The Lighter Club of Great Britain

I was slightly apprehensive about this year’s show, we had moved the event out of London to Hatfield and the chosen hotel had changed its Conferencing Manager four times in less than twelve months, causing lots of wrangles over the arrangements. On the bright side David Ashworth, our 2002/3 President, had very generously offered to sponsor the event, what a fantastic gesture.

There had also been more interest than usual from members of the public about attending on Sunday, following some local publicity and Carl has been promoting it on Ebay. The Club also has new impetus from the relaunch of ‘Blaze’. At 12 o’clock on Saturday members tucked into a buffet in the area just outside the Convention room, while they registered and waited for the show to open. By 1pm when the doors opened there was a real buzz and around thirty people going in. Once inside there was a frenzy of activity. Those with stock stalled out and others tried to spot pieces for their collections as they were unpacked.

There were some great lighters on display. Paul had a Thorens mounted in the top of a Rose Crystal bottle. Larry, had a gold Eterna watch lighter and Kim some great Dunhills. Both John and Koji were showing superb collections. Unfortunately we were missing the usual great stock from Alaine and of course from Jack. The channel tunnel fire had stopped some people travelling but the enthusiasm was undiminished. Zippo had been kind enough to donate some small glass domes for the display of single lighters and these sold quickly and boosted funds. I have since discovered they are normally for Zippo dealers only and in short supply. It was great to welcome new faces at the Convention. Gerry and Carol Leitch, Bob Bailey, Jon Rayner, Steve Peacock, Barrie Neale, and Adam Dunk, amongst others. As well as new members Ken Puddephat, Maurice Allward and Roan Capstick. Later in the afternoon as things quietened down Richard announced the 2008/9 President elected by the Committee for his contribution to lighter collecting.

The gold President’s badge went to a very surprised Grahame for his development of the Krefeld show. THis has become one of the major events of the year. Larry rounded off the day with a presentation of favourite lighters. Everything from deco designs made of catalin to platinum Cartiers. He also donated a CD of the slides to the Club and copies are available at £10 ineluding P&P. (email me if you want a copy) Thanks Larry. At 7.30pm twenty one of us fitted into three people carriers and Koji’s car to an Indian restaurant in Hertford, returning later for a nightcap (or caps) at the hotel bar. Sunday started at 10 o’clock and proved to be the most successful Convention Sunday we have ever had.

Visits from old friends like Howard from Dunhill, who we haven’t seen for a while, with some good aluminium and trench pieces and Paul Spencer a semi-retired trench art dealer. More new faces with members of the public bringing in lighters for appraisal, or sale. There was also a display of figural lighters, pianos, ships, guns etc. brought in by a new member Maurice Allwara and his wife who really seemed to enjoy being involved. Do come again next year. Mark did a fantastic job as our auctioneer with thirty lots being sold and only four unsold. Plenty of competition and all the lots took £2200. with a further £220 commission going to Club funds.

Many thanks to Mark for drumming up bids. All in all it seemed a great show and initial reaction has been very positive, but please wtake time to give us feedback on the location, the venue, the dinner, and the general format. If we are to build on this, we need to look at the finer points. Finally thanks again to David Ashworth for sponsoring this year’s event and we look fonward to buying you a drink at the 2009 Convention.