Welcome to a regular feature highlighting local clubs from around the UK, with up to four added each month.
Wisbech Scale Model Club/Wisbech IPMS
Wisbech Scale Model Club was formed in August 2014, from just four members, and welcomes modellers of all ages. Every meeting is a build night and a ‘show and tell’ for your latest creations. The club takes pride in being a diverse one, in which many genres are represented – horror, fantasy and science-fiction models are always a talking point, as are the more usual armour and aircraft subjects, to say nothing of the civilian vehicles on show from all ages.
Where: Tesco Community Room, Tesco Store, Cromwell Road, Wisbech PE14 0RG
When: Every Monday, from 7pm to 10pm
Social Media: www.facebook.com/groups/WIPMS
Web: N/A
Contact: John White (branch secretary) 07802 718010 or john.white234@gmail.com
Rutland Scale Modellers/IPMS Rutland
The Rutland Scale Modellers club is a cheerful bunch of modellers of all ages and abilities. The group caters for a wide variety of genres and welcomes people of all skill levels. In addition to the regular monthly meetings, the club runs four competitions for a ‘modeller of the year’ prize, plus group builds that can be orientated around any subject.
Where: Exton Village Hall, Exton, Rutland, LE15 8AP
When: Third Thursday of each month, from 7.45pm
Social Media: Facebook – IPMS Rutland (Rutland Scale Modellers Club)
Contact: Jeremy Hall (branch secretary) info@ipmsrutland.co.uk or simply pop along to a meeting
Letchworth Scale Model Club/ IPMS Letchworth
The club has been meeting in the locality of Letchworth and North Hertfordshire for more than 25 years, and is a small, friendly group. Members have a wide variety of interests and skills encompassing many facets of design, construction, modification, painting and collecting. Meetings are generally themed, with club members or guests demonstrating modelling techniques and collections but with plenty of time to chat.
The club encourages all types of modelmaking, including figures, flats, military and civilian vehicles, aircraft and boats. It also caters for those with an interest in military history, dioramas and wargame figures.
Where: The Icknield Centre, Icknield Way, Letchworth Garden City SG6 1EF
When: Third Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm to 10pm
Social Media: Facebook – Letchworth Scale Modelling Club
Web: www.letchworthsmc.yolasite.com
Contact: Rod Johnson 01438 814225 or Rodjohnson.mail@talktalk.net
Aberdeen Modellerʼs Society
The Aberdeen Modeller's Society is formed from a mix of ages and backgrounds but all with the common interest in scale models of all types, including Lego pieces and paper subjects.
Meetings cover a ‘show and tell’ of completed models, latest purchases and a modelling techniques session. The society occasionally gets a guest speaker to present on a specialist subject, and has previously welcomed retired Red Arrow pilots. The club also has a strong attendance at exhibits around Aberdeenshire and at shows across Scotland. An annual pilgrimage to SMW at Telford is usually organised for those that wish to attend.
Where: Gordon Highlanders Museum, St. Luke’s, Viewfield Rd, Aberdeen AB15 7XH
When: First Tuesday of each month, from 7pm to 9.30pm
Social Media: www.facebook.com/AberdeenModellers
Web: N/A
Contact: secretary@aberdeenmodellers.co.uk or pop along to a meeting
IPMS Ipswich
IPMS Ipswich is a relaxed and friendly bunch, and welcomes anyone with an interest in scale modelling, regardless of age or skill level. Within the club you are bound to meet someone with a common interest as its members build ships, aircraft, military vehicles, automobiles, sci-fi and figures. The club participates in both local and national model shows, where members get a chance to exhibit their models to the wider public on the club stand.
The second Tuesday of each month is set aside as a ‘build night’, when members bring along their latest projects, and is an excellent opportunity to informally share tips and techniques as well as catch up on the latest news and new releases. A monthly competition is held on the fourth Tuesday, with members presenting their latest builds to the group, with a popular vote being held of what’s on the table that month (no categorisation). Additionally, there are two or three themed competitions per year.
Where: Ipswich & District Indoor Bowls Club, 136 Rushmere Rd, Ipswich IP4 4JU
When: Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, from 7.30pm
Social Media: Facebook – IPMS Ipswich
Web: www.ipmsipswich.com
Contact: ipmsipswich@btinternet.com or pop along to a meeting
Northern Home Counties Branch MAFVA
The Northern Home Counties branch of MAFVA (Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicle Association) has been meeting in Hemel Hempstead for the last quarter-of-a-century, and is one of the most established branches. When not meeting at the Leverstock Village Hall, there are online Zoom meetings every Tuesday at the same times. All of these events are well attended, with members joining meetings from as far afield as Swindon, London and Norwich. Each meeting is a chance for members to talk about progress on their builds, and each in-person meeting has a presentation on a military vehicle, battle or modelling technique. Many members have attended meetings since the club was formed, and the friendly atmosphere is a key part of this very successful group. Get in touch for full details, including the link for Zoom meetings.
Where: Leverstock Green Village Hall, HP3 8QG
When: Fourth Tuesday of each month (the second Tuesday in December), from 7.30pm
Social Media: N/A
Web: N/A
Contact: Chris Lloyd-Staples on lloydstaples@gmail.com
West Kent Scale Model Club/IPMS Kent
The West Kent Scale Model Club has been in existence for approximately 50 years. They're a varied bunch, covering aviation, armour and vehicles, in just about every scale and every material. They have a member who can scratch-build a Short Sturgeon, while another is working his way through the RAF Typhoon squadrons and equipping them with models for their museums. There’s even a member who seemingly won't build anything with a span of less than two feet! Meetings are friendly, informal affairs where members catch up on progress, check out new kits that others have bought, and share advice and tips and historical background – and there's always tea, coffee and nibbles. The club attends around eight shows a year when the conditions are more normal, including The Big One at Telford in November – they hope to see you at one sometime next year.
Where: St Luke’s Church Hall, Eardley Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XT
When: Second Friday of the month at 7:30pm
Social Media: N/A
Web: N/A
Contact: Sean Langley on sean.langley@hotmail.co.uk or 01737 769792
Sheffield Model Group
Established as an independent model group in 1982, the Sheffield Model Group meets once a month and welcomes modellers of all ages. Even after all these years, the enthusiasm for our fantastic hobby from the members is stronger than ever. They are a friendly bunch and anyone interested in the hobby is most welcome to join them – they’re assured a 'reet' good Sheffield welcome!
Current members have interests in all aspects of the hobby and all scales including armour, aircraft and figures.
Where: Lees Hall Golf Club, Hemsworth Road, Norton Lees, Sheffield S8 8LL
When: Second Tuesday of the month, from 7pm until 10pm
Social Media: Club Whatsapp Group
Web: N/A
Contact: Andrew Eaton (07443 520826 or ajeaton65@gmail.com), Paul Wells (07557 680177 or pdwslim@yahoo.co.uk) or Paul Lister (07925 074672 or paulyramone2512@yahoo.co.uk)
IPMS Dartmoor
The club was formed approximately 10 years ago by a group of like-minded modellers from across South Devon and the area around Dartmoor. Within the club are non-IPMS members as the group is open to all modellers regardless of their skill level or area of modelling. With some internationally renowned modellers in our midst, no secrets exist when it comes to scale modelling and ideas are freely shared among all. A warm welcome awaits anyone who isn’t interested in getting involved with politics, just modelling!
Where: Teignbridge District Scout Headquarters, 1 Wolborough Street, Newton Abbot TQ12 1JR
When: First Thursday of each month from 7pm-9.30pm
Social Media: Facebook – IPMS Dartmoor
Web: N/A
Contact: Simon Larkin (club secretary)
Peterborough Scale Model Club/ IPMS Peterborough
Peterborough Scale Model Club offers a hearty welcome to modellers of all abilities and covers a wide range of subjects. If you are new to the hobby and want to improve your building skills this club will help you. Or if you’ve been in the game for some time, it’s a great place to compare your work with others of similar experience. The club is small and friendly, with around 40 members who hail from a wide area around Peterborough, and we attend numerous shows around the region. The annual World Championships at Telford, Shropshire, is always high on the attendance list, giving our members the chance to display models to a massive audience.
Where: Peterborough Post Office Sports & Social Club, Bourges Boulevard, New England, Peterborough PE1 2AU
When: First and third Tuesday of the month from 7.30 to 9.30pm
Social Media: Facebook – Peterborough Scale Model Club
Web: https://peterboroughscalemodels.co.uk
Contact: admin@peterboroughscalemodels.co.uk
Manchester IPMS Model Club
We are a small, friendly branch that began life in 1965 as Lancashire and Cheshire IPMS Model Club with some of the original IPMS founders, but the name was changed a few years ago to reflect where we are now based. The branch has modellers at all skill levels and covers everything from aircraft, armour, cars, figures and sci-fi – if it’s a model that can be built, it’s more than welcome at our meetings, as are you. We are a mixed bunch of folks and actively encourage young and old alike to come along and see us. Skill levels vary, but we have no experts or rivet counters. Each month there is an openhouse competition and a friendly vote for the model of the month – winners then take part in a ‘grand final’ at the end of the year. There is also a themed competition every other month, which again goes through to an annual event. Questions are encouraged from both new and seasoned modellers, as there is usually someone who has found some new technique or stumbled across a problem. We attend several local and not-so-local model shows each year.
Where: Sale Excelsior Club, 2 Symonds Road, Sale, Manchester M33 7FJ
When: Last Tuesday in the month from 8pm-10pm (except for December, when there’s no meeting)
Social Media: Facebook – IPMS Manchester
Web: N/A
Contact: Karen Cunliffe (07786 078539)
IPMS Plymouth Scale Model Association
IPMS Plymouth is a happy group of modellers who build all types of kits in a variety of scales. We accept members of all ages and skill levels, encouraging people to try other genres to build up their knowledge and abilities. January is when we hold our club’s annual competition, which has 10 different categories. We also hold an exhibition on Armed Forces Day and support model shows across the South West.
Where: Woodlands Fort, Crownhill PL5 3SQ
When: Twice-monthly from 7.30pm until 9.00pm
Social Media: Facebook – Plymouth Scale Model Association
Web: www.plymouthscalemodelassociation.co.uk
Contact: Dave Watson (chairman) spotandjoe@blueyonder.co.uk
West Middlesex Scale Model Club/IPMS West Middlesex
Pictured are members of the West Middlesex Scale Model Club, which also has IPMS affiliation, who are regular attendees at the annual Scale ModelWorld event at Telford each year. The club is a friendly group of modellers of all levels who enjoy getting together and chatting about modelling over a pint and in friendly surroundings. Regular show attendees, they welcome anyone who is into modelling to join them. Members model a large cross-section of different genres, from aircraft to sci-fi and everything in between.
Where: The Lucan Pavillion, Laleham, near Staines TW18 1RZ
When: Last Tuesday of each month at 8pm
Social Media: Facebook – West Middlesex Scale Model Club
Web: http://www.westmiddlesexmodellers.co.uk/
Contact: westmiddlesexsmc@gmail.com
Guernsey Plastic Modellers Group
This is a small but growing group after re-forming shortly before lockdown in 2020. Current members cover a wide range of subjects including armour, aircraft, figures (there is a sculptor in the group) and ships. Some of the meetings are just general for a chat about latest projects, others are themed on topics such as weathering or face painting. Members were able to hold their first exhibition in Guille-Allès Library in 2021, hopefully with more to follow. All are welcome.
Where: Just Games, South Esplanade, St Peter Port, Guernsey
When: Last Wednesday of the month from 6pm
Social Media: Facebook – Guernsey Plastic Modellers Group
Web: N/A
Contact: Dave Nash at gpmg@suremail.gg
IPMS Barnet
IPMS Barnet was founded in 1988 and continues to be one of the most active and cheerful model clubs on the circuit. With around 25 members, plus friends all over the world, the group works closely with IPMS Harrow; many members attend both clubs each month, so enjoying twice as much modelling fun! They attend many model shows, including Scale ModelWorld, The Tank Museum events and London Plastic Modelling Show. The group’s display table is usually easy to spot thanks to its distinctive green baize covering.
Members enjoy modelling for its own sake and everybody builds what they like, which means there is a wide variety of interests. Over the last year, projects have included a spectacular model of the Discovery spaceship from 2001 A Space Odyssey, plus numerous aircraft, motorbikes, cars, figures, a prototype World War I Russian tank, scratch-built science-fiction models and even a tram. This last item was awarded Junior Best in Show at SMW 2021.
Where: John Keble Church, Deans Lane, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 9 NT
When: First Tuesday of each month from 8pm
Social media: Facebook – IPMS Barnet
Web: www.ipmsbarnet.co.uk
Contact: Ian Taylor (branch secretary) on ian.taylor62@talktalk.net
Coventry and Warwickshire IPMS
The club has been active since 1986, and the origins of the club were a few modellers meeting in pub back rooms and community centres in Coventry. It became associated with the Midland Air Museum around 1992, as a member (who was a trustee of the museum) invited the club to use the venue as a base. Membership is strong, with more than 40 enthusiasts, and on average 20-25 members at each meeting. There is a junior modellers club (with a dedicated page on the club’s website), which is held on alternate Sundays every month.
Club members have no specified genre for building; modellers make everything from aircraft, armour and naval to in some cases fantasy and sci-fi models. They also run their own club show in the summer (around June/July) and attend and support the museum’s winter show in December, while a ‘build day’ is usually staged on Bank Holiday weekends.
Where: Midland Air Museum, Rowley Road, Baginton, Coventry CV3 4FR
When: First and third Friday of each month, plus the fifth Friday in a five-week month
Social Media: Facebook – Coventry and Warwickshire IPMS Model Club
Web: https://coventryandwarwickipms.weebly.com/
Contact: Richard Brooker (branch secretary) at cwipms2019@gmail.com
Chiltern Scale Model Club/IPMS Chiltern/Bedfordshire MAFVA
The Chiltern Scale Model Club has been around for some 40-odd years and has a friendly and varied selection of members who welcome anyone with an interest in modelling. The club is a combination of IPMS and the Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicle Association (MAFVA) in a single organisation. We try to exhibit our models at various shows throughout the year and hold our own local show every September. The club meets on the first Wednesday of each month, with a competition night for the club trophy every other month and there are discussions of all aspects of modelling and genres.
Where: Shefford Memorial Social Club, 10 Hitchin Rd, Shefford, Beds SG17 5JA
When: First Wednesday of each month.
Social Media: Facebook – Chiltern Scale Model Club
Contact: Dave Burlison on telephone 07814 466123 or Barry Wood on barrywood123@hotmail.co.uk
Cornwall Scale Modellers/IPMS West Cornwall
Cornwall Scale Modellers is an active group that meets regularly for display/talk and build night sessions – the last of these occur three times a week in different parts of the region (check the club’s Facebook page for details), providing plenty of opportunity for members to get together. All forms of modelling are encouraged, from matchsticks to large-scale radio-controlled vehicles and everything in between. Everyone is welcome from novices to professionals.
Where: Hayle Day Care Centre, Commercial Road, Hayle TR27 4DE
When: Second Wednesday of the month from 7-9pm
Social Media: Facebook – Cornish Scale Modellers or IPMS West Cornwall FB Group
Web: https://sites.google.com/site/cornishscalemodellers/home
Contact: Dave Roberts at postysrusone@hotmail.com
Truro Build Nights
Where: Malpas Village Hall, Malpas Village, Truro TR1 1SQ
When: Most Mondays from 7-10pm
Marazion Build Nights
Where: Marazion Community Centre, Gwallon Lane, Marazion TR17 0HW
When: Most Tuesdays from 7-10pm
Illogan Build Nights
Where: Illogan Village Hall, Nance Lane, Illogan, Redruth TR16 4SW
When: Some Fridays from 7-10pm
Medway Modelling Club
The Medway Modelling Club –a small and friendly grouping of modellers of all ages and skill levels – has now restarted its activities following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. However, due to previous venue operator issues, the club has taken the opportunity to change venues and meeting arrangements.
Where: Holy Trinity Church Hall, 139 Tydall Lane, Gillingham, Kent ME8 6JU
When: First Friday of each month from 7.30 to 9.30pm
Social media: Facebook – Medway Model Club
Web: N/A
Contact: Neale Parsons (chairman) at Nealepmach1@blueyonder.co.uk or Kim-Mary Lavender (club secretary) at Kimmary18@hotmail.com
IPMS Dundee
IPMS Dundee has members who are interested in all branches of scale modelling, mainly aircraft, armour and ships, but anything is welcome. We’d ideally like to get some younger members interested in the hobby too. Meetings are held once a month, and there’s a monthly open competition with a grand final of all the year’s winners in December. We also hold an annual model show, with 2022’s being in July – awelcome return after the pandemic lockdowns.
Where: Boomerang Centre, Kemback Street, Dundee, DD4 6ET
When: 7.15pm on the third Wednesday of every month
Social Media: Facebook – IPMS Dundee Model Club
Web: www.ipmsdundee.com
Contact: Gordon Short (club secretary) at: gordon.short@tiscali.co.uk
Brampton Scale Model Club/IPMS Brampton
Brampton Scale Model Club is the main club in the Huntingdon area for scale modellers, and caters for builders of all skill levels. The models are mainly of the plastic kit variety, but there are members who dabble in wood, resin and metal, with some building from scratch. Subjects range from the usual aircraft, ships and military vehicles, through to sci-fi, animals and fantasy subjects. The club has been in the local area for more than 30 years and has grown to its present size and moved venue to Sawtry. It is very much a social group that happens to make models, with a relaxed, friendly and welcoming approach to meetings and modelling. Many of us get together to travel to shows further afield, and the branch runs its own major regional show at St Ives, Cambridgeshire, every September. We also regularly put on make-and-paint events at Shuttleworth airshows throughout the year. All are most welcome, from occasional casual modellers to the completely obsessed!
Where: The Old School Hall, Green End Road, Sawtry PE28 5UX
When: Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Social Media: Facebook – Brampton Scale Model Club
Web: https://ipmsbramptonscalemodelclub.co.uk
Contact: Alec Smith at: bramptonsecretary@hotmail.co.uk
West Norfolk IPMS Scale Model Club
The club is in its 20th year and, as we emerge from COVID, we have celebrated by hosting a larger show in a new location (Littleport Leisure Centre, CB6 1EW) in late June. We meet on the first and fourth Wednesdays of every month, and have club competitions at Easter and Christmas, as well as exhibiting at some 15 shows, ending up at the Nationals in Telford. We draw membership from Wisbech to Littleport (via Norfolk) and have interests from aircraft to model railways and from AFVs to Spaceships.
Where: William Burt Social Club, Watering Lane, West Winch, King’s Lynn, PE33 0JY
When: First and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Social Media: Facebook – West Norfolk IPMS
Contact: Steve Gregory (club secretary) at: stevegregory8026@gmail.com
North Devon Model Society
The North Devon Model Society was established in 1998 and meets every Tuesday from 6.30pm at the Fremington Parish Hall. We are fortunate to have some incredibly talented modellers in our membership, who are always willing to share their skills with others, whether it be CAD design 3D printing, sculpting, moulding, casting, airbrushing or traditional kit building. Regular evening events are held throughout the year, such as ‘How to Tutorials’, ‘Photo Night’, ‘Stash Night’, as well as some fun competitions. Whatever your age or ability and whether you come to meet, build, share, learn or enjoy, you will always be welcome whatever you build. Free tea, biscuits and sometimes cake also help keep the modelling mojo flowing.
Where: Fremington Parish Hall, Higher Road, Fremington, Barnstaple, EX31 3BG
When: Every Tuesday 6.30pm to 9pm
Social Media: Facebook – North Devon Model Society, Instagram: North Devon Model Society
Web: https://northdevonmodelsociety.co.uk
Contact: Sera Staples at: sera@staplesandvine.com
FEATURE YOUR CLUB!
Want to let modellers in your area know about your club, or looking to attract new members? Send your club details (as above) and a hi-res photo (either of the current members or a show stand) to: stuart.fone@keypublishing.com
