timewasshop.co.uk

Merlin

2011-11-06T23:47:00.000-08:00

In a land of myth, and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name... Merlin.

As spoken by The Great Dragon Kilgharrah at the start of every episode of the BBC TV series Merlin.

Now you can get a poseable action figure of Kilgharrah, as produced by scificollector, together with characters from the series, Arthur, Gaius and Morgana. Unfortunately Merlin himself has sold out, good warlocks are difficult to come by. Gwen and Uther are due for release shortly.

These figures are of course available at Time Was... in the Buttermarket in Newark On Trent, Notts or online at http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/

Anne Stokes

2011-10-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

Anne Stokes is a reknowned artist who has produced a lot of artwork for clients in the games industry, including illustrations for Wizards of the Coast's Dungeon and Dragons rule books and miniatures. Her artworks have been licensed on a wide range of merchandise including T-shirts, posters, book covers, calendars, jigsaws, tarot cards, sculptures, CCG sleeves, mugs, jewellery and greetings cards.

We have a large selection of her work on Mugs, Tile Trinket Boxes and Greeting Cards and Pictures available online.

http://timewasshop.co.uk/Anne%20Stokes%20Mugs.htm

http://timewasshop.co.uk/Prints.htm

http://timewasshop.co.uk/Greeting%20Cards.htm

These will make ideal gifts for Christmas, but hurry they are going fast from our shop in The Buttermarket, Newark On Trent, Notts and at toyfairs around the country.

Just in at Time Was...

2011-10-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

Why not treat yourself to a Gothic Pendant from our ranges of Alchemy, Children Of The Night and Lost Treasures of Albion.

They can be found at www.timewasshop.co.uk/Pendants.htm These are high quality and highly detailed gothic pendants, go on Grab yourself a Bargain, you know you want to!!

Busy times

2011-09-27T23:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since the last blog because at Time Was... we've been busy. Together with the shop we've also been up and down the country at various events. Some a lot more successful than others. But we've also been to the Autumn Fair at the NEC to find new products and these will soon be on the website, many are already in the shop.

New fantasy figures by Nemesis Now, new Beatles die-casts from The Factory, new Doctor Who Character Build from Character Options and many more. It's been so busy that we've not been able to get them on the website yet. These will be coming shortly and we'll keep you upto date.

We may be a bit slow, but delivery was only last week and it's better to be busy than not.

See you soon at Time Was... or if you are out and about why not try the Old Glory Wargaming show at Derby University this weekend, we'll be there Saturday and Sunday, but not at the shop.

Alchemy Pendants

2011-06-22T23:27:00.000-07:00

The new Alchemy pendants are now in stock. Our prices at Time Was... are amongst the lowest, if not the lowest, on the internet.

Alchemy was founded in Leicester, England in 1977 by two self-taught artist/model maker/designers from Manchester: Geoff Kayson and Trevor Phillipson.
Their imaginative, high quality work and products soon earned them the attention of some influential and high profile clients. This established them in the, ‘promotional products’ business, designing and producing items as diverse as bronze statues, album covers, collectable giftware and Rock ‘n’ Roll merchandise.

Their jewellery pendants are much sought after and Time Was... bring you the best at http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/Pendants.htm

It's been a while

2011-06-20T23:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since our last blog, but it's been a busy time although we did manage to sneak in a holiday to Rhodes. Hot or what!!

Look out for our new lines.

McFarlane Toy's - very rare set of figures, including the much sought after Red Riding Hood.

http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/McFarlane

New Alchemy pendants are on their way.

New Doctor Who items are on their way.

New Boardgames are here.

http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/Board%20Games.htm

Always lot's to get from Time Was... at excellent prices, but now even more.

Why not come to the Buttermarket In Newark and see.

On manoeuvres

2011-05-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Time Was... was on manoeuvres with Battlegroup North at the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington just outside of York.

The Battlegroup had marched into town with their bands playing and tanks thundering along. This living history event happens every year and together with a wargaming event in the Canadian Memorial hanger it makes for an enjoyable weekend.

The weather on the whole was very good, alot warmer this year and it really only rained during Saturday night. As we returned on the Sunday morning many of the troops were coming out of wet tents and dodging the puddles on the ground, but were they bothered? It didn't look like it. Alot of them already had their rations on the stoves and the smell of early morning fried bacon and eggs was something to relish, and would make anyone hungry.

If you've never been to one of these events before then you're in for a treat. This year on the Saturday there was a flypast by a WWII Hawker Hurricane as well as a couple of jets, that we were a bit too slow in getting out of the hanger to see. The hanger contains the last of the Handley Page Halifax bombers in the UK, only one other exists and that's in Canada. The Museum is on the site of the old RAF Elvington station and still has many of its original buildings such as the Control Tower and Naafi, along with a variety of planes, but then you'd expect those at an Air Museum.

The Battlegroup themselves have plenty of jeeps, trucks and tanks from WWII along with other original equipment from both World Wars.

It's a very friendly event, the participants are there to interact with, otherwise it wouldn't be living history. If you come along next year we'll see you there as Time Was... will be back, for us it's a very good event.

Thanks to the Museum and Battlegroup North for an excellent event and thanks to someone else for some warm weather this year.

A Day At The Races

2011-04-18T00:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday the 17th saw Time Was... for the first time at York Racecourse for a Toyfair. Quite a trip, 200 miles there and back, but it's really just up the A1 and the A64 so nice and easy. Despite it being in the middle of April it was very sunny first thing, whatever happened to April showers??? When we arrived we were near the glass fronted wall with the sun streaming in. Well after just 10 minutes of starting to set up, it wasn't just the sun that was streaming. It was just like being in a Greenhouse, thank heavens when the sun moved round and it cooled down. And they're off!!! Well so we thought, at 10 the doors opened, by 10:30 we had done £50.00. Not bad for a first time, beats the bookies any day. But by 2:00 pm we had done just £60.00 overall. It was like pulling teeth from a toothless bod. Could it be that the toyfair was predominately trains and our Doctor Who, Star Trek and Fantasy Figures didn't quite gel with folks or was it probably due to the nice sunny day? Either ways it wasn't busy at all, not many buyers about. Still worth a try, but we seem to have backed a half lame donkey yesterday. Still Huntingdon next Bank Holiday Monday, let's hope for better.

Memorabilia - NEC

2011-03-27T23:48:00.000-07:00

The Spring Memorabilia event at the NEC was a busy old affair. Saturday was very busy but very tiring. Getting up at 4 a.m. is not everyone's cup of tea certainly not ours. But Memorabilia is one of those shows that makes it worth it. Plenty to see and plenty of buyers. After a slow first hour, which is normal, our collectable toys flew off the shelves, though the Fantasy figures didn't do so well, the Gothic jewellery did. We eventually had the best day yet at the NEC, pity the evening meal at our local Indian Restaurant with family didn't go quite so well. Three hours for two courses is well just tto much, though they were apologetic and gave us a couple of bottles as an apology. Sunday though was a different story, like a football match it was a weekend of two halves. Pity the half -time whistle came, since Sunday only produced a quarter of what we did on Saturday. No gothic jewellery went, very few fantasy figures and it was only the toys that kept us going. Still overall it was a very good weekend, but very tiring, Sunday night was a time for sleep.

Doncaster Toyfair Again

2011-03-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

The last toyfair of the winter saw Time Was... back at Doncaster Racecourse for a toyfair organised by MB Toyfairs. Pity it wasn't spring as the folks who turned up kept their hands in their pockets to keep warm!!!

After nearly two hours those hands must have been burning as we had only done £3.99 and were looking at a Total Wipeout, though not the Richard Hammond version and that's bad enough. But we persisted with sitting there smiling politely to the window shoppers and even managing to chat to those who didn't have laryngitis. It paid off a wee bit as we did manage to sell a few more things. Not enough to make a profit but you can't win them all, we normally do very well at Doncaster.

Never downhearted Time Was... will be back there on May 29th.

But this weekend, 26th and 27th March we are at Memorabilia at the NEC. So we're closing the shop on the Saturday and hopefully be pulling in the shoppers at the NEC instead. And it will be spring by then, so warmer hands already.

Hope to see you there.

Hammerhead 2011

2011-02-13T23:33:00.001-08:00

Kelham Hall, Newark was the venue for Hammerhead 2011 organised by the Gaming Club Network. A popular event with plenty of folks partaking in the wide variety of games that were being showcased, from War of the Worlds to WWI, from Cowboys and injuns to American Civil War. Quite a sprawling venue in what is an impressive building, if you get a chance to visit it then take a look. It is the Council Buildings for Newark, but you can arrange to have a look around.

Also present was the 'Tenth' Doctor and a couple of Daleks, 'real ones' as the Doctor said, not these new versions dreamt up for the Eleventh Doctor. As we had quite a bit of Doctor Who products we were situated near them, which allowed us to spread out quite a bit. And when the lights were finally put on people could actually see what we had.

The show itself was a big success with the games being well used, unfortunately as is the way of the world at the moment people were very cagey with their hard earned money. Plenty of folks looking but not so many buying. So not quite the success for us this time as in the previous Hammerhead, but we still did make a profit, albeit a wee one.

All said and done we look forward to the next Hammerhead in 2012.

Was it an omen?

2011-01-10T23:36:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday saw the re-emergence of the Kettering Toyfair and as it used to be a good one we had booked our space.

The day didn't start well. Or more accurately the car wouldn't start so we had to upgrade the AA membership and have Homestart added to it. It took the AA just about 20 minutes to get round and a further 20 minutes to get the car going and ensure that nothing was wrong. Very good service from the AA.

So we made our way to the Village in Kettering, a quite pleasant journey, some nice views and villages to go through on the A43.

When we arrived we found that one of the two tables we had booked was missing, but that was soon sorted out. We had about an hour left to set up, which we managed to do. And then it went downhill quite soon. Despite two early sales, and then just four more, yes that was six in total!!! This meant that every sale cost us £10.00 each, needless to say we lost money.

What with the AA upgrade, the petrol and the loss in sales, perhaps we should have taken the car as not starting as a sign that we should have stayed at home.

New Year Hangover?? No VAT Increase!!

2011-01-03T23:21:00.000-08:00

It's been a couple of hectic weeks for the folks of Time Was... what with Christmas and the New Year. After having been away at Christmas being entertained by Arthur and Co. we came back to a very disappointing Lincoln Toyfair on the 28th.

There were plenty of folks through the door, but they obviously didn't get much in the way of Christmas money as presents as all the traders suffered from hidden wallets. But then on New Years Eve it was the Doncaster Toyfair, and what a difference a couple of days can make.

Thanks to the new Doctor Who figures we had a very good day. Pity there can't be a Christmas Doctor Who special every week, but then we'd tire of it quickly wouldn't we?? So Bah Humbug to that idea. But it made a big difference as at the previous two fairs we had done there was not so much as a sniff at the good Doctor, but at Doncaster they couldn't get enough. Perhaps there's a shortage of Time Lords in Yorkshire.

We must be getting old but we only just managed to see the New Year in before settling in for the night. Or was it the wine?? Non of the 8% stuff we had at Christmas, but then again not too much of the good stuff either.

This weekend the 9th sees the return of the Kettering Toyfair, organised by Barry Potter. It's good to see it back after it was unceremoniously dumped by the venue last year.

There are also new opening times in the shop in the Buttermarket in Newark, it will now be open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays only.

And because we are nice folks at Time Was... we won't be increasing our prices due to the VAT rise that comes into effect today, we'll be absorbing it instead so we'll be even better value than before.

The Grand reopening

2010-12-20T01:41:00.000-08:00

Today is the reopening of the Shop in the Buttermarket in Newark Town Centre. After the Great Flood of the 6th we have finally got the shop back on its feet.

Noah has disembarked all the fairies and dragons two by two. The Daleks though just barged their way off, exterminating anything that got in their way. Merlin though with just a twinkle in his eye emerged to keep an eye on Arthur and Morgana. James Bond was shaken but not stirred by the flood. Well you get the picture!!

Mentioning the picture reminds me that we will have a new picture gallery in place with images from the world of TV and Film and fantasy.

Why not get down there and grab yourself a Christmas gift while you can. Don't rely on the Royal Mail because of the snow and ice. So don't forget Time Was... The Buttermarket, Newark-On-Trent, Notts, Santa's favourite place!!

A Cold Time Was Had By All

2010-12-20T01:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Sunday the 19th, saw Time Was... up before dawn and on the road to Wood Green Animal Centre at Huntingdon for the last toyfair before Christmas. Despite there being no snow, yes NO SNOW!!! between ourselves and Huntingdon it was still an extremely cold day. A severe frost had carpeted the fields and it all still looked like a winter wonderland.

Inside the hall wasn't that much warmer. Most of the dealers left their coats and hats on and there would have been much more rubbing of hands if more people had managed to get through the door. But with many dealers vehicles arriving at Huntingdon covered in snow we had already thought that attendance might be down, and it was.

Despite this we actually managed to have one of our best fairs there. Maybe not selling a lot of stuff but what we did was a good price because it was of course Quality!!!

Just a pity that we didn't get warm all day and had to wait until we got home to break of the icicles.

Where's Noah??

2010-12-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

After a reasonable toyfair at Spalding last Sunday, the 5th of December, and a very good posting of internet sales at our local Post Office in Cranwell we were feeling a wee bit chipper as to how Christmas was progressing. But then we received a phone call that took the wind out of our sails, or should that be sales? And it has set us back somewhat.

Our shop in the Buttermarket in Newark, directly below some of the offices in the Town Hall, was shipping water, not just a trickle but a flood. Rushing down to the shop for 5 O'clock we were met with water cascading from the ceiling and onto our stock. With the help of Gess we managed to move all of the soaked stock into another unit in the following two hours.

Soggy soft toys, drenched Daleks and dripping dragons all made their way upstairs. Apparently an air conditioning unit had broke down due to the weather and deposited its water onto us.

Hopefully we will be up and running in another downstairs unit within the Buttermarket in the next few days as a temporary home whilst the Council repair our shop.

But there will now be another deluge, this time of paperwork!!

So Time Was... is closed for the next few days, but like Arnie said, 'We'll be back', fingers crossed.

Long time no hear

2010-11-22T03:42:00.000-08:00

It's been a hectic time for the folks of Time Was... Full weekends on top of the shop and online at www.timewasshop.co.uk but it's all in a good cause. Like his elves we've been helping Santa with getting people ready for Christmas.

This month we've been to Stars Of Time at Weston-Super-Mare, Norwich Sci-Fi show surprisingly at Norwich, then back to Norwich for a toyfair by JJ Webb and this weekend just gone Memorabilia at the NEC.

Well apart from a wee bit of misorganisation at the start of both days by the organisers, and the usual traffic regulations at the NEC it was a terrific weekend. We decided to take our Fantasy figures range and Alchemy Jewellery which went down a storm. Busy didn't describe it, though not busy enough stop a wee bit of wandering, looking for those all important bargains. On the Sci-Fi side we sold well and sold one of the Captured in Space Star Trek collectables, which was excellent to say the least.

The celebrities at the show were shall we say B or C list, either that or we don't keep up to date with what's on TV. But there were celebrities from our era, Kenneth Cope - Marty Hopkirk if you didn't know, Derek Fowlds, Katy Manning, Jess Conrad, Derren Nesbitt to mention a few.

But on the distinct down side the wrestling and Robot Wars did seem to drown everything else out. Especially the wrestling and if you're not a fan, well it can be annoying when chatting to customers.

There were the usual folks in costume wandering around which attracted a lot of attention, especially one who kept wandering by, if you were there you'd know who she was.

But all-in-all a very good show, despite the niggles, taking a lot of sales does help of course.

Next stop a local event, the Sleaford Christmas Market on the 28th. It's that time of year already.

Bakewell Tarts

2010-10-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

After a couple of successful toyfairs at the Old Glory Wargames event at Derby University and our usual foray into Cambridgeshire at the Animal Rescue Centre in Huntingdon, we fell back to earth with a bit of a bump. We were at Bakewell Agriculture Centre for another excellently organised toyfair by MB Toyfairs, but unfortunately despite a good turn out of traders, and people through the door, there were just not enough folks ready to put their hands into their pockets to part with their hard earned cash. They were even less ready to use the plastic, no flexible friends there then.

Still it's a good job the internet has picked up, especially with some of our new lines that are now available. Check out the website and the new Star Trek 'Captured In Space' limited edition Acrylic models and the Gothic Gifts range, and there is so much more!!

Get ready for Halloween with the Gothic Gift range and Fantasy figures.

Oh Dear! Oh Dear!! Oh Dear!!!

2010-09-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it was good for Aled Jones and Songs of Praise, it was good for Fiona Bruce and the Antiques Roadshow but for Time Was... Beverley in Yorkshire was anything but good. Despite the best efforts of our host MB Toyfairs the toyfair just didn't do anything. Dealers were down because of toyfairs at the Reebok Stadium and at Mansfield, but that should have been better for ourselves.

The weather didn't help but there was still a healthy amount of people through the door, unfortunately like last time they weren't many, if any, buyers amongst them. We managed to buy almost as much as we sold and that wasn't much.

Still we have a weekend off next week and then we're on a run of seven weekends of fairs, from toyfairs to wargames events to Memorabilia on 20 and 21 November. Things should pick up in the next few events, hopefully!!

Daleks

2010-09-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

The Daleks have returned!!! The new 13 inch Remote control Dalek Drone, that's the new red one, and the 5 inch Ironside have arrived at Time Was... So have a look at the website at www.timewasshop.co.uk/Daleks.htm and get them quick before they run out!! If only they had legs they could then run!!

Although there isn't a picture, Daleks are very shy you know, there is the new 'Blackout' Ironside Dalek, where the voice indicators have been covered up just in case Jerry turns up.

Spalding Toyfair

2010-09-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the 12th took us back to Springfields at Spalding for another toyfair organised by J & J Webb. With other shows going off locally, and finally a decent day of weather, the fair looked a bit sparse in buyers as well as dealers.

Needless to say this sparsity, if that's a word, took it's heavy toll on sales. Many an hour was spent watching the world go by and eventually everyone called it a day and we all went for an early bath.

Not a lot to say other than there are easier ways to lose money.

Huntingdon Toyfair again

2010-08-22T23:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday 22nd saw Time Was... back at Huntingdon Toyfair, this time sans PJ Gifts as they were elsewhere. After a holiday in Wales last week Time Was... was back to business, in fact the shop reopens today the 23rd, with all the usual bargains to be had.

It took a while after our holiday to get back into the swing of things but as it turned out the toyfair was spot on average for us, so not a lot to write home about, but average these days is pretty good really. The new Doctor Who merchandise went very well, so if you want a remote control Dalek you need to get to the shop pronto.

Also the new range of fairies and fantasy figures caught the eye of many a person, and some even managed to buy.

It's back to Norwich on the bank holiday Monday so don't forget get your Dalek's quickly. Ideal for Christmas. Did someone mention Christmas??? We were a bit gobsmacked that in some of the 'small' shops, like ours, in Wales they already had the Christmas decorations out for sale. Must be because of something they know!!!

Wroxham & Hoveton Lions Club Motor Show

2010-08-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

The 8th of August saw Time Was... on the road very early in the morning for a journey down to Norwich Rugby Club for the annual Wroxham & Hoveton Lions Club Motor Show. This year it had a sci-fi theme with Daleks, Judoon and Weeping Angels mixing it with new cars, classic cars and bikes, live music and other attractions.

The day started very well in Lincolnshire with bright blue skies but as we neared Norwich the clouds turned a distinctive grey colour, and the wind picked up. All we needed for an outdoor event. But we managed to get the gazebo up and our stall sorted out with the hint of heavy rain in the air. And that's how it stayed at the start of the event but as the day drew on the Sun came out to such an extent that we are now the owners of red faces and arms, pity we forgot the suncream. Despite the arrival of the Sun, unfortunately the wind didn't die down and we were on tenterhooks all day as to whether our stock would literally fly off the shelves.

The wind had the best chance of shifting the stock as not too many folks were out to buy things, despite being able to pick up bargains like a convertable Peugeot for a mere £29 000. We did sell a few things but on the whole we didn't do too well.

Despite this it looks like the Lions club did raise a good sum of money for their charities including 'Help for Heroes'. A very well organised event that was enjoyable, though the band could do with a change of tempo every now and again, and was an excellent family day out.

Thrifty Yorkshire Folks

2010-07-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

Time Was... spent the day, Sunday 25th, at Doncaster Racecourse for another toyfair organised by Mike of MB Toyfairs.

In what turned out to be a very good day for us, in these recession hit times, I still say recession as the folks who came through the door were still a wee bit canny with their money. Thrifty to say the least. But despite that some old favourites sold very well, Gerry Anderson, Fantasy Figures and of course Doctor Who.

Pity about the Star Trek items we had. We actually bought more Star Trek than we sold, well ok no sales isn't difficult to beat. But we have a Star Trek event coming up in October in Manchester so they will come in handy.

If you do make it to Doncaster Racecourse for a toy fair or that other thing they do there, I think it's race horses for some strange reason, have a bacon and egg butty, well worth it for an empty stomach. But don't buy one until you've been to our stall as we have plenty of bargains from the world of Sci-Fi & Fantasy.

Lincoln Toyfair

2010-07-19T23:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday the 18th took Time Was... to Lincoln Toyfair organised by J & J Webb Toyfairs. A slightly overcast day with a steady drizzle not just of rain but customers as well. Surprisingly quite a few regular traders were missing, but more importantly quite a few customers were missing, but then again some of the schools have broken up, maybe some folks had flown off to the sunnier climes of Skegness.

Despite the new range of Doctor Who figures (also available at Time Was... The Buttermarket, Newark, Notts) catching the eye of folks, especially the Eleven Doctor Set, no-one decided to part with their hard-earned cash on them, but instead took a few of the older figures as well as some stalwarts from the world of Star Trek & Captain Scarlet. It was the Corgi models that sold, perhaps because Corgi no longer make them.

The fairy & fantasy figures also had a fair day, but with some of our regular customers missing it was good to see that they still sold ok.

Despite everything we had a fairly decent day, just a few sales shy of a good day and even more sales shy of an excellent day. But onwards and upwards its Doncaster Toyfair on the 25th. Hopefully we'll see you there.

England lost!!

2010-06-28T23:53:00.000-07:00

All of Saturday & Sunday of the 26th, 27th Time Was... was at TrekFest II at the National Space Centre in Leicester. Although we made some money it was a relatively quiet affair, despite the best intentions of the crew of the Enterprise D, various Klingons and an Andorian. Even the Batlaath Training was a quiet affair, not very loud these Klingons!

Two things went against the event, first was the weather. The Space Centre, if you haven't been, is a bad weather venue. It's expensive to get in, but well worth it once you're inside. But you need to spend many hours to see all the exhibits, ideal when it's raining, not when it's a glorious day like we had on Saturday. So needless to say it wasn't heaving with Federation operatives.

Then of course there was Sunday. Another gloriously hot day, but also the England - Germany match in the afternoon. England couldn't even get it right to avoid Germany in the quarter finals, but why watch when you know we can't beat Germany, so needless to say the Space Centre was almost empty the entire day. Ideal if you don't like football and want to spend a lazy time wandering around the exhibits and not having to push your way past screaming kids.

Thanks to a couple of Klingons though we did sell some things on the Sunday and we even won on the raffle, though possibly we were the only ticket holders.

A shame really when TrekFest II was all for charity and the location donated by the Space Centre.

Still there is always TrekFest III.

All together now... 'there's Klingons on the Starboard bow, Starboard bow...'

Ok perhaps you don't remember the Firm!

Huntingdon Toyfair

2010-06-21T23:29:00.000-07:00

On the eve of the summer solstice, and the longest day, and as we couldn't get to Stonehenge because of the Druids, revellers and not to mention the Pandorica, Time Was... went to the Wood Green Animal Centre at Huntingdon for another Toyfair there. It was almost the same. Plenty of weird folks and that was just the traders. Some of the young ones who came looking for Doctor Who toys seemed excited about the final episode and wondered how the Doctor would escape the Pandorica, and poor Amy!! Best watch Saturday then!

The toyfair started off so well but then soon petered out but at least we hit our modest target. It's amazing that old, but unused, diecast cars won't sell in their boxes at a modest £0.99, but take them out and they just go. But we spent more than usual as we also sourced some items for our next forage into the world of Star Trek and Trekfest II at the National Space Centre in Leicester, on the 26th and 27th of June.

If you want to see Borg, Romulans and not to mention Klingons on the Starboard bow, then come along to Trekfest II and have a day out or two. It's life Jim but not as we know it.

Beam me up, Scotty.

It was Pudsey.. but not

2010-06-14T23:37:00.000-07:00

It was Pudsey... but not Children In Need Pudsey last Sunday, 13th. The first occasion that Time Was... had ventured to the Civic Hall for a Toyfair, though we were there for Recon 2009 and will again be at the Civic Hall for Recon 2010.

Despite following the Googled directions, no Sat Nav's for us, we managed to miss the turning in Leeds and had to do a circuit of the City to get back to the M621 so we could retrace our steps. So the day didn't start well, and it started at the unusual hour of 5 a.m. and then the day got progressively worse.

We had a 'lovely' selection of fairies and witches, together with a substantial selection of Doctor Who and other Sci-Fi shows. Everything brand new and in pristine condition. Well we didn't get a look in, or even a look at, as the good folk of Pudsey just wandered straight by us. Most of what was selling in the Hall was old playworn toys. The punters of Pudsey had long deep and somewhat empty pockets. Where were all the Doctor Who fans???? Or isn't BBC1 on the TV's of Pudsey?

By 2 p.m. we hadn't even taken the cost of the table and our sandwiches and cakes were all gone, so we couldn't afford to buy anymore.

On the way home we had to endure torrential rain at times only to find that in our neck of the woods it had been a beautiful sunny day. That sort of put the icing on a very disappointing day. Perhaps it was because it was the 13th, or the lack of Magpies on the journey up, or even the ladder that we walked under in the Civic Hall. Not really, just looking for excuses. We hadn't taken the right goods.

But are we downhearted? Well yes!

D-Day 6th June - Spalding

2010-06-07T23:18:00.000-07:00

With all the military precision of Operation Overlord Time Was returned to the wilds of Spalding and the Springfields Centre for another Toyfair. Unfortunately troop numbers were down as there was a second major front opening at the NEC, so Spalding turned out to be just divertionary tactics. Those tactics as organised by Field-Marshall Webb didn't quite pay off, not only were dealer numbers down, as some had switched to the NEC, but also buyers were down.

A very disappointing return was made on the Toy Front, but the Fantasy figures kept their end up so to speak. So although Time Was could have had a very bad day, a rally by the troops at the end saved the day.

Maybe the weather didn't help, it started off hot and sunny, but as the day wore on and stragglers found themselves marching towards the centre the heavens opened with a vengance. Torrential rain, thunder & lightning the whole lot for about 45 minutes kept those who were inside in, and those outside never to get anywhere near. Even the smokers stayed indoors and let their nervous tics get the better of them, except the real hardy ones who crouched by the open doors.

Never in the field of toyfairs has so little been spent by so few on toys to Time Was. God Bless the fairies.

Next stop on the advance is a new toyfair for Time Was at Pudsey on the 13th, lets hope it isn't unlucky for some!

Doncaster Toyfair

2010-05-31T09:02:00.000-07:00

It was back to Doncaster for another Toyfair run by Mike at MB Toyfairs. As usual it was a big event at Doncaster Racecourse, unfortunately it seemed that there were slightly less people through the door as usual and also a few empty tables left by dealers who didn't turn up. But it is the Bank Holiday weekend and depsite the weather I bet some folks made the most of the three days and toddled off somewhere.

Toddling with us to Doncaster were some of the new witches and spider fairies that we have just had delivered, and despite the 'window shopping' by many folks we only managed to sell two fantasy figures, very disappointing despite the positive comments by the window shoppers. Even our regulars, though they liked them, said they couldn't quite afford them at the moment, or was that their polite way of saying, No Thanks?

Maybe not as on the toy side it was just as disappointing, with very few sales again despite new products on show.

But it seemed to be the same all over the fair, with traders bemoaning the lack of money floating around. This seems to be the way of things this past year since the recession hit. Everyone's trying their best, dealers and organisers alike. But you can't force people to part with their money.

It's the same on the internet with sales having slowed down there as well. But we persevere, are we down hearted? Not yet.

Bakewell - oh what a pudding!!

2010-05-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday the 16th took Time Was... to Bakewell, set in the heart of rural Derbyshire. A lovely day, a tad overcast on the run-in through the winding country roads, but sunny when we got there. Mike from MB Toyfairs was on hand to check that everything went well. The venue was excellent, the layout very good, plenty of space to store the empty boxes etc... Plenty of signs around Bakewell to say there was a toyfair on. Although there was a car boot sale nearby that was already in full flow. The start time of the fair gave everyone, even the latecomers, time to set up. So by 10:30 we were raring to go.

Then came 10:30 and the expected folks through the door just didn't materialize. Those that did unfortunately weren't in the spending mood and so when we packed up we more or less had the same amount of stuff to put away. It wasn't a good day for Time Was... Despite all his efforts Mike can't drag people off the streets, though since we're in farming country maybe a couple of sheepdogs might have helped. Get down Shep!!! And once they're in Mike can't force them to spend.

All-in-all unfortunately yesterday was a disappointing day. Still onwards and upwards, it's Doncaster on the 30th and Mike's MB Toyfairs always excels there.

Battlegroup North - Yorkshire Air Museum

2010-05-09T23:23:00.000-07:00

The tanks roared into the Yorkshire Air Museum and the Jeeps came loaded with troops of all nationalities also not to mention the Home Guard and Captain Mainwaring and what's his name, 'Don't tell him Pike!'. Actually there were at least two Private Pikes that I saw.

It was the annual Battlegroup North re-enactment event this weekend the 8th & 9th. Time Was... were billeted in the Canadian Memorial Hanger again, and yet again it was a cold and windy weekend. This meant that the Hanger was also very cold so it was blankets at the ready. Even the 'troops' or the wargamers or even the visitors at the Museum must have been cold as they couldn't warm their hands by getting a bit more money out. Even though it had the same atmosphere as last year it just didn't quite match it.

The highlight of the weekend was selling the Fairies from our fantasy range, who'd have thought it, Fairies!! When all around were jackbooted soldiers.

Even the flypast by the Hurricane, though impressive was very short and that only took us outside into the 'warmth' for a few minutes, that's how cold the hanger was.

It was a couple of long tiring days for little to show, even missed Doctor Who on Saturday as not back before 7pm, still with wibbly wobbly timey wimey we were able to watch the recording.

Bank Holiday weekend

2010-05-04T12:19:00.001-07:00

Well it may have been a holiday time for a lot of folks, but at Time Was it was a busy ol'time. On Saturday the first we were up before the crack of dawn to get down to Weston Super Mare and the Stars of Time convention at the Winter Gardens. A small but very well organised event, starring Colin Baker, Caroline Munro and Britt Ekland to mention a few.

There were plenty of people about in what was a family day out especially young kids. Doctor Who was the main theme as there were plenty of Daleks roaming around. Of course James Bond and Star Wars were well represented.

Despite the roadworks on the prom, the Winter Gardens were very easy to find despite the 200 mile journey through the middle of the night. We had a very successful day but extremely tiring day, not tiring enough though as we caught up with the Good Doctor and those Weeping Angels later that night. Not sure what happened to the sunny holiday weather that brought the crowds out, but on the way home we went through torrential downpours which made us feel even more tired than we were.

Sunday was very much a day of rest and recuperation as we needed to recharge our batteries, and at our age that takes some recharging, since on Sunday the 3rd we were at Burnley FC for a Star Wars day. Not quite May the Fourth Be With You, as the Third doesn't quite scan. Again it was a family day out, well organised by Neil again for a second year.

Plenty of screaming Jedi's fighting Stormtroopers and the like, or was that the little ones trying to get there parents to buy more and more action figures? Like Weston Super Mare the atmosphere was excellent and it all made for a very enjoyable and again busy day.

Back home and we were able to put our feet up, raise a glass and then hunt through an empty fridge for something to eat. At least we bought the wine on the way home, pity we didn't think about food as well.

Lincoln Toyfair

2010-04-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

Woke up on Sunday the 25th to a miserable morning, even Aled Jones couldn't quite lift the gloom, that's Radio 2 for you young uns. Driving the short distance to Lincoln through grey clouds and heavy drizzle didn't bode well for the Lincoln Toyfair as organised by JJ Webb.

It's not been the same since the showground folks decided to redevelop the site and we lost the side room we used to be in. But despite this we did ok managing to sell a mixture of items. Though the money that we got in, not exactly a fortune, was soon redistributed between our fellow traders. Sounds a bit like good old Robin Hood, though we didn't quite have the Lincoln Green tights on!!

So in glorious sunshine, which we missed the most of, we returned to our humble abode amidst the green wood of Lincolnshire with not so much more money but loads of Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica ready for our next two fairs, the Stars in our Time at Weston Super Mare on Saturday May 1st and May The Third Be With You at Burnley FC on May 3 surprisingly enough. Not quite the ring to it as May The Fourth Be With You, but as you can guess it is a Star Wars event, let's hope as good as last years and that Burnley's relegation doesn't put a dampner on it.

A busy weekend for Time Was

2010-04-20T10:02:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, the 18th & 19th saw Time Was... at the Sheffiled Triples 2010 event in of all places Sheffield, and also on the 19th at Huntingdon Toyfair.

On the Saturday we made our way to the English Institute of Sport, more importantly the Netball Court. A well organised wargaming event had us set-up in no time and soon after the doors opened we had our first sale. Even though it was to go on till 6 pm, the event appeared to be a success and Saturday was a long but very good day for Time Was... This was a big show, plenty of traders and demonstration games as well tournament games, and we may have been a little fish in a big pond but we were doing very well.

Sunday though was not so good, for a couple of events. One of which was the Sheffield Football derby between United and Wednesday. This seems to be the cause of the low turnout on Sunday and because of that we did very little trade, which due to other reasons perhaps wasn't too bad as our minds were not completely on the ball.

At Huntingdon toyfair we fared a lot better. Sales were up although all we had were the fairies and fantasy figures due to room space in the car. But due to events we were very gratefully supported by Paul and Peter, who managed to keep spirits up, and more importantly get through to Sheffield. Many thanks go to those two!!!

All-in-all not too bad a weekend trade wise, but a weekend we'd rather not have had.

Perhaps a bit cryptic but then some folks will know why.

Beverley Toyfair

2010-04-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

Time Was... joined many other traders for the inaugral Toyfair in Beverley, Yorkshire organised by Mike Bishop of MB Toyfairs.

Up at the crack of dawn and a first ever crossing over the Humber Bridge, impressive structure with a £2.70 toll either way, no wonder folks moan if they do the journey two or three times a week. But the journey to the Leisure Centre in Beverley, which is under the watchful gaze of the impressive Minster, was straightforward and we arrived in plenty of time. Clear blue skies, a beautiful spring morning and the traders had a spring of anticipation in their step.

We were set up with time to spare, time to get some bargains, and we did manage to snap up a few. Sadly when it came to opening time the customers were not very forthcoming with their money. Either that or they didn't like our fayre. It was a disappointing few hours and we returned with less money than we started with!! Oh dear.

But it was the first one. Also Mike got the people through the door, as usual, actually 50% more than he hoped for, which is all we can ask Mike to do. It's up to the traders to bring along the right stuff.

Next time we'll take different lines and hope for better things. It's early days for Beverley, let's hope other traders feel the same way.

And they're off!

2010-03-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Time Was... was back at one of our 7 to 4 odds on favourite toyfairs yesterday at Doncaster Racecourse, which is in Doncaster would you believe. Trained by Mike of MB Toyfairs. Unfortunately despite a great turn out by traders, there were more there than ever before, it was the day of the Sport Relief Mile. Maybe that had some bearing on the turnout of customers, as they were certainly a wee bit lacking and those that did turn out struggled to put too much money on the table.

It was a slow day all round, not just for Time Was... but also for everyone else. We did though pick up a couple of bargains, see we were also helping other traders make a few pounds. Hopefully these bargains will get turned around fairly quickly at Memorabilia at the NEC next weekend, the 27th and 28th of March.

At the end of the day despite a lack of actual sales we did manage to turn a profit, which was nice. No matter how small it was.

Hopefully the next Doncaster Toy Fair on the 30th of May will be back to normal.

So to summarise yesterday, the going was heavy, with just a few jumps throughout the day until the very flat final furlong. Oh and drinks in the winners enclosure when we got back home.

We've moved

2010-03-19T00:47:00.000-07:00

Time Was got into the TARDIS yesterday and rematerialised into our new shop. We've moved a long, long, long way through time and space. Well actually all the way from upstairs to downstairs in the Buttermarket Shopping Centre in Newark. It makes us a bit further away from the coffee and the bagels, but a trek upstairs isn't going to stop the cuppas.

Hopefully the change will do us good, it doesn't seem to have hurt The Doctor going from the 10th to the 11th incarnation. This is just our second incarnation so we're pretty new at this.

Bakewell Tarts

2010-03-07T23:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the 7th March saw the return of the Bakewell Toyfair organised by Mike Bishop of MB Toyfairs. As it was a new one to Time Was... we weren't sure of how long it would take to get there through all the winding roads of the Derbyshire Dales, so we were on the road for 6. A very, very cold but bright start to the day. It didn't take as long as anticipated to get there and a well organised Mike guided us in and so we were ready for the off way before opening time.

The venue, the Agricultural Centre, had the benefit of being the stop-off point for the walkers, ramblers and general tourists arriving by coach, so there was a steady stream of customers through the door. Many hadn't even thought of going to a Toyfair so they weren't ready to part with that hard earned cash, but we'll get 'em next time!

The fair was just 70 tables, but the atmosphere was good, the venue excellent, even though we didn't sample the Bakewell Tarts, just the Banoffee and Chocolate cakes. The Tarts must have been elsewhere!!!

The journey back took considerably longer as the usual bottleneck in Matlock occurred despite the new road round it.

All-in-all not a bad first fair, didn't break any records, just one witch, but it's something to build on. And we did bag a few bargains ourselves. Though 6 o'clock starts are not on the cards.

It's been a while

2010-03-01T23:37:00.001-08:00

After a holiday in North Wales, wet & windy as it was it was still good to get away. But it was back to the rounds of Toyfairs and the like. Having missed out on one of our favourite toyfairs at Spalding as we travelled to the land of the Daffodils, Time Was... last Sunday went down to East Anglia and one of Nicholas Parsons' well known haunts, Norwich. It was just like being in Wales, wet & windy, the weather must have been following us around!! Though it was only our second time there, we did have some folks who came back and bought from us again, which was nice. In fact it turned out to be a very good day and well organised as usual by JJ Webb Toyfairs.

The new Doctor Who End of Time figures, featuring the regeneration of 10th to 11th Doctor and the Master and Narrator from the excellent Christmas Episodes were dematerializing at a very fatst rate. Also the new Star Wars figures felt the force of peoples pounds.

Together with the fairy and fantasy figures it was a very good if long day.

Next stop Bakewell.

Bad luck or what?

2010-02-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Sunday, saw Time Was... at Kettering Toyfair, in particular at the Arena for what turned out to be our best toyfair in quite a while. The toys were selling, the fairies were simply vanishing into fairy dust and there were a few bargains to be found as well. What could have been better?

The day started bright and dry, if a wee bit cold, as we drove down the A43, Aled was on the air, not walking in the air!! All in all a very good day was to be had. And then the bombshell hit as we arrived this was to be our last toyfair at Kettering for sometime.

The Kettering Arena has taken on new management and decided that the place should do what it was designed for, to play sport, so they have cancelled all the Toyfairs that Barry Potter had booked there for the rest of the year. This has to be shortsighted on the part of the new management since the place was buzzing, the bar seemed to be doing a good trade as well, which must be good for them, and I bet Barry was paying a nice price for the privilege of staging one of his fairs. Oh well instead of hundreds in the Arena next time there will be 22 folks kicking a football around. After-all if you want sport why not go down and to Nottingham Forest and see how it's done and watch 11 blokes who know how to kick a football.

And then as we left it got slightly worse as a missed turning meant a 6-six mile round trip to get back on the road to home. Still the music was good on Radio 2, Sounds of the 70's with Johnnie Walker, the DJ not the whisky. Now we're showing our age as we sang along with Middle of the Road and Chirpy, Chirpy, Cheep, Cheep. One of Tony Blackburn's all-time heavy rock greats!!!

Busy Busy Busy

2010-01-26T11:20:00.000-08:00

Its been a bit hectic at Time Was... recently despite the snow and all not letting us open the shop. A wee bit too much black ice!! The internet sales though have picked up and since we are now out of a recession things are looking brighter. Oops was that a pig just flying by?

Last Sunday though was a bit of a trier!! On the A14 to Huntingdon toyfair the junction before the one we wanted was closed, and the diversion seemed like Chris Rea's road to nowhere. Well not quite nowhere, it was somewhere, but where we weren't sure. Having passed the same house three times we came to the conclusion we were definitely somewhere and that was LOST.

Still we managed to get to Wood Green Animal Centre in the end, only a few dozen extra miles but an extra 45 minutes on the journey. So the day started well to say the least, and by the time we had finished it wasn't that much better. We had a few sales but nothing to write home about, besides I've lost the address.

But we have now received the Classic Wave 2 figures from Doctor Who including the Ice Warriors, Voc Robot and more, and the Journal of Impossible Things and the Master's Ring set. Almost all are available at www.timewasshop.co.uk I say almost because they have been flying off the shelves. Something that the USS Voyager from Star Trek continues to do on-line. We can't get enough of them. Make sure you get yours before they all go.

Perhaps that wasn't a pig I saw flying.

Doctor Who - The End Of Time - Coming Soon

2010-01-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

Coming soon to Time Was... and http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/ are the new End of Time collectables from the Christmas 2009 editions of Doctor Who. Go to the website to find out more!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve saw Time Was... at Doncaster Racecourse, not for the off but for another excellent toyfair organised by Mike Bishop of MB Toyfairs. After a little bit of a slow start the buyers descended onto our stall, though not to the Fairy and Fantasy side of things. They were after good old, well new actually, toys. In particular Star Wars and Star Trek, two hardy perennials!! Sounds a bit like gardening to me.

So Doncaster made up for the Lincoln Toyfair on Monday, which unfortunately wasn't the hoped for spending of Christmas monies. Today after a leisurely get up, following the fireworks that all our neighbours seemed to have to celebrate the New Year that lit up the night sky, we decided to go to the Newark Toyfair as buyers and not sellers. Unfortunately we didn't buy anything - is that hypocritical of us???

Anyway let's hope that the New Year brings an end to the recession that those kind bankers gave us all, so that things pick up. It has been a bit disappointing this year both in the shop, at Toyfairs and on-line, ohh that's three disappointments.

But are we downhearted?? No we're not. There's new Doctor Who items in the pipeline ready for the Eleventh Doctor, but that's all hush-hush at the moment, so lips are sealed. Then there will be evn more from the world of sci-fi for example from Avatar and the Prince of Persia and possibly a new Ghostbusters on the way. Not to mention the wargaming and role-playing goodies that are soon to be coming out. All-in-all things look better for 2010.

Almost Christmas

2009-12-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a hectic time recently for Time Was... the run up to the festivities and we've been all over the place. Huntingdon - through the ice & snow last Sunday for what was a not so good toyfair, not many traders made it through the bleak mid-winter, and even less buyers. Birmingham before that for a wargame fair, and unfortunately a long way to go for again a not so good a time.

But we have been kept busy with new stock coming in. The Back to the Future Light up Delorean is well worth a look, as to the rest of the Deloreans. Also the new Star Wars and Dungeons & Dragons figures.

But what has really kept us busy is the internet. The remote control R2-D2 is a winner, seems to be the must have toy for Christmas. We've certainly struggled to keep pace with demand for it.

The shop has been busy in this last week before the big day. The Fairies and Fantasy figures seem to be the gift that folks want to give, and a good choice too, though maybe the odd Dalek here and there wouldn't go amiss.

Shame about all the snow as it meant that for one day Time Was... was snowed in at home and there is naff all on daytime TV to keep you interested, but then there were all those little R2-D2s to send. The chap at the Post Office must have thought it was Christmas!!! with all the parcels we gave him the following day.

Anyway it's now time to wind down, just one last shopping day before Santa arrives, provided the council has gritted the roads for Rudolph.

F A Cup

2009-11-30T23:34:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday saw Kettering FC take on the mighty Leeds United at home in the FA Cup 2nd round and if that wasn't enough it was live on TV, so if you couldn't get to the ground then it was available from the comfort of your warm, dry armchair. I take it a lot of folks did, as we had the misfortune to be at Kettering Toyfair that day, which although it was populated by a large number of dealers, the same couldn't be said for collectors. It was unfortunately a very wet set up and break down, whatever happened in between I couldn't say as there were no windows. It was also very cold in the Arena Sports Hall. All-in-all it was a very bad miserable day for Time Was...

Luckily though we were also at the Sleaford Christmas Market which proved to be a much better place and only three miles up the road. A steady trade in gifts and fantasy figures helped make a healthy profit. It may not have been as good as last years, something called a recession might have something to do with that, but it was far better than Kettering Toyfair.

Memorabilia - A tale of two halves

2009-11-23T23:14:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Time Was... was at the Autumn Memorabilia show at the NEC. A somewhat damp affair since the NEC leaked a bit, must be its creaking age, a few drops onto our stall, more onto the stall next to us but a downpour on the one next to that. So much so that they just picked up their stall and moved lock, stock and barrel elsewhere in the hall.

Apart from that Saturday was an excellent day, one of the best that we have had there. Definitely a day for the collectors, a day that saw us sell some of our older, harder to find, stock. It was so busy that there wasn't time to wander.

But even by the end of the day we were a bit tired of the 'film promotions' just opposite ourselves, a continual loop of five film trailers. Though Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief did look good.

Sunday was different altogether, it is though traditionally family day. So loads of kiddies about but not much buying. Maybe due to the cost of getting a family of four in, parking at £8 plus travelling expenses, it's not a cheap day out to start with, and then we expect them to buy collectables.

Anyway we did a fair bit, nothing compared to Saturday. The highlight of the day was an argument with the film folks as some inconsiderate young boss decided she was going to turn the volume up to full blast. This meant we couldn't hear our customers. After a request to turn it down was made by ourselves, our neighbour also went for it like a bull to a red rag.

Ohh and we did manage to wander and see some of the celebrities doing their signing bit. They are getting a bit ancient, maybe Memorabilia need to get a younger set. There is only so many times the same Bond girls can turn up. But there was Tom Felton, 'Draco Malfoy' from the Harry Potter films, to bring the average age down and he was a bit of a pull.

All in all though not a bad weekend, and for once a successful pack up and load of the car despite the NEC traffic management meant we were out of there by 5:30.

Spalding Toyfair

2009-11-08T23:21:00.000-08:00

After a disappointing weekend last week with the double-header at Norwich and Doncaster not quite going according to plan, it was good to be back to winning ways at one of our favourites, Spalding Toyfair.

Perhaps we should actually thank Captain James Tiberius Kirk and his comrades as the Trekkies were out in force. Barely had the USS Voyager and Kazon fighter warped into Time Was... as they warped straight back out again, quickly followed by the Klingons and Kirk in his USS Enterprise.

There was also a good sprinkling of fairy dust on the good folks of Spalding as these too fluttered gently into their shopping bags.

The Toyfair was as usual well organised by JJ Webb and well supported at the Springfield Centre by both traders and buyers.

Next stop one of the big-ones!! Memorabilia at the NEC in a fortnight.

Lincoln Toyfair

2009-10-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

The 25th saw us back at the Lincoln showground at last, after the previous fair there was cancelled. Now that we are in the main hall after the demolition of the side rooms it all seems so cramped and hectic.

We now know why we preferred the side rooms!! Still even though the customers struggled to get by one another we did have a reasonable day. Even managed to pick up some bargains along the way.

Between Time Was... and PJ Gifts the tables had a distinct halloween theme with regards to the fairies and fantasy figures that were on show, even some Hammer House Horror cufflinks that PJ Gifts displayed. There was an abundance of witches, vampires, skulls, gothic figures and fairies.

Pity then after all the effort to set the theme that it was the toys that had the most success. You couldn't guess what lengths we went to to get some pot halloween pumpkins!!! Still we have them for next year. Well you can't win them all.

Next Sunday it's a double-header, somehow Time Was... is splitting in two, with a toyfair at Doncaster, one of our favourites, and then there is the return of the Star Wars Day in Norwich. Should be a gud'un.

Technology how did we use to cope?

2009-10-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

Sunday the 11th saw Time Was... at one of our favourite haunts, the Wood Green Animal Shelter at Huntingdon for a JJ Webb Toyfair. This time we were on our own, since PJ Gifts were strutting their stuff at Arnold Hill School Craft Fair. It was a good job as we seemed to be more tightly packed in behind the tables than usual. But on the down-side we couldn't go and have our usual wander around the Shelter. Didn't stop the wandering within the hall though.

Despite this we started off well and the Fairies seemed to wing their way out of the hall quickly, but then Technology let us down. The Credit Card machine decided it couldn't find that satellite up in the sky and our biggest sale of the day was in jeopardy. Many attempts were made to find that satellite, even going outside didn't help. Maybe climbing to the top of the wind turbine would have got us closer to the staelitte. But then someone had a master stroke, why not do the processing later at home. So details were taken and phone numbers exchanged. But ooops the phone number was wrong, then Sherlock came to the rescue and noticed one too many 7's. It was a close run thing technology had conspired against us but after a quick phone call it all turned out ok in the end.

Just as well since unfortunately it looked like there were less folks about and even less willing to part with their hard earned cash. At the end of the day we had broken even, which was nice and came as a pleasant surprise.

Let's hope the run up to Christmas is better.

Old Glory World Wargames 2009

2009-10-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

The weekend of the 3rd and 4th saw Time Was... at the Old Glory World Wargames event held at Derby University. Just a hop down the Brian Clough Way between Nottingham and Derby.

It was a very successful two-day event. There were plenty of demonstration games, participation games as well as the competition games. From medieval to WWI and WWII, not too mention the Napoleonic to the film orientated games such as Ghostbusters-UK. But it wasn't just about the games there were also plenty of traders to take care of all these different types of wargamer.

The event was very well managed by Derby Wargames Associates. From our vantage point in the Atrium building we could look down on many of the games, especially the Raid on St. Nazaire hosted by the Leeds Wargmes Club. A very impressive layout, though not much gaming but plenty of talking by the folks from Leeds.

Luckily no other traders seemed to stock some of the items we had and so over the two days we were kept busy by a steady stream of buyers.

If you get the chance to go to next years event then make a dash for Time Was... as hopefully again we'll have the 'unique' stock.

A new one

2009-09-20T23:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Where have all the traders gone?

2009-09-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Peterborough Toy Fair - Ohh Dear

2009-09-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Huntingdon

2009-08-31T06:39:00.000-07:00

After a little break touring around West Wales and the Gower it was back to reality with the Huntingdon Toyfair at Wood Green Animal Shelter. On this particular Sunday for Time Was... I can say Toyfair would be an over-statement since we only sold one toy, and PJ Gifts managed just a couple.

It was our Fantasy range of Faeries and Dragons that came to our rescue. Though only just. Unfortunately it was just one of those times where folks looked but didn't buy. Maybe it was the clear blue skies that kept them away, it was afterall a lovely sunny day, good barbecueing weather especially if you had a birthday to celebrate.

Apart from the obvious bargains on our stand, I may be biased there, but I didn't manage to find any bargains for ourselves.

Hopefully it will be better luck next time.

Ohh if you're ever in West Wales, look up the West Wales Museum of Childhood it'll bring back memories if you're of a certain age. And if you're not then you'll think what a boring childhood we all must of had, but then we had imaginations and toys were more than a five-minute wonder.

Star Trek

2009-08-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

Just arrived at Time Was... the new Hot Wheels die-cast models of;

USS Enterprise NCC-1701 Refit

USS Reliant NCC-1864

USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D

Klingon Bird Of Prey

Even James Tiberius Kirk wants one!!

Dalek Invasion!!!

2009-08-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

The third Dalek Invasion at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton, took place last weekend, 8th & 9th. A two-day event due to the problems last year with folks being unable to get in and the Police having to turn them away, before they got sight of the museum. Two days though meant extra cost for us, hotel for overnight stay and hire of a van so that we had enough stock with us.

Well the van wasn't really needed as both days were a wee bit sparse of people, despite the allure of two Doctors, Colin Baker and Sylvestor McCoy as well as a whole army of Daleks and other characters from Doctor Who, not to mention other Doctors or should we say John Smith's!!! Must be all this timey wimey, wibbly wobbly stuff that the Doctor goes on about as at one time there were two 10th Doctors and a 5th Doctor at our stall.

Trade was shall we say slow and not so good as the previous two years. Still we did at least have a good location such that folks could see us.

There was plenty to do for the young aspiring Time Lords unfortunately not always in the same hall.

Pity but the weekend didn't quite turn out as we hoped. Maybe it was the hot sunny weather that did it. It certainly wasn't the news of the Ashes, was it???

Oh and by the way if you have an overnight stay at a Travel Lodge, for any reason, just don't preorder the breakfast, £4.00+ for a few cornflakes, a little long life milk, one go bar, a tiny bottle of fruit juice and a cup with instant coffee in. You have to provide the water. What a rip-off!! You have been warned!!! Bad mistake the breakfast, really set the scene for the second day at the Museum.

Spalding Toyfair

2009-08-02T23:13:00.000-07:00

The tulips may not have been out and about in Spalding but something strange was in the air! A very good turnout of Fairy and Fantasy collectors, though not so many toy collectors!!! We just couldn't keep our fairies from flying off, perhaps we should have clipped their wings, but that would have been cruel.

It was a very good Spalding and the first toyfair since we began where we didn't have any Doctor Who products. They were all tucked up in bed in the warehouse waiting for their big day out next weekend at the Dalek Invasion at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton. Perhaps you might of heard of it by some chance?

It was a pity that none of the big toys went as it seems we can't have it both ways. Last week at Doncaster it was very few fairies but loads of toys and other collectables, this week it was just the opposite. One of these days both we will sell in equal amounts, large hopefully!!

And to top a good day it didn't rain so we didn't get wet packing up unlike recent weeks.

X Men Wolverine

2009-07-30T13:01:00.001-07:00

Logan has arrived - be quick get to www.timewasshop.co.uk or Time Was... at the Buttermarket in Newark.

X-Men: Wolverine

2009-07-26T23:57:00.000-07:00

X-Men Wolverine

Coming soon X-Men Wolverine figures at only £7.99 each plus postage.

10 cm poseable action figures featuring Logan, Wolverine in various guises from Marvel comic book to film, Deadpool, Cyclops, Iceman and more.

Watch the website www.timewasshop.co.uk

Doncaster Toyfair

2009-07-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

Today the 26th July saw Time Was... back at one of favourite and friendliest fairs at Doncaster Racecourse, hosted by Mike Bishop of Toyman Displays and of course MBToyfairs. It was a very good day as well. We did a very good trade in our new products, Torchwood Wave 2, Terminator Salvation, new fairies and also Wolverine X-Men figures, which are so new that we haven't yet had time to get them on the website!! Some old favourites also did well, Product Enterprise's Eagles and SHADO Mobiles and Supercars. All in all a good day.

Mike got the folks through the door yet again, although this time they were more into the toys than the fantasy items, but they were prepared to part with their hard earned cash.

I didn't quite find any bargains for ourselves though, probably because all the bargains were on our stall, just kidding!!

Still we are gearing up for the Dalek Invasion at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton in a fortnights time. Despite it being a long way from Doncaster the flyers for the Invasion we put out soon went!!!

Ohh and I can't tell you what Mike asked Jackie, but he blushed after getting a suitable response!!

Back to the toyfairs

2009-07-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Bad news all round - Torrential rain, saw aftermath of accident on M69, not many folks, traders or punters at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, Tom Watson lost in the play-off at Turnberry, England can't snaffle out the Aussies at Lords, no more toyfairs at the Ricoh and finally my pen ran out!!! The drama!!!

Despite the downsides we did manage to do a wee bit of trade though I couldn't find that elusive bargain, and it didn't help when another trader mentioned he'd picked up a mint condition Product Enterprise UFO & Interceptor for just a fiver at a car boot, whaaaaaaat don't folks know the value of these things at car boots and why don't I ever see them???? Perhaps not going to car boots may have something to do with it.

Still it's Doncaster next week, then Spalding and then the Big 'un at Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum, the annual Dalek Invasion only this time it's over two days. So we still have fairs to go to despite the loss of the Ricoh. We've already lost Donnington to something called F1, whatever that is??

Oh by the way did I mention we have the new Torchwood figures in stock now? Ianto, Tashiko, Captain John and the Blowfish, but you'll have to hurry they're going fast!

Peterborough Toy Fair

2009-07-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

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!!

Huntingdon

2009-06-21T23:22:00.000-07:00

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.

Toyfairs times 2

2009-06-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

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!!

Battlegroup North

2009-05-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

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!!

Star Wars Fan Day - Burnley FC

2009-05-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

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.

MAY THE FOURTH - be with you

2009-05-02T00:50:00.000-07:00

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

Toyfair - Spalding

2009-04-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

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...

Lincoln Toyfair - Oh Dear!!!

2009-04-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Maybe it was the weather, a nice sunny day!! Maybe it was the end of the Easter Holidays and folks are still away!! Maybe it was too many toyfairs too close together, both date wise and geographically!! But today, the 19th, was very poor. To put it another way, we took very little money and actually made a loss on the day. Not what we were hoping for.

It sounded like a common theme from other sellers today. Not only for today but in recent weeks as well. We are all hoping that things pick up soon, but are not expecting it. It's getting harder by the toyfair.

To top it all by the time we got back home, at a very early time, since most folks had packed up and gone way before official closing, we had sold one Postman Pat figure on Amazon for a mind blowing £3.50 less Amazon's fees. This time next year Rodders we'll be........ How does that finish???

Due to the early finish we did manage to grab some time in the sun in the back garden, but alas no G & T, just coffee and biscuits, and strange goings on by the cat and a shrub.

Still onwards and upwards, let's be positive. You need to check out the website, www.timewasshop.co.uk if case you'd forgotten, it's going through a gentle makeover. Not a Susannah and Trinny one, much more subtle than that. It's all to do with appearance, as that pair would say.

Look out next month for new products coming to Time Was... in the shop, online and at toyfairs.

See you in Spalding next week.

The Great British Bank Holiday

2009-04-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Today saw Time Was at Huntingdon Toyfair at the Wood Green Animal Rescue Centre just outside of would you believe Huntingdon.

A nice sunny day for an Easter Bank Holiday Monday and the sunshine did bring in the customers, but the bright skies didn't encourage them to spend. It is still a struggle to get folks to part with their hard-earned cash in these credit crunching times.

We did our best with a vast choice and array of the finest collectables this side of the road. Well ok it wasn't vast!! but the choice was there from Doctor Who, Scooby Doo and Ben 10 to fairies and dragons. It was a good job that there we had the fairies as they kept our head above water.

We were definitely below average for Huntingdon but by the sounds of it we were lucky not to do the Newark Toyfair yesterday, Easter Sunday. A stroll along the river at Boston was so much better, even if it was in the rain.

Au Revoir Donnington

2009-04-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's not goodbye just au revoir!! We were at the last toyfair for some time at Donnington Park today. Things are a changing there because something called Formula 1 is coming to town.

It was a nice sunny day today and the start of the Easter break for many people, but not for us. We were up at the crack of dawn, (well it felt like it!!), and set off for Donnington. The toyfair was well supported by dealers, though there was the odd empty table, and everyone had set up in plenty of time. There was a good turnout of folks through the door, though as has been the case at recent toyfairs, they were more picky in what they would spend their hard earned cash on.

Thankfully they seemed to like the reissued Product Enterprise die-casts from the world of Gerry Anderson. Overall and luckily for us they went for the more expensive items and not the cheap n cheerfuls, so although we didn't sell alot of things we did a bit and made a profit, which was nice.

Didn't find any bargains for ourselves though and not for the want of trying, but better luck next time. Which will be Huntingdon on Bank Holiday Monday.

Memorabilia - Spring 2009

2009-03-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

Memorabilia 28 and 29th March.

Well to quote an old football cliche, 'it was a tale of two halves'!

After a somewhat hectic journey to the NEC to try to get there before 8:30 on the Saturday we just managed it by 8:20, and despite the NEC's stupid traffic control system we were in the hall and set up, but still pricing when the doors opened at 9:00.

We got off to a good start and with fits and starts throughout the day we thought we had had a gud'un, and were hoping for somewhat similar on the Sunday. Oh dear!!! It wasn't even half as good compared to what we did on the Saturday so overall, what with the table rent, petrol, and not to mention the lack of sleep because of course the clocks went forward, we actually didn't cover costs. A big surprise after what we thought was an excellent Saturday.

Anyhows that's the whinging over. We did manage to grab some bargains which will turn into profit to compensate, though that will take time.

Away from the selling Anne tucked her head in on the Red Dwarf chat, in which Craig Charles apparantley did a good turn. I sat in on the Gerry Anderson one with Francis Matthews, maybe a bit short but still interesting, and he didn't mention Morecambe & Wise once.

Also there signing away, just across the aisle from us was Richard Kiel, Jaws from James Bond, Melvyn Hayes of It Ain't 'Alf Hot Mum, and other folks from the James Bond films. Over the other side of the hall was Robert Vaughn, and depending on your age as to who he is, he'll always be Napoleon Solo to us. Doctor Who folks were there, and amongst the others some Carry On faces as well. But the biggest queue I saw was for Stephanie Beechem, Emmerdale has something to answer for, or thats what I thought until put right by Anne who said its Coronation Street and young Ken would be jealous of all her attention!!

So all-in-all a disappointing weekend after a promising start.

World Of Warcraft

2009-03-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

Ever played the online original game but found it too long and too awkward to keep playing?? Then try the WOW, that's World of Warcraft to the uniniated, miniatures game that's now in stock at Time Was and www.timewasshop.co.uk

Upper Deck has decided to make a tabletop version of World of Warcraft, where you play with miniature figures.
It will be the first time Upper Deck - which makes the trading card game - has entered the tabletop fantasy wargaming market, which has been dominated by Games Workshop for so long.
You can get the Starter Set and Booster Sets. Characters that can be collected range from orc boss Thrall to community favourite Leeroy Jenkins, and each will be created by industry veteran Studio McVey.
The rules are just like its virtual counterpart, too - you tackle dungeons in groups of five and fill action bars with skills and abilities.
So try the game and you'll be more than impressed!!

Doncaster Toyfair

2009-03-09T00:24:00.001-07:00

Doncaster again, back at the Races! Doncaster Racecourse, Sunday 8th March. Well it was a nice sunny start to the morning and the going was good to firm at set-up time, but as the day progressed the wind and the rain and the snow lashed down and the going became soft as the punters went upstairs for their lunches.

Were'nt we glad that we were indoors. Well we were as trade was good, especially in the fairy department and the witch department which can be seen on the website at www.timewasshop.co.uk/Fairies.htm and also www.timewasshop.co.uk/Witches.htm sounds more like Grace Brothers. Downstairs in the lingerie department, I mean the toy department there was a nice run on Clix. Clix is a gaming system that brings together Aliens & Predators with Batman, Superman and Co. These can be seen at www.timewasshop.co.uk/Clix.htm

All in all not a bad day, some folks had one, but at Time Was we had another great day at the Races. Just as well the bookies were shut!!

Toyfair - Peterborough

2009-02-22T23:31:00.000-08:00

Basil!!!

Yesterday the 22nd saw Time Was at the Cresset Centre in Peterborough, not the shopping centre but the 'social centre' of Peterborough.

It was a busy affair for about the first hour but then became steady for about the next half-hour and then a trickle for the rest of the time, 3:30 seemed a long way off. However we did OK compared to some of our colleagues, we didn't make a fortune but we didn't lose money which was the main thing.

But I did have the opportunity to see some rare Fawlty Towers cars. These were made by Corgi and were titled after the opening credits of the episodes. Only 24 of each 'title' were produced. They were on sale, four of them, for £1000.00, the most expensive items at the Cresset. By the end of the day they remained unsold, which wasn't a surprise given the trickle of punters.

But at timewasshop.co.uk we have one of the models for a knock-down price of just £75 plus postage, what a saving!!! After all Basil is hitting it with a branch!

Just go to www.timewasshop.co.uk/OtherTV&Film and have a look, and you don't have to go to Barcelona.

World Of Warcraft

2009-02-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hold The Power Of Azeroth In The Palm Of Your Hand!

Just in and ready for battle, World of Warcraft figures, miniatures and trading cards.

Take a look at www.timewasshop.co.uk/WorldofWarcraft

Double Toy Fair Day!!

2009-02-15T10:26:00.000-08:00

First it was Friday the 13th, then it was St. Valentines Day and today, the 15th, it was Double Toy Fair Day!!

We were at Huntingdon for our usual date at the Wood Green Animal Centre, only that Anne was there and I was at the Hammerhead 2009 event at Kelham Hall in Newark.

The toy fair went ok, but then Anne couldn't take too much stock as she was in the Corsa, and that's not like a TARDIS, it is smaller on the inside than the outside!! But overall she did good as they say somewhere.

I was at the Hammerhead event which was organised by COGS, the Chesterfield Open Gaming Society. It was the first time that Time Was was at the event, is that too many times and was'es???? But I was impressed by the way it was organised. There were games galore going on, being played by lads & lasses of all ages, youngest I saw was perhaps 7 and the oldest, well that had to be the Doctor himself, 700 years if not a day too old!!

Yes you read right!! The Doctor accompanied by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart and two Daleks were on hand handing out tips to the gamers, both to the good guys and the Daleks to the bad guys!!

And trade wise it was a big success, folks knew what they wanted and fortunately Time Was had it.

So it was a very successful event, well done COGS!! Here's looking forward to 2010.

Toyfair Lincoln

2009-02-08T23:23:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday it was back to one of our local toyfairs, just down the road at the Lincolnshire Showground. But this time due to redevelopment work we were in the new building. Didn't quite have the same feel about it as other Lincoln Toyfairs but still the folks came through the door, but unfortunately still are being very careful with their money.

So most missed the new Doctor Who products that we had, Capt Jacks Vortex Manipulator, The Book of Impossible Dreams, 12 inch Remote Control Davros and the Time Squad figures. If you're not sure what they look like then follow these links;

http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/DrWhoToys
http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/Poseables
http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/Daleks

All in all it was only just a break even day for us.

Still it's a double whammy next week, Huntingdon Toyfair and the Hammerhead Convention at Newark.

ToyFair 2009 - The Trade Fair

2009-02-01T01:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the 31st January, saw us at Excel in the Docklands, London for the annual trade ToyFair. Not as big as usual and for a Saturday it was very quiet, which was good for us as we didn't need to use our elbows to get past people, not so sure it was as good for the exhibitors, but it was the last day of four.

We had a successful day ordering new products to enhace our portfolio. These will soon be on our website http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/ and in our shop Time Was... upstairs in the Buttermarket in Newark, Notts.

Look out for the Crow, Scooby Doo, Gladiators, Jareth and Hoggle to name just a few.

Keep looking at our website for more and more products at terrific prices.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T03:42:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from Time Was... and www.timewasshop.co.uk, let's hope for a successful and prosperous new year, despite what the banks might do to us!!

It hasn't been without a lot of effort on our part since Christmas, and despite being handed free colds as a Christmas gift by our Grandson, we managed to do four, yes four, toyfairs in the last five days. So we have decided to take New Years Day off, isn't that kind of us.

We started at Donnington and although it was fairly busy we only managed to break even, but better things were at Huntingdon and surprisingly at Morely in Leeds, where after a miserable few hours we were rescued by a last minute flurry at the end.

But the best was at Doncaster Racecourse on New Years Eve where Mike Bishop had organised an excellent show, despite it being a 'normal' working day he got a lot of punters through the door and they did buy a fair amount from us. Though overall in the four shows we can still see an inclination on the side of the punters to watch their money rather than spend it on something that they don't 100% want, whereas before the credit crunch they would have bought it regardless.

Toyfair Lincoln

2008-12-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

Oh dear!!! Was it because it was the last Sunday before Christmas and folks were out Christmas shopping or was it the credit crunch. Either way there seemed to be less people than normal at todays toyfair and even less people preparing to spend their hard earned cash.

It was our worst Lincoln Toyfair. I spent more than we took, though hopefully that will turn a wee bit of a profit. But listening to other traders it seemed that it was a struggle all round.

Those Banking CEO's have a lot to answer for!!

Toyfair - NEC

2008-12-14T23:31:00.000-08:00

Well the snow came down on Saturday night, almost a couple of inches, and it was touch and go as to whether we would be venturing to the Toyfair at the NEC on the Sunday, December 15th. But by the following morning it was almost gone - we don't get snow like we used to in the good old days - so we set off.

Perhaps it would have been better if we had stayed at home, that way we wouldn't have wasted the day. It was a busy fair, one of the biggest, unfortunately not busy for us and so it made it a long day. I did manage to snap up a couple of potential bargains but thats all.

Maybe Lincoln will be better next Sunday.

TORCHWOOD

2008-12-05T08:48:00.000-08:00

Outside the government, beyond the police. Tracking down alien life on earth and arming the human race against the future. The 21st century is when everything changes, and you've gotta be ready.

Is there a rift opening in Newark?? Torchwood's Capt. Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper have arrived at Time Was and they're ready to help in the fight against the Weevils and the Cyberwoman who arrived at the same time.

From Scificollector the Torchwood figures are highly detailed, fully articulated 5 inch figures. Wave one is now in stock but you'll need to hurry though as they are selling fast!!

Memorabilia

2008-11-29T09:07:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, 22nd and 23rd saw us at the NEC and the Autumn Memorabilia show. And what a good show it was!! The atmosphere was buzzing, most of the folks doing the signings I had actually heard of. To be fair most would know Jeff Wayne, he of the War of the Worlds, Lindsay Wagner, she of the bionic limbs, Gareth David-Lloyd, he of Torchwood, you know the welsh one and Henry Winkler, the Fonz no less. Well actually abit more these days as he seems to have filled out a bit!! But then again don't we all at his age. And then there were Doctor Who folks, Bond girls from the 60's, Sports Stars 'n' all.

I listened in on Jeff Wayne's talk and found it enjoyable, but then I'm biased as I've seen his Live show twice, thoroughly recommend it to one and all.

Oh in between all this we had a successful time not only selling, but I managed to pick up a few bargains that have since enjoyed a wee bit of a mark up. But that's business for you.

If you've not been to Memorabilia before then try and catch the next one in March, you won't be disappointed!! And if you do you'll always catch a bargain from us.

Spalding Toyfair 16 November

2008-11-16T08:30:00.001-08:00

Well it was back to Spalding today and due to other fairs around there was a wee lack of traders, however that didn't stop us, besides the other fairs were further away, though it did mean we missed out on Doncaster, one of our favourites.

On the whole though we did ok, thanks to the Doctor Who and a little touch of magic from the faeries. Maybe the Doctor should return as a Fairy after he regenerates from David Tennant, then we're assured of success at toyfairs up and down the land.

We also managed to bag ourselves a couple of bargains, but we can't say what they are otherwise you'd go looking for them!!

Collectormania, Midlands

2008-11-02T13:40:00.000-08:00

The last two days, Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd, saw us at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry for Collectormania. Unfortunately it may be the credit crunch or the lack of star names but the two-day event was a bit of a damp squib, and not just for the poor weather.

Not too many folks turned up and those that did weren't putting their hands in their pockets to buy all these wonderful items we had for sale, nor anyone else's by the sounds of it. We did better than most but then we didn't do very well, so it doesn't take a mathematician to work out how the others did.

Still it's back to the toyfairs next!! See you at Spalding, hopefully.

David Tennant's tenancy runs out.

2008-10-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

October 29, 2008 and David Tennant announces that he is to stop playing the Doctor. He will pass the sonic screwdriver onto another actor after the filming of four specials for 2009.

Will it refresh Doctor Who?? Will it give the new head writer Steven Moffat a clean slate to work with??

We will have to wait until 2010 to find out.

Huntingdon Toyfair

2008-10-13T23:23:00.000-07:00

Last sunday saw us at one of our favourite toyfairs, held at the Wood Green Animal Centre near Huntingdon.

Unfortunately this time it didn't go so well. The toys were disappointing but the fairies did ok. I still managed a couple of bargains and hopefully will turn them round fairly quickly.

Despite the Fair being as busy as usual folks just weren't putting their hands into their pockets unless they saw something they really wanted. Is this the work of the Credit Crunch and those greedy bankers? Just where has all that money gone, it was only last year that the banks were making billions in profit, now they have no money!! Well it certainly didn't appear at Huntingdon.

Still there is always next time!

Toyfair - Morley, Leeds

2008-10-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Well after an early morning start and driving through torrential rain we arrived at school in Morley, Leeds.

Morning assembly was to set the stall out in conjunction with PJ-Gifts, they seem to get everywhere, especially where we go!

First lesson of the day - how to buy a cup of tea and coffee, simple that one, the school had laid on their dinner ladies, and despite what they used to say about school dinners they were probably the busiest single stall at the toyfair, and it wasn't down to James Oliver.

The morning went brilliantly to start with, top marks gained by Doctor Who, just slightly ahead of the Alien Warrior and the Predator Hybrid.

The afternoon brightened up and, as we were in the foyer, it became a lot warmer when the sun streamed in. However, detention was looming for Primeval as they lacked any firepower in their run-off for third place with Batman.

All in all it was a steady day, only the second time we had done this J & J Webb Toyfair, it won't be the last either.

We'll be back in December as Arnie almost said.

Spalding Toyfair

2008-09-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, the 14th, saw ourselves back at one of our favourite haunts, Spalding Toyfair at the Springfield Centre organised extremely efficiently once again by J & J Webb Fairs.

Well it was a toyfair that certainly didn't disappoint, we had a very successful day. Our new line in Pewter figurines proved very popular, take a look at the following link to see what I mean http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/FantasyFigures.htm

The only down side to the day was the fact that outside was a lovely sunny day, for the first time in months, and we were stuck inside the centre. But you have to take the rough with the smooth, especially on a good day like that.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to pick up any items for my own collection, but there will be other days.

We're watching our doors at the moment for the imminent delivery of the next wave of Doctor Who poseables from Series 4 which features Davros and the Supreme Dalek. Keep an eye on the website at www.timewasshop.co.uk or visit us at the Buttermarket in Newark, Notts.

What No Toyfair!!!

2008-09-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

Just for a change today we didn't do a toyfair instead we were at the NEC Autumn Trade Fair buying instead of selling!

We spent perhaps a wee bit too much, but then Christmas is coming and the Good Doctor will be back in town, along with Santa, as well.

Plenty of new Doctor Who toys will be making their way to Time Was... and http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/. Not too mention the arrival of Torchwood. I said not to mention Torchwood, but the figures of Captain Jack Harkness, Gwen Cooper, the Weevil and the Cyberwoman look terrific, check the website for pictures.

Just In

2008-09-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

Just arrived at Time Was... in the Buttermarket, Newark and not to forget also available at http://www.timewasshop.co.uk/ are;

The Sontaran Stratagem Set and The Fires of Pompeii Set. We have also had a restock of the Series 4 poseable figures.

Keep checking the shop and the website as more Doctor Who toys and collectables are on their way!!

Toyfair - Ricoh Arena, Coventry

2008-08-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

Well it started as an ordinary day, we set up at a fairly sparse Ricoh Arena probably due to it being a Bank Holiday, the 25th August. We thought it would be a quiet day, though there would be less duplication of products which means it might work in our favour.

Anyway the doors opened and it was a slow start, unfortunately we had a bit of a crisis at home which meant that Anne and myself had to leave and whilst Anne stayed at home I returned to the Ricoh. A round trip of three hours and 160 miles.

Whilst I was gone our partners PJ-Gifts manned the fort, and it has to be said they did very well, Pete and Jackie worked their socks off and I returned to a list of many a sale. I was just back in time for the pack up and a return home. I eventually got back at 6:30 a wee bit tired and the crisis nicely dealt with by Anne.

We did think we might let Pete and Jackie do the work for us next time as well, but they didn't like that idea.

Huntingdon Toyfair

2008-08-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Back to Huntingdon today. Despite the miserable weather on the journey down the day turned out nice, but so much for the Michael Fish impersonations, if you can remember who he was! The Toyfair wasn't the busiest, it has seen better days, so it was a bit of a surprise that by the time we got home, in the sunshine, we hadn't done as bad as we thought.

This time it was the Good Doctor who with a wee bit of help from the Faeries, rescued us, not the Alien and Predators. Still despite the holiday season and the credit crunch we came home with a few less collectables and a tad more money. Which is what it's all about.

The car has gone straight in the storage, no need to restock or rejig for the Toyfair at the Ricoh Stadium tomorrow. No peace for the wicked!!

They're Off!!!

2008-08-17T23:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday the 17th saw a wet and miserable start to the day as we headed out to the races. Well actually it was a toyfair at Doncaster Racecourse. The weather from our way, Lincolnshire north to Doncaster improved as we went, but we did hear of local flooding from the folks who had to travel south to Doncaster, which could have accounted for there being quite a few empty tables.

It was a fairly busy toyfair considering its the holiday period. The Classic Range of Doctor Who figures were big sellers yet again, though mainly the 4th and 5th Doctors, (we've sold out of the 6th). The witches and fairies didn't quite manage to cast a spell over the crowds.

All in all though it was a fairly successful toyfair for ourselves and at least the journey start and end were at very relaxing times as compared to the Dalek Invasion last week at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton.

Oh and Doncaster racecourse do a wonderful breakfast butty!!

Dalek Invasion!!!!

2008-08-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

We were at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton yesterday, Sunday 10th, defending the Naval Base against an audacious and dastardly plan by the Daleks to take over the Museum.

After a very early start for the 225 mile journey to the base, we materialised in good time to set up the defences. At 10 o'clock prompt the Daleks invaded. Davros must have been so pleased with the initial attack, but we fought gallantly and fended off the hordes with bargains galore. The new Doctor Who Classic figures by Character Options were exceptional scoring hit after hit. And Kylie with the Voyage of the Damned repelled many a boarder, maybe it was the singing!!

By 5 o'clock our weary team had prevailed and we were victorious and were ready to tear down our defences and return home. Perhaps travelling by TARDIS would have helped.

It was a long day 2 a.m to 10 p.m but it was an excellent day. Many thanks to the staff at the Fleet Air Arm Museum for inviting us back and it was good to see old friends as well. They were all mentioned in despatches!!

We look forward to next year, in the meantime it's back to the shop.

Doctor Who Classic Figures

2008-08-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

Just arrived at Time Was... in the Buttermarket and online at www.timewasshop.co.uk are the new Classic Series poseable figures by Character Options.

The figures look terrific and by collecting all 7 figures you get the parts that go together to make an 8th figure, the K1 Robot. So collect the 4th, 5th and 6th Doctors, together with the Zygon, the D84 Robot, the Sea Devil, Magnus Greel & Mr Sin and the SV7 Robot.

Go to our website quick before they all go.

Unfortunately our Series 4 figures came and went so quickly that we are awaiting a restock!!!

Summer is here - At last!!

2008-07-27T04:34:00.001-07:00

When will it rain??? We've had almost a week of hot sunny weather!! It still doesn't help England beat South Africa though.

And it doesn't help the shop either. After our best week we've had one of our worst now. It could be the weather or that summer holidays have now kicked in, but Newark has been quiet all week and not just for ourselves.

No toyfair today, Sunday, either so thats not helping, but Amazon and the website are doing very nicely, thank you very much.

Mansfield Toyfair

2008-07-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

Well at least the sun was shining today, but as regards the fair unfortunately we didn't do very well. Not a lot to say really it just didn't go our way, except for a couple of die-casts I managed to pick up that we'll be able to sell on for a nice price, Luvvly Jubbly as someone once said!!

The shop though had its best week so far and the music from the Cadenza String Quartet in the Buttermarket yesterday (19th) was excellent. It made for an extremely pleasant day.