Howard’s Farewell, Compton Dundon, Somerset, 24 February 2024

Shortly after the death of Howard Martin, on 24 March last year, following a long period of illness, his good friend Barrie Baker and members of the Small & Delightful Group, stated their intention to run a memorial day in his memory in early 2024. Barrie requested friends who knew Howard and had small layouts or displays, to come along to celebrate his life. Glastonbury & Street Lions, assisted with running this special day and 20 owners brought their layouts along with a further 4 displays and dioramas.

Howard was an Honorary Life Member of both the 009 Society and 7mm NGA, a dedicated member of the Lions Foundation and exhibition manager of the legendary and much missed Shepton Mallet Narrow Gauge South West for its 25 annual shows held between 1992 and 2017. Howard was also instrumental in the organisation of a number of model railway exhibitions, including the charitable Glastonbury & Street Lions Club show and Small & Delightful Group biennial open days at Compton Dundon, He was also the proprietor of Avalon Models and a prolific narrow gauge modeler himself.

It was a truly memorable day which was enjoyed by over 250 people, including those who were participating in one way or another, many of whom had travelled long distances to be there, which held all of the “traditions” fondly remembered of NG Southwest: fierce sunlight streaming through the big windows, making all photography difficult (!); a slightly chaotic but very friendly and informal atmosphere; write your own show guide (NG Southwest did have a programme, but it was always full of errors and amendments!); splendid catering from the Glastonbury & Street Lions Ladies and of course some superb examples of narrow gauge modeling in a variety of scales.

My photo album that follows is, hopefully, a snapshot of the whole event, for both those that were there and for those who were unable to be there as a reminder of a very special day.

Well done indeed, Barrie and Friends. Can you do it again next year please?

I have to admit that I had something of a disaster with some of my photos due to very fierce flare coming from strong sunlight streaming through the large windows and my inability for me and my camera to cope with this. I apologise for some photos that did “make the cut” that are less than my desired quality. However I am very grateful to Paul Steedman and Simon Andrews, who both generously gave me permission to use some of their own photos to fill some gaps that my inability to produce acceptable images produced! Thanks very much gents!

Click HERE to View the Photo Album for this Report