AMID the current furore of the loss of our building societies, it was good to attend the recent model railway exhibition at the North Bridge Leisure Centre. In contrast to the background of our current existing situation, here we had a super example of what British working people can achieve given the opportunity and incentive.
Any of the models displayed showed the extraordinary skills required to make a convincing model railway, all of which could, with advantage be encouraged in children and young people.
To the loss of our building societies, we can add the loss of our industry, power and commodities It is, therefore, not surprising we have trouble in society, given the general loss of true morality.
The positive skills needed to produce a model railway include a knowledge of basic structural engineering and building, electronics and electricity, additionally a knowledge of geology and the use of art in producing the scenery, not forgetting certain computer skills!
I would make the observation that all of these skills are those which desperately need to be regained for the future health of the country.
Like any worthwhile activity, model railways is one that needs to stick so the pleasure of producing something is a lifelong activity which, at the very least, will help keep us out of the worst of trouble at least in the early years.
Graham Rigby