Easter usually means York Model Railway Show. Sadly for various reasons this year, for me, it doesn't. I can't remember the last time I wasn't there as either a visitor or better still, exhibitor.
It's the feelings associated with the later I missed this morning. For some reason York feels different to any other show I've taken part in. Perhaps this is because the day usually starts with an excellent breakfast followed by a short stroll from the hotel to the racecourse venue through a city I love. Or maybe it's just the tang of anticipation before three days of (hopefully) business. Even when the weather if iffy, the day always seems to dawn bright.
There is much more of a community feeling amongst those behind the barriers than you normally find. We have probably chatted to each other over the breakfast table. There is a good chance we'll visit the same pubs in the evening. We know we are going to be sharing a show for three days. Many of us have known each other for years and took the opportunity to renew friendships on the Friday afternoon setting up session.
Of course York is a wonderful city. In springtime the daffodils are out on the walls, tourists are wandering the streets and you are part of something, not just a visitor. Maybe this is it - for most shows you turn up, spend two days in a shed on the outskirts of town and see very little of the place you are staying. Three days allows for a bit of exploring - in the good old days we used to have four and the show was in the centre of the city so the delights of buskers and excellent bakers were mere minutes away.
The show is excellent too. Big enough to entertain for the whole weekend and with trade capable to emptying your wallet if you aren't careful. After all, it's a shame to go away an not come back with a souvenir isn't it ?
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Missing York
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