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Cliff's Column
...............................List No. 83..... June 2008
Dear Friends, worldwide,
I have pleasure in posting this first full update of
2008.
It hardly seems six months since the previous
posting, although a supplement was issued in April 2008. Despite trying to 'shed' my business
activities I still find my time fully occupied by all the interests in which
I am involved. As mentioned
previously the website will be updated perhaps just once or twice each year..Much
as I hoped I might reach 100 lists,.this target now seems doubtful, as at two
per year it will take me another 9 years to get there!. However, if I count all supplements I have
already exceeded the target!
General Observations
I still attend toyfairs but not so widely or frequently,
as a result of increased motoring costs and the diminishing returns.
Within these pages...
There are very few new items to offer at this time,
and indeed the list is much shorter than the previous postings, but I hope
the 'thinning out' will perhaps enable you to make an easier choice To save
time I have not shown many pictures, but a picture of any item can be
supplied on request, although it is time-consuming to do so.
Hints and tips
An early response is recommended if any item is of
interest, but you may still find that an item has been sold or reserved prior
to your call or letter.
Get-togethers
The HRCA Thames Valley Group now regul-arly attracts 80
or more guests each month. See Toyfair Diary for meeting dates I also organise occasional meetings on an
ad-hoc basis purely for Hornby running. These will be listed as 'Binns Road
meets'.
My own 'Reading Vintage' toyfair continues to
be perhaps THE BEST for vintage toys only. The next event will be our 34th. and will
be held on Sunday 19th. October 2008, with the usual number of
tables (approaching 200) and many exhibitions already booked, (Hornby trains,
Meccano, slot-cars, etc.) The event is
held at Reading's Rivermead Centre which has good facilities and is within
walking distance of the railway station.
The Big issue.....
Our programme of events under the 'Big Southern'
masthead continues, with an evening toyfair at Petersfield (Hants).four times
per year and a special ’trains-only’ event each December in
Fleet, Hants.
Keeping in touch
I will continue to send occasional lists to those of
my customers who have regularly supported me. Others may contact me by letter or e-mail
or meet me at toyfairs.
Are you signed up?
I recommend membership of the following
associations/societies to those of appropriate persuasion:
- The Hornby
Railway Collectors'
Association (HRCA).
- The
Bassett-Lowke Society (BLS)
- The Train
Collectors Society (TCS)
(for
any make of toy and model train).
- The Bowman
Circle
- The Bayko
Collectors' Club
If you would like details of membership please ask
me for a form or the name of the appropriate contact.
Minimum order value
Because of the time involved in packing parcels, I
am obliged to adopt a minimum mail-orde value of £10
Please.....
allow time for me to deal with your orders. I employ
no staff and can deal with one thing at one time only!
I try to despatch parcels within a few days of
receipt of order/payment, but please allow up to 21 days before making a
follow-up enquiry. Each premature enquiry tends to slow up the whole
process!
The small print.........
The placing of an order against this list indicates
your agreement with the Terms and Conditions of Sale. If you wish to consult them, these have
been included with previous lists or a copy will be provided on request.
Please make sure that you read and under-stand them
from time to time.
and finally (before turning the page)
I send warm greetings and look forward to hearing
from you in response to this mailing and I hope I may meet many of you over
the course of the next few months.
Cliff Maddock
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