RSMG 'Out of Town Weekend' a great success
The Rubber Stamp Manufacturers Guild held its Out of Town Weekend 19th to 21st September at the Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa on the Wirral.
The weekend began on the Friday afternoon with a Directors meeting followed by a General meeting at which the developments at Aegraflex and the continued support of the RSMG in the Genesius project were two of the topics discussed. Following a break The Guild then launched the "Get Britain Stamping" campaign. The campaign, which is to run in October, is a Rubber Stamp awareness campaign funded and developed by all the major players in the industry and designed in such a way to engage the trade with the end users. There was a lively presentation by Nigel Eyre, RSMG president, and Michael Gardner, BOSS Federation CEO. The demonstration covered how the campaign had evolved, the finished website www.getbritainstamping.co.uk, the PR and Social Media already achieved and how RSMG members could get involved. As an incentive to visit the website, it features a Free Prize Draw to win a fantastic dinner and hotel stay for 2 at Gordon Ramsey's York & Albany Hotel in London. The President enthused that the campaign would provide an exciting time for the UK stamp market and even suggested that the concept could be rolled out to other countries. The launch was concluded with a champagne toast.
At the welcome reception on Friday evening the President greeted all, especially first time and overseas guests. There was overseas representation from Germany, The Czech Republic, Ireland and the USA. The Chefs Buffet was followed by a "fun night out at the races".
Following breakfast on Saturday a coach picked up guests from the Hotel arriving at Albert Dock in Liverpool. Activities varied from shopping, visiting the many museums or the Beatles exhibition and even a renowned food fest. The coach returned at 3.15pm, allowing time for guests to relax or enjoy the great spa facilities at the hotel which included an unusual 'snow cave' and outdoor jacuzzi.
The now legendary Gala Dinner began with the Presidents Reception at 7.00pm. The guests were welcomed and grace recited before an incredible 6 course meal. The menu was a culinary delight and the Chef fulfilled its potential. After dinner the president thanked all the sponsors for the weekend without which it could not take place: ASAP Stamps Ltd., COLOP UK, Pioneer Marking Devices, E. Reiner, Shachihata, Stamps Direct, Supreme Rubber Stamps and Trodat. He then went on to describe whom he was presenting the Guilds' Lifetime Achievement Award.
"He had bought a small stamp manufacturer in the mid 70's and in subsequent years built up the business into a thriving concern, not only gradually taking on more staff and moving to bigger premises but acquiring similar firms in Birmingham and London. He joined the RSMG in the 80's and played an active role as it captured his imagination. In 1989 he became president, a position he held for 11 years and one of which he was immensely proud. He was particularly keen to encourage greater links between Guild members, and to promote co-operation with the wider rubber stamp manufacturing world. His outlook was always very international.
He started EMDEC, which first took place in London in 1992. Nice, Amsterdam, Budapest, Prague, Krakow and others followed. The exhibitions success helped to significantly boost Guild funds over these years. Internationally he became one of the most respected men in our industry. The Guild still benefits from this legacy today.
He was appointed International Director at IMIA, contributed articles to MIM Europe and tirelessly worked hard to raise the profile of the Guild, its members and the rubber stamp industry as a whole.
He had to give up his role as President of the Guild in 2000 when his health deteriorated. It was a sad occasion for him, but didn't lessen the pride, happiness and satisfaction he'd taken in the role. He was the 2nd longest serving President."
Never had the award been given posthumously and never had there been a more worthy recipient in terms of his commitment, time and energy he gave to the Guild.
Many readers will now realise the recipient was Gordon King. Anne King was asked to come and receive the award on his behalf and she emotionally said a few very appreciative words and thanked the many friends she had made over the years.
Vice President, Ian Bradbeer, then thanked Mike and Jenny FitzGibbon for their tireless organising of another outstanding weekend. Their meticulous attention to detail in the preparation seems to be the formula for success. He presented them both with a gift from the Guild as a token of their appreciation, a visit to the top of the Shard, the tallest building in London.
Kiran Mistry then auctioned the table decorations, resulting in £700 being raised for Breast Cancer Research.
The enjoyable evening was followed by The Fab Beatles a superb tribute band that had guests dancing well into the morning.
Guests departed after a relaxed breakfast with many already looking forward to next year's event which has already been booked. The event will take place near Peterborough at the magnificent Orton Hotel and Spa on the 18th, 19th and 20th September 2015. The RSMG board of directors thank all that attended this year's event, look forward to seeing them next year, and would be delighted to welcome members from other stamp organisations worldwide who might come and join a weekend that once attended tends to become a firm date in participants diaries.
A couple of quotes from the weekend:-
"If you come and experience the Out of Town weekend it becomes clear why the event's reputation is growing year on year. A quality venue, great entertainment, exquisite food and excellent company from like-minded people are the recipe for its success. Combine this with a business based Friday afternoon and you have one of the most talked about Rubber Stamp events of the calendar."
- Nigel Eyre President of the RSMG
Simon Tobin MD at August Engraving in Ireland attending for the first time comments "great people and very good comradery with a lot of respect for each other within the industry... "