Jerry B. wrote:One of the aspects of out hobby that I've always enjoyed is the social part. I like spending time with other phono nerds. Recently we had an OTAPS meeting in Everett, WA at the home of John C. It was enjoyed by about fifteen members from as far away as Southern Oregon and British Columbia, Canada. We generally have a swap meet and it's fun to see what is available. At this event I bought about twenty fun cylinders and an entry level Victrola that will be available at APS. At this meeting I saw the most exceptional Edison Home I've ever seen. It was owned by someone that traveled with his machine and earned a living by giving Edison concerts. The Edison Home had the recessed area under the feed screw and had a serial number just under 300. WOW!
Please note the rail with multiple listening tubes. The large canvas sign listed the cylinders available for enjoyment and the cylinders matched the sign. The complete outfit was nothing less than amazing.
Years ago when our club was formed we picked the name "Oregon Territory Antique Phonograph Society" because the original Oregon Territory was much larger than the futurel state of Oregon and we wanted to be inclusive. We have had several meeting in beautiful British Columbia and as far south at Sacramento, CA and numerous places in between. OTAPS has always been fun and a place where new collectors are welcomed. I'd like to thank Stan S, Dan M, and Larry H for leading our group and donating their time and talents.
Jerry Blais
In the UK the CLPGS has several regional groups, including the West of England Group of which I am the Chairman. We cover a large geographical area, so we have no fixed venue. Instead we meet in member's homes, usually on a Saturday afternoon, about every couple of months.
The host presents a program of records on a chosen theme, and guests are invited to bring records on that theme to play later. After the host's program we break for afternoon tea, this being England. Tea is not intended to be a culinary contest, but the ladies always do us proud.
Reports of regional meetings appear in the CLPGS magazine "For the Record", and as Chairman of my group it is my job to write them.
After tea we resume with members records, and the meetings often continue well into the evening.
![[The Talking Machine Forum - For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings]](/styles/we_universal/theme/images/the_talking_machine_forum.png)
all our non-phono friends that just think we are a little crazy. 
