The model-making Ward twins : picture and article

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The model-making Ward twins : picture and article

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This article appeared in the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald in September 1971.

NOTHING TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THEM...

by Lorna Campbell


Ward twins and sister 1971.jpg


Model-making is a popular hobby, not just with young boys but with a great many dads as well. Most boys make their models out of kits which they assemble and paint but twins David and Ian Ward ( 14 ) , Linnfoot, Witches Linn, Ardrossan, have progressed from bought kits and now make their models from scratch, using what bits and pieces they find.

They have now achieved such a high standard with their models that Ian came first in the junior model making class at Ayr Flower Show and David was second. They also entered at West Kilbride Flower Show and it shows how difficult it must have been to choose the better - because at West Kilbride the decision was reversed.

These were not the only prizes they have won, and after a few minutes of talking with the family I realised that between them they had walked off with quite a few. David also took 1st for cactus and 2nd for the potted plant class at West Kilbride, young sister Elaine ( 10 ) was first in the junior section for flower arranging and Mrs Ward took first prize for her iced cake, 2nd for water colour and 2nd for floating bowl of flowers.

Mr Ward said : " I just provided the transport . " This does not mean that Mr Ward does not share his family's interest in handicrafts - he makes tables and bookcases and is interested in antique clocks and watches.

The twins first became interested in this type of model making after a visit to Glasgow Art Galleries and they were very impressed by the working models on show there. This, they said, was where they really got many of their ideas.

It took David 1 1/2 months to make his 35ft working model of a steamship and he said : " I enjoy it, most of it anyway - but not all. "

The boys came to enter their models in flower shows by chance. They were entering the miniature garden section and thought that the handicrafts section entries were poor and decided they could do better themselves.

Now that the twins, both in 4th year at Ardrossan Academy, have started to take subjects like woodwork and metalwork, the technical work on their models is becoming more sophisticated and they are learning processes which enable them to make their models more quickly and cheaply.

Mrs Ward says she is learning a lot from them. She said : " They will come into the kitchen and ask to use the kettle, they steam bits of wood and mould them into bows of model boats - it is fascinating. "

Mrs Ward does not have to worry about the first thing most mothers think of when their sons start making models - " Most of the time they make them in the garage and if they work in their rooms they clear up the mess themselves . "

The boys will not be able to win prizes at flower shows for any of their models next year regardless of the standard of their models because there will be no class in which they can enter. This will not mean that they will stop their hobby . It is a hobby which is enjoyed by all ages and the skill the boys have now will mean they will be making some excellent working models later on.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3rd September 1971


Susan
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