were £60 for the MOY and the Dinky and £20 for the miniature. Although bidding was a little subdued and confined to some 20 members, there was a good sale through rate, and both sellers and buyers seemed pleased with the auction

The Sunday morning continued with the toy show in the hotel.

Maybe, we will see you next year in Newport near Cardiff...

Details of the 2009 Matchbox Convention in Newport, South Wales

The 24th Matchbox (MICA UK) Convention…

Dear Matchbox collector,

The forth-coming 24th Convention taking place on Saturday 4th April 2009 in Newport in South Wales is open to members and their invited guests.

We hope that you join the Matchbox Club and come to this very special event - it is always a great party revolving around our Matchbox hobby.

The Hilton Hotel is a 4 Star hotel, conveniently situated on the outskirts of Newport andd has all the modern amenities expected by conventioneers such as swimming pool and leisure club, tea making facilities, hairdryer, satellite television etc. The hotel has a car park and this is only costs £3 per day.

We have agreed the following weekend rates - £41 per person based on two sharing a room (£82 per room). This rate includes a full breakfast. So once again great value (£6 per room less than the 2008 Convention) especially if you can make a long weekend of it! The normal rates would vary between £100 and £140 per room. For single occupancy the room rate is £72.

There will be an interesting programme on Matchbox on the Saturday afternoon and an evening auction. There will also be a 'leisure time' slot on the Saturday between 10 and 4 with a coach being hired to take anyone interested into Cardiff.

Also on the Friday there will be a game of golf for the annual MICA Golf trophy.

The Convention booking form is available to members when they log into the members' section.

So we hope that you will join us at the convention. They are always well attended and numbers are restricted...so hope to see you there...

Kevin and the team