The following write-up about the person who built and donated the Canal Scene which is exhibited on permanent loan at Etruria Industrial Museum (Staffordshire), and a little history about it, has kindly been produced by Mr. KEITH WOOD, and our thanks go to him for his time and efforts on this matter. And incidentally, Keith often exhibits at various shows with his extremely informative photo archives. (Keith's archive is featured on our website HERE)

	The ARA has asked me to put something together re the Canal Scene diorama; fortunately I have quite a good knowledge on the subject as it represents one of many contributions made to the Association in it's early days by a remarkable man - the late Eric McBrine. As such it is impossible to talk about the model without reference to it's creator.

			My own knowledge of Eric and his family stems from the very beginnings of the Association when the founding Treasurer, Denis Ongley, put me in touch with him to set up the arrangements for a presentation/demonstration  on air-brushing etc techniques which Eric, assisted by his son Craig, delivered to a quite large and appreciative audience of ARA members and guests in the Alsager Public Library ( which we used for free standing  events in those days ).

	Eric subsequently became both a great supporter of the of the ARA and a close personal friend. Whilst never wishing to join the Association as an active member, Eric saw it as a ' local talent outlet' and was determined to support it in every possible way.

			This he did using his skills as a lecturer in printing studies at the North Staffs Polytechnic ( where his students, I believe, included one Michael Sant ) by providing, amongst other things, myself as then Secretary with supplies of high quality coloured and perfectly produced headed paper, exhibition posters and numerous varied contributions to our own history display.

	Eric was in addition, for me, the most gifted and imaginative all round modeller I have ever seen ( the creator of a truly brilliant Welsh narrow gauge layout - the attachment is extracted from Continental Modeller of  October 1983 and reflects but one aspect of his myriad talents ).

			So it was that for successive early days exhibitions/open days Eric produced items to enhance the content of the show - these were invariably   'different' and always exceptional - the Canal scene is a good example and it is reassuring that it has survived.

	My own records confirm that it was at the first major exhibition at Cobridge in 1982 and I am 99% sure it first appeared at the 1981 Open day at St Mary's Hall, Alsager. Interestingly I seem to recall being instrumental in it being loaned to a local school on one occasion as an educational resource - the Association's records for circa 1983 may have more info on this.

			Such was the appreciation and gratitude felt in respect of Eric's great contributions that the Committee unhesitatingly invited this most unassuming , kind and supportive gentleman to be it's first honorary life member.

	I know that Eric felt very honoured to accept this and continued to attend the ARA shows - as ever offering support and encouragement all round - until his sad and sudden death in 1999.

			The above reflects the history of the Canal Scene which I believe should be correctly described as "Constructed for and donated to the Alsager Railway Association in 1981 by:   Eric McBrine ( 1931 - 1999 )