We have all suffered so much during this pandemic. Even the fortunate, who have not lost loved ones, and have escaped the virus, have had to put life on hold. Now finally, hope is on the horizon – not just with the vaccine, but with the gradual return to normality.
Throughout the last year-plus, I have had to resort (like the rest of us) to getting my ‘mini fix’ online, and it’s simply not the same! That’s why I’ve just booked my hotel accommodation so I can visit Miniatura in October. I am sooooo excited! Real people! Real miniatures! Meeting up with old friends and making new ones! It’s given me a new lease of life and something to feel positive about.
I am particularly looking forward to seeing what Amanspeak will have on her stall. At the last Miniatura (which seems such a long time ago) I bought some gorgeous bread on a breadboard, and a wonderful smorgasbord of cured meats, and I’ve since made purchases from her Etsy shop, but seeing her work again ‘in the flesh’, as it were, will be such a treat.
Another favourite, Country Treasures, will be a port of call for me again. Last time I bought some copperware, and recently I bought some adorable little birds from the Brownhills’ Etsy store – but oh, to handle the goods! To see the exquisite work with my own eyes and not on a screen! I can’t wait.
The great thing about visiting a show – aside from meeting the makers – is that some stalls have ‘show specials’, discounts and even keenly-priced ‘seconds’ for the bargain hunters amongst us. Some exhibitors don’t do online sales at all, so shows offer the only opportunity to buy their work. And think of the postage savings you’re making! Yes, your money definitely goes further at a show – though take plenty with you, as there is enough to tempt a saint.
I’m also excited about the new exhibitors and of course, there is a new venue: Stoneleigh. I’ll be travelling down from Scotland, so I always make the travel part of the trip. I take Friday off work and my long-suffering husband and I make side visits to places of interest: first stop, the Lake District. The Saturday is dedicated to Miniatura – obviously! – and we drive north again after a hearty hotel breakfast, with a couple of picturesque stops within striking distance of the M6 on the way home. Given the year we’ve had, there is no doubt that this will be the highlight! So if you’ve not bought your tickets yet, get booking and create a mini break – in more ways than one!
Moi Ali is a regular writer for Dolls House & Miniature Scene and you can find more about her here – http://www.moiali.com
