The Little World

And not because the old ones are wearing out…because new people have new ideas. The scale modelling club I joined a couple of years ago had an annual general meeting and it looks as though there is a need for fresh blood. Not just on the Xacto knives, either. We need more members.

I am surprised that this is a concern, given that I see so many fine, new models in the hobby shops. As well, there are far more paint and spraying options than ever before, and it would appear that we will all be very happy. It’s just that the club would be happier if we were happy together.

I agree, as I have found that companionship increases the pleasure of the craft considerably. If one were dedicated beyond schedule, one could devote three days a week in the club rooms and complete most tasks on-site. Of course most would not have the freedom to do this, and make use of home workshops and home time to fill in the workflow gaps. But the weekly visit goes a great deal of the way to socialising what would otherwise be a solitary confinement.

The pressure on the young to stay away from scale modelling can be severe, and it is not always from the wallet. Peer pressure to do something kewl and family pressure to do something academic or work-related can rob young modellers of their opportunities. Everyone wants a piece of the young person’s life without taking into account what they themselves might wish. The pressure to do other things is always at the expense of hobby time.

It can be the same for the working man or woman. Chores, employment, household duty…all combine to marginalise model making when the skill and passion might be strongest. It is a lucky young person or worker who can step aside from the requirements of other people and suit themselves.

How lovely to arrive at some sort of retirement with some sort of money and to claim the right to dispose of one’s own time to one’s own satisfaction, This may be the most fertile ground we will have for additional membership. It drew me in and fills the void that many seniors feel. I hope the management committee can think of a way to market the idea to other retirees.