Diecast model show in Newport this Sunday
A large attendance is expected at Newport Community Centre this Sunday as North Tipperary hosts its first ever diecast model show.
Consisting of model farms, trucks, cars, tractors, and doll houses, as well as vintage and modern Lego, the show will feature displayers from all over the country. Some of the collections are rare and highly valuable, and they are expected to draw enthusiasts from near and afar to Newport.
Organised by model hobbyist Shane Benson, the event will also serve as a fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation. Shane explained that shows like this take place all over the country and they're always a popular draw. He said a number of local people would be involved in the Newport displays, including Ballinahinch parish priest Fr Robert Fletcher.
“These shows are a meeting place for us model collectors to sit and chat and mix with the public at the same time,” said Shane, a Castleconnell man himself, who has been into diecast models since he was a child. Coming from a farming background, his centrepiece is a farm diorama. His wife Georgina makes 1950s-style doll houses, while his son James is a big fan of Lego Star Wars and has some rare figures that he collected at shows over the years.
“The detail that goes into each and every display is out of this world,” Shane said of what people can look forward to in Newport this Sunday. “Each displayer gives his or her free time to attend these shows each time. The age group can vary from very young to people retired.”
Having participated in several shows over recent years, Shane decided to organise one in his own area. He and his good friend Mark Tierney of M&M Diecast Models decided that Newport Community Hall would be the perfect venue.
There will be traders selling diecast models and doll house items at the show. There will also be a prize draw with some fantastic prizes donated by supporting businesses; the top prize is a piece of Waterford Crystal. There will be lots of interest for people in search of a unique stocking filler, said Shane, pointing out that the event will coincide with the 'Late, Late Toy Show' on RTÉ this Friday.
The Newport model show will take place from 11am to 6pm. Entry is €5 (kids under 12 go free) and all proceeds will go to Make a Wish, a charity organisation that aims to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.
“Make a Wish get no funding from anyone, only people giving their time to raise money for terminally ill children,” said Shane. “These children would have a wish to meet a soccer team or be a garda or go on a family trip to Disneyland. We, as approved fundraiser, do our best to make this happen for them.”
For more information, visit the Facebook page 'Newport 1st diecast diorama model show 2016'.