Not FAIR...no FAIR

[Jenny]

I just had a letter from Miniatura saying the Spring Bears and Dolls isn't running. I am gutted ..as this was the nicest fair run so professionally by the nicest people...

If this can happen to them there's little hope for other fairs...or is there....

How do we get fairs back on track?

[Ruth]

I just opened my letter too...sob sob:6022: After initial wobbling,I was raring to go and feeling sooo determined to stick my neck out and be seen :( I just can't tell you how psyched up I was, as it was going to be such a major thing for me !! Feeling very deflated now :rolleyes:
Ho hum, Ruth:6020:

[yvonne]

Jenny I was really looking foward to this Show as well....and am really disappointed! I thought it was a fantastic show, so well organised and friendly.
But I think we must be positive, there seems to be so much change in the
industry at the moment, what with Ally Pally closing its doors to us, and Oakley as well. I really believe there is a reason for things like this happening.

Maybe its time for a bit of a shake up, new ideas , fresh approach etc.

Hopefully this will inspire other organisers, and promoters, of other events here in the UK to re-evaluate...after all the Artists and collectors are all out there. The question is.... what does it need to attract them to one or two extra events each year! ....and we know it can be done (ie Hugglets)!..so we must look foward.....:)

[All Bear]

I'm with Yvonne on this one. We need to stay optimistic, positive and forward thinking .. negative vibes won't help refocus our bear world.

[Jenny]

I am in total agreement...I am positive every day ....so how do we move forward from here?

[katiecountrymouse1]

Hi Jenny,
Very true!
We had Leighton Hall at Carnforth for a few years, then because the bear makers wanted it on a Sunday, lost this venue due to the hall being fully booked for two years with weddings.:6086: :6086:
We also had one at Blackpool football club, also gone.
But I did go to Troon afew weeks ago and was pleased to see a great turn out.Lets hope that the troon venue will keep going, as it was a 350 mile round trip for me , but well worth it.:6018:
Love Kayx.:

[Chris Russell]

We have just added four new Fairs to the 2007/2008 in the Events Section. All at the NEC.

DJ Toy Fairs may provide an alternative to Bears and Dolls by attracting a wider range of interest for all the family. At recent fairs they have welcomed a growing number of bear exhibitors, to the point that they are now advertising their fairs in the Teddy Bear Press. They have a number of Toy Fairs around the country that are very well supported, both by exhibitors and by visitors, but the NEC in particular is probably the largest with up to 650 tables.

There are a sufficient number of teddy bear artists now exhibiting with D J Toy Fairs to warrant them being located together within the hall and with tables costing ony £40 and free parking this has to be, if not worth a try, then at least worth a visit to see the lie of the land.

With recent cancellations of more Teddy Bear Fairs, getting together with other groups, whether they be Toys, Crafts or Collectables is fast becoming a viable way of being seen by a larger audience and as you know, teddy bears do have a habit of selling themselves once seen!

Check out their website or give Dave Jowett a call for more information. www.d-jfairs.co.uk (http://www.d-jfairs.co.uk/)

[All Bear]

Hmmn, looks like this thread has been hijacked ...