Trends, fashion, and technology may come and go, but one hobby has consistently stood the test of time in Shoebury thanks to a group of dedicated fans.
The Shoebury Model Railway Club is celebrating its 52nd anniversary this year with its members - many of whom joined as children because their parents had a love for trains.
However, recent claims the hobby is at risk of “dying out” prompted music mogul and model railway enthusiast Pete Waterman to speak out about his 57-year-long passion.
He told the BBC: “I’m 77 years old, and for 57 years of my life I’ve heard that model railways are dead”.
Despite fears the hobby is dwindling, the Shoebury Model Railway Club is still going strong, with more than 7,000 followers on Facebook alone.
Member Roy Fryer joined his dad at the club’s first ever exhibition in 1972 and has been a member for decades.
He said: “It’s hard to believe it was 52 years ago that I attended the club’s first exhibition when I was just six years old. My dad was a member, and we took our OO gauge layout to the exhibition. I joined as a junior, and later in the 1980s, I became a member of the club.
“We are a friendly group of ladies and men who like a good laugh and joke, and drink plenty of tea and coffee. There is always something you can get involved with in the clubhouse.”
The club was formed in 1972 by a group of British Rail workers who were also model railway enthusiasts. Originally, it was based at Shoebury Railway Station before moving to a purpose-built clubhouse in in the early 21st century.
Chairman Trevor Grout said: “Our aim is to promote model railways as a valuable and fulfilling pastime.
“Whatever the scale or gauge you might be interested in, you are bound to find someone who has a similar interest. Whether you’re an expert or a novice, you are sure to find much of interest, maybe inspiring you to join in or even teach others new ideas.”
Every year, the club holds exhibitions which are open to the public. For more information, visit the website: www.shoeburynessmrc.org
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