Microscopium 2006
Shalford Village Hall, near Guildford, Surrey

On the 6th May, the Club held its second meeting dedicated to sales. Although this, unfortunately, clashed with another 'microscopical meeting', the attendance was still good and 'trade' was brisk throughout most of the day. The weather was not quite so kind as last year, so many of us had to dash in and out with our 'treasured' possessions, but nothing dire was reported.

As last year, there were many interesting and desirable items on show and the temptation to spend something was very difficult to resist. many members went away very pleased - either they had disposed of items they no longer had a use for or, in other cases, added to their collections.

The writer of this report has to admit to mixed reactions to the day. the idea had been to dispose of some items to 'make some more space'(I have far too many microscopes and accessories for my own good) and to a certain extent this aim was achieved. However, I did go home with more than I took, due I have to admit, to some very astute pricing by our esteemed Hon General Secretary. He was selling a collection of microscopes for the estate of a deceased member and they were all priced to sell. One of my interests is 'polarising instruments' and there sitting in the middle of the display was a very nice Russian Petrological microscope, complete with a very good selection of accessories. Of course I just had to have it didn't I? Now I have less space than before. Oh well, there is always the next Microscopium, perhaps I can 'downsize' then.

 
Before the start. Dennis Fullwood helps an exhibitor with some advice.
Some other early arrivals taking advantage of some of the items already on display. This was the selection of items from the deceased members estate, being handled by Phil Greaves.

Steve Gill looks at something interesting on Brian Davidson's stand.

Maurice Moss in conversation with Ray (Club Sales Officer) and Cherry Trapmore on the Club Sales table.

There were a large number of books on sale - covering all aspects of microscopy and allied subjects. Here a member seems engrossed in a particular book - wonder whether he actually bought it, or was he just browsing?

Now sure whether Steve Gill is lecturing Joan Bingley, or just making a point!

Maurice Moss explains the finer points of a microscope to a very young enthusiast - or perhaps it was the father who had the interest. Derek Brown looks interested - perhaps he learnt something new as well.

If you didn't really know what you were looking for, it was probably here anyway. A very comprehensive display of all sorts of equipment - took the help of several other members to unload this lot.

This stand had a good and varied selection of slides on display.

Not shown, but on another stand, was a further selection of slides offered by Bill Boorne - including a very interesting display box with the slide trays 'stepped back', so that all the slides were visible at the same time and each one could be selected without having to 'disturb' the others. Needless to say it found a 'good home' quite quickly.

A general view of the hall showing the good turnout for this very successful meeting.

Our thanks must go, once again, to Maurice Moss and Phil Greaves for all the effort that went into setting up the meeting, without their hard work it wouldn't have been possible. We all look forward to the next one.

Tony Jarratt