Bachmann Branchline Retailer of the Year

Silverhill Models and Toys, 383 London Road, St. Leonards on Sea,East Sussex, TN37 6PA

Nowadays, in the age of online shopping and increased mail order competition, it is not often that you will find a traditional model shop.

Silverhill Models, down on the south coast at St Leonard's on Sea in East Sussex, is one of these gems: a rare breed of model shop that offers friendly customer service, an excellent range of stock and the assurance of a warm welcome to any who enter through its doors.

From the shop, you cannot only purchase Bachmann Railways, but also an extensive range of other products, such as Scenecraft buildings, slot cars, kits and jigsaw puzzles, in addition to picking up all the accessories required for your hobby.

Pictured L-R: David Haarhaus, Bachmann European Sales & Marketing Manager; Len Harvie, Owner of Silverhill Models; Ian Garnham, Bachmann Area Sales Representative.

Silverhill models is owned and run by Len Harvie, who started his working career at Mottingham Station, South London, selling papers in one of the W.H. Smith kiosks that used to be a common sight at many main railway stations around the country. Len has run his well-stocked model shop for the past 32 years, since leaving his previous job with the British Army of the Rhine in Munster, Germany, where he perfected his organisational skills over the course of seven years.

On Sundays, you will almost certainly find Len at his other 'job' as Station Master at Sheffield Park, on the Bluebell Railway, where again his interpersonal skills and organisational prowess are put to very good use.

It is very sad that Len's wife Pauline is not able to share this award with Len, as she passed away back in August after contracting leukaemia. Our condolences and very best wishes are sent to Len at this very difficult time.

In presenting the award, David Haarhaus, European Sales & Marketing Manager said "We are very pleased to present Silverhill Models with this award. The store has been steadily growing its representation of our products over a great many years, and we have only ever received positive comments from our collectors who shop here. It is just the kind of local store that our industry needs to support both new and long-standing Bachmann customers. I really enjoy visiting well-established stores, as they are always an Aladdin's Cave of goodies, and Silverhill certainly does not disappoint".

Silverhill Models and Toys are located at: 383 London Road, St. Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN37 6PA. Opening hours are: 9.30 - 5.00 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri and Sat. Tel: 01424 431133.