Toy show draws diverse interest
THE annual Millstreet Vintage Club Model Toy and Diorama Show attracted hundreds of enthusiasts to a hosting in Dromtariffe Community Hall.
Organisers welcomed young and old and the show covered a wide area of models in addition to rally memorabilia and dioramas of farm layouts, quarry scenes and truck displays.
Exhibitors from home and abroad travelled to the show to display their own collections.
Organising spokesman Donie Lucey expressed delight at the overwhelming response to an event that will ultimately help local charities.
“We’re over the moon about the quality, the size of the displays, the value and the presentations are unbelievable. Its our fourth staging, not only did we fill the main hall but five additional halls are also full,” he said.
Donie added that Model Toy Shows are very popular and a great pastime for children and their elders with farm machinery and farm presentations adding to the diversity.
“Because I collect miniature rally cars, we put a different twist to it and the Millstreet Show is a great cross section with a balance from farms to cars, trucks and railway”, he said.
The flourishing Millstreet Vintage Club continues to grow with upwards of 40 members actively involved.
“Many of them have their own specific interest but for different stagings, everybody falls in to give a hand. The hosting has become an annual event on a traditional date in Dromtariffe where exhibitors are delighted with the response”, said Donie.
“Whether one harbours a passion for model vehicles, have kids who love tractors, cars, or simply like the social aspect of this exciting event, there was something for everyone to enjoy,” he said.
Exhibitor Noel Dempsey from Cork city attended, with his match stick models of famous buildings – from the Taj Mahal to the Eiffel Tower – which drew huge interest.
“Over the past decade, I have developed an interest, the matchstick project can be slow and laborious but I enjoy the experience. It could take 12 hours a day over two months to complete a project such as the Taj Mahal,” he said.
Patrick and Daniel Burke, Rathcoole joined by Cillian and Aoife Healy at the Millstreet Vintage Club Model Toy Show. Picture John Tarrant