Sunday 20 September 2009

A new one

Yesterday, 20th, saw Time Was... venture into the darkest depths of Northamptonshire to the town of Kettering. Though the journey down, once we had turned off the A1 and onto the A43, was quite picturesque. Passing through villages with thatched covered cottages and gardens ablaze with colour. Was this a good omen, together with clear blue skies, that we were onto something good?? But then we hit Kettering itself which was just like any other town only a wee bit grimmer. A group of men were stood on the first street corner looking slightly menacing even at 8 o'clock in the morning, but they were only queuing for the hole in the wall.

Still we found the Arena quite easily thanks to some almost excellent signposting by Barry Potter Fairs. The only sign which was difficult to spot was the one on the lampost, behind some branches, just at the entrance of the leisure centre. But then I think the building itself gave it away and the hive of activity from the various White Van Men told us we had arrived.

The hall was a very spacious setting, with plenty of room to display our wares and store our boxes, gave for a very relaxed day. Though the carpet must have been laid by Bogit Carpets.

This was the first time we had been to Kettering and it was encouraging. We didn't set the fair alight but we did break-even, which seemed to be better than most. One poor chap sold just one item for £12 all day! We also picked up a couple of bargains that we can sell on.

We hopefully will have some folks return to us on November 29th when we venture into the not so darkest depths of Northamptonshire again.

Sunday 13 September 2009

Where have all the traders gone?

It was a bit like the Marie Celeste today as there seemed to be quite a few traders who have jumped ship. Spalding toyfair was a bit low on traders, big aisles, plenty of empty tables with names on them. So many of them had booked but hadn't turned up. David and Stephen did their usual calm, well organised day. The cafe was busy and the aromas that drifted our way made us hungry, but that wasn't a problem as we had packed ourselves out well.

Our colleagues, well those who turned up, were all on good form. Peter had finally ended his two-year sale and with a new colour scheme had gone all gold. Wasn't sure if that was his tan or his stall!! Pity he still hasn't sold his Hogwarts Express, there must be a Harry Potter somewhere for him. Mike was usual jovial self, 'working' every minute as usual, though when I was there his wife seemed to be doing all the work whilst he played on a laptop, so no change there really.

Our regulars turned up and all had a good chat, some a wee bit longer than others, and they bought a few things.

Ohh and there were a few other customers but it was difficult persuading them to part with their money. Even the couple who only wanted to spend £10.00 even though everything they wanted was priced at more than twice that.

Still it passed a few minutes of the day.

Sunday 6 September 2009

Peterborough Toy Fair - Ohh Dear

Another Sunday, another Toyfair. This time it was back to the Cresset Centre in Peterborough for what is usually a fair fair. Unfortunately today, for some reason quite a few traders were missing, many of whom are regulars and also more importantly quite a lot of buyers. So needless to say not a very good day. It did at least keep dry and there was free coffee and biccies, even choccy ones, for all!!

But apart from that it was a very quiet day, in fact we were packed up and out of there before it was officially supposed to finish, and that was as one of the last ones to leave.

Still there is the return match on December 13th, the run up to Christmas, so it should be much, much better.