Memory Lane: Joining The LEGO Club

So I continue my journey through my archives with this pamphlet on how to join The LEGO Club. In 1985, LEGO was a big thing for me as well as collecting Matchbox cars – I was into LEGOLAND Town big time and basically wanted everything, so I think my parents signed me up for The LEGO Club to ensure that I was inspired. Or it could be the fact that I nagged them about it for so long they just gave in.

So, I wrote a while back about the LEGO Builders Club which was in 1980, but forward five years it was re-branded as The LEGO Club with a clever use of the five main colours within the logo. I also love he postal address – The LEGO Club, Wrexham, Clwyd – no messing, Royal Mail knew exactly where to deliver! Wrexham was the home of LEGO UK for many a year before they moved HQ to Slough in Berkshire. Interesting to note that this was a pure LEGO UK exercise and very UK centric. Today, most clubs and such are from a brand/company template which is shared across markets – so the content advertised in the 1980s was more or less exclusive to the UK. I have not seen any other LEGO Clubs from around the world at this period in time.

For £2.50, I think that there was a lot of value there. I really wanted the stickers as I knew I could add them to some of my builds. I am sure that they could be added onto the pencil case and such, but I was quite protective of them and did not want to stick them anywhere…….I am pretty sure that I still got a full sheet somewhere intact – I will have to have a look.

The sew on patch was cool as I got my Mum to stitch it on to the plimsoll bag for school. The badge had its issues – the colour seemed to rub off a tad, and the clip holder did tend to break. I am not sure if that was me mishandling it……..but it was worn from time to time.

With the membership card, you could get a discount in some stores, though I don’t think it ever worked as the assistant never really understood the card or The LEGO Club. I mean if you had a Blue Peter badge, you were part of the Untouchables and could walk into anything for nowt.

One of the lures of The LEGO Club was to get that elusive Gold Master Builder award, something that I really wanted to achieve but never managed despite my efforts. Gutted is one word that comes to mind.

For the rest of the club treats and the magazines I will revisit them within my next look(s) through the archives as there is much to say. Again, this is in huge contrast to the LEGO Club we have today for the next generation.