Events

Annual General Meeting 2026 & 40th Anniversary

Saturday 3 October 2026, 11:00am – 5:00pm

We urgently need Volunteer(s) to write the Model Report (Guild officers are too busy running the meeting to fit this in as well their other duties). Two splitting the room between them makes it more fun and less of a chore. Only words expected — Editor Craig enjoys enhancing the write-up with photos.

We're always interested to hear from anyone willing to share photos taken during the meeting, as it gives Craig more to choose from.  

We are hoping make this meeting rather special, as RMG is celebrating its 40th Anniversary.

We will be contesting two very different Challenges. Full rules can be found here: https://runnymedemeccanoguild.org.uk/news. (You may need to scroll down to find the full rules.)

Strings Attached: The RMG Cord Creativity Challenge

Use your imagination to show off the humble Hank of Cord (it's part 40) to best effect.

Members present will vote to determine the winner, who will receive a copy of the book Heath Robinson's Helpful Solutions by Simon Heneage. This book has been generously donated by the wonderful Heath Robinson Museum, located in Pinner. Additionally, every entrant will receive a free entry to the Museum.

RMG Ramp of Forty-tude Challenge

This Challenge is to build something in Meccano to reach a distance of 40 inches up a 40 degree ramp, and the prize for whoever gets there fastest is a new boxed Meccano Clock Kit 1.

There may extra surprises during the meeting (and make sure you bring your own pen or pencil).

Don't forget to write your name and also list the models you have brought on the attendance sheet by the door. 

Please ensure your name is displayed alongside your models.

Bringing a name badge and wearing it helps everyone, especially the RMG membership secretary who is useless at connecting names and faces.

A description sheet on the table by your model not only makes it easier for our volunteers to write the model report, but also improves chances of your masterpiece being described how you'd like it.  Make your description sheet(s) more useful still by emailing them to robin.schoolar@rmguild.org.uk — preferably ahead of the meeting, but a day or two after is still useful.

Please do NOT bring models into the hall before 11:00.

Help with setting up tables, mains leads and table covers, is always welcome, for which purpose we usually have access to the hall from 10:30.  Dealers may also start setting out their wares from 10.30.

Ample parking is available in adjacent Sainsburys car park, with no charge, no time limit, no need to type your number plate into an uncooperative machine (strange but true!)

It's OK to stop briefly in the layby in front of the venue while unloading, but do move your car into the car park as soon as possible.  Venue management advise that cars left too long in lay-by have incurred penalties.

Midhurst Modellers Exhibition

Sunday 7 February 2027, 11:00am – 4:00pm

The annual Modellers Exhibition at the Grange Leisure Centre in Midhurst is one of the biggest displays of models to be found in the South. From relatively small beginnings in 1983, it has grown steadily in size.

The main hall will be devoted to model railways, including numerous layouts, together with trade and society stands and demonstrations. Other halls will house a wide variety of further exhibits including cars and other vehicles, dolls houses, engines, helicopters, planes, Meccano, military models and boats of all shapes and sizes.

The thousands of models on show, together with a wide selection of trade stands, will provide something for everyone, young or old, serious modellers or casual viewers.

RMG members wishing to exhibit a Meccano Model should reserve space in advance by contacting Pete Wood pete.wood@rmguild.org.uk

Note that last admission is 3pm, and members of the public should have left by 4pm

RMG Spring Meeting and Auction

Saturday 13 February 2027, 11:00am – 5:00pm

Full auction rules are available on request.

Please note that this meeting is one week later than the "usual" RMG February date, to avoid it falling on same weekend as Midhurst Modellers Exhibition.

Magic of Meccano Show (Kew, West London)

Saturday 19 June 2027 – Sunday 20 June 2027, 10:00am – 4:00pm

RMG is delighted to announce the revival of "Magic of Meccano" Show starting June 2027 (after roughly a decade's gap). If the event is well supported, we all hope it will, once again, become an annual fixture.

As with the old event, exhibitor display tables and chairs will be slotted in wherever there is space around the machinery, with exhibitors positively encouraged to be available to discuss the models with visitors.

Unlike the old event, the historic engines in the museum will not be operating. The Museum steams on only one weekend per month, and prefers special events like our Meccano show to run separately from Steam Up weekends, to avoid overcrowding and to attract greater numbers of visitors overall.

Tables are limited so exhibitors must reserve space in advance by contacting robin.schoolar@rmguild.org.uk . Exhibitors should advise whether they can exhibit Saturday, Sunday or both, what they hope to bring, how many feet of table space they'd like, whether there's a need for mains electric power. Although this is nominally an RMG event, members of other Meccano societies are most welcome to exhibit, subject to space.

Public opening is 10am–4pm (last entry 3pm ... but do arrive before that or you won't see everything).

The Museum's Stoker's Cafe will be open throughout the Show, selling drinks and light savoury/sweet snacks.

Exhibitor setup arrangements TBC.