Model Railway Exhibition 2025
Another Successful Exhibition in Newton Aycliffe.
The 15th running of the Rotary Great Aycliffe Model Railway Exhibition took place on Saturday 22 March, when with partner Shildon Model Railway Club, enthusiasts from across the North of England and beyond flocked into the town.
Over 20 working layouts in scales from “N” to “O” and periods from the 1800’s to the present day, demonstrated the skill of railway modellers in not only building the layouts but also the ability to move them around the country and set them up and running in just a few hours.
The trade was represented by 11 stands selling the wide range of locomotives, carriages and wagons along with track control equipment and scenery to complete a working layout.
As always the Tombola did a roaring trade as did our famous bacon butties, all helping to support this year’s beneficiary charities, The Five Acres Charity for young people and Parkinson’s UK.
Three trophies were presented to the winners of the various categories:-
John Henry Jones Memorial Trophy for Best in Show voted by the Exhibitors – “DORLINGTON” by Brian Winwood/
The Hardaker Memorial Trophy for Best in Show judged by our visitors – “GRENDALE” by Peter Grant.
The Edwina Burrows Memorial Trophy judged by the personal choice of the current President of Rotary Great Aycliffe – “MEGSDORF” by Raven Miniatures.
The first two trophies were presented by Cllr John Clark, Mayor of Great Aycliffe Town Council and kis wife. The third being presented by John Burrows.
Dave Scott, Exhibition Manager, stated “ We had an excellent day demonstrating the joy of railway modelling to visitors of all ages. We are grateful for the support of Shildon MRC and also the assistance of the local Air Cadets”
Toys – Toys – Toys and more toys!
After a huge donation of toys from Tesco Newton Aycliffe a group of Rotary Great Aycliffe members gathered to catalogue and sort ready for future events and to support less fortunate families with Christmas 2024
HUGE SUCCESS FOR RAILWAY MODELLERS
The Rotary Model Railway Exhibition held on Saturday 23 March, organised by the newly formed Rotary Club of Great Aycliffe, was a huge success with well over 500 visitors. From as far away as Edinburgh and Wolverhampton. at the Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre in Burn Lane.
The 23 working layouts, in a wide variety of scales, attracted a lot of interest, especially “Thomas the Tank Engine” for the young children and “Dorlington” with it’s cameos from film, television and real life, for the big kids,
The 10 trade stands did good business selling new, “pre-loved” and all those little bits that are so hard to find.
Winner of the John H Jones Memorial Trophy, voted for by the exhibitors, was “Foxton Town” from the Foxton family.
Kevin and Maggie Smith, from Whitby, won the Hardaker Memorial Trophy, voted for by the visitors, for their “Sandy Bay” layout.
The Edwina Burrows Memorial Trophy, where the winner is the personal choice of Club President Geoff Knapton, was “Penna Lane” by Colin Batchelor.
Rotary Great Aycliffe would like to thank Great Aycliffe and middridge area Action Partnership, the Great Aycliffe Town Council and our partner organisation Shildon Model Railway Club without whom the event would not have taken place.
John Burrows – Event Manager 28/3/24
Model Railway Exhibition Radio Tees Interview 14/03/2024
Click here to listen to the interview
Great Aycliffe Rotary Club thank Aldi
President Geoff Knapton is pictured with Melissa Longstaff, manageress of Aldi, Newton Aycliffe presenting her with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of Aldi’s support of the Great Aycliffe Rotary Club last Christmas in allowing the club to collect in store to raise funds for much needed local and Rotary causes.
Many thanks go out to Melissa and her fabulous staff for helping to make the collection a fun and enjoyable time for all from all who participated and we look forward to working together in the future
A huge thank you and well done to all who participated in the Aldi collection campaign, over £1700 was collected, A brilliant end to our first year as a new club.
A big thank you to Melissa and all her staff who made everyone feel most welcome and to Shildon Model Railway Club for their participation and support, roll on 2024 and on to bigger and better things
Remembrance Day 2023
Rotary clubs remembering together
President Jean Thompson of Rotary Newton Aycliffe and President Geoff Knapton of Rotary Great Aycliffe paying their respects together as one. Sunday 12th November 2023
Beginning of a New Era
Tuesday the 7th November marked the beginning of a new era with the presentation of the official chain of office to President Geoff Knapton, the first President of the Newly Chartered Rotary Club of Great Aycliffe.
A fun evening with laughter and cheer was had along with finalisation of forthcoming fundraising events including our Christmas collection at Aldi which is being well supported by club members plus Shildon Model Railway Club who will be bringing along an Elf, a Snowman and a mini Santa Claus to help raise funds
The Gang is All Here
From little acorns etc.. Rotary members and friends gathered for our special night
Rotary Great Aycliffe is Chartered
25th September saw our President, Geoff Knapton, receive our official charter from Steve Rose our District Governor and member of Darlington Rotary Club
WHAT IS REMEMBRANCE?
REMEMBRANCE HONOURS THOSE WHO SERVE TO DEFEND OUR DEMOCRATIC FREEDOMS AND WAY OF LIFE.
We unite across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. We will remember them.
Everyone is free to remember in their own way, or to choose not to remember at all.
Extract taken from the Royal British Legion Website, click the poppy to read more
