Rather than a fresh thread, thought as well put here.
Only real down for me is I can only comment as a trader - I was too busy to get chance to have a proper wander about! That's our fault on the staff side - that, and someone having to keep an eye on Colin of One Less Charlie
As 6P mentioned above ( we're agreeing again David! ) it was something of a leap of faith - as it turned out it was overall an excellent event. That was in no small part to the huge effort made by Brian, Steve and their team. It was a first , certainly for them and in many other ways. Much has been learned I'm sure, but the result was fantastic. It was, bar absolutely none, ( for a trader ) the most relaxed, well organised, friendly and open event we've ever attended. I hope that trader atmosphere can be sustained - because it made a very welcome difference. It worked and I'm hugely pleased for B & S; but even if things had gone awry, I know we and I suspect many of the other traders would still have been happy to put something into stalking by demonstrating that faith.
As usual, fairs end up so hectic that you never have chance to give people the full time they deserve, get round and just chat or say hello properly to friends old and new. So apologies here and now to David - we got close several times, but never got chance for that chat - and to the dozens who came by and often got a blank, confused or wrong track look; and occassionally all three at the same time! Particularly sorry I didnt get chance for a proper chat with the Monarch guys.
The burgers were fantastic.
The layout worked well and I really liked the effort that the organisers put into the setting out. Ok, we ended up next to a strange crowd - some grumpy
tubby bloke obsessed with tea and selling car stickers, a 14 year old who just played on his Nintendo all day and seemed hell bent on setting up a webcam to capture the back of my head and a very nice lady who was just too free with cakes, biscuits and mainline sugar for anyone's good
, but worked well. It was also good to be able to pull funny faces at poor old Paul Innes of Swaro on Gregors stand everytime he's trying to demonstrate spotting scopes. Best of all was watching Jon Snowden 'in action' - though time lapse photography would have been better
.
I must single out in particular the very nice lady who said - ' Are you the guy off the Shooting Show'? Having been subject to, frankly, a barrage of 'Power Band' ( sorry Jayb, Powa Barnd ) heckling from that
tubby old bloke; I was feeling emotionally fragile by this point. 'How did you know' I responded as I ruefully pat the ( greatly expanded by SD stand said sugary confections and the excellent burgers ) midrift. Her response made my year - ' I recognise your glasses' she said in beaming honesty! Madam, I thank you
As soon as I figure out where I packed the camera, I'll try to post some pictures. Though under the provisions of Section 15 (b) of the Official Secrets Act 1949 Schedule D, the night shots of Mike Norris in DPM jimjams and My Little Pony Slippers cannot be broadcast...
Brian, Steve - you brought together something different and very good. I hope you will try again next year and we would be happy to attend.
Just keep the burgers the same! - did I mention how good they were?
