Editorial:
Due to the second national lockdown we've had to again revise our publication schedules, so firstly apologies for the fact that you're reading this issue a little later than envisaged.
Unfortunately, our interview with Charles Miller Auctions Ltd has also had to be postponed, but you can enjoy a little taste of hobby-related, 'cash in the attic' type, nostalgia on this month's Auction News pages.
On the subject of content, you'll see on the Letters pages that the Chairman of the North West Scale Model Boat Club's comments (aired last month) about the need for more balance and variety of subject matter in the mag has prompted some lively debate. As a newcomer to the scene myself, I genuinely have no thematic preference or bias, but I so empathise with reader Greg Lamb, who points out: "Isee few warships afloat compared to the sport runabouts, tugs, fishing boats and so on, but for that very reason / welcome the coverage of those in the magazine. / am less fussed about the boats / see every week (or did until lockdown Mk2) because of how frequently / talk to the builders of those boats". I, too, am all for expanding my general knowledge (especially as I'm a bit of quiz show fan) and I'm also always keen to try and gain a better understanding of what makes others tick, and why.
Naturally, as individuals there will be some subjects that simply leave us cold. Rather like good teachers, however, great storytellers can somehow breathe life into even the seemingly mundane. If you've ever watched David Attenborough enthuse over the ingenuity of ants or Brian Cox fascinatingly explain different aspects of particle physics in layman's terms, you'll know what I'm talking about. It's all about the infectiousness of passion, and passion is something this hobby has in spades.
I'm hoping, therefore, that whether you're a seasoned vet or a complete novice you'll give some thought to how you can compelling convey the passion you have for your own chosen specialism by sharing 'the learns' and trying your hand at feature writing. Don't worry if you're not the best at spelling, grammar or punctuation; what I'm really looking for, as outlined in my feature writing guidelines on pages 62-63, are stories that will intrigue and engage.
I'm now all spaced out (literally -I haven't started the party early!), so let me wrap up by wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year!
Lindsey