FORMED FOR 'THE SONS OF GENTLEMEN' - profiles the Sunderland Model Engineering Society, a long-established club on the coast in the north of England

摘要

The 'home' of the Sunderland MES is Roker Park in Sunderland. This park was created in the 19th century when Sir Hedworth Williamson and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners gave 17 acres of land "for the purpose of forming a Public Park and Pleasure Grounds for the free use of the people of Sunderland forever". The park was officially opened on 23 June 1880 and one feature was the lake specifically designed for sailing the model boats of "the sons of gentlemen ". In 1931 a group of regular users of the lake decided to form a club and on 18 August of that year the 'Sunderland Model Boat and Engineering Club' was formally established. During 1934, the local council drained and completely refurbished the lake, installing a concrete base and brick sides. It was officially reopened on 3 November 1934 with a display of member's models.