ON Sunday the Annual Models and Collections Exhibition, organised by the Holsworthy Vehicle and Engine Rally committee, one of the most enjoyable events in the town's calendar, was held at the community college.

On display were model cars, trucks, tractors, military vehicles, trains, ships, planes, working models and a variety of collections, many of which owed their existence to the patience and skill of their owners.

A feature of this year's exhibition was the large number of ships and boats. Richard Bowden of Appledore had brought models he had made of schooners and ketches, all of which had worked out of the Taw and Torridge, including the 'MA James', which he had made out of wood rescued from the wreck of the vessel.

Robin Hepworth of Torrington was showing a 1/24 scale model of the 'HMS Portsham', a 1950's minesweeper, which he had taken two years to build. Nearby was a 1/200-scale model of the Japanese battleship 'Yamato', the largest and most powerful ever built, the work of Terence Pyper of Liskeard. It contrasted with Ron Fry's 1954 scratch built tug 'Channing' and four Caledonian MacBrayne working scale model ferries, made by Ernie Warwick of Boscastle.

Among four railway layouts, was Richard Chapman of Plymouth's narrow gauge complete with a turntable over which ran American trains. Another belonged to eight year-old Ben Briggs of Bude, one of several young people taking part. Military vehicles were much in evidence, notably a collection of radio controlled jeeps and tanks with guns that fired, brought by the Plymouth Armour Crew, who were at the show for the first time.

One of several impressive models was Phil Vanstone's model fairground rides, including roundabouts and a chair-a-plane dating from 100 years ago.

Each year this show astonishes visitors when they see the amazing items people collect as a hobby. This year there were matchboxes, nutcrackers, pen knives, Rupert books, lead soldiers, AA badges, scythes, old postcards of Bude and Stratton, unusual candles brought by Bill Luxton of Marhamchurch and some model VW Beetles collected by 15-year-old Rebecca Ede of Holsworthy

No doubt the many hours of pleasure those displaying the models and collections derive from their hobbies were equalled by the enjoyment they gave to the visitors who came to see this wonderful display. At the end of the afternoon the trophies were presented by the Mayor of Holsworthy, Cllr David Smith, his deputy, Cllr Becky Buckingham, and the Portreeve, Major Mike Johns.

Results:

Best in Show — Dawn and Maureen Masters; Best Railway — Richard Chapman; Best working Models — Phil Vanstone; Best Boat — Ron Fry; Best Collection, Best Unusual Collection — Bill Northam; Best Die-cast Collection — Dawn and Maureen Masters.

This event is the prelude to the Holsworthy Vintage Vehicle and Engine Rally which will be held on the show field at Killatree Cross on Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28.