We are now well into this year’s Summer Reading Challenge
Record Breakers brings together the worlds of fact and fiction challenging young readers to explore some of the astonishing real-life achievements and world records as featured in the Guinness World Records Books as part of their Summer Reading Challenge 2015.
Go for a personal best this summer! Sign up to Record Breakers, and discover amazing world records as you read your way through your choice of library books, collecting goodies as you go.
It's all happening at Longlevens library, (and all of the others). Did we mention it's totally FREE?
Tuesday, 21 July 2015
Curious Hobbies of Interest: Military Medal Collecting
In this and future issues we will look at hobbies or pastimes that, although, uncommon generate lots of interest and fulfilment for its participants. We start with the Collection of Militaria and more specifically on Military Medal Collection and how to get started
Many people choose to collect military memorabilia because it provides a glimpse into history and provides a unique insight into remembering the soldiers who have fought and died for their country. There are different types of memorabilia that can be collected, such as uniforms, flags and weapons. However, there is a particular type of memorabilia that has become prevalent; the collecting of military medals.
There is a definite appeal in collecting military medals. All countries issue medals to soldiers for certain actions or reasons. By collecting the medals, a person can discover the story behind each piece, which gives a humanitarian aspect to each medal. Additionally, military medals can make an attractive presentation item when displayed, as well as offering an instant conversation piece.
Throughout history, Military medals have been provided as badges of honor. Therefore, there are a high number of medals in circulation, spanning all countries and many time periods. Collectors choose medals based on their type; the Victoria Cross for example, or for their historical significance. Some collectors focus on a specific country, period of time or a specific War on which to base their collections. Collectors can choose medals simply for investment purposes also. It is advisable, however, when starting a medal collection to focus on just one of these factors.
It is essential that Buyers should know the different types of medals available, how to determine their authenticity and value, and have an awareness of places to source and procure the medals.
The valuation of medals is obviously, an important collecting feature. Factors which enhance the medal itself include: A Complete group of medals awarded to a particular person, would be more valuable than if the medal was valued individually. Further enhancement is gained if the recipient was a personality or a “Hero” and if any supporting documentary evidence was available.
Medals can be purchased for as little as £10 for a named Victory or War medal from the First World War. This is a great starting point as these medals can have the recipient’s name, rank, service number and his regiment. From which, you can research the man's service history using the medal card index held in the National Archives. At the opposite end of the spectrum the most expensive medal transaction was a Victoria Cross medal, awarded to Lieutenant John Grant in 1905, and bought at auction by Lord Ashcroft last year for over £400.000! Lord Ashcroft holds the largest collect of Victoria Cross medals valued at £40m!!
Medals can be acquired from a number of sources, often, inheriting medals from relatives, generates the interest to start a collection. Antique and Medal Fairs, Car Boot sales and on line from Auction houses also present the opportunities to add to one’s collection There are many sources of information ranging from recommended publications and supplemented by Regimental Museums, Public Libraries and the Internet of course. Useful publications include: The recommended Medal collector's bible; Collecting Medals and Decorations. Primarily focussing on collecting medals, it gives the collector beneficial information on the know-how of medal collecting. It provides notes on authenticity, fakes; the collection, buying, selling of medals and how to start a reference library. In contract the Medal Yearbook and the Q publication provide a guide to valuation and indicate the approximate value of specific medals. These are considered, as excellent guides when making purchases.
New Collectors should be aware of the types of medals available, how to determine authenticity, and where to buy the medals, However, they also need to be aware of the pitfalls, with a critical warning fake or reproduction medals, medal cleaning should also be avoided unless you can find a specialist.
For serious collectors, membership to a Medal society is essential. The Orders, Medals and Research Society, OMRS, is UK based, with a membership of circa 4000 members and is dedicated to the research and collection of orders, decorations and medals Benefits include: An annual conference, local branch meetings are held in Swindon Village, with guest speakers and chance to exchange personal views with others. Anyone with a keen interest can apply for membership, Contact Branch Secretary, John Wright on 01242 519815 or email: qcmilitaria@btconnect.com
Finally, it is most advisable to read up as much as possible, before embarking on this hobby, as it does take time to become experienced and as there is investment involves, extra care is essential. I hope that this resume has been of interest to you and perhaps acted as a “taster” to those perhaps looking for a new hobby? .
There is a definite appeal in collecting military medals. All countries issue medals to soldiers for certain actions or reasons. By collecting the medals, a person can discover the story behind each piece, which gives a humanitarian aspect to each medal. Additionally, military medals can make an attractive presentation item when displayed, as well as offering an instant conversation piece.
Throughout history, Military medals have been provided as badges of honor. Therefore, there are a high number of medals in circulation, spanning all countries and many time periods. Collectors choose medals based on their type; the Victoria Cross for example, or for their historical significance. Some collectors focus on a specific country, period of time or a specific War on which to base their collections. Collectors can choose medals simply for investment purposes also. It is advisable, however, when starting a medal collection to focus on just one of these factors.
It is essential that Buyers should know the different types of medals available, how to determine their authenticity and value, and have an awareness of places to source and procure the medals.
The valuation of medals is obviously, an important collecting feature. Factors which enhance the medal itself include: A Complete group of medals awarded to a particular person, would be more valuable than if the medal was valued individually. Further enhancement is gained if the recipient was a personality or a “Hero” and if any supporting documentary evidence was available.
Medals can be purchased for as little as £10 for a named Victory or War medal from the First World War. This is a great starting point as these medals can have the recipient’s name, rank, service number and his regiment. From which, you can research the man's service history using the medal card index held in the National Archives. At the opposite end of the spectrum the most expensive medal transaction was a Victoria Cross medal, awarded to Lieutenant John Grant in 1905, and bought at auction by Lord Ashcroft last year for over £400.000! Lord Ashcroft holds the largest collect of Victoria Cross medals valued at £40m!!
Medals can be acquired from a number of sources, often, inheriting medals from relatives, generates the interest to start a collection. Antique and Medal Fairs, Car Boot sales and on line from Auction houses also present the opportunities to add to one’s collection There are many sources of information ranging from recommended publications and supplemented by Regimental Museums, Public Libraries and the Internet of course. Useful publications include: The recommended Medal collector's bible; Collecting Medals and Decorations. Primarily focussing on collecting medals, it gives the collector beneficial information on the know-how of medal collecting. It provides notes on authenticity, fakes; the collection, buying, selling of medals and how to start a reference library. In contract the Medal Yearbook and the Q publication provide a guide to valuation and indicate the approximate value of specific medals. These are considered, as excellent guides when making purchases.
New Collectors should be aware of the types of medals available, how to determine authenticity, and where to buy the medals, However, they also need to be aware of the pitfalls, with a critical warning fake or reproduction medals, medal cleaning should also be avoided unless you can find a specialist.
For serious collectors, membership to a Medal society is essential. The Orders, Medals and Research Society, OMRS, is UK based, with a membership of circa 4000 members and is dedicated to the research and collection of orders, decorations and medals Benefits include: An annual conference, local branch meetings are held in Swindon Village, with guest speakers and chance to exchange personal views with others. Anyone with a keen interest can apply for membership, Contact Branch Secretary, John Wright on 01242 519815 or email: qcmilitaria@btconnect.com
Finally, it is most advisable to read up as much as possible, before embarking on this hobby, as it does take time to become experienced and as there is investment involves, extra care is essential. I hope that this resume has been of interest to you and perhaps acted as a “taster” to those perhaps looking for a new hobby? .
Gloucester Model Railway Club (GMRC)
Among the many clubs Associated with the Elmscroft Community Centre, there is a “hidden gem”, in the form of the Gloucester Model Railway Club.
This club has been in existence for some 50 years, and meets every Monday evening with Chairman Harvey Whitmore, a member for over 40 years, presiding over the clubs proceedings. It is a hive of activity for model railway enthusiasts from all over Gloucestershire. The Club’s objective is simply to “Continually Develop Model Railways as an Interest or Hobby”.
The Club House is a Terrapin building, situated behind the main Community Centre building. It was donated to the Club by the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway Society and just about provides enough space for members to acquire, use and demonstrate their skills and creations. Model Railway construction is activity ongoing, with any new ideas and creations often tried and tested, under the close scrutiny of fellow members, who are readily available to offer advice or constructive critique. Newer members are able to develop their personal techniques and proficiency in model building know-how, and with so much experience and expertise available, it is hardly surprising that significant progress can be made very quickly. The amount of detail that goes into creating a model railway is extensive and includes; engineering, electronics and joinery as well as arts and crafts skills/techniques.
Club Members normally meet every Monday evening for a social gathering where information and ideas are exchanged, models updated and occasionally, guest speakers are invited to attend. These are supplemented by “Prime Workshop” days in which different groups of members work specifically on their projects. Although there are a few younger members, it is the retirees, who now have time to catch up on their hobby or “childhood “interest that make up the bulk of the membership. However, for the uninitiated, It is definitely a “Boys and their Toys “experience.
Harvey, tells me that the Club has several Model Railway projects either in- build or fully constructed at the moment, and that the Finished Models are frequently, demonstrated at Model Railway exhibitions , Nationwide throughout the year. These models are constructed in various scales and gauges which range from the most popular “0” gauge which has a scale of: 7mm equalling 1 ft.; to the much smaller “N” scale which has a scale of 2mm equal to 1 ft. Harvey explains, how, when and why each gauge is used with an expertise and assurance developed over many years as an enthusiast! I’m sure he would be pleased to expand on this subject, should you contact him at the club.
The Clubs first flagship Railway model was entitled “Windrush” which was based on a railway location in the Cotswolds. It served the club well for twelve years and was seen at model railway exhibitions nationwide. It has now been replaced by the club’s latest creation, a “00” gauge, 4mm: 1ft, layout based upon a real station that existed on the outskirts of Cheltenham – known as “Cheltenham South & Leckhampton” Both of these models have been featured in the “Railway Modeller”, the essential model railway magazine for all enthusiasts, from which, a great reputation has been gained for the club.
There are many model rail clubs around the country with a huge following.... but you may also be surprised to learn of some of the celebrities who actively take part in this hobby. These include: Rod Stewart, Roger Daltry, ( The Who ), Jules Holland, Anne Diamond ( TV Presenter) and probably, the most prominent exponent Pete Waterman, a former Pop Star and Impresario, who regularly turns up for exhibitions and is ever ready to promote railway modelling. Many model railway enthusiasts make the pilgrimage, to attend the largest modelling exhibition held, annually, in the UK at the NEC in Birmingham. More locally, the Gloucester Club, hold an exhibition In October - November, each year, at Eastcombe near, Stroud. The event is a collaborative effort with a Local Scout Troop and attracts patrons from both Gloucester and farther afield too. It also generates funding for both the Elmscroft Community Centre and the Scout Troop. The next exhibition will be held 31st October and 1st November. As a cornerstone of the Elmscoft Association the GMRC, supports the Community Centre financially and have an excellent relationship established since its inception. It is finalising preparations for the Elmscroft Open Day celebrations being held at the community centre on the 8th August between 10am and 4 pm to which the whole Community is invited to attend. There is an open invitation to everyone for what should be a tremendous and enlightening display. There will several model railways on show, including Thomas the Tank Engine for junior visitors. The author of these stories was the late Revd W.Awdry who used to be the club’s honorary president. Members will be seen at work on current projects and will be available to answer your questions. It will be most worthwhile to take advantage of this opportunity to get an insight into this most specialist subject.
The Club House is a Terrapin building, situated behind the main Community Centre building. It was donated to the Club by the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway Society and just about provides enough space for members to acquire, use and demonstrate their skills and creations. Model Railway construction is activity ongoing, with any new ideas and creations often tried and tested, under the close scrutiny of fellow members, who are readily available to offer advice or constructive critique. Newer members are able to develop their personal techniques and proficiency in model building know-how, and with so much experience and expertise available, it is hardly surprising that significant progress can be made very quickly. The amount of detail that goes into creating a model railway is extensive and includes; engineering, electronics and joinery as well as arts and crafts skills/techniques.
Club Members normally meet every Monday evening for a social gathering where information and ideas are exchanged, models updated and occasionally, guest speakers are invited to attend. These are supplemented by “Prime Workshop” days in which different groups of members work specifically on their projects. Although there are a few younger members, it is the retirees, who now have time to catch up on their hobby or “childhood “interest that make up the bulk of the membership. However, for the uninitiated, It is definitely a “Boys and their Toys “experience.
Harvey, tells me that the Club has several Model Railway projects either in- build or fully constructed at the moment, and that the Finished Models are frequently, demonstrated at Model Railway exhibitions , Nationwide throughout the year. These models are constructed in various scales and gauges which range from the most popular “0” gauge which has a scale of: 7mm equalling 1 ft.; to the much smaller “N” scale which has a scale of 2mm equal to 1 ft. Harvey explains, how, when and why each gauge is used with an expertise and assurance developed over many years as an enthusiast! I’m sure he would be pleased to expand on this subject, should you contact him at the club.
The Clubs first flagship Railway model was entitled “Windrush” which was based on a railway location in the Cotswolds. It served the club well for twelve years and was seen at model railway exhibitions nationwide. It has now been replaced by the club’s latest creation, a “00” gauge, 4mm: 1ft, layout based upon a real station that existed on the outskirts of Cheltenham – known as “Cheltenham South & Leckhampton” Both of these models have been featured in the “Railway Modeller”, the essential model railway magazine for all enthusiasts, from which, a great reputation has been gained for the club.
There are many model rail clubs around the country with a huge following.... but you may also be surprised to learn of some of the celebrities who actively take part in this hobby. These include: Rod Stewart, Roger Daltry, ( The Who ), Jules Holland, Anne Diamond ( TV Presenter) and probably, the most prominent exponent Pete Waterman, a former Pop Star and Impresario, who regularly turns up for exhibitions and is ever ready to promote railway modelling. Many model railway enthusiasts make the pilgrimage, to attend the largest modelling exhibition held, annually, in the UK at the NEC in Birmingham. More locally, the Gloucester Club, hold an exhibition In October - November, each year, at Eastcombe near, Stroud. The event is a collaborative effort with a Local Scout Troop and attracts patrons from both Gloucester and farther afield too. It also generates funding for both the Elmscroft Community Centre and the Scout Troop. The next exhibition will be held 31st October and 1st November. As a cornerstone of the Elmscoft Association the GMRC, supports the Community Centre financially and have an excellent relationship established since its inception. It is finalising preparations for the Elmscroft Open Day celebrations being held at the community centre on the 8th August between 10am and 4 pm to which the whole Community is invited to attend. There is an open invitation to everyone for what should be a tremendous and enlightening display. There will several model railways on show, including Thomas the Tank Engine for junior visitors. The author of these stories was the late Revd W.Awdry who used to be the club’s honorary president. Members will be seen at work on current projects and will be available to answer your questions. It will be most worthwhile to take advantage of this opportunity to get an insight into this most specialist subject.
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