Thank you!

It has been a lovely Christmas, this year spent with the Saintly Mrs. Awdry's family and as I take stock of the festivities, I do feel the need to publicly thank my 'Secret Santa' and 'Santa Claus'; both events were conceived by Ian of 'The Blog with no name' fame and very efficiently organised by his lovely wife Cath.  

My secret Santa, scored a perfect result with these splendid Matabele warriors from the North Star Africa range; hopefully they will form part of a future entry for the  '4th Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge' in the New Year.  What was particularly lovely was the chaps at 'North Star' entered into the spirit of the event with the addition of this illustration on the box.  

This curious cracker shaped parcel has been under our tree far a while now and I was thrilled when, on Christmas morning, I opened it to reveal these delightful examples from 'Black Tree Designs'.  The Heliograph team and Chaplain George Smith are very welcome additions to my collection; I shall certainly look to have them based up as a priority! 

So to you both, thank you very much indeed, it has been great fun to be part of and if Ian and Cath are willing then I would certainly consider taking part in one or other again next year.

I have to confess that I have been very fortunate indeed this year, with plenty of hobby related gifts including some rather lovely additions to the lead pile that I shall keep secret for another day!  It would appear, however, that my nearest and dearest have taken note of my interest in all things prehistoric and included in my stocking were these splendid gifts; after all everything is better with dinosaurs!