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durhamregion.com THE CANADIAN STATESMAN ♦ October 11,2006 ♦ Page A5 A CLARINGTON COMMUNITY A.weekly in-depth look at the communities that shape Clarington Soper Valley model railroad show full steam ahead for this weekend Show marks the 20th year for the annual event BY BLAKE WOLFE Special to The Statesman was going to be a success or a flop and this is our 20th year.' -- Ron Radcliffe BOWMANVILLE - All aboard! The Soper Valley Model Railway Association Association is hosting its 20th annual Model Railroad Show on Oct. 14 and 15. The show takes place at Bowmanville High School, 49 Liberty St. N., and is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is , $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $10 for families. - Ron Radcliffe, 'WB didn't show co-ordina- |/ n nui if it tor and a mem- Imuw 11 11 ber of the club since 1983, initiated initiated the annual shows four years after he joined. According to Mr. Radcliffe, the club is currently made up of about 30 members from across Durham Région. • ■ "The club Was formed in 1978 and we didn't have our first show until 1987," he said. "We didn't know if it was going to be a success or a flop and this is our 20th ' year." The turnout for the shows over the years has been quite steady, according to Mr. Radcliffe, with the average turnout being between .1,600,and' 1,800 show- goers. ■..'■■■■ "Last year we were over 1,700 (attendees)," (attendees)," Mr. Radcliffe said. , "We expect to be pretty close to 1,800 again this year. I've been trying to get 2,000 people through the door, but I haven't quite made it yet." The club also sets up a display at'the. annual MapleFest, which helps adver- r tise both the club and the show, months before it takes place. "There's à lot of people that come to the show that don't even look at flyers or anything," Mr. Radcliffe said. "They just know it's the wçekend after Thanksgiving." Thanksgiving." , . A.J. Groen / Metroland Durham Region Media Group BOWMANVILLE - The Soper Valley Model Railroad Association is sponsoring its 20th annual Model Railroad Show which will be held at Bowmanville High School on Oct. 14th and 15th. Looking at a model of an old steam locomotive are Ron Radcliffe, left and Gary Jeffery. Having been involved in the hobby since 1967, Mr. Radcliffe attributes the fascination of model railroads to both the skills required to build the miniatures, miniatures, as well as the research involved in making historically accurate representa- . lions. "The hobby itself practically covers all trades," he said. "The other thing that is really interest ing is delving into the history of the railroads, railroads, especially locally. I tried digging up as much information as I could about the Grand Trunk between Belleville and Oshawa. There's not much out there, but I do manage to get a little bit here and there." For more information on the show and the club, call Mr. Radcliffe, at 905-987- 3099. 4 Victorian style architecture grace the Balmoral Hotel It had a reputation of being one of the best hotels east of Toronto in early 1900s BY CATHERINE VIVIAN Special to The Statesman BOWMANVILLE - Built in 1892 in the Victorian style çf architecture, the Balmoral Hotel has worn many hats. In 1903, under the ownership of Mr. And Mrs. Jackson, it was refurbished and garnered a reputation for being one of the best hotels east of Toronto. In 1913 it was redecorated again and used as a clubhouse for the Goodyear Company. As eqrly as 1923 féstive holiday suppers suppers were prepared and served there for Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. The hotel's focus was changed again in 1967 when it was renamed the Castle and used for adult entertainment.. It's latest owner, Tom White, has worked tirelessly restoring the old lady back to her original grandeur. In laying the groundwork for the restoration he found that much of the original architecture architecture was still intact and it was a matter of removing the excess. Steps taken to do this included pressure-washing the brick to remove paint and then the use. of a sealant. When completed the old Balmoral Hotel will serve a new purpose yet again. The third storey will be loft apartments apartments while its second storey regular apartments and commercial space will occupy the bottom floor. Within her walls this building holds many stories. 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