And YOU have assumed here too. I was there an HOUR before it opened, others were setting up as well. As you were there on Friday, did you see who took them? I was there at 9.00 on Saturday, I have a life, a family and a job that entails shift work, so a Friday set up is unpractical. I did seek out an NDMRS person, who got me some tables, but not enough to run on. The tables I had ordered were gone, it was the replacements that were unsuitable.
I wouldn't take tables that weren't belonging to me, but somebody in the hall did. If that's the mindset that's coming into railway modelling, then I'd rather be out of it.
A reply to my email that I sent to the organisers on Sunday would be welcome.