Well I think it is time for a little bit of a catch-up now the Spring Exhibition season has ended. I am not out now until July when I am at Doncaster Racecourse on 14th & 15th with Stephanie Weightman (ex Create & Craft and now QVC).
As usual it has been a very busy run of shows, which on the whole have proved to be successful. Looking back there are always a couple of highlights and things that are remembered well. It is always nice to see other people's work and one highlight was when Jacqui Mansfield brought her work to Maldon in Essex (there are photos earlier in this blog).
For the first time at Olympia 4 of us rented an apartment (in Battersea). Bit of a hastle travelling but one of our party (Mike of Linden Lady Chocolates) is a brilliant Chef for us! We go prepared with the wine and he arrives with the food - it all seems to work very well. The only worrying thing was that when any of us touched the dishwasher we had an electric shock. I telephoned to complain and they actually said - yes, you will get a shock if you are touching the sink at the same time! I was so taken aback I could not say anything. After that we reverted to manual washing-up! Needless to say we will find somewhere else next year.
I was a little disappointed at Belfast because I was hoping to go to the Titanic exhibition. However due to problems at the Hall it was not ready for us and we could not get in until just before lunch. We did however go for a drive after we finished the Show on one evening and I was able to get some photos - mostly taken from inside the van. I am not normally a fan of modern sculpture but I was really impressed by the spherical structure - according to a local taxi driver nicknamed "the balls on the Falls".
The exterior of the Titanic Exhbition Building (I'll try again next year to get there)
These are photos of The Crown, which is right in the centre of Belfast opposite The Europa Hotel. Its brilliant as it still has the original panelled cubicles - don't miss going there if you are in Belfast. By the way, yes, one of the drinks on the table is mine!!
Then came Shepton Mallet where I made a new friend - of the 4 legged variety. One regular visit each year is a special treat to a particular restaurant. It is in Frome, Somerset and is really in the owners private house - downstairs is devoted to a small cosy bar area and separate restaurant looking out over their back garden. Luigi (who is Italian) is the Chef and his wife Susan looks after the restaurant. The food is lovely and if you are in Frome pay a visit - it is called La Bisalta. You need to be cat friendly though as the 2 cats have the run of the place!
Last of the season was Brighton. I had hoped for some nice weather for Brighton - particularly with the show changing dates from February to May. However, Tues - Thurs it was more like February! On the Friday it was a nice day and of course when we had to leave on Saturday it was lovely and Brighton seafront was packed. When it came to Brighton I really did not fancy an early morning start so I cheated and left a day earlier. This turned out to be a bonus though as I was able to unload the van on the Tuesday so on Weds all I had to do was set the start up and finish earlier! At the back of my head I had already the thought of going to Brighton Pavilion. I remembered going many years ago with my Parents when I was little - needless to say I could not remember much at all about it. I was really glad to make the effort to go and think it was the best £10 I have spent in a long while. So stunning inside. It is a shame interior photos are not allowed but I can understand why, so I only have exterior shots.
Now that I think brings my travels up to date!
Now to return to Friendly Plastic. I have some photos to do of new items which I will post in due course.
Having been out of stock of some colours of Sequin Waste for some time I have changed suppliers. They are now back in stock with new colours available - such as Holographic Black and a lovely Metallic Purple.
