Our Golden Age

In 1994, Meccano clubs and exhibitions are thriving as never before, and modelling standards are climbing to new peaks.  Alf Reeve has said it; so have Phil Bradley and other elders of the movement - that the golden age of Meccano was not the heyday of Binns Road; it is NOW.

Why is this?  Because we Meccanomen are the Meccano boys of old who have continued with or returned to the hobby in mid-life, now with the time and resources to realise the full potential of our skill and that of Meccano.  For a while yet we will continue to prosper and grow; there are many more old Meccano boys out there to join us.  Indeed, the movement is reaching its optimum size; large enough to provide the facilities we need yet small enough to be personal, to be in tune with the unusual, individualistic character of the hobby. 

A golden age, alas, is not for ever.  For who is to succeed us?  The seeds of Meccanophilia are sown in boyhood - what Meccanoman ever first came to Meccano as a man?  Yet how many junior members have we, and how many of those are not under the sway of some adult enthusiast?  Many attempts have been made to evangelise the young of today and recruit a new generation of Meccano boys, but all have floundered.  Laudable endeavours they, but swimming against the tide of modern youth culture in the age of the video and computer-game.  Let us savour the golden age while it lasts.