All aboard for working model railway exhibition

The first show staged by the Southdowns area group of the 7mm Narrow Gauge Association was a success. On display were 14 layouts in a range of scales and gauges.

Each had been put together in intricate detail to show industrial, narrow-gauge or light railways from around the world. They combined artistry with engineering.

Among those with layouts on show was former Bognor town mayor John Hayward. His depicted the fictional Hurlstone Manor branch line to a country manor house turned into a hospital and inspired by the Arthur Conan Doyle story, The Musgrave Ritual.

Mr Hayward, 67, created the 4ft x 2ft layout, his first in O gauge, with the help of fellow Bognor resident and miniature railway fan David Moss, 68.

"I've always been a Sherlock Holmes fan and I just liked the idea

of combining my love of his stories with that of miniature railways," said Mr Hayward. "David did all the engineering and I did all the arty bits."

A selection of trade stands completed the event, the first to be held by the area group, at St Wilfrid's Church Hall.

It raised funds for the campaign to move Barnham signal box and the L'Arche community in Bognor for people with learning disabilities.

Organiser Richard Rundle said about 275 people went along to the exhibition. He hoped to donate about 100 to L'Arche and the signalbox campaign once the accounts were finalised.

"The feedback from both visitors and the exhibitors was 100 per cent positive," he said. "It is highly likely we will repeat the event next year."

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