Sunday, 5 July 2009

Peterborough Toy Fair

Back at the Cresset Centre in Peterborough for a Toy Fair hosted by Barry Potter. One of Barry's smaller fairs today, July 5th and there seemed to be a smaller turnout of traders and buyers. Could that be because it was nice sunny day?? Well until it chucked it down with rain just at the time of packing up and leaving, typical!! Could it have been because of the Air Show at RAF Waddington not too far away, which would have drawn thousands?? Could it have been due to the Mens Singles Final at Wimbledon?? Though that didn't end until early evening after an epic battle between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick!!

Whatever the reason the toy buyers just weren't at the fair, one sale of a Cybermen collect and build set was all we had on that side. But the fairys were let loose with a force, our Fairy and Fantasy range at Time Was... went down a treat.

So all in all not too bad a day, despite the rains best efforts to soak us.

Oh and congratulations to Roger Federer!!

Sunday, 21 June 2009

Huntingdon

It was the Huntingdon Toyfair this weekend, Father's Day, at the Wood Green Animal Shelter. One of our favourite fairs and this time we did very well. There were unfortunately alot of dealers who didn't turn up and perhaps because it was Father's Day there didn't seem to be as many customers about.

This didn't put those folks who were there off, in fact it meant there was more room to wander around and not have to use elbows to get to tables. It was the fantasy figures of fairies and dragons that caught most peoples eye and they were flying off the table.

Though busy to start with it soon quietened down, but Pete from Manhattan Models was on top form again or was it just the sun has got to his head. Both of us from Time Was... had time to wander around the animal shelter whilst PJ Gifts held the fort. Quite a few ahhs and ooo's as we went from the dog kennels and to the cattery, if we didn't already have a single minded cat we might have come home with a bundle of fur.

Sunday, 7 June 2009

Toyfairs times 2

Well after a hectic weekend last week with family get togethers it seems a while since Time Was... was at the Doncaster Toyfair on the 31st May, but we were. It was a glorious sunny day and another good fair organised by Mike Bishop, who not only did an excellent job, but also took a few photos. We always knew he had a soft spot for our fantasy figures, but photos???

Anyway we may not have had many actual sales, but for once they were all of the, shall we say large side, which was nice.

After a rush to get from Doncaster to home and unload, we were soon out and on our way to Mansfield to meet relatives who had travelled all the way from Canada just to see our Doctor Who collectables!! O.k. I'm a wee bit economical with the truth there they had come to visit faimly and actually had never seen Doctor Who, can you believe it!!!!

Today, 7th June, in the pouring rain, we were at Spalding hosted by JJ Webb Fairs. This is a regular haunt for Time Was... and although not too busy today, maybe the thought of getting soaked just getting out of the car and into the Springfirld Exhibition Centre put folks off, we did our usual amount of business. So we're happy. Though I did try to tell Pete from Manhattan Models the result of the Turkish Grand Prix, but he kept putting his head in between his knees, now there's something you don't want to see to often!!

Sunday, 10 May 2009

Battlegroup North

May 9th and May 10th, two days that turned the clocks back to the 1940's and wartime Britain, Time Was indeed!!

We were at the Yorkshire Air Museum which over the last two days has been holding the annual Battlegroup North gathering of over 200 military vehicles, mainly Second World War, and assorted infantry in full battledress representing the many armies of the time, the Allies, the British, American and Russian and against them the Germans, I didn't see any Italians or Japanese there, but all factions seemed to get on together very well, as long as you didn't mention the ...!

There was also the Home Guard, complete with Captain Mainwaring, local Spivs, the Police, Ambulance and Fire personnel, women in 40's period dress, complete with seamed stockings, looks like those spivs did some brisk business. It all gave the feel of turning the clock back.

We were there along with a handful of traders in the Hangar housing many of the Museums collection, including the Halifax and Mosquito. Demonstration wargames were being played, including a very large representation of the Raid on St. Nazaire, and a highly detailed, but with very small intricately painted figures, Battle of Waterloo Game. Some traders had to rough it outside in the wind and rain of Saturday afternoon, shame... The sun was not too kind over the two days.

The two days saw, or more appropriately, heard the live firing of 25pdr cannons, which were situated just outside the Hangar. On the Saturday afternoon a single Spitfire overflew the airfield, a very impressive sight that of course emptied the Hangar.

Sunday and the UK Tank Club demonstrated their brilliant radio controlled tanks in a mock battle.

Loads of things were going on to make a great day out for any family. All in all an enjoyable couple of days. Anne didn't enjoy it too much as she was frozen for almost all of the Sunday, having had a warm day in the shop on the Saturday.

Ohh and we did quite a bit of business to!!

Tuesday, 5 May 2009

Star Wars Fan Day - Burnley FC

A long time ago... In a football stadium far, far away... well yesterday in Burnley, Lancs on May 4th or to be more precise May the Fourth be with you, Time Was... was at Turf Moor, home to Burnley Football Club.

Only the home team hadn't turned up and the away team of Clone Troopers and their star striker Darth Vader played a blinder. It wasn't until Obi-Wan Kenobi and Chewbacca shored up the defence that things got better and the home supporters had something to cheer about.

It was a great day out, not only for the traders, not only for the Star Wars guests but mainly for the hundreds of kids of all ages, from a 14 week old Master Yoda to an 80 year old Star Wars fan. Many of the kids were in costume and took part in a fancy dress competition. It was difficult to chose who would win. Autographs were flying, light sabres were flashing and excited kids were everywhere.

BBC Radio Lancashire were there reporting on events throughout the day. Time Was... was also interviewed live on air to claim our 15 minutes of fame, well alot nearer to five minutes.

Although it was a long journey and a very early start Anne did appreciate the drive after we turned off the M62 and onto the A58 through Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, oh it did bring back memories of hills. A Lancashire lass for a Lancashire event.

An excellent day, well organised by Neil who was using the event to raise money for the local Hospice, and a huge success all round.

Saturday, 2 May 2009

MAY THE FOURTH - be with you

May the Fourth - this Bank Holiday Monday will see Time Was at the Star Wars Fan Fun Day being held at Burnley Football Club. This promises to be a great day out for Star Wars fans of all ages with activities and fancy dress for the kids and star guest signings for the rest of us.

For more information click the link below:-

http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/ImagePages/Woody/SW.htm

See you there!

May the Fourth be with you

Tuesday, 28 April 2009

Toyfair - Spalding

Last Sunday, the 26th, saw Time Was at one of our regular haunts, Spalding Toyfair @ The Springfield Centre, Spalding, Lincs.

Unfortunately it was the same as recent fairs. Folks were about but they were being cagey with their money. Not a good fair for us this time, and once again we missed out on the lovely sunshine as we tended our wares in the exhibition hall. Pity the good folks of Spalding didn't make it worthwhile being cooped up. Still we did get a very good bacon butty, mine was topped with an egg but Anne's wasn't. Well I did give her the choice, but she did her bread in my yolk!!

Never mind there is 'May The Fourth Be With You' a Star Wars event this Bank Holiday Monday at Burnley Football Club to look forward to.

Lightsabres at the ready...