What Is Essex MAFVA?
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We are a sub-branch of the Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicle Association (MAFVA); a UK-based modeller’s organisation established more than 40 years ago. Essex is one of more than a dozen similarly affiliated clubs spread across the UK.
We all build tanks and other armoured vehicles as well military transport, figures and dioramas from World War I right up to the present day. Some of our members also make aircraft, ships, model trains and even sci-fi models too.
We meet every month in Hornchurch while all of the MAFVA clubs get together each June at MAFVA’s own National Show. This fantastic day out is held at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford; a venue well worth a visit if only to see their impressive display of static and running armoured vehicles.
What Are The Benefits Of Joining?
Being part of a friendly and helpful group of fellow hobbyists will help you make better models. Our club’s philosophy is all about encouraging people and so we have lots of eager modellers who are more than happy to provide advice and tutoring to those newer to the hobby.
Mind you, none of us ever stop learning something new – another reason why this club is so much fun!
Most club activities are based around our monthly evening get-togethers. These events more often than not have a “theme” for the night. Recent examples of these include Quizzes, Bring ’N’ Buy Sales and ‘Give-It-A-Go’ events. We also hold regular raffles that offer excellent prizes too.
But there’s much more to our club than just our monthly meetings. We also produce our own quarterly “Fighting Armour” club magazine, and we all like to get out of our stuffy modeller’s dens and into the fresh air now and again so we also provide:
● Subsidised trips to museums or other places of interest each year; and
● Free entry to the many model shows that we attend (providing that you are helping to man the club’s display stand on the day).
Our club also holds its very own annual military modelling and wargaming show called “Present Arms”. This takes place in Romford each August and is getting bigger and better every year. It goes without saying that club members get into this show for free too!
Other benefits include discounts at some local model shops, as well as a reduced rate subscription to Scale Military Modeller International magazine once you have joined the national MAFVA club.
What Does All This Cost?
Essex MAFVA membership costs just £12 per year (£6 for concessions), but if you are aged 16 or younger membership is free. For those who come along to the monthly meetings we also charge a cover fee of £3 per person each club night to help pay for venue hire and refreshments.
If you’re happy with being part of our club then after three months we’ll ask you to join MAFVA itself. Their membership fee is £14, but this includes MAFVA’s own magazine six times a year plus free entry to the annual event at IWM Duxford, itself worth £18:50 alone!
How Do I Join?
Simply come along to any club night and give it a try. New faces are always made welcome and your first night is free. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at Fairkytes Art Centre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch (it’s opposite the Queen’s Theatre). There is ample free parking nearby and it is accessible by public transport. Start time is 7pm and we normally finish on or around 10pm.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Information
If you have any questions at all please contact either Keith Riches (Membership Officer) on 01702 201699 or Gary Ross (Club Secretary) on 0208 593 6792.