KNARESBOROUGH PLAYMOBIL EXHIBITION

[playmofirth]

Plans are beginning for an exhibition of Playmobil at the Scout Hut of 1st Knaresborough Scouts, Wetherby Road, Knaresborough in February 2011.

I should perhaps explain that I am the Chairman of the Committee of the local scouts group (including Cubs and Beavers).  We have a reasonably large scout hut.  We are constantly looking for fundraising opportunities and I was inspired by Skypurr’s exhibition in SW Scotland (see “Kirkbean Playmobil Exhibition” thread).  I have suggested that the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers put on a similar exhibition.  We have space in the hall and car parking outside.  We also have plenty of tables for displaying sets on.

My family has a substantial collection of Playmobil, though it is modest by the standards of many who appear in this forum.  This would form the basis of the exhibition.  We are asking parents of other Beavers, Cubs and Scouts if their children have Playmobil items that we could include. It might also be an opportunity to sell sets their children have outgrown.

I am looking at including the following themes:
Knights; Pirates; City Life (incorporating Rescue and Police); Construction; Airport, plus some Racing Cars; Underwater Exploration; Space; Vikings.

I plan to use some sessions with Cubs and Scouts to build base boards and dioramas.  Most of the displays will be fine with painted flat boards.  I would like something more dramatic for the Vikings (seascape), alien planet for Space.  The Underwater display should involve suspending the models over a sandy base.

This would be promoted in the local area. I attach a draft poster.  Please note the date and entry price have not been finalised yet.

I am looking for a couple of things from Playmofriend members if they are able:
•   Would you like to be part of the exhibition? 
   o   Perhaps you have a set that would enhance a theme.
   o   Perhaps you have a separate theme you could bring.
   o   Perhaps you have a train that would help animate a scene.
•   Do you have any material that could be used to entertain children?  I am particularly thinking of outline pictures of Playmobil Klickies that can be coloured in.  We have plenty of crayons and coloured pencils.

[skypurr]

This is a great idea, to involve the whole Scout group, I was involved with Scouting for many years (an Akela for nearly 15 years!) and I know my cubs would have loved something like this.

As regards colouring pages, the ones we used were Macgayvers:
http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=4094.0
I asked Michael and he was very happy for me to print them out and use them, and children loved them.

Have you asked anyone from Playmobil for help?  They sent me posters, catalogues and cds.  I will pm you the contact I used for this.

I'm not sure if I would be available to take part but will give it some consideration when you have a final date.

If you need help with anything else just pm me and I will do what I can.

Elaine

[playmofire]

As Elaine says, that's a great idea and if the date's right, I'll gladly come.  It's maybe a shame that from being about 14 miles from Knaresborough I now live about 60 miles away, but that's life!   

I can bring a train and also fire and rescue stuff and general stuff.  Maybe if I experiment between now and then with a rail layout including city life/country life items in a wide meaning of the words.

I will second Elaine's suggestions of contacting UK Playmobil.  They provided me with stuff in the past for displays.

[basilsdad]

I think this is a wonderful idea.    Could you use some extra klicky children?  I have a few that I can donate.
Joe

[playmofirth]

Thanks for the responses.   I'll reply to each of you by PM.

I am happy to hear from any other collectors in the North Yorkshire area (or wider) who might be interested in getting involved.  I have a fairly comprehensive list of my present collection I can send out (1.5MB).

Playmofirth

[playmofirth]

An update.

Playmofire, Flatcat and Walts-trains have all expressed an interest in getting involved.  Basilsdad has taken an interest and donated some klicky children.

At present I am talking to Damo about a Western Themed display.  This is a stand alone element - a display on its own.

Gordon has suggested some elements he can provide to a City Life theme, while Walter has a pretty substantial train system he can provide.  I am particularly interested in Walter's layouts as he is geared to letting children see and use them and can be flexible on size.  I need to weigh up the best way to merge these elements.  Please post any photos, or links to photos, of items that might be included here.

I can tell you that the hall is 41ft by 27ft.  I'll look at providing a scale drawing here soon along with some photos.  I am already excited at the prospect.  I think I'll have to start work on the Pirate display soon.

Mark

[skypurr]

Have you decided a definite date yet?  If you could let me know when you have I can work out whether I'll be able to make it too.

Elaine

[playmofire]

Have you decided a definite date yet?  If you could let me know when you have I can work out whether I'll be able to make it too.

Elaine

Yes, I also need to know this to be sure I can attend.

[playmofirth]

Have you decided a definite date yet?  If you could let me know when you have I can work out whether I'll be able to make it too.

Elaine

I am still looking at the last weekend of February - Saturday 26 Feb and Sunday 27 Feb. This is the end of the half term holiday and allows for setting up time on the Friday, and other preparation before.

[playmofirth]

Here is my scale drawing of our hall with a possible layout of displays.  Its is a pdf.  When printed off it should be 1cm = 2ft.

Playmofirth