Billing itself as Britain s Top Selling Miniatures Magazine , Dolls House World is a positive wonder to behold, telling you all you need to know to become a mover and shaker on the dolls house scene. The contents page flags such tantalising features as An eye for detail - Victoria Fasken tells how she paints beautiful dinner services , Plumbing - Running water for your dolls house! and Just Jane - Jane Laverick explains why she loves playing with tools . Ahem.
Taking pride of place on the cover is an invitation to Visit Peter s Cosy Tea Shop. Considering that the man in question looks like a duller version of Ken Barlow, this is an offer few would find difficult to resist. You wouldn t visit this man s continent if you could avoid it, nevermind his tea shop, cosy or otherwise.
The feature in question throws up some fascinating titbits of information, including the fact that dainty teasets balance (with the help of a dab of Gripwax) on Peter s sturdy tables set against a decor of pastel green and pink. Furthermore, What would Peter do if he won the lottery? Build an extension to house his collection. All hail rock n roll!
The editor, Richard Jennings, devotes his column to fond reminiscences of the Marlborough Town Hall Miniatures Fair : The world of miniatures will never be the same again, he solemnly informs his readership. When they noisily packed away the tables and quietly switched off the lights, they were signalling the end of an era.
The ed. then adds that special first person touch in his dispatch from the frontline of dolls house culture: For me Marlborough holds a special attraction. It was one of the first fairs I attended with my wife Sue. It provided a reminder of the distant days when the hobby was smaller and cosier, and fairs were intimate, crowded and exhilarating. Exhilarating, no less. The message is clear. If you need that added buzz of excitement in your life, Dolls House World is the publication for you! It s a jumble sale out there sometimes!
Niall Stanage