Exhibitionpostponed- coronavirursisksandrestriction'stoogreat'
THISyear'sWarleyNationalModel RailwayExhibitionplannedfor Novemberat the NationalExhibition Centre(NEC)in Birminghamhasbeen postponeduntil 2021.
Doubtswere raisedasto whether the exhibition would go aheadwhen the NECwasconvertedinto an NHS NightingaleHospitalto aid the fight againstcoronavirus;it is currently in standby mode despite receivingno patientssinceit openedin April.
Extensivetalks and consultations were held to discussseveraloptions allowing for socialdistancing,including attendancenumber restrictionsand a one-waysystem.However,it was decidedissuesrelatingto Covid-19 meantthe riskto exhibitorsandthe publicweretoo great.
ExhibitionmanagerNigel Smith said: "TheWarleyNationalModel Railway Exhibitionis all about showingthe best layouts,trade and other exhibitsto promote model railwayof all sizes. "Close interaction is part of the experience, particularly for the younger visitors.Social distancingand other measures meanswe cannot interactwith fellow enthusiastsaswe would wish. "Weconsidereddifferent options, variousscenariosand restrictionsthat could be imposed.
"Runningan event with the currentCovid-19 relatedrestrictions - socialdistancing, restricting attendance numbersand dictating the direction of peoplearoundthe hall - would have impacted negativelyon the experience of those attending and thereforethe very essenceof the show:•
Plansarenow underwayfor a show to take placeon November27-28, 2021.Advanceticketsfor this year's now-cancelledshowwill still bevalid for next year.Refundscan be requested via email:showtickets@warley-mrc. org.ukor alternativelyby sending your tickets and a stampedaddressed envelopeto: WarleyMRCExhibitions Ltd,Unit 1F,PearsalDl rive,Oldbury, WestMidlandsB692RA.
Youmustincludethe nameto whom the refund chequeshould be made payable.
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