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View Full Version : Miniatura Bears and Dolls 13th May 2007


Chris Russell
Monday, 18th December 2006, 02:27 PM
We need your positive response to stop yet another Bear Fair falling out of the 2007 diary,

Miniatura have been offered Hall 7 at the NEC on 13th May 2007 to stage their Bears and Dolls Show.

They are looking for applications from exhibitors by 8th January 2007 to underwrite their booking, otherwise the Fair will not take place. It only seems reasonable that we should share some of their risk by giving our support at this time. We at Christie Bears have already booked our places and we would hope that others will follow our lead. Whether you are an existing exhibitor or would like to join us for the first time please don't hesitate to contact Miniatura. You can do this as follows:

1. By email to office@miniatura.co.uk

2. By Fax to 0121 783 9922

3. By phone to 0121 783 9922 (answerphone on 24 hrs)

4. By Post to:

Miniatura Exhibitions and Fairs
Office C18, HRS House
Garretts Green Lane
Birmingham
B33 0UE

Miniatura is a truly national bear fair drawing on exibitors and visitors from all over the UK. It is both the 2nd largest fair and the most accessable in the UK. It has everything going for it in normal times. Let's not lose it for want of our support now.

To underwrite this appeal, I can confirm that Teddy Bear Fair.com will be advertised in the new WI magazine 'WI Life' which will be sent to each of their 205,000 members in February. We all know their interest in both crafts and outings. 40,000 members of The Townswomens Guild have already seen our advert. We must have more entries in the 'Events' section if we are to attract new interest in what we do. People need to see and touch and be seduced by our little characters.

Think positive, think 'outside the box' maybe here is the opportunity for two or three people to share a table. Maybe for clubs to exhibit together. Who knows, I'm sure that all sorts of things could be possible, sharing travel costs as well.

Come on, let's sort this problem out quickly, get the message out to anyone and everyone that could be interested. Now is the time for 'Bear Power'.

Good luck

Chris

Jenny
Monday, 18th December 2006, 03:59 PM
I have already been in touch this morning actually..I am definitely going to be there. Not only is this a great fair for bear-makers and collectors seem to like it too, but the organisers are just the nicest people you could wish to meet. I would not have gone if they had held it in Coventry again as I detested the Ricoh arena (despite it being on my home turf) ..it was cold, dark and miserable....but if it's at the NEC I will be there!!

Melanie Jayne
Monday, 18th December 2006, 09:30 PM
I am with you guys 100%............I really really loved the NEC every person I met was friendly so I have also confirmed that I will definitely be there and I agree with you too Jenny that the organisers are so friendly too............:6045: :6045: Actually I can not wait

Steffi
Monday, 18th December 2006, 10:36 PM
Wish I could go, unfortunately it clashes with a big steam rally up here and we will be going to that. We only have one vehicle and to be honest hubby could even get himself lost with a sat nav.:6013:

Hugs, Steffi

Ruth
Tuesday, 19th December 2006, 08:33 AM
If only I had the guts I'd love to try a fair...bit of a big place to start though :6044: I could ask my sister if she wants to share a table with me , but I'd be terrified :6082: I just don't have the confidence even though I know it's the way forward...I'd have to sell an awful lot of bears just to cover the table fee ;can't see it :confused: YEEEKS I'm all trembly now,pep talk anyone???
Ruth

Chris Russell
Tuesday, 19th December 2006, 08:51 AM
Hi Ruth,

Sometimes it's best just to take a deep breath and dive in.

When Judi and I bought Christie Bears in July 2002, we had five weeks to set up the business in our own premises, organise and understand the small amount of stock we had inherited, set up the systems and plan our first Bear Fair - Kensington!! All this with no knowledge, experience or contacts in the Teddy Bear world. We were complete outsiders -frightening or what!!

We had very little to sell, it was the summer holidays and most of our suppliers were away. We took everything we could get in the van, most of it a waste of time and we probably didn't cover the cost of the stand. What we did get was time to meet our new customers and the knowledge of how to do better next time. We're still here. The experience didn't do us any damage whatsoever and the people are great!!

Go on give it a go, your work is fantastic.

Chris

yvonne
Tuesday, 19th December 2006, 09:06 AM
I hope to be there too....have just sent my reply to the organisers.
I visited the last fair...as I couldn't visualise a venue in one of those large halls, I thought it would not have much atmosphere...But how wrong could I have been, the place was just buzzing, very well attended, and everyone seemed to be having good sales......so anyone in doubt do give it a try!!

Ruth....no one could be as nervous as me....my first fair, was only a year ago now, and I was absolutely petrified. I didn't know anyone in the bear world, but I so wanted to do it.....and I can honestly say, hand on heart, that everyone was so kind and helpful, and welcoming, and the nerves just disappear, as you meet people who love your bears.........I guarantee you will come home on a high.......go on give it a go.!!!!!:6013:

Ruth
Tuesday, 19th December 2006, 10:41 AM
Oh Chris ! I know you're talking sense ,thankyou:that's what I love about this forum,loads of back up and people who can help you with yourself !!! It would be the biggest challenge ever for me, but..but.. in the back of my mind is The Little Blue Engine ("I think I can,I think I can etc etc")I'd be very e x p o s e d after mostly selling on eBay but the exposure is the good bit right !?? You never know you all might be witnessing a Giant Step for mini-Bearkind !!:6086: :6086:
Ruth

Jenny
Tuesday, 19th December 2006, 11:51 AM
Just do it Ruth...what's the worst thing that can happen....? You won't regret it!!

shelly
Tuesday, 19th December 2006, 05:37 PM
Go on Ruth jump in ! ( says she who has not even tried to sell anything yet LOL ) But I'm sure you will do just fine your work is lovely.

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