I was reminded recently of that 1980’s folk song by Fiddler’s Dram, Day Trip to Bangor. You’ll remember the words…Didn’t we have a lovely time the day we went to Bangor, a beautiful day we had lunch on the way and all for under a pound you know… Well, we didn’t go to Bangor, but we did go to Stoneleigh, it was a beautiful day – well, chilly but dry and we had lunch in the Farmer’s Fayre restaurant – slightly more than a pound, but it was very tasty!

So, our trip to Stoneleigh. As you know, the Autumn Miniatura Show will be taking place at Stoneleigh Agricultural Centre, Hall 1, so Andy, Sharon, photographer Rob and myself, and Andy and Sharon’s gorgeous black Labrador, Pepper, all went along for a good look around the new venue. Keen for everyone to be familiar and happy about Miniatura’s new Autumn home, Andy did a video, getting on film the route of finding the hall, showing where exhibitors and visitors will park, also showing the way into the building, and where the shuttle coaches will drop off and pick up from.

Rob took photographs including the approach from the road, and some landmarks on the way to the hall. Although, it has to be said, it’s simply a straight road once through the gates. Probably lots of us have been to other shows at Stoneleigh Park, it’s a very popular venue and has a wide variety of events every year attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. Dogs for Good have their annual Open Day there, it’s also the home of The Kennel Club, and The Pony Club. It’s very rural, with plenty of green space all around, perfect for when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the show and a breath of fresh air. It’s a lovely venue set in beautiful Warwickshire countryside, a few minutes’ drive from the A46 and M40; just 30-minutes from Birmingham; while Coventry, Warwick, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon are all easily within reach.

There’s road, rail and air access, plus, the Centre has free car parking for 30,000 cars. There will be food and drink available in the spacious area next to the hall that we’ll be using, plus other food outlets around the Centre which are within walking distance. These eateries serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. There’s a Farmer’s Fayre shop and 70-seater restaurant which is a real delight, open every day including Sunday carvery. I believe it’s open until about 8pm, so after the show you could enjoy a nice celebratory meal before setting off for home or your hotel.

Additionally, there’s the Stoneleigh Park Lodge located within the grounds, which is a 58-bedroom 4-star guest house. Plus, lots of other accommodation around the area. Andy and the Miniatura team are all hoping that the new venue will be absolutely ideal for its exhibitors and visitors. See you there on the 2nd & 3rd October 2021! On another note, exhibitors, please let Andy or myself know if your profile on the website is up to date. I’ve done lots of telephone and face-to-face interviews with many of our exhibitors, but if your story isn’t on your gallery page yet, let us know. Visitors to the website love to know who will be at the next show and read the individual stories behind the miniaturists. So, get in touch.