Nick's Notes

[Nick]

I've booked a room in the Telford Mercure hotel for next year. It's only reserved on a free cancellation basis but the price includes breakfast and is still cheaper than the Premier Inn. 
Travelodge will only let you book 11 months ahead but I will try them again in December to see if they are distinctly cheaper.

The dates for SMW 2022 are 12-13 November 2022.

[The Wooksta!]

I rebooked the Ramada for next year when we checked out on Sunday morning. Already have the email confirmation.

[Nick]

I rebooked the Ramada for next year when we checked out on Sunday morning. Already have the email confirmation.

I tried them and they're already fully booked. How many rooms did you reserve? 

[NARSES2]

Premier Inn prices fluctuate, sometimes on a daily basis, dependent on how busy the hotel is. I got a decent deal on Sunday, plus the hotel is good for me in terms of access to both station and hotel.

[PR19_Kit]

I've booked my room at my daughter's place for the next ten years already............. 

[The Wooksta!]

I rebooked the Ramada for next year when we checked out on Sunday morning. Already have the email confirmation.

I tried them and they're already fully booked. How many rooms did you reserve? 

Two singles.  One for me, one for the branch secretary who is also my transport.

[Nick]

Oh dear. I've done it again. I've been tidying up. 

The low winter sunlight shows up all the dust around the room and I am repeatedly tripping over boxes. The available area on my workbench has shrunk to postage stamp size and I can't find half the tools!
So I started wiping off all the dust, throwing out junk, putting things where they should be, and generally making the place presentable - not that anyone else goes in there.

It's looking good so far. Apart from all the shoeboxes. Part builds, bagged kits, spare parts, oversized kits, completed models, display overflow..... Aaargh! 

And then there's all the old magazines that I haven't looked at in years. But I will do one day. Or will I?

[NARSES2]

But have you found anything you didn't know or forgot you had yet ? 

[Nick]

But have you found anything you didn't know or forgot you had yet ? 

Of course I have! 

In one box was a Novo Gannet and an Airfix Skyraider. In another was a set of brushes and a Heller Alpha Jet. Goodness knows what is in the others 

[NARSES2]

In one box was a Novo Gannet and an Airfix Skyraider.

That would be an interesting kit bash 

[Nick]

I went for a drive out yesterday to Stevenage to pick up some Xmas shopping. While there I spotted a model shop on Google Maps, just across the road. This being a New Town it meant driving half a mile up to the roundabout and going back down again to get into the industrial area.

SC Models www.scmodels.co.uk is in a small unit, warehouse and shipping is downstairs with the shop up stairs. Their main deal is R/C cars and they have a fleet of vans that go out to events to sell parts. One large shelf is half tanks, half 1/24 cars and some aircraft - all Tamiya. Massive range of Tamiya, Vallejo, Ammo Mig and AK. Staff are very friendly.

Then I went on to The Model Box https://themodelbox.co.uk/  out on the A6 near Barton le Clay. Small little shop in a shopping village next to The Olde Watermill. Must be nice there on a hot summers day, enjoying tea and cake while sitting by the pond. But not yesterday!
As I said it's a small shop but stocked floor to ceiling with Airfix, Revell, Tamiya, MisterKit, Meng, Valom, Italeri, etc. Very helpful chap behind the counter, prepared to order anything I wanted.

After that I went on to Letchworth and David's Bookshop who have a very good selection. At the back is their second hand and reduced price section. Free parking outside for an hour, or free for 3 hours in Morrisons up the road, if you're going that way.

[Nick]

I went up to Middlesbrough for Christmas to stay with the family up north. Took Dad with me to keep him company. We had a good time over the weekend with everyone. But he is hard work.... after 3 days I was ready to dump him on the side of the A1 and let him make his own way home. Mood not helped by all the traffic delays on the way home.

I didn't get any kits for Christmas and it looks like I'm not getting any more this year. I've got enough as it is!

That said, I did get a decent haul for Christmas. Socks, hankies, lots of Maltesers, a new beard trimmer and some books. Plus enough shower gel and deodorant to open a shop - think they're trying to tell me something! 
Dad gave me a bottle of Laphroaig (unwanted gift from my sister) to see in the New Year - he got 3 bottles of Jamesons for Christmas!

[Nick]

It has been confirmed by the NHS that I have caught Covid and must self-isolate until 12th January. The only early way out is to have 2 negative tests this weekend.
It feels like having bad flu. I'm coughing and sneezing, feel tired all the time and my head hurts.

[DogfighterZen]

Take it easy and get well soon, mate.

[Dizzyfugu]

Be careful, get well!