IN THE BEGINNING
"Origins" by Brian Rogers

The NSCC can trace its origins back to 1977; whilst the collecting of Scalextric is now an end in itself, the cars are, after all, miniature racing models or toys, if you like, and the racing function has always been a major part of their attraction.

In the mid 70s interest in slot cars and racing was very much in the doldrums when Roy Charlesworth, who at that time was the proprietor of a ballroom dancing school, advertised in the magazine 'Exchange & Mart' asking for people interested in Scalextric racing to contact him. Rather to his surprise, he had quite a good response to his advert and so the first London Scalextric Club was formed.

Club racing was organised in the ballroom on a four lane, portable Scalextric track and this proved so popular that in 1978 the first South of England Scalextric Championship was held and attracted an entry of over sixty competitors.

It soon became obvious that people were beginning to collect the stuff so Roy initiated a collectors’ section of the club and produced several A4 newsletters between 1979 and 1980. From there, it all began on a recognised basis. Early members included Roger Gillham, David Wells, Martin O'Reilly and of course Roy Charlesworth. Roger was already writing the 1st edition of his 'Enthusiasts Guide' at that time. A swapmeet and auction was held in the ballroom and this was the first event of its kind. Prices were quite high as many members thought that early Scalextric was more difficult to come by than, in fact, it was. 

Early days - 1981
In 1981, Dale Tremble of Southend-on-Sea took over as secretary and adverts for the formation of the National Scalextric Collectors Club appeared for the first time.

The first Newsletter appeared in January 1981 – consisting of two A4 photocopied sheets. The first membership list was published in April of that year and contained just 37 names; surprisingly, several of them remain members to this day. Even at this early stage, the club had a member in the U.S.A – a foretaste of the club’s international appeal.

Sadly, Dale had to give up after 6 months and the club nearly became an 'ex-parrot'.

Relaunch - 1982
Fortunately Rob Brittain stepped into the breach; he took over the position of secretary/editor and started the current run of newsletters in January 1982. Apart from August 1982, November 1982 and April 1983 it has appeared every month since then.

Not that the early days were without their dramas – the May 1982 issue contained an appeal for £2 from each member to keep the club going till the end of the year! Indeed, the club was financially insecure for many years; in early 1992 when Bob Bott took over as treasurer he was presented with a building society account containing just £150 which was not even enough to pay the printing bill for the following month!

The 80's
Despite its somewhat hand to mouth existence during this decade the club managed to survive and membership gradually increased, reaching 100 in November 1983, 200 in April 1987, 400 in March 1989 and was nearing the 600 mark as the decade closed.

With thanks to the late John Fingland.