Topic title: Help what make is my house

I agree with Brooksey that it does resemble the Hobbies 237 Special, though it's smaller. I'm not aware of plans for the 237 being published in a smaller size, though Hobbies had published a half-size version of one of their earlier most popular designs, the 186 Special. The small version appeared in 1944, when the shortage of materials would have made constructing the larger size very difficult.

The 186 Special also had the curved timbering used in this house, so perhaps the maker had access to the 1944 plans? or just scaled down the plans for the 237 Special.

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Topic title: Elf Production dolls house, auction 12 June

The auction house has kindly sent me some photos of the interior and the label, so I'll add them here - unless a member buys it and shares their own photos of it! Please let us know if you do buy it!

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Topic title: Elf Production dolls house, auction 12 June

Topic description:

I was intrigued to see a dolls house labelled 'An Elf Production' in a lot at an upcoming auction at Duggleby's, Scarborough, North Yorkshire (on 12 June, this Friday).

I don't think I have come across Elf Production before. I googled and found a model garage, farmyard and zoo all also labelled An Elf Production. Based on the printed brickwork around the entrance to the zoo, I would say that the middle of the three houses is the Elf one. I've also found a telephone directory listing for Elf Manufacturing Co, Wood Products, at Mitton Mill, Mill Road, Stourport, from 1952-1958, and newspaper ads from 1949-1959.

I contacted Zoe, as she is nearby. She was not interested in bidding, but did find some more information about Elf - an ad by Elf Production in a 1953 issue of Practical Mechanics to 'Make Money Making Wooden Toys; we supply the parts all ready to assemble and paint.'

I would be interested to see the interior. There is no in-person viewing during the pandemic, so they offer to take more photos. I've been meaning to email the auction house, and hopefully will do so before Friday.

Has anyone come across Elf Production dolls houses, or other model buildings?

Topic title: Hello Again

Hi Debbie, great to see you again! Please do share your old photos again too, when you have time. We were unable to automatically transfer any of the content from the old site, and would love members to upload their earlier photos to this new website. The old website will continue to be online until February 2022, though more and more features are gradually ceasing to function. However, it's there if you need to save your photos from it, and any informative comments on them, to upload here so that we can continue to enjoy them and learn from them for a long time!

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Topic title: Giveaway winner

Topic description:

The giveaway competition in Issue 32 of our magazine closed yesterday. I have used a random number generator to draw the winner - and the winner is Carol L! Congratulations, Carol :-) Please contact Zoe through her member profile to let her know your address.

Topic title: Farewell to Zoe as an administrator

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                                                                                           Photo: Edel

I'd like to let you all know that Zoe has relinquished her role as administrator. Zoe has been the digital liaison between the developers of the new website on the one hand, and DHP&P members and the other admins on the other. Building the new site took far longer and was more complex than they or we imagined, and Zoe put in countless hours in face-to-face and email consultations. Thank you very much, Zoe, for the immense amount of time and effort you have put into the development and to helping members, and admins, find their way around the new site. We couldn't have done it without you. I and the other admins, and I'm sure many members, will miss Zoe as an admin very much. However, she is well overdue for having the responsibilities lifted from her shoulders, and to regain some of her leisure time - including more time to play in Grecondale!