Dear Matt (Ozdigger)
Toy Soldiers are a "special" subject and don't readily sit well with other hobbies. My advice would be not to bother combining with other events.
Obviously before your entry into the hobby we had two (2) major displays at Queensland Museum [late 20th century] at the second one we had over 16,000 figures on display for 6 months. We also had Ausfig 99 and Ausfig 2000, weekend shows at the Murcure Hotel on North Quay, attracted people from all over Australia and New Zealand. Displays, demonstrations, figure Comp, Trade Stands etc. With a dinner on the Saturday evening.
2021 and 2022 we were at QMHE at Ipswich, great shows, 2 clubs and 2 dealers at each. There has always been some TS/MS presence at QMHE since its inception.
Next February we will be having our third BTSA Annual Display at Inala Art Gallery (approx 4 weeks) free admission.
For the last 6 odd years there have been model soldier displays at the Army Museum, South Queensland (Victoria Barracks, Brisbane) as part of the current display. After the "Nudgee Boys" departed from the college we displayed seven (7) major dioramas at the Royal United Service Institute. We are in the process of returning to Victoria Barracks with an 1800 x 900 diorama display table.
We meet every second Monday evening (now in Christmas recess!) we have an affiliated group that meets every Wednesday morning (0800 to 1200) at the Forest Lake Men's Shed. [The Men's Shed recesses pm Friday, 23 December to 0800 Monday 2 January]
About 6 years ago I was asked to investigate the feasibility of recreating the "Ausfig" events. Quickly gave that idea away when I started getting the quotes for the Public Liability Insurance!!
Currently, I am working on a programme of "Bring, Buy, Swap and Sell" events under the auspices of an "umbrella" organisation, which will cover the insurance. Watch this space.
Thank you, Wayne, for publishing my photo at that memorable K n C Dinner at Nudgee. Hey Brett!! When are you going to hold the next one??
Happy Collecting (Modelling, Painting, Casting, etc)
Oberstinhaber 1
[53 years a member of BTSA. BTSA will celebrate it's 70th anniversary next June]